ENC1501 ASSIGNMENT 2
2026 DUE JUNE 2026
SECTION A
Question 1
1.1 Define the role of tone and intonation in effective listening.
Tone and intonation play important roles in helping us listen effectively. According to the
study guide, tone refers to "the attitude (feelings) of the speaker and the speaker's
intention" (Study Guide, Learning Unit 1, p.15). It helps listeners understand whether
the speaker agrees or disagrees with what is being said and what emotions the speaker
feels about the topic.
Intonation is "the way we use our voices to emphasise certain words or ideas by
speaking more loudly or stressing certain words" (Study Guide, LU1, p.15). This helps
listeners know which ideas are most important.
Together, tone and intonation help listeners:
They show the speaker's true feelings and attitude
They emphasise key words and main ideas
They help listeners understand meaning even without knowing all the words
They show when a question is being asked (voice rises at the end)
They make listening easier by highlighting important information
1
,Even if we do not understand a language, we can gather meaning by listening to tone
and intonation (Study Guide, LU1, p.19).
1.2 What is formal and informal language?
Formal language follows the rules of grammar closely, adheres to academic standards,
and does not use slang. Informal language (also called colloquial language) is more
relaxed, reflects emotions, and is used when speaking to friends (Study Guide, LU1,
p.17).
1.3 Explain with an example where each is typically used.
Formal language example: A news bulletin on television or radio uses formal language.
The news reader uses correct grammar, a neutral tone, and serious words without
showing emotions. This is because "serious topics require formal language, which
adheres to the rules of grammar, uses serious words and a neutral tone so as not to
show emotions" (Study Guide, LU1, p.21).
Informal language example: A comedy show or a light-hearted talk show uses informal
language. Speakers use modern words, sometimes slang, and casual expressions that
people can relate to easily. This type of language "makes it easier to understand the
meaning because emotions help us to grasp attitude and perspective" (Study Guide,
LU1, p.17).
2
, Question 2
2.1 Describe how television influences the development of listening skills,
especially for learners who do not speak English as a home language.
Television has both positive and negative influences on the development of listening
skills for learners who do not speak English as a home language.
Positive influences:
According to the study guide, research shows that "most people for whom English is not
a home language tend to be exposed to English mainly on television when not in a
classroom" (Study Guide, LU1, p.19). This is beneficial because:
Exposure to correct grammar - Television programmes in English use correct
language, which helps learners hear proper English sentence structures.
Practice with tone and intonation - "Television is good because it allows listening skills
to be practised while also paying attention to tone, intonation, facial expressions and
body language" (Study Guide, LU1, p.19).
Multimodal learning - Learners can see visual images while listening, which makes
understanding easier.
Regular language input - The more exposure learners have to a language, the better
they acquire it (Online presentations, p.5).
Informal learning opportunity - Learners can practise listening skills by making notes
about programmes and telling others what happened.
3
2026 DUE JUNE 2026
SECTION A
Question 1
1.1 Define the role of tone and intonation in effective listening.
Tone and intonation play important roles in helping us listen effectively. According to the
study guide, tone refers to "the attitude (feelings) of the speaker and the speaker's
intention" (Study Guide, Learning Unit 1, p.15). It helps listeners understand whether
the speaker agrees or disagrees with what is being said and what emotions the speaker
feels about the topic.
Intonation is "the way we use our voices to emphasise certain words or ideas by
speaking more loudly or stressing certain words" (Study Guide, LU1, p.15). This helps
listeners know which ideas are most important.
Together, tone and intonation help listeners:
They show the speaker's true feelings and attitude
They emphasise key words and main ideas
They help listeners understand meaning even without knowing all the words
They show when a question is being asked (voice rises at the end)
They make listening easier by highlighting important information
1
,Even if we do not understand a language, we can gather meaning by listening to tone
and intonation (Study Guide, LU1, p.19).
1.2 What is formal and informal language?
Formal language follows the rules of grammar closely, adheres to academic standards,
and does not use slang. Informal language (also called colloquial language) is more
relaxed, reflects emotions, and is used when speaking to friends (Study Guide, LU1,
p.17).
1.3 Explain with an example where each is typically used.
Formal language example: A news bulletin on television or radio uses formal language.
The news reader uses correct grammar, a neutral tone, and serious words without
showing emotions. This is because "serious topics require formal language, which
adheres to the rules of grammar, uses serious words and a neutral tone so as not to
show emotions" (Study Guide, LU1, p.21).
Informal language example: A comedy show or a light-hearted talk show uses informal
language. Speakers use modern words, sometimes slang, and casual expressions that
people can relate to easily. This type of language "makes it easier to understand the
meaning because emotions help us to grasp attitude and perspective" (Study Guide,
LU1, p.17).
2
, Question 2
2.1 Describe how television influences the development of listening skills,
especially for learners who do not speak English as a home language.
Television has both positive and negative influences on the development of listening
skills for learners who do not speak English as a home language.
Positive influences:
According to the study guide, research shows that "most people for whom English is not
a home language tend to be exposed to English mainly on television when not in a
classroom" (Study Guide, LU1, p.19). This is beneficial because:
Exposure to correct grammar - Television programmes in English use correct
language, which helps learners hear proper English sentence structures.
Practice with tone and intonation - "Television is good because it allows listening skills
to be practised while also paying attention to tone, intonation, facial expressions and
body language" (Study Guide, LU1, p.19).
Multimodal learning - Learners can see visual images while listening, which makes
understanding easier.
Regular language input - The more exposure learners have to a language, the better
they acquire it (Online presentations, p.5).
Informal learning opportunity - Learners can practise listening skills by making notes
about programmes and telling others what happened.
3
