[General] Where should the tonic stress be?

[englishhobby]

What is the most natural way to pronounce the following (which words should be stressed):

1) IZ Paul at HOME?
2) Is PAUL at HOME?

The context is simple - I'm talking with Paul's sister who has just opened the door.

 

[JMurray]

not a teacher

In the case of the most common and simple query in this sort of situation, which I think is what you mean, I would probably only stress "Paul".
Most of the time, I would also drop the preposition: "Is Paul home?".

 

[bhaisahab]

not a teacher

In the case of the most common and simple query in this sort of situation, which I think is what you mean, I would probably only stress "Paul".
Most of the time, I would also drop the preposition: "Is Paul home?".

I agree that "Paul" would be stressed but I wouldn't drop the preposition.

 

[5jj]

I agree that "Paul" would be stressed but I wouldn't drop the preposition.

I probably would drop it, but it is not incorrect.