Imperatives (firm, serious, pressing)

What shall I tell John? Ask him to come as soon as he is free.

What shall I do after tea? Take the cups into the kitchen and wash them up.

Shall I memorize it? Study the whole dialogue carefully first.

I've finished my translation. Now answer questions.

What shall I do with the book? Give it back to Kitty.

What shall I do? Read the first paragraph.

I don't like porridge. Eat it up, I say.

How long do you want me to stay there? Stay as long as you can.

The doctor says it's not serious. Then don't make so much fuss about it.

I didn't quite catch that. Pay attention, then.

I can't undo the door. Try another key.

How long can I have it for? Keep it for as long as you like.

Where shall I read? Go right back to the beginning again.

Exclamations (rather emphatic)

Hello, Jane! It's so very nice to see you, Harry!

So sorry he's left. What a pity we didn't ring sooner!

I really wanted so much to see her. Such a pity you didn't come a bit earlier.

I'll give you an interesting book to read. Thanks awfully.

It's my birthday. Many happy returns!

Lovely day, isn't it? Isn't it beautiful!

She asked us to tea. How perfectly charming of her!

Here's your tea. What a big piece of cake you've given me!

We're going picnicking. What a pleasant surprise!

Isn't it mild today? What a difference from this time last week!

Intonation Pattern III (LOW PRE-HEAD +) L0W RISE (+ TAIL)

Do you play tennis? - Yes. Sometimes. Of course.

Stress-and-tone marks: Low Rise: [ ].

Before the Low Rise the low pre-head is pronounced on the same pitch level as the start of the rise. The rise in the nucleus starts from the lowest level and usually reaches the medium level. If the nucleus is fol­lowed by a tail, it is pronounced on the lowest level and the syllables of the tail rise gradually.

This intonation pattern is used:

1. In statements, not categoric, non-final, encouraging fur­ther conversation, reserving judgment. e.g. Have you heard about Max? - No. Shall we be in time? - I think so. What do you want at the grocer's? - Tea, rice, cheese...

2. In questions: a) In special questions (with the nuclear tone on the interrogative word), wondering, mildly puzzled. e.g. How must I do it? - How? She's thirty six. - How old is she? How old are you? - How old am I?

b) In general questions, disapproving, sceptical. e.g. It's very important. - Is it? We ought to follow his advice. - Must we do as he says?

3. In imperatives, calmly warning, soothing. e.g. Careful. Steady. Watch. Don't.

4. In exclamations, reserving judgment; encouraging fur­ther conversation; expressing calm, casual acknowledgment; often heard in greetings. e.g. It's half past ten. - Well. (We're not in a hurry.) Here's your change. - Thank you. Good morning. - Morning.

EXERCISES

Read the following conversational situations, intone the replies according to the suggested attitudinal meanings and read them properly.

Statements (not categoric, non-final, encouraging further conversation, reserving judgement)

Aren't they rather expensive? Some of them are.

Can Tommy come to tea tomorrow? May be he can.

I'm going to use my old pen. That should be all right.

Will you be able to fetch them? Probably I shall.

He's late again. That's all right.

What do you think of the picture? Fine.

Do you play the piano? No.

Do you think the English climate is change­able? Quite.

Why is your garden so beautiful? Work.

Do women smoke? Some.

Do students dance? Many.

Do you do your morning exercises? Sometimes.

What does it cost? Fourpence.

When's your birthday? Monday.

What's your hobby? Music.

What's your favourite month? January.

Do you speak French? Certainly.

Can you call on me tomorrow night? Maybe.

Will you be able to do it? Probably I shall.

Nobody goes to see him. Mother does.

Pity, they didn't like it. I like it.

Did she see him yesterday? She did.

How many English books have you got? A few.

Will he ring her up? Perhaps.

Do you get up early in the morning? As a rule.

Thank you very much. You're welcome.

Special questions (wondering, mildly puzzled)

That one is yours. Which one?

His name was William. What was that?

Richard's due at eleven o'clock. When is he due?

How old are you? How old am I?

Which is Benny's coat? Which?

Lucy is coming to Moscow. Who?

Where shall we meet? Where?

I stop here.­ Why, may I ask?

I'm thirty. How old are you?

You should write to her at once. Who should I write to?

Come round at five. What time do you want me to come?

Who gave it to you? Who gave it to me?

I'll finish it by Sunday. By what day?

He is a writer. He is what?

Your train, goes from King's Cross station. From which station?

The train leaves at two. At what time?

The pen, is in that box. In what box?

Someone wants you on the phone. Who is it?

He wasn't there. Where was he then?

General questions (disapproving, sceptical)

They are supposed to be different. Is there any difference between them?

They are arriving next week. Are they?

It's very important. Is it?

You were quite wrong about it. Was I?

The Smiths weren't invited. Weren't they?

I thought she was pretty. Did you?

There's a concert this evening at the club. Is there?

I can't go there. Can't you?

I'm making a new dress. Are you?

We haven't been to the club for ages. Haven't we?

I'm sure it's the plug. Is it?

We're going to be late, I'm afraid. Are we?

I've entered this Institute. Have you?

I wasn't lucky at the exams. Weren't you?