Imperatives (calmly warning, soothing)

(Mother to small daughter who is overexcited.) Steady.

(Father to small son who is riding his bicycle too fast.) Slowly.

(Mother to small son who is teas­ing a puppy.) Gently.

What shall we do to improve our English? Read.

Exclamations (encouraging further conversa­tion; reserving judgement; ex­pressing calm, casual acknowledg­ment)

He just can't be bothered. Pity!

Your change, sir. Thank you!

I've. finished my work. Splendid!

Good morning, sir. Morning!

John says he can't come. Oh! (Why not?)

We'll be there by seven. Well!

Here you are. Thanks!

Ann, please bring some more milk from the kitchen. Right!

Your book, Mary. Thank you!

Good morning, Tom. Morning!

I've passed this exam. Wonderful!

He is seriously ill. Pity!

I can't see it from behind you. Pardon!

Hallo, Jane. Hallo!

Intonation Pattern IV (LOW PRE-HEAD +) DESCENDING HEAD+LOW RISE (+TAIL)

Alice is leaving. - Does she 'want to 'go to the Park?

That's all you were going to buy, isn't it?­ - I've only 'got to buy something for supper.

Don't be so slow. - I'll try to be quicker.

This intonation pattern is used:

l. In statements, not categorical, non-final, soothing, reassur­ing, (in echoes) questioning, sometimes surprised. e.g. I've made a lot of mistakes in my dictation, haven't I? - It's not so bad.

2. In questions: a) In special questions, expressing sympathy, interest; with the nuclear tone on the interrogative word, puzzled. e.g. I'm leaving tomorrow. - What time are you leaving? I've just seen him in the dean's office.

You've seen him where?

b) In general questions, expressing interest (most common pattern for general questions). e.g. I've packed the things. - Are you 'ready to leave?

3. In imperatives, soothing, encouraging, calmly patronizing (often addressed to children). e.g. What shall I do? - Don't worry. I'm leaving. - Put on your warm clothes.

EXERCISES

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

Statements (non-categorical, non-final, soothing, reassuring)

Are you quite well prepared for your exam? Not quite.

Shall we write a dictation to­morrow? I believe so.

I'll give a talk on Cronin. Since you are fond of him.

Kitty, why are you so slow? I'm not slow.

When shall we start? Any time that suits you.

Are you ready to go? I shan't be a moment.

Special questions (sympathetically interested, puzzled)

I don't think I'll speak to him today. Why not?

Look at this dictation. Whose is it?

My pen won't write. What's wrong with it?

I am so tired. Why don't you have a rest?

I can't do it alone. Why don't you ask your friend to help you?

Oh dear, oh dear! What's the matter?'

Who am I talking to? Who are you talking to?

What's our home task? What's your home task?

General questions (interested)

I'm going to the stadium. Do you have time to go in for sports?

Wait a little. I'll put on my coat. Do you think it's cold today?

My friend is a teacher. Are you a teacher also?

I'm going to a dance tonight. Do you like dancing?

The cake tastes good. Will you have some more?

Hope to see you some day. Will you invite me to your evening party?

Something has gone wrong with the electric iron. Can you put it right?

I'm sorry but I can't go to the cinema with you. Are you very busy today?

I never smoke in the morning. Does your wife smoke?

Our garden is not so beautiful as yours. Have you any flowers in it?

I've just come from Paris. Is Paris as large as London?

I am from Poland. Do you live in Warsaw?