Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyIntonation Patterns

Complete the statement below with the appropriate phonological term. Which intonation contour correctly completes the sentence?

Answer:In standard Received Pronunciation (RP), information-seeking questions that begin with interrogative words such as 'who', 'where', or 'why' typically end with a 【falling】 tune.

Answer

Wh-questions in standard English take a falling intonation pattern at the end of the sentence.
In standard English oral delivery, Wh-questions (such as 'Where are you going?') naturally drop in pitch on the last stressed syllable, requiring a falling intonation tune.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the category of question presented in the prompt.
Questions starting with words like 'who', 'where', or 'why' are classified as Wh-questions (information questions).
These questions seek specific information rather than a simple confirmation.
2
Apply standard English intonation rules to Wh-questions.
Wh-questions naturally end with a falling pitch contour.
In standard RP spoken English, pitch drops on the final nuclear syllable of Wh-questions to signal completion.

Key Concept

Intonation Contours for Wh-Questions
Rate this question

Topics

Intonation Patterns

More questions from this topic