In this guide
What you will be able to do
- Begin with the intended meaning
- Distinguish word and sentence stress
- Avoid rigid intonation rules
Begin with the intended meaning
Emphasis can identify a contrast or new information. Choose what you want the listener to understand before copying a pitch pattern.
Distinguish word and sentence stress
Stress within a word and emphasis across a sentence serve different functions. Feedback should lead to the relevant practice.
Avoid rigid intonation rules
Questions do not all require the same rising pattern. Context and speaker intention influence delivery.
Check with a listener
Ask what contrast or grouping was heard. A visually dramatic pitch trace is not itself evidence of effective communication.
Work through an original example
Original sentence: “I asked for the blue folder.” Emphasising “I” contrasts the person; emphasising “blue” contrasts the colour.
Record both intentions and ask a listener which contrast they hear.
Practice commentary
Why this version works
Answer: The practice connects prosody to meaning instead of rewarding pitch movement alone.
Practise, check and try a changed task
Choose three sentences and state a different intended contrast for each. Record them without telling the listener your choices.
Compare interpretations and revise unclear emphasis. Use fresh sentences to check transfer.
- Check the meaning against the original task, rather than rewarding impressive wording alone.
- Keep one concrete observation and one next action; avoid treating a single attempt as a complete assessment.
Use a diagnostic report as a starting point
If you use Veritas Speech Analyser, inspect the current supported goals, report examples and plan allowances first. The advertised trial has a limited session allowance and requires payment authorisation; check renewal and cancellation terms before starting. Keep an original recording and review the feedback against what you actually said.
Diagnostic speaking practice
See whether the speaking report fits your practice needs
Review current features, sample-report limitations, trial requirements and plan terms before recording.
Useful answers
Frequently asked questions
Is louder always better?
No. Use relevant emphasis and clear delivery.
Must all questions rise?
No. Context matters.
Does one accent own good stress?
No. Prioritise intelligibility.
Is a pitch graph enough?
Check the meaning a listener receives.
Sources, scope and accuracy
AI feedback is diagnostic guidance for practice, not an official IELTS, PTE or TOEFL result or certified CEFR level. Worked examples are fictional language exercises, not generated product reports. Features and trial allowances depend on current terms; no accuracy or improvement guarantee is made. Written by the Cambridge Veritas editorial team. No independent clinical, legal or examination review is claimed. Cambridge Veritas provides the linked programme or product.
Continue the cluster
Related guides and resources
speech-analysis-5 · Practical learning guide
Use AI Pronunciation Feedback: From a Flagged Word to Practice
Open resourcespeech-analysis-6 · Pronunciation software selection
Choose an English Pronunciation Checker: Tasks, Accents and Limits
Open resourcespeech-analysis-7 · Practical learning guide