Rising and Falling Intonation / An example lesson by me!

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Intonation

What is that?
Music has a melody, the sounds sometimes go up and down which makes it sound so nice.
Languages also have a tune, melody or up and downs which make pronunciations difficult!
In English, intonation helps us to understand what the speaker tries to tell or emphasize.!

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It is important!

It shows the attitude of the speaker. Is the person certain or doubtful? We can understand with intonation.
It shows the feelings. Are we happy, excited, anxious, tired or enthusiastic?
It shows our relations. Are we best mates?, Do we have formal bond?

Rising Intonation

Yes / No Questions – Are you feeling stronger?

Tag Questions – You like sushi, don’t you ?
He usually comes late, doesn’t he?

Statements to encourage the speaker – Come on! You can do it!!

When we list the things – I would like to have some cheese, tomato, tea ……

Falling Intonation

Simple Statements – That is wonderful. / it is good. / She is smart.

Commands – Go over there! Be silent!

When we count numbers, we want to be certain – One, two, three, four… ( we use falling intonation)

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Examples!

Are you AFRAID? ( Rising intonation – yes / no questions)

Do you want to START? ( Rising intonation- yes / no questions)

You are a pilot, Aren’t you? ( Rising intonation – tag questions )

I didn’t read this BOOK ( falling intonation - statement)

That is GOOD ( Falling intonation – statement)

STOP it, please ( Falling intonation – commands )

We live in MOScow ( Falling intonation – statement)

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Let's Practise!

( You can tell your students to practise this dialogue!)

YOU’RE FIRED A (knocks on the door)
B Come in.
A Hello. You wanted to see me?
B Yes. Do you know why I’ve called you?
A No.
B Can you explain this? (shows a piece of paper) A But I thought you said it wasn’t important.
B You’re fired.
A Fine, I hated this stupid job anyway.

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Let's Practise 2!

A: What did you do yesterday?
B: I played football.
A: Do you always play football on mondays?
B: When the weather is not bad, I play football. Do you play?
A: No.
B: What sports do you like?
A: I like basketball, football, tennis and volleyball ( Intonation in the last word rises)

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