Understanding Phonetics and Sounds

What is the definition of a vowel?

• A speech sound produced by obstructing airflow.

• A speech sound produced without any significant constriction or blockage of airflow in the vocal tract.

• A speech sound produced by the complete closure of the vocal tract.

• A speech sound produced by the vibration of the vocal cords.

Which of the following is an example of a consonant?

• The sound /a/ as in "apple".

• The sound /e/ as in "elephant".

• The sound /t/ as in "top".

• The sound /i/ as in "igloo".

What is a plosive?

• A sound produced by the friction of breath in a narrow opening.

• A sound produced by the complete closure and sudden release of airflow.

• A sound produced by the vibration of the vocal cords.

• A sound produced by the nasal passage.

Which of the following is an example of a fricative?

• The sound /b/ as in "bat".

• The sound /s/ as in "snake".

• The sound /m/ as in "mouse".

• The sound /l/ as in "lamp".

What is an affricate?

• A sound that begins as a plosive and releases as a fricative.

• A sound produced by the nasal passage.

• A sound produced by the lateral movement of the tongue.

• A sound produced by the vibration of the vocal cords.

Which of the following is an example of a nasal sound?

• The sound /p/ as in "pat".

• The sound /n/ as in "nose".

• The sound /f/ as in "fish".

• The sound /r/ as in "rat".

What is a lateral sound?

• A sound produced by the complete closure of the vocal tract.

• A sound produced by the airflow along the sides of the tongue.

• A sound produced by the vibration of the vocal cords.

• A sound produced by the nasal passage.

Which of the following is an example of an approximant?

• The sound /k/ as in "kite".

• The sound /l/ as in "light".

• The sound /g/ as in "goat".

• The sound /w/ as in "water".

What does alveolar refer to in phonetics?

• Sounds produced with the tongue against the upper teeth.

• Sounds produced with the tongue against the alveolar ridge.

• Sounds produced with the lips.

• Sounds produced with the soft palate.

Which of the following is an example of a labial sound?

• The sound /t/ as in "tap".

• The sound /b/ as in "bat".

• The sound /k/ as in "kite".

• The sound /s/ as in "snake".