Файл: Advanced_English_Pronunciation_in_Use.pdf

We expected profits to drop. but they fIIrose

Step-ups - contrasts and new topics

Contrasts

We can use a step-up (see Unit 47) to a relatively high pitch to show that information contrasts with previous information or what was expected. The step-up is in the first prominent word of a speech unit (see Unit 32) which includes the contrasting information. In these examples step-ups

II but they I)ROSE by a THIRDII.

New topics

Step-ups are also used, particularly in prepared speech, to show that we are starting a new topic. Here is the beginning of a speech made by a senior manager from the car company Rovoda to a conference of scientists discussing environmental problems. Notice how step-ups are used at the beginning of new topics:

Good morning!

It's a mpleasure to be here to represent Rovoda and participate in this valuable discussion. mOne of the things I enjoy about working for Rovoda is that the company recognises the importance of balancing the needs of business and society. As a car manufacturer, we know that we are part of the environmental problem, and need to be part of the solution. With mthat in mind, I'd like to propose that the mission for all of us, staiting with this meeting, is to find ways that people can continue to enjoy the freedom and lifestyles they do now, but by running cars that won't damage the planet. I realize that is a huge task, but it's not an impossible dream.

IIlThink of the talent, creativity and influence we have at this meeting. If we, together with governments, decide to move forward together, a solution can be found.

English Pronunciation in Use (Advanced)

Section D Pronunciation in formal settings

Exercises

In t this lesson, we're going to look further at the life of Napoleon. As you'll remember, Napoleon was probably one of the greatest military leaders in history. In the class last week, we studied his earlier life, until about 1 808, and now we'll look at events from about 1 808 until his death. By 1 808, you'll recall, Napoleon had crowned himself Emperor of the first French Empire. By this time he was in control of much of Europe, including Austria, Italy, Spain and Sweden. However, in 1 809, Spain and Austria rose up against the French. Although the French army defeated them, thousands of men were lost. And in 1 8 1 2, ignoring repeated advice against it, Napoleon began his invasion of Russia. In this campaign, over half a million soldiers in his army were killed, and by 1 8 14 Paris had fallen and Napoleon had abdicated. Now what I'd like this half of the class to do is read the account of the battle near Vienna in 1809 in your textbooks starting on page 82. The other half should study the maps and pictures of the 1 8 1 2 invasion on the handout, and write a brief account of what you have observed.

Now check your answers in the Key. Then read the text aloud, putting a step-up in the same places as on the recording.

Fol low up: Prepare notes for a short talk on a historical subject that you are familiar with. Think about the places where you want to mark a new topic. Give your talk, using step-ups to mark new topics. If possible, record it and listen.

The headteacher, Mr m lee, will be talking to parents

Step-downs - add i ng i nformation and end i ng topics

' :<ml D62 Adding information

When we use a noun phrase to add information about the previous noun phrase (and both refer to the same person or thing), we often step down and say the second noun phrase with a relatively low pitch in its own speech unit. The step-down is in the first prominent word of this speech unit. In these examples, step-downs are marked with m:

The headTEAcher &I!!Mr mLEE &111 will be talking to parents.

The report is published 11 by the WHO &111 the mWORLD HEALTH organisation &111.

The reSEARCH team &:2111 IJ)SCIentists from the university of LEEDS fi2!l11 will be spending six months in the Arctic.

We can also add information in a whole clause beginning with a step-down:

A mySTErious arc of LIGHT &Ill IJ)KNOWN as the LYNX Arc &Ill has been found to be the biggest star-forming region ever seen in space.

&.Note: The noun phrases (the main information and the added information) have a falling tone if they are 'news' and a rising or fall-rising tone if they are 'not news'; that is, the speaker assumes the hearer already knows the information (see Unit 39).

llloti Ya l i ng studcnts

EXAMPLE The city of Krakow ei:J, the +former capital of Poland Ci:J , has some of the best art collections in Europe.

1 Michael Watson Cl, the reigning champion Cl, has been knocked out of the French Open. 2 Whitedown Hill Cl, above the Trant Valley Cl, is to be the location of a new wind farm.

3Two sisters from France Cl , both in their seventies Cl , have become the oldest people to

swim the English Channel. c:J , a rare visitor to Britain Cl , has been spotted on the east coast.4 A black woodpecker

S The head of NATO in Europe c : J ,Major Peter Alvin G.:J, has warned that its military equipment is becoming seriously outdated.

)8 . 2 Choose a noun phrase from the box to add to each of these news extracts and indicate its appropriate position with a line (f).

3 A statue of Sir Frank Whittle has been unveiled in his home town.

4 Over fifty thousand people are now thought to have been infected with influenza.

S The city of St Petersburg is encouraging people to use public transport.

065Now listen and check your answers. Then say the sentences aloud. Make sure you use a step-down at the beginning of the added information and the same tone (either falling or fall-rising) in the added information and the previous noun phrase.

i8.3 A tour guide in Prague is explaining to tourists what they can see on their trip down the Vltava

066River. Here is part of what she says. Listen and put a t before a word with a step-up marking a new topic and a before a word with a step-down ending a topic.

On your t right we're passing the beautiful National Theatre, built in the mid 1 800s and one of the most important Czech cultural institutions. If you want to see opera or ballet in Prague, that's the place to go. We're now passing under one ofthe best-known bridges in the world, the Charles Bridge. It was built in the 1 3th century, and has 75 statues along its sides. Over on the left, up on the hill, is Prague Castle, the home of Czech kings throughout the ages and now the seat of the President of the Czech Republic. You can also see the spires of Saint Vitus Cathedral, where most of the Czech kings are buried. To your right now is the Rudolfinum, a concert hall. . .

Now check your answers in the Key.