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I. Sentence Stress
What is sentence stress?
Sentence stress means saying one word more strongly. The stressed word becomes the main focus and can change the meaning.
LOOK
there, friends = look, do not do another action.
Look THERE , friends = there, not here.
Look there, FRIENDS = I am speaking to the friends.
Look THERE , friends = there, not here.
Look there, FRIENDS = I am speaking to the friends.
Question 28
I
Work in pairs. Take turns to say the following sentences aloud by stressing the highlighted words. Share the meanings.
| Sentence with stressed word | Meaning created by the stress |
|---|---|
| I take my dog for a walk in the evening. | I do it, not someone else. |
| I take my dog for a walk in the evening. | I take it; I do not send it or leave it. |
| I take my dog for a walk in the evening. | It is my dog, not someone else’s. |
| I take my dog for a walk in the evening. | The activity is a walk, not a run or drive. |
| I take my dog for a walk in the evening . | The time is evening, not morning or afternoon. |
II. Falling Intonation
What is falling intonation?
Intonation is the rise and fall of the voice. Statements and exclamatory sentences usually end with a falling tone (↘) .
Question 29
II
Practise saying the following statements and exclamatory sentences with the correct intonation.
| Sentence | Tone | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Good day, kind sirs. | ↘ Falling | a complete greeting |
| We regret to inform you that we do not know where it is. | ↘ Falling | a complete serious statement |
| You describe it perfectly! | ↘ Falling | a strong exclamation |
| You shall come with me to face the King! | ↘ Falling | a firm command |
