The first - instance questions comprise the following main subtypes : basic
questions, confirmatory questions, questions put forward as a subject for discussion, comments.
The second - instance questions comprise echoing questions and insistent questions1.
First - Instance General Questions
Basic general questions are asked when the speaker doesn’t know whether he will receive an affirmative or negative answer. They usually take the Descending Stepping Scale + Low Rise.
'Do you 'often 'go to the ˏtheatre? 'Yes, I `do.
Confirmatory general questions are those which are asked when the speaker
expects a confirmation of the supposition expressed in the question. Structually, they are declarative sentences. They often begin with the words so, this, etc. They take the Descending Stepping Scale + the High Fall.
Good `morning, ˏJim. So you are 'back at `work?
General questions put forward as a subject for discussion or as a suggestion take either the Low or the High Wide Fall preceded by the Descending Stepping Scale.
This 'knife is too `blunt. Is 'this one any ˎbetter? (subject for discussion)
I’ve got `so many things to ˏdo. Can ˎI help at all? (suggestion)
General questions consisting of an auxiliary verb and a pronoun and used as comments upon statements made by another speaker are widely used in conversation. Pronounced with different tones, they show a variety of attitudes. Therefore their appropriate use is of great importance. They take:
The High Narrow Rise to keep the conversation going, e.g.
I’ve 'just 'seen `John. ´ Have you?
The High Wide Fall to convey mild surprise and acceptance of what has just been said, e.g.
You are `late. ˅Am I?
The Fall-Rise to intensify interest and surprise, e.g.
It’s `your turn. ˘Is it?
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