1. Expressing reservation.

In the conversation in the Takeaway English section the woman expresses reservation in a number of ways. She often introduces a sentence with Hmm, which is a polite way of agreeing, but with reservation. Another way of expressing reservation is to use expressions like a bit or I suppose to soften an opinion. Look at the examples from the conversation.

Hmm. The problem is he might have seen it.
Hmm. I’m not sure. Who directed it?
It was a bit slow for my liking
Hmm. What about something a bit lighter?


Look at the sentences. Which ones do you think are probably expressing reservation?

2. Listen.

Listen to more sentences said in different ways. Is the speaker expressing reservation?

3. Expressing reservation.

Listen again and compare the sentences in each pair.

Note how the intonation changes and how the words stressed sometimes change. In general, to show enthusiasm the intonation has a greater range of pitch and reaches a higher pitch. To show reservation, the intonation is flatter.

An exception to this is with Wh- questions, questions that start with What, When, etc. Normally the intonation goes down at the end of these questions. However, if you are showing reservation, the intonation goes up.

 

Listen and compare this pair of sentences:

 

We could go to the movies. (with enthusiasm)
We could go to the movies. (with reservation)

Listen again to the sentences from the previous exercise. Is the intonation generally going up or down?

Now listen to the sentences again and practise saying them.

4. Expressing reservation.

Listen to, repeat and record the questions and opinions from this unit. Note: This exercise doesn’t give feedback on intonation.