When we want to give our opinion on something that has been said ordone, we can do this with particular emphasis, often to expressenthusiasm, using an adjective. Typically, this has a rise-falling tone: A: Dan got the job! B: GREAT ↑↓ A: It's incredible to think that it's over 100 years old. B: AMAzing ↑↓! A: Sounds really good , doesn't it? B: FanTAStic ↑↓! However,when adjectives like this have a low falling tone, they can be used ina sarcastic way. A positive word is used, but in fact expresses lack ofenthusiasm, disappointment, or criticism: A: The fight's been cancelled. B: GREAT↓ A: The computer's crashed again. B: WONderful ↓.
We can also use an adjective with a rise-falling tone to express surprise at what has been said: A: Jack's just bought a new car. It's pink. B: PINK ↑↓
Adjectives like this can also be used with a rise-falling tone as part of longer phrases, ofen emphasised with adverbs such as absolutely, completely and totally: A: They're stupid to close the school. B: ABsolutely riDICulous ↑↓. A: Karl's given up his college course. B: He must be comPLEtely MAD ↑↓. A: Were the instructions any good? B: They were TOtally incompreHENsible ↑↓. Some are also used in exclamations after how: HOW emBARrassing ↑↓! HOW COOL ↑↓! ( = very good; informal)
Nouns and phrases without adjectives may also be used to expresssurprise, anger, etc., typically with a rise-falling tone. Sometimesthese repeat a part of what was previously said: You're JOking ↑↓ NONsense ↑↓! A: They've got diamonds in them. B: DIAmonds ↑↓!
Notice that the wordreally canhave different meanings, depending on the tone used with it. Forexample, with a rise-falling tone it often expresses surprise, but witha rising tone it often expresses doubt: A: It only cot me €10. В: REALly ↑↓! (= I'm surprised) B: REALly ↑? (= I'm not sure I believe you)
Listen and decide whether B uses a rise-falling tone or a low falling tone in each response. Underline ↑↓ or ↓. In which responses is B being enthusiastic? Key.(Speaker A = Scotland) 1 ↓ 2 ↑↓ (enthusiastic) 3 ↓ 4 ↓ 5 ↓ 6 ↑↓ (enthusiastic) 7 ↑↓ (enthusiastic) Example: A: You had a good time, then. B: Superb! ↑↓ / ↓enthusiastic 1 A: I can't find the tickets. B: Brilliant! ↑↓ / ↓ 2 A: The house had a well in the kitchen. B: Extraordinary! ↑↓ / ↓ 3 A: That's the third red bus I've seen today. B: Fascinating! ↑↓ / ↓ 4 A: Dan's coming over at six. B: Great! ↑↓ / ↓ 5 A: Kate's just phoned to say she'll be late. B: Marvellous! ↑↓ / ↓ 6 A: She speaks 14 languages. B: Remarkable! ↑↓ / ↓ 7 A: These beetles glow in the dark. B: Interesting! ↑↓ / ↓ Now listen again. Press 'pause' before each B part and read it aloud,using the tone you have underlined. Then press 'play' again and compareyour pronunciation with what follows.
Example: A: How are you feeling? B: Absolutely dreadful ! 1 A: There's a coffee shop right next door. B: How ______________! 2 A: Were you shocked by the news? B: Totally ______________! 3 A: This heater isn't much good. B: Completely ______________! 4 A: His paintings are weird, aren't they? B: Totally ______________! 5 A: How did you find the heat in Malaysia? B: Completely ______________! 6 A: The view from here is fantastic. B: Absolutely ______________!
Now listen and check your answers. Press 'pause' before each B part andread it aloud. Make sure you use a rise-falling tone on the words youhave written.
You will hear five statements. After each statement, press 'pause'and say one of the responses in the box. Make sure you use arise-falling tone. When you press 'play' again you will hear thecorrect answer. (Note: Other responses than those on the recording arealso possible.)
No way! That's ridiculous! A Porsche! Tomorrow! You're kidding! You idiot!
Example: You hear The boss wants the report by tomorrow. You respond ToMORrow ↑↓!
Now listen to both the statements and responses on the recording.
Follow up:Write three ridiculous demands your teacher or boss might make of you.Reply with a short response, repeating part of their sentence and usinga rise-falling tone to show your surprise.