1.
In phonology, what term describes a sound that is produced with complete closure of the vocal tract?
Correct Answer
B. Stop
Explanation
A stop (or plosive) is a consonant sound produced by completely blocking the airflow in the vocal tract and then releasing it suddenly. Fricatives are produced with a narrow constriction causing turbulence, nasals involve airflow through the nasal cavity, and laterals involve airflow around the sides of the tongue.
2.
Which of these words contains the stress on the first syllable?
Correct Answer
A. Parent
Explanation
The word "Parent" contains the stress on the first syllable. In this word, the emphasis is placed on the first syllable "par" while the second syllable "ent" is pronounced with less emphasis.
3.
Which of these words contains the stress on the first syllable?
Correct Answer
C. Student
Explanation
The word "Student" contains the stress on the first syllable. The first syllable "stu" is pronounced with more emphasis and is longer in duration compared to the second syllable "dent". This is evident when pronouncing the word and can be confirmed by consulting a dictionary or phonetic transcription.
4.
Which word contains a diphthong?
Correct Answer
D. Fine
Explanation
The word "Fine" contains a diphthong. A diphthong is a combination of two vowel sounds within the same syllable. In the word "Fine," the "i" and "e" create a diphthong sound, where the two vowel sounds blend together smoothly.
5.
Which word contains a diphthong?
Correct Answer
C. Coin
Explanation
The word "Coin" contains a diphthong. A diphthong is a combination of two vowels sounds pronounced in one syllable, where the sound starts at one vowel and glides into another. In the word "Coin," the "oi" combination represents a diphthong, as it combines the sounds of "o" and "i" in a single syllable.
6.
Which of the following pairs of words is an example of a minimal pair?
Correct Answer
A. Ship - Sheep
Explanation
Ship - Sheep: These words differ by a single phoneme (/ɪ/ vs. /iː/), making them a minimal pair.
Cat - Cap: These words differ by more than one phoneme (/t/ vs. /p/ and the vowel sound).
Book - Boot: These words differ by the vowel sound (/ʊ/ vs. /uː/).
Bag - Back: These words differ by the final consonant (/g/ vs. /k/).
7.
Which set of words has linking in connected speech?
Correct Answer
D. Drink it
Explanation
In connected speech, linking occurs when the final consonant sound in one word is connected to the beginning vowel sound in the next word. In the set of words "Drink it," the final consonant sound of "drink" (/k/) links with the beginning vowel sound of "it" (/ɪ/), creating a smooth and connected pronunciation. This linking is not present in the other sets of words.
8.
What is the term for a phonological process where two neighboring sounds become more similar to each other?
Correct Answer
A. Assimilation
Explanation
Assimilation: This is a process where a sound changes to become more similar to a neighboring sound.
Dissimilation: This is the process where two similar sounds become less similar.
Elision: This refers to the omission of a sound or syllable.
Epenthesis: This is the insertion of an additional sound into a word.
9.
Which word is stressed on the third syllable?
Correct Answer
B. Interrupt
Explanation
The word "Interrupt" is stressed on the third syllable. The stress falls on the "rup" syllable, making it the third syllable.
10.
Which word is stressed on the third syllable?
Correct Answer
C. Understand
Explanation
The word "Understand" is stressed on the third syllable. The stress falls on the "der" syllable, making it pronounced as "un-der-STAND". This can be determined by breaking down the word into its syllables and identifying where the stress or emphasis is placed when pronouncing it.