STATEMENTS-QUESTIONS
Typically, statements end with a downward
drop. This pattern signals the listener
that the thought is complete. It may be
the listener’s turn to talk or the speaker may have more to say but it marks
the end of an idea.
The students are from the national science
academy.
He’s capable of maintaining excellent
health.
My boss decided to hire the
five finalists.
The judge and jury joked about
the arrangement.
Questions which
cannot be answered with "yes" or "no" are sometimes called
“wh” questions because they often contain “where, when, who, or why.” They have a rhythm that usually ends with a
downward drop.
Which teacher’s signature is on the check?
What American customs do
visitors find annoying?
Is her degree in psychology or
psychiatry?
Who wrote the script for the story?
Questions that can be answered with
"yes" or "no" usually end with an upward slide. This rhythm signals the listener that it is his
turn to respond.
Did the stock split?
Will they finish the film
before February first?
Is Jim eligible for the job in
geology?
Was testing of the space
station successful?
Does the chart at the end of the text make
sense?
These rhythm patterns signal the listener about the message. If these patterns are not used, the listener gets conflicting messages--one from the actual words and a different one from the intonation pattern.