Page 17 - English Form Two
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            Our voice pitch raises and falls when we speak to convey different messages.
            How voice rises and falls when speaking is called intonation. Intonation helps
            us express and understand  different  meanings  in  communication.  Ignoring
            intonation cues can lead to miscommunication or misunderstanding.

            Falling Intonation
            The  falling  intonation  is the  most  common  intonation  pattern  in  statements
            which provide a fact or an explanation. Speakers demonstrate this by starting
            high and gradually falling to convey the fi nality of the sentence. Also, questions,
            especially those starting with “wh-” and commands use this intonation to express
            authority and fi nality.

            Examples:
                1.  My favourite subject is Mathematics. (The voice falls at the end.)
                2.  Where are you going? (The voice falls at the end.)
                3.  When does the train arrive? (The voice falls at the end.)
                4.  Close the door, please. (The voice falls at the end.)
                5.  Sit down and listen carefully. (The voice falls at the end.)
                6.  Turn off the lights when you leave. (The voice falls at the end.)

             Rising Intonation
             Rising  intonation  at  the  end  of  a  sentence  can  express  uncertainty,  seek
             confi rmation,  or  suggest  that  the  sentence  is  incomplete,  commonly  seen  in
             yes/no questions and doubtful situations. It can also highlight specifi c words or
             phrases in both declarative and imperative sentences by rising on the emphasised
             part and then falling at the end.
            Examples:
                1.  Are you coming with us? (The voice rises at the end.)
                2.  Did you fi nish the report? (The voice rises at the end.)
                3.  Can you help me? (The voice rises at the end.)
             In addition to the two types of intonation, there are also fall-rise and rise-
             fall  intonations,  which  combine  both  falling  and  rising  intonation.  Fall-rise
             intonation is used to express uncertainty, politeness or indicate that the speaker
             has more to say, for example, I thought he was coming, but … (the voice falls



                                                                      Student’s Book Form Two
           English for Secondary Schools         10




     English Form Two (2025 updated).indd   10                                              17/09/2025   12:38
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