Stress and Intonation in IELTS and CELPIP Listening

Stress and Intonation in IELTS and CELPIP Listening

In today’s blog, I am going to give you some examples of how stress and intonation can change the meaning of sentences, especially when expressing opinions – agreeing and disagreeing, which is common in IELTS Listening Section 3 and CELPIP Listening Sections 5 and 6.

In the second part, I will focus on some common words that have more than one meaning depending on how they are used: ACTUALLY, THINK, EVEN, JUST and ONLY

1. Stress shows level of certainty

•     That COULD work. → Stress on could = doubt / hesitation (not fully agreeing).

•     THAT could WORK! → Stress on that and work with rising/falling intonation = positive agreement.

2. Stress can turn neutral words into agreement or rejection

•     I GUESS so. (stress on guess) → Weak agreement, not convinced.

•     I guess SO! (stress on so) → Clearer acceptance, leaning towards agreement.

3. Intonation reveals enthusiasm or reluctance

•     Sure. (flat, short) → Reluctant, maybe not real agreement.

•     Sure! (rising, lively) → Genuine, enthusiastic agreement.

4. Negatives + stress can indicate strong agreement (with rejection)

•     We don’t really NEED that. → Stress on need = rejecting the idea (both speakers likely agree it’s unnecessary).

•     We DON’T really need that. → Stress on don’t = stronger rejection, dismissing the idea outright.

5. “But” + stress often signals disagreement

•     That’s true, BUT it might take too long.
  → Stress on but = means they don’t accept the option fully.

6. Rising vs. Falling Intonation

•     Maybe we should add a timeline? (rising) → A tentative suggestion, not firm agreement.

•     Maybe we should add a timeline. (falling) → More confident, leaning towards agreement.

Key takeaway for IELTS/CELPIP:
Students should not only listen for the words, but also for where the stress falls and how the tone rises or falls. This often tells them whether the speakers are accepting, rejecting, or just considering an option.

The Word ‘ACTUALLY’ in Agreement/Disagreement

1. Polite Disagreement / Correction

In British English, actually often “softens” disagreement but still makes it very clear:

•     “I thought the lecture was tomorrow.”

•   “Actually, it’s on Thursday.” → correction, polite but firm.

IELTS/CELPIP twist: the option mentioned first may sound right, but actually signals the real answer is different.

2. Contrast with Expectations

•   “That looks complicated.”

•     “It’s actually quite simple.” → gentle contradiction, showing the opposite is true.

This can confuse students because the speaker is not saying “no,” but they are disagreeing with the assumption.

3. Expressing Stronger Truth (Disagreement with emphasis)

•     “We don’t really need more visuals.”

•     “Actually, we do — they’ll make it clearer.”
  → Here, actually isn’t soft; it’s pushing back and showing a different stance.

4. Agreement by Reinforcing (Less Common)

Occasionally, actually is used to strengthen agreement:

•     “That chart was really helpful.”

•     “Yes, it was, actually.” → agreement + emphasis + surprise

But in IELTS, the disagreement function is far more common.

Key Tip for IELTS/CELPIP Listening

When students hear actually, they should:

1. Pause mentally — it often introduces the real view.

2. Expect either a correction (e.g., date, number, place) or a gentle contradiction of what was just said.

3. Train themselves not to lock in the first idea they hear.

In other words: in IELTS, actually is usually a signpost for disagreement or correction — especially in the British recordings.

 The Use of ‘THINK’ in IELTS/CELPIP Listening

1. Stating an Opinion (Neutral → possible agreement)

•     “I think a timeline would make things clearer.”
  → A suggestion/opinion. If the other speaker supports it →  agreement.

2. Expressing Uncertainty (Not full agreement)

•     “I think it might be too long for a presentation.”
  → Signals hesitation or doubt. Not a strong “no,” but likely a rejection in IELTS.

3. Hedged Agreement

•     “I think you’re right, up to a point.”
  → Agreement, but limited. IELTS often uses this to eliminate an option (sounds positive but isn’t full acceptance).

4. General Belief / Assumption (Often wrong!)

•     “People think it’s easy to grow those plants.”
  → Contrast usually follows: “But in fact, it takes years of training.”

IELTS loves this: the first idea sounds like the answer, but think signals it’s just a common belief — not the truth.

5. Disagreement in Disguise

•     “I don’t think that’s going to work.”
  → Negative form = rejection. Even though think sounds soft, the meaning is clear: disagree.

6. Weakening a Statement (Soft pushback)

•     “Do you think a video is necessary?”

•     “I think a chart would be enough.”
  → Implies preference for one option, soft rejection of the other.

Key Takeaway for Students

When they hear think, they should ask:

•     Is this expressing a firm opinion? (agreement likely)
•     Is it a hedged / doubtful opinion? (probably not correct)
•     Is it reporting what “people think” or “some think”? (watch for contrast with the truth)
•     Is it in the negative form? (clear disagreement)

ONLY / JUST / EVEN

1. ONLY → Limitation / Restriction

•     “It’s only a short summary.” → Emphasis on only = minimizing (suggests not enough).

•     “We’d need only one example to make the point.” → Emphasis = surprising simplicity (positive).

IELTS trap: depending on stress, only can make something sound insufficient or sufficient. It also depends on which word ONLY modifies.  

2. JUST → Simplicity / Exactness

•     “We should include just the chart.” → Stress on just = restrict / exclude other options.
•     “That’s just what we need!” → Stress on just = perfect fit (positive).
•     “It’s just a guess.” → Downplaying reliability (negative).

IELTS twist: just often signals preference or limitation, so students must hear if it’s positive or dismissive.

3. EVEN → Surprise / Contrast

•     “He managed to finish without even looking at the notes.” → Stress on even looking = highlights surprise.

•   “It’s difficult for postgraduates, let alone undergraduates — they can’t even follow it.” → Stress on THEY and EVEN shows how difficult it is.

IELTS use: even often signals a contrast with expectation, so the answer is in the “surprising” part, not the obvious one.

Key Takeaway for Students

•     ONLY = limitation → often a rejection (not enough), but can mean that’s all that’s required (acceptance).
•     JUST = restrictiveness or perfection → could mean “exclude others” or “exactly right.”

EVEN = surprise → usually indicates the real truth is stronger or more extreme than expected.