TOEFL® TIP: Listen for Intonation

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/14/2013 - 01:23

TOEFL® TIP: Listen for Intonation

Pay attention to intonation and other ways that speakers indicate that information is important.

  • Important key words are often:
    • repeated
    • paraphrased (repeated using different words)
    • said louder and clearer
    • stressed
  • Pay attention to body language and intonation patterns used to express different emotions.
    • Emotions are often expressed through changes in intonation or stress.
    • Facial expressions or word choices can indicate excitement, anger, happiness or frustration.
    • Listen for pauses between important points.

For more practice developing your listening skills, try Idioms in English, an interactive
program in our English Skills Series from ETS® and AmEnglish.com® that features 100 current English idioms and expressions.

Article references
www.ets.org