CELTA Pronunciation Teaching & Phonology 2

Question 1

What does 'sentence stress' refer to in spoken English?

Accepted Answer

Emphasizing content words to convey the main meaning of an utterance

Answer

Sentence stress involves emphasizing content words (nouns, main verbs, adjectives, adverbs) while function words are typically unstressed, conveying the key meaning.

Question 2

In English, a falling intonation at the end of a statement typically signals:

Accepted Answer

A completed thought or finality

Answer

Falling intonation at the end of statements signals that the speaker has finished their thought and conveyed a complete idea.

Question 3

What is 'assimilation' in connected speech?

Accepted Answer

When a sound changes to become more like a neighboring sound

Answer

Assimilation occurs when a sound takes on features of an adjacent sound, such as 'that person' being pronounced as 'thap person' due to the influence of /p/.

Question 4

What is 'elision' in the context of connected speech?

Accepted Answer

The omission of a sound or syllable in rapid, natural speech

Answer

Elision is the dropping of sounds or syllables in natural speech, such as 'next day' pronounced as 'nex day' with the /t/ omitted.

Question 5

Which feature of intonation is used in English to ask a yes/no question?

Accepted Answer

Rising intonation at the end of the utterance

Answer

Yes/no questions in English typically end with rising intonation, signaling to the listener that a response is expected.

(CELTA) Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults Practice Test

(CELTA) Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults Practice Test

CELTA Pronunciation Teaching & Phonology 2