Page 24 - Starting Strong: English Essentials

4. Speaking

Talking about Someone’s Personality Traits

Using Fall and Raise Intonation

In speaking, we have to use the right intonation so that the messages and emotions can be
delivered well. The fall and rise intonation can also make our speech sound natural and expressive.
Here are examples of when to use them.

Falling → At the end of the sentence
intonation “He is very nice.”

→ Wh-question
“Who is he?”

→ Command:
“Call that person.”

Rising → Yes/no question
intonation Is she friendly?

→ Enthusiasm
That’s wonderful!

a. Complete the dialogue with words describing personality traits then act it out. Use the
fall and rise intonation to make it sound natural and expressive.

• Generous • Kind • Polite • Friendly
• Quiet • Patient • Moody • rude

Devi : “Hey, Maryam. I heard you just moved to a new house.”
Maryam : “Oh, hi, Devi. Yes, that’s right.”
Devi : “So, how is it?”
Maryam : “Well… the house is larger than our previous one. There is a backyard and a small
pond in front of the house.”
Devi : “That’s wonderful! How about the neighbors?”
Maryam : “I haven’t met so many people. But there is this (1) __________ lady who lives next
door. She helps me with unpack and organize my stuff. She is also (2) __________ .
She often shares her homemade cooking.”
Devi : “What a lovely lady! Who else have you met?”

14