We’re back with another minor snippet of what’s to come! Love doing pronunciation podcasts, and remember, all of this will be implemented into a video course, so stay tuned!
The intonation you use lets others know if you are making a statement or asking a question.
Use the falling intonation
- for wh- Qs: Where would you like to live?
- to indicate a choice between two things:
Do you want to use wood or stone for the house?
Use rising intonation
- for Yes/No questions: Are you interested in green building design?
- to change a statement to a question without changing the word order. This is often used to show surprise or shock:
You don’t think saving energy is important? (That’s hard to believe!)
Listen to the sentences in the podcast.
- Is the building design for a hotel or a school?
- You would live in a house that re-used water from the washing machine?
- In the design, do the windows face north, or south?
- She really gave away that much money?
- Are you planning to do that by yourself?
Work with a partner. Practice the conversations with correct intonation.
1: A – Do you want me to help you move furniture? It looks heavy.
B – You would help me do that? That would be great.
2. A – I ran 20 kilometers yesterday at the park.
B – You ran 20 kilometers? I could NEVER do that.
3. A – Would you prefer to live in a warm climate or a cold climate?
B – A warm climate. Wouldn’t like cold winters.