Pronunciation · lesson 22 of 24 · free

Intonation in questions — English pronunciation practice

Intonation is the music of speech: the voice goes up or down. Questions that can be answered with “yes” or “no” (Do…? Is…? Can…?) usually go UP at the end. Questions with a question word (What, Where, When, Why, How, Who, Which) usually go DOWN.

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How to say it

Yes/no up, wh- down — “questions answered with yes or no usually rise; questions with what, where, why… usually fall”

  1. Starts with Do, Is, Are, Can, Did…? Usually up at the end ↗.
  2. Starts with What, Where, When, Why, How, Who, Which? Usually down at the end ↘.
  3. Put the rise or fall on the last stressed word: Do you like MANgoes? ↗

Use it for: Asking questions politely and clearly in class, shops and interviews.

Worked example: “Where do you live?” — does your voice usually go up or down at the end? → Down ↘

  1. “Where” is a wh- question word.
  2. Wh- questions usually go down at the end.

Check: Where do you LIVE? ↘ ✓

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✏️ Practice

Listen (🔊) or read, then tap your choice. Say each word aloud after you check. Stuck? Press “Show me how”.

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🏁 Lesson 22 test

20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.

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🖨️ Question Intonation Worksheet

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