Pronunciation Coach Video Script

Unit 9, Lesson 1.1: Stress to emphasize meaning

Stress to emphasize meaning.

We use stress and intonation to show which word in a sentence is the most important for
the meaning of the sentence.

Listen to some different ways we can say this sentence.

Do you think he'll win the election?
Do you think he'll win the election?
Do you think he’ll win the election?
Do you think he'll win the election?

In questions, we normally stress the word at the end of the question. Listen.
Do you think he'll win the election?

The intonation changes on this word. The voice usually rises slightly on the stressed
syllable. Listen again. Do you think he'll win the election?

However, we sometimes stress another word to give the sentence a slightly different
meaning. Listen to these examples.
If I say: Do YOU think he'll win the election?
The meaning is probably: What is your opinion, not other people’s opinions.

If I say: Do you think HE'LL win the election?

The meaning is probably: Do you think that he, and not someone else, will win the election.

If I say: Do you think he'll WIN the election?

The meaning is probably: I'm surprised that you expect him win, not lose.

Listen to the different ways that we can say these examples. Notice how the different
stress changes the meaning.
Do you like to discuss politics?
Do YOU like to discuss politics?
Do you LIKE to discuss politics?
They’re happy with the new president.
THEY’RE happy with the new president.
They’re happy with the NEW president.

Top Notch 3, Third Edition Pronunciation Coach Video Script 1

Copyright © 2019 by Pearson Education, Inc. Permission granted to reproduce for classroom use.
 Now listen and repeat. Click on pause after each sentence.
Do you like to discuss politics?
Do YOU like to discuss politics?
Do you LIKE to discuss politics?
They’re happy with the new president.
THEY’RE happy with the new president.
They’re happy with the NEW president.

Top Notch 3, Third Edition Pronunciation Coach Video Script 2

Copyright © 2019 by Pearson Education, Inc. Permission granted to reproduce for classroom use.