The Intonation of Tag Questions

Teacher: Welcome to daily tips on learning English. Today's tip is on the intonation of tag questions.

Teacher: Tag questions are used in two very different ways. And the difference depends on whether you use a rising or falling pitch at the end of tag question. One way tag questions are used is to get your listener to agree with you about something you think is a fact or must be true.

Teacher: If you think a lady is beautiful, you say "she is beautiful, isn't she?" You expect the listener to say "yes, she is." If you know a man is not rich, you say "he isn't rich, is he?" You expect the listener to say "no, he isn't." When you use a tag question to get your listener to agree, you must use a falling intonation. "She is beautiful, isn't she?" "He isn't rich, is he?"

Teacher: The other way tag questions are used is to ask for information. You don't know the answer, so you're asking a question.

Teacher: "She is beautiful, isn't she?" "He isn't rich, is he?" When you really don't know the answer, you should used a rising intonation. "So, he isn't rich, is he?" You know that he isn't rich. But, "he isn't rich, is he?" You don't whether he is rich or not.

Teacher: Listen to another example, "you like Taiwan, don't you?" (Rising Tone) ... "you like Taiwan, don't you?" (falling tone)

Teacher: So, remember to use the proper intonation when you use tag questions.

Teacher: This has been today's tip on learning English. Tune in tomorrow for another tip.