Questions and Intonation: Up or Down? -- American English Pronunciation

This video tutorial explains the differences in pitch intonation for yes-no questions and other types of questions in American English. Yes-no questions, which start with words like 'did', 'does', 'is', and 'can', typically end with a rising pitch. In contrast, other questions, such as 'how', 'why', 'where', and 'who', end with a falling pitch. The video provides examples of both types of questions and compares them to help learners understand the intonation patterns. The tutorial concludes with a simple rule: yes-no questions have rising intonation, while other questions have falling intonation.

What type of questions typically have a rising intonation at the end?

• Questions starting with 'who'

• Questions starting with 'where'

• Yes-no questions

• Questions starting with 'how'

Which of the following is an example of a yes-no question?

• Why did you leave?

• Did you pick up the groceries?

• How was the show?

• Where are the keys?

What is the intonation pattern for questions that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no?

• Rising intonation

• Flat intonation

• Falling intonation

• No change in intonation

Which question would likely end with a falling intonation?

• Who are you calling?

• Is the store open?

• Can you lend me a dollar?

• Did you see Amanda?

What is the key rule for determining intonation in questions?

• Yes-no questions have rising intonation

• Yes-no questions have falling intonation

• All questions have falling intonation

• All questions have rising intonation