Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests (PECT) Practice Exam

Intonation refers to the rise and fall of the voice during speech. This melodic pattern is essential in conveying meaning, emotions, and emphasis in spoken language. Intonation helps to differentiate between questions and statements, indicates uncertainty or affirmation, and contributes to the overall expressiveness of speech. For example, a rising intonation at the end of a sentence often suggests a question, while a falling intonation can suggest finality or certainty. In contrast to intonation, loudness pertains to the volume at which someone speaks, while pace refers to the speed or rate of speech. The vocabulary used in conversation focuses on the specific words chosen during communication rather than how those words are expressed in terms of pitch and melody. Therefore, the characteristic that accurately encapsulates the concept of intonation is its role in the rise and fall of the voice during speaking.