1. Listen carefully to the following conversational situations. Concentrate your attention on the intonation of the replies:
Verbal Context | Drill Statements (sounding apologetic, appreciative, grateful, regretful, sympathetic, persuasively reassuring, pleading, plaintive) | |
Don't you like it? | I don't, frankly. | |
Any news of Tim? | He's coming home soon. | |
Haven't you finished it yet? | I've only just begun it, as a matter of fact. | |
It looks like rain, I'm afraid. | Perhaps it would be better to stay at home in that case. | |
I've had it six years now. | You'll be buying a new one soon, I imagine. | |
Whyever bring a mac? | It was raining when I left this morning. | |
I thought of going for a stroll. | I'll come too, if I may. | |
It was quite an accident | But I told you not to touch it. | |
So it was you who borrowed my spade. | I do hope you didn't mind. | |
He's accepted your offer. | I didn't dream he'd take me seriously. | |
It's a wonderful photo. | I knew you'd like it. | |
Help? Certainly. | I was sure I could count on you. | |
But why didn't you tell me? | So sorry. | |
I thought you ought to know. | Thank you for telling me, I do appreciate it. | |
I really must go now. | I do hope you have a comfortable journey. | |
It's all so discouraging. | I know exactly how you feel. | |
Sorry I haven't returned it yet. | That's quite all right. I'm in no particular hurry for it. | |
I've already been waiting a year. | Then surely a few more days won't make much difference. | |
It's an absolute scandal. | There's no need to get so worked up about it. | |
I do wish he'd mind his own business. | But he was only trying to be helpful. | |
What's happened to Jack? | It's always the same. He's hardly ever on time. | |
I'm afraid he failed his exam. | I'm not at all surprised. He did absolutely no work for it. | |
Special questions (sounding plaintive, pleading, weary, despairing, arm,sympathetic) | ||
It was my treat. | How much was it? | |
How big did you say it was? | Oh, why don't you listen, Charley? | |
Three thousand he paid for it. | When will the poor fool learn wit? | |
Did you call, Frank? | Yes, what's the time please? | |
I have to go out now. | When will you be back, d'you think? | |
General questions (sounding plaintive, pleading, sometimes impatient) | ||
Perhaps I could help. | Do you think you ñîuld? | |
Come and have a game, Phil. | Will you stop bothering me? Can't you see I'm busy? | |
May I have another bun? | D'you really think you can eat it? | |
Imperatives (sounding plaintive, pleading, reproachful) | ||
I'm afraid I've lost it. | Never mind. | |
Quickly. | Wait a minute. | |
What's all the knocking 'about? | Oh, don't just sit there. Open the door. | |
What's upsetting you? | Do shut the door. There's such a draught. | |
I really must go. | Please stay a little longer. | |
I'd willingly fetch some more. | Please don't bother on my account. | |
Whatever shall I do? | Carry on as usual, if you can. | |
When shall I start? | Start right away, if that's convenient for you. | |
Exclamations (warm, sympathetic, encouraging, plaintive, puzzled, surprised) | ||
I've invited him for tea. | Jolly good! Good show! | |
That's the second time he's failed. | Poor old Peter! | |
I thought I asked you to make up the fire. | All right! | |
And we'll have a new carpet. | Just a second! (Where's the money coming from?) | |
Here I am at last. | Hullo, Stephen! (It is good to see you.) | |