The role of intonation in speaking

How important is intonation in your speaking? Many second language learners commonly make the mistake of simply believing that their pronunciation is sufficient because they can produce the basic sounds of English and therefore require no further work.

I can be understood, why should I continue working to improve my pronunciation?

This is where intonation comes in. Communication is often dependent on many factors and one of them is intonation. Consider the following situation.

You are in class and have just been caught cheating on an exam. Your teacher is standing in front of you and says "What do you think you are doing?"

At this point, you may know you are in trouble, but exactly how much you can tell by their intonation. Does your teacher shout at you? Does your teacher speak in a tired manner? Does your teacher lean forward looking you in the eye and say it softly, almost in a monotone? Does the teacher simply state it in a bored manner?

In this case, their intonation will tell you just how much trouble you are in.




Good luck with your studies,
ESL Study Guide

Improving your speaking

Speaking is one ability that language learners often have a hard time improving. Too often they are able to become proficient in one English skill such as grammar and neglect others. This is a very poor thing to do with regards to your overall fluency. If you are unable to meet native English speakers on a regular basis, you should keep certain things in mind.

What helps in your overall speaking ability?

1.) pronunciation
This is incredibly important. Native speakers of languages other than English often have specific sounds that are not present in their first language. It is important to recognize this and know which sounds are typically a problem.

In the case of Korean speakers, it is typically /f/, /v/, /q/ and /¶/. These sounds are produced as /p/, /b/, /t/ and /d/. The /p/ and /f/ and /b/ and /v/ sounds are also very often confused. English consonants such as /p/ and /b/, /t/ and /d/, /k/ and /g/ are also often mixed up.

2.) intonation
What is the tone of your voice like? Do you talk in a monotone? Are you placing emphasis on the end of a sentence? This is something that signifies a question rather than a sentence.

3.) pacing
Watch how fast your talk. Talking too quickly or too slowly indicates a lack of proficiency and needs to be addressed.


If you feel you are weak in your speaking ability, you can also visit our Live Chat feature and practice with native speakers.


Good luck with your studies,
ESL Study Guide

ESL Discussion Questions

While studying for the speaking section of the TOEFL exam, it is important to know the types of questions you will face. The speaking section is broken up as follows.

Independent
- Question 1
- Question 2

Integrated
- Question 3
- Question 4
- Question 5
- Question 6

Looking at the independent questions, they are about stating your opinion or personal preference. Look at the following questions:

1.) What is your favorite day of the year? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

2.) What is the primary advantage of receiving a university education? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

3.) Are first impressions accurate? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.


Look at these questions and keep the following in mind when answering them.

1.) Are you answering the right question. For example, in question 1 are your stating why a certain day is your favorite?

2.) Use reasons to support your answer. Make sure your reasons support your argument.

3.) Speak for a MINIMUM of 3/4 of the allowed time. You are allowed 45 seconds to respond to independent questions. Your optimal response time should be between 40 - 43 seconds. ALWAYS be sure to finish your response within the time limit.


Use the example discussion questions and practice with a partner. Have your partner time you and practice answering the questions within the time limit.



Good luck on your studies,
ESL Study Guide