SENTENCE INTONATION PATTERNS
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SUBJECT: ENGLISH STUDIES
CLASS: SS 3
WEEK THREE
TERM: FIRST TERM
TOPIC: SPEECH WORK:
SENTENCE INTONATION PATTERNS.
Intonation and stress are very important in spoken English. The meaning of an utterance is affected, not only by stress, but also by the variations in the pitch of a voice.
When one speaks the voice or pitch changes; becomes high or low depending on the meaning the speaker intends.
The rules for intonation in the English language are quite complex. However, to help you understand how it works, here are some patterns which can be easily remembered
– When asking a question, your voice rises at the end of the sentence. Example: “When will you arrive?”
– When affirming something, your voice is lower at the end of the sentence. Example: “I will be there.”
– When stating a fact, your voice stays relatively flat at the end of the sentence. Example: “He is coming tomorrow.”
There are many other intonation patterns in spoken English, but these three examples should give you an idea about how it works. With a bit of practice, you will be able to use these patterns in your own speech and improve the communication skills of your listeners!
The sentence intonation patterns are
- Falling Tune: The falling tune is usually used in declarative sentences, commands, exclamations and wh-questions. In wh-questions, the falling tune is used when it’s followed by a question word. For example: “What are you doing?”
a. Statements
Joy works hard in school.
Emeka has given the book to her.
b. Commands
Keep the books on my table
Stand under the tree.
c. Wh – question
Why are your very late?
Who gave you the information?
d. Exclamations
What a good result!
How pretty she is!
2. Rising Tune: The rising tune is used in Yes/No questions, imperatives and tag questions. In yes/no questions, the rising tune is used when it’s not followed by a wh-question word. For example: “Did you go to the party?”
a. Yes/No questions
Yes, I am going to the party.
No, I am not going to the party.
Risin intonations are also used in the following instances
- Polar Questions (questions which demand only ‘yes’ or ‘no’ as answer)
Is the wine sweet?
Will Monday be good for it?
Did you eat last night?
Utterances showing indifference
You can do what you want
I think that’s right.
Listing items.
One, two, three and four.
We need some rice, beans, fish and meat.
In enumeration, the final item in the list is usually said on a falling tune.
Although the falling and rising intonation patterns are the two basic pitch patterns, the two
Pitch movements can be combined in long sentences.
3. Rise and fall pattern.
While the boys were working, the girls were playing.
When the rain comes, I‘ll plant my seed yams.
4. Fall and rise pattern
The students are happy, aren’t they?
You can do it, can’t you?
EVALUATION
Exercise 1, Question A, Page 99, Oral English for Schools and Colleges.
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Topic: Argumentative Essay:
“The Home Is Responsible for the Unruly Behaviour of Teenagers in the Society.”
An argumentative essay is one that requires you to present a subject with a view to persuading your reader to agree with your own point of view against another one. The essence of this type of essay is argument and its subject covers all forms of debate.
In the case of teenagers and their unruly behaviour in society, there is no single ‘correct’ answer as to who or what is responsible for their actions. Some would argue that it is the home environment that shapes a child’s behaviour, while others might say that other factors, such as peer pressure, media influence, social expectations, or a lack of adequate resources and access to education play a greater role
While there is no definitive answer, it is clear that there are a number of factors that contribute to the current state of affairs. Some might argue that social media, video games, and other forms of entertainment have a negative influence on teens by offering them unrealistic ideas about social status, material wealth, romance, and sex. Others might point to socio-economic factors that make it difficult for parents to provide their children with the support and resources they need in order to succeed
Ultimately, the home is a key factor in the development of good character and positive social behaviour. Parents have an obligation to instil good values in their children, and to set an example of how one should behave in different social situations. Similarly, teachers can play an important role in guiding students to make positive decisions, and promoting respect for others in the school environment
In conclusion, while it is true that there are a number of factors that contribute to the unruly behaviour of teenagers in society, it is clear that the home and school are two key institutions that must work together in order to ensure that young people grow up to be positive and responsible members of society. Whether through the example set by parents, or the guidance and support provided by teachers, we must all do our part to ensure that the next generation is prepared for the challenges of modern life.
Points to Note When An argument essay is developed are:
i. prove a point
ii. present a view point
iii. balance the two sides of an issue.
For examination purposes, it is important that the candidate should realize that all debates are argumentative essays but not all argumentative essays are debates. Debates are framed in such a way that the writer should know the topic to be discussed, the people that would be around and possibly where the debate is taking place.
On the other hand, there are topics that merely require your view point. In this type of essay, you should write out the topic, underline it and start writing your views without addressing anybody.
Example: Write an essay presenting your points for or against the topic, ‘Day student perform better than boarding students in examinations’.
The above is a good example of an ordinary argumentative essay. No audience is indicated and no greeting is necessary. All you need to do here is to write the topic and start your essay.
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EVALUATION
Write an essay on the topic.
‘The Home Is responsible for the Unruly Behaviour of Teenagers in the Society’.
Topic: Comprehension: Government
The passage is part of a speech delivered by President Babangida to introduce one of the country’s efforts at devising a constitution for civilian rule.
Babangida urged the citizens to arise to the task of taking the country to a greater height by searching for a new political order which would launch the country into a new Nigeria. But this new political order should not be an imitation of the foreign political models because the political history and culture of Nigeria are not in any way the same with that of the foreign countries.
The passage highlights the importance of government in shaping the society. It discusses how government is responsible for setting up rules and regulations that shape the lives of citizens, and how the citizens in turn play a role in shaping government through their participation.
Overall, the passage is an insightful look at the relationship between government and society, and the ways that both play important roles in shaping the future of a country. Whether we are citizens or leaders, we must recognize the importance of government in helping to build a better future for all.
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EVALUATION
Questions, Page 36.
Topic: Summary: Party Systems.
The passage centers on the types of party systems. One party system of government has only one political party which forms the government of the country. The demerit of this party is that it tends to become too powerful since there is no other party to check it.
A two-party system of government has two major parties. One of the parties’ rules while the other watches and keeps in check the ruling party.
A multi-party system allows having as many parties as the electorate wishes. It is difficult for a party to emerge with an overall majority in an election. This, however, makes the ruling of the party more balanced as there are other parties to keep it in check.
EVALUATION
Question, Page 39.
READING ASSIGNMENT
Nominalization
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GENERAL EVALUATION
Structure
1. Write at least five Latin expressions used in English Language and explain their meanings.
2. Define direct and indirect speech.
3. Give two examples of direct speech.
4. Give two examples of indirect speech.
5. List three features each for direct and indirect.
1. Latin expressions used in English language include ad, ante, post, contra, per and pro. These terms are all commonly used in English, and they signify various concepts such as time, opposition, direction and purpose.
2. Direct speech refers to the actual words that are spoken, while indirect speech is a paraphrased representation of those words. For example, “John said ‘I am hungry'” would be an example of direct speech, while the indirect equivalent might be something like “John indicated that he was hungry.”
3. Examples of direct speech include statements such as “The train is leaving”, “You should study harder”, and “I love you.”
4. Examples of indirect speech include sentences like “The train is leaving soon”, “You really need to work harder if you want to succeed”, and “He told me that he loved me.”
5. Some key features of direct speech include its use of quotation marks, the inclusion of precise wording, and the use of present tense verbs. In contrast, indirect speech tends to be less structured, uses past tense verbs instead of present tense, and is often paraphrased rather than using the speaker’s exact words. Overall, direct speech is more concise and provides a more accurate representation of what was actually said, while indirect speech serves to summarize or interpret the original statements.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
Revision and Tests Part 1, Page 44, Effective English.
Exercise 1, Question B, Page 99 – 100, Oral English for Schools and Colleges.
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