Inferring Meaning from Tone Flashcards

You will hear a man say: 'Oh, brilliant! Another two hours of waiting for the train. Just what I wanted to do on my day off.' What is the speaker's true feeling?

Answer: He is annoyed and being sarcastic.

The speaker's tone, combined with the context of waiting two extra hours on a day off, indicates sarcasm. [1, 2, 5] He says 'brilliant' and 'just what I wanted,' but means the exact opposite, expressing his annoyance and frustration. [3]

You will hear a woman speaking to a friend who is nervous about a job interview. She says: 'Don't you worry. You're more than qualified for this. Just be yourself and you'll do great. Everything will be fine.' What is the speaker's primary purpose?

Answer: To reassure her friend and build their confidence.

The speaker uses a calm, positive tone and encouraging phrases like 'you'll do great' and 'everything will be fine' to comfort her friend. [4, 6] This supportive language is intended to reduce anxiety and provide reassurance. [10, 12]

You will hear a manager speaking to an employee about a missed deadline. The manager says, with a sigh: 'Well, the deadline was yesterday. I suppose we'll just have to explain the delay to the client.' How is the manager most likely feeling?

Answer: Disappointed and resigned

The manager's sigh, combined with the phrase 'I suppose we'll just have to,' conveys a sense of disappointment and reluctant acceptance of the negative situation. The tone is not angry, but rather one of weary resignation. [9]

You will hear a student who has just seen his exam results. He says, speaking quickly and with a high pitch: 'I passed! I can't believe it, I actually passed! This is the best news ever!' Which of the following best describes the student's tone?

Answer: Excited and overjoyed

The student's fast-paced speech, high-pitched voice, and use of exclamations ('I passed!', 'best news ever!') all point to strong positive emotions. This combination is characteristic of excitement and joy.

You will hear a woman say: 'You think that new restaurant is any good? *Really?* I heard the service was terrible and the food was overpriced.' What does the speaker's tone on the word 'Really?' imply?

Answer: She is expressing doubt and skepticism.

By emphasizing the word 'Really?' with a questioning and rising intonation, and immediately following it with negative comments, the speaker shows she is skeptical and does not believe the restaurant is good. Her tone challenges the positive opinion she is responding to. [10]

Listen to a person leaving a voicemail message. They are speaking very quickly and their voice is slightly shaky: 'Hi, it's me. Listen, I've missed the last bus and my phone is about to die. I'm at the corner of Oak Street and Main. Please, can you come get me?' The speaker's tone conveys a sense of:

Answer: Urgency and anxiety

The combination of speaking quickly, a shaky voice, and the stressful situation described (missing the bus, phone dying) all indicate a state of anxiety. [22] The direct plea for help ('Please, can you come get me?') highlights the urgency of the message.