in Conversation In 3.6. we examined some of the functions of intonation in structuring discourse. In particular we noted the way in which new topics and sub-topics were marked by a high peak on the first stressed word of a pause-defined unit with a consequent marked raising of the base-line. We noted too that the end of a sub-topic or topic was marked by a lowering of stressed peaks and a slight lowering of the base-line.