Intonation showing engagement and interest

Speakers use intonation to show that they are engaged in a discussion and to
help the conversation flow. This is important when you introduce your
arguments, particularly if you want to disagree with the examiner but maintain
a friendly, interested tone.

1. Listen to two students responding to a part three question.

a) Not really . It's convenient sometimes, but I don't think it's as enjoyable .

b) Yeah - a lot of young people do that these days .

1. Which speaker sounds more interested ? Why?

2. How does the other speaker sound ? Why?

2. Listen to these questions and answers and mark where the students
voices rise and fall when responding .
Work in pairs. Look at this question and the candidates’ responses below.
Discuss how you think the candidates might say this sentence is to show
they are interested and engaged in the discussion.

Now listen and check your answers.

Look at the following Part 3 agree/disagree question and put into practice
what we have been learning about!

• Can creativity be learned?

• Do people in your country need to be more environmentally friendly?
• Has technology made people lazier?
• Should children always obey their parents?
• Is it better to go shopping in large department stores than in smaller
shops?
• Do advertisements give correct information, or do they encourage people
to buy things that they may not need?
• Most people believe that shopping for food is easier today than it was in
the past. What do you think?
• Do you agree or disagree that all jobs are difficult sometimes?