Top Notch 3 Unit 9

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NAME: _______________________ DATE: _________________


Pronunciation Supplement
(Unit 9)

STRESSING FUNCTION WORDS


Function words such as personal pronouns are normally not stressed in a sentence.
Personal pronouns are stressed when they are emphasized or when used to show
contrast.

For example:

YOU can go, but your SISTER cant.

IM not voting for HIM. What about YOU? Are YOU voting for HIM?



Exercise 1 Read and practice the following sentences. Note the two ways stress
is used in the two groups of sentences: (1) with unstressed pronouns and (2) with
stressed pronouns.


1. Normal 2. Contrastive stress
(Unstressed pronouns) (Stressed pronouns)

She likes to smoke. SHE likes to smoke, but I dont.
I dont like politics. I dont like politics, but HE loves it.
I think its wrong. I think its wrong, no matter what YOU tell me.


Exercise 2 Listen to the Conversation Model on page 102 of the Students Book
and repeat after the pauses.

A: Are YOU in favor of capital punishment?

B: Yes, I am. I believe if you kill someone YOU deserve to be killed.
What about YOU?

A: Actually, Im against the death penalty. I think its wrong to take a life, no
matter what.

B: Well, I guess well have to agree to disagree!