Checking Understanding Low- Rising
Intonation with Yes/No Questions
Checking Understanding
Right
Check understanding by adding right? to the end of a sentence. Use rising intonation: right?
A:
I should wear a suit to the wedding, right?
B:
Right.
Notice how to agree with a negative statement followed by right. A no answer means the speaker
agrees with the negative statement.
A:
I shouldn't keep my napkin on the table while I'm eating, right?
B:
No. (You shouldn't keep your napkin on the table while you're eating.)
Tag Questions
Tag questions, such as didn't you?, are added to the ends of sentences. You can use rising or falling
intonation on a tag question.
You sent the letter, didn't you?
He can't dance, can he?
1. Rising Intonation:

Changes a statement into a question.
I paid that money back to you, didn’t I? I hope I didn’t forget.

Makes a command more polite. The tag is usually would you?
Bring that here, would you?
2. Falling Intonation:

Asks for confirmation of something the speaker believes is true.
Another price increase. Well, prices never go down, do they?

Shows agreement with a previous statement. Used this way, tag questions aren't
followed by a question mark.
A:
It's awfully cold today.
B:
Isn't it.
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