2.9. Tone Group VIII

TONE GROUP VIII

(Low Pre-Head+)(Stepping Head+) High Rise(+Rising Tail).

High Rise: the voice rises during the word from a medium to a high pitch.

Tone Group VIII is used mostly with statements, special questions and general questions. Statements with Tone Group VIII have the effect of questions in most cases. Special questions with Tone Group VIII call for the repetition of the information already given in case the nuclear tone is on the interrogative word. When the nuclear tone is not on the interrogative word, the speaker is often echoing the listener's question in order to get it clear in his mind before giving an answer. General questions with Tone Group VIII may be echoed questions (as with special questions above) or not. General questions with Tone Group VIII sound light and casual. Short general questions with Tone Group III are used just to keep the conversation going.

Tone Group VIII may sometimes be used with imperatives and interjections but almost exclusively to question a part or all of the utterance of the listener and elucidate the exact meaning.

Drill I. Listen carefully to the conversational situations. Concentrate your attention on the intonation of the replies. Repeat these sentences after the speaker: Drill I. Listen carefully to the conversational situations. Concentrate your attention on the intonation of the replies. Repeat these sentences after the speaker:

Drill II. Read the following sentences using the intonation patterns of Tone Group III. Mark the intonation.

You've lost it? You mean that? At what time? That's whose piano? Is it my fault if you're clumsy? Would they accept it, did you say (or expect it?)

Remind you? How charming? For how much? She's been invited?

Drill III. Ask questions about the following remarks as if you haven't heard them properly. Write them down. Mark the intonation.

Model: I met John Anderson. - Who? Or. Who did you meet? or: Who did you say?

I found your book on the dressing-table. My holiday starts tomorrow. I think it's Joan's bag. You can phone me to-night. My birthday^ on the twenty first Andy brought her some flowers. Sit by the window. John is leaving.

Drill IV. Echo the questions the speaker asks and then answer them.

Mind that the High Rise is used in echoing questions while the Low Rise is used in genuinely interested general questions.

Model - Are you English?

• Am I English?

• No, am not

Are you Russian? Are you working hard at your English? Are you happy? Are you studying French? Are you thirsty? Are you a student of the University? Are you bored? Are you tired? Are you John's wife?

Drill V. Read the following dialogue using Tone Group VIII intonation patterns where necessary.

• I say, Arthur. Have you seen anything of Jack Taylor recently?

• Jack Naylor.

• No, Taylor with a T.

• Who's Jack Taylor may I ask?

• Who's he? Don't you remember? The man who gave you those driving lessons last autumn.

• Oh, him. No. I'm afraid I haven't. Why d'you ask? You don't need more lessons, do you?

• Me. No, I don't need lessons. My sister does.

• Your sister. But didn't you say your father was teaching her?

• He was, but he literally couldn't stand the pace. My sister has no conception of speed. So, father said to find an instructor.

• So that's why you were asking about Jack Taylor. I am afraid I can't help you. Haven't seen him for ages.