1. Try to say "YES" with different intonation and meaning:
- Level: Neutral, uninterested: 'Yes'
- Fall: Positive response 'I agree'
- Low-rise: Question, eliciting a response
- High-rise: Disappointment: 'Are you saying Yes'
- Fall-rise: 'Carry on, I'm listening'
- Rise-fall: Reserved, indicating doubt
2. Now say "HELLO" to:
- a friend you meet regularly: Warm, casual tone
- a friend you haven't seen for a long time: Excited, enthusiastic tone
- a neighbour you don't like: Polite but distant tone
- a 6 month old baby: High-pitched, playful tone
- someone doing what he shouldn't: Sharp, warning tone
- to know if someone is listening: Slightly rising, questioning tone
- the same but on the phone: Clear, slightly louder tone
3. Put the stress on different words in the sentence. Does it change anything?
- I did not say you stole my red hat. (Someone else said it)
- I did not say you stole my red hat. (I implied it without saying it)
- I did not say you stole my red hat. (I said someone else stole it)
- I did not say you stole my red hat. (I said you stole something else)
- I did not say you stole my red hat. (I said you stole a different hat)
- I did not say you stole my red hat. (I said you stole my blue hat)
- I did not say you stole my red hat. (I said you stole my green hat)
- I did not say you stole my red hat. (I said you stole my hat, but not necessarily red)
4. Watch an episode about voice tonality. Is intonation (tonality/sentence stress/rhythm) important? Why?
Yes, intonation is crucial because it conveys emotion, intent, and meaning beyond the literal words. It helps distinguish questions from statements, express surprise or sarcasm, indicate emphasis, and maintain conversational flow. Without proper intonation, messages can be misunderstood or seem flat and unengaging.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of intonation worksheet.
