The Rising Tone Pattern

1 High (Stepping) Head + High Narrow Rise Contour

This contour has a strong interrogative force transforming any sentence-type into a question.

The meaning of the contour:

In statements: (they are actually Yes/No questions with direct word-order) – mild query or puzzlement, disbelief and disappointment. Often used in echoing what has just being said,

e.g.: A: Sit down there. – B: Down ΄here? // “Four thousand”, said Bob sadly. “Four thousand? But it’s just a shock!”

In questions: asking for repetition, echoing the listener’s question before answering it.

E.g.: A: What would you recommend? – B: What would ΄I recommend?

2 High (Stepping) Head + Mid Wide Rise Contour

This contour is typically heard in Yes/No questions, alternative questions and tags conveying neutral attitude.

E.g.: Did ‘everything go well? Was it black or ‵brown? You came a‵lone, didn’t you?

3 High (Stepping) Head + Low Wide Rise Contour

The meaning of the contour:

In statements: non-categoric, encouraging further conversation, sympathetic and friendly,

e.g.: We’re so ‘pleased to .meet you.

In Yes/No questions: genuinely interested, warm and friendly.

E.g.: Are you tired?

In Wh-questions: interested, warm and friendly, showing as much interest in the other person as in the subject.

E.g.: ‘When are you ‘coming ,back?

In imperatives (requests, reassurances): friendly, encouraging, soothing, reassuring,

e.g.: ‘Take it ,easy. ‘Don’t be ,long. ‘Have another ,helping. Shall I call the doctor? Could you ‘get me some aspirin?

4 Low Head + Low Narrow Rise Contour

In all sentence-types: calm, reserved, casual, disapproving,

e.g.: No I ,haven’t. He can’t make up his ,mind.

Speech Exercises

<== попередня сторінка	\|	наступна сторінка ==>
Basic intonation patterns of English	\|	Ex. 1 Ask Yes/No questions using the neutral MWR tone.

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