2. Thought Groups Native Speakers of English speak in meaningful groups of words. These groups are called THOUGHT GROUPS. These groups can be: A short sentence A clause or phrase A transitional word or phrase An expression Between these thought groups there is a slight dip in intonation and a little pause Exercise One on page 107 and Exercise Three on page 108
3. Thought Groups and Focal Stress Each thought group has one word that receives primary stress (focal stress) The focus word is the most important word in the thought group It usually has a pitch rise and is longer and clearer than the other words in the thought group
4. Focus Word Focus word is: Usually last content word (noun, verb, adjective, adverb, negative) Example: I can almost SEE it/ that dream I’m DREAMing If focus word has more than one syllable, the stressed syllable receives the greatest stress Example: Every step I’m TAKing Exercise 4 on page 109 and Exercise 5 on page 110
5. Focus Words The only time when the last content word is NOT the focus word is: Highlights or contrasts: It isn’t hot in here,/ it’s cold. New Information is introduced: What kind of books do you like? I like mysteries. To correct or modify a previous statement. Class begins at 11:30. Actually, it begins at 10.00 To emphasize agreement. This chapter is easy. It is easy.
