Page 579 - Practical English Usage 3ed - Michael Swan, Oxford

a falling intonation
A falling intonation can suggest that we are saying something definite, complete. The voice falls on the last stressed syllable of a group of words.
--... --... --...
I'm tired. Here's your dictionary. Sally couldn't find him. A falling intonation is also common in wh-questions.
--...
--...
What time's the last bus? Where's the secretary?
b rising intonation
A rising intonation is common in yes/no questions. The voice rises at the end of a group of words, beginning on the last stressed syllable.
~ _---:_Jr ~ Are you tired? Is that the secretary? Did he post it?
In 'alternative questions' with or, the voice rises on the first part of the question and falls on the second part.
~ --... Are you staying or going?
c fall-rise
A fall-rise intonation suggests that something is incomplete, or uncertain, or that there is more to be said.
~
I'm tired. (perhaps suggesting But TTIflYbe I'll go out with you anyway.) ~
I don't play tennis. (perhaps suggesting But I do play other games.) --... ~
She's quite a good teacher. (perhaps suggesting But I'm not completely happy with her.)
--... ~
The first week was good. (perhaps suggesting But not the second.)
--... ~
Is this all you've written? (perhaps suggesting I was expecting more.)
A fall-rise makes questions sound more interested or friendly. It is common in polite requests and invitations.
~~~
Where's the secretary? Please come in. Is this your car?
~~
What's your name? Some more potatoes?
speech (2): intonation 555
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