The first stressed syllable of the descending head is pronounced on the high level pitch. Sometimes it is pronounced with a slight rise. The following stressed syllables have level pitch and form a descending sequence until ноу nucleus is reached, unstressed syllables may either carry the pitch down or they may be pronounced on the level of the preceding stressed syllable. The Low Fall in the nucleus starts somewhat lower than the mid level. If there are any unstressed syllables before the first stressed syllable they are said on a rather low pitch. This intonation pattern is used: In statements: final, categoric, considered. How much did you pay for this? – It ↓costs over ꞌtwo ꞌhundred ˎpounds. In special questions: serious, responsible, intense, often suggesting irritability or impatience. Will you lend me your pen? – →What do you ˎwant it for? In imperatives: firm, serious, pressing. I’m afraid, I’ve made a mistake. – ↓Copy it ꞌout aˎgain, then. In exclamations: rather emphatic. The exams are over at last. – →Isn’t it ˎwonderful!
