Introduction to phonetics B

What is the primary focus of phonetics?

• The study of written language.
• The study of the actual sounds that make up the words of a language.
• The study of grammar rules.
• The study of vocabulary and word meanings.

Match the following sounds with their counts in modern English.

• The number of distinct sounds in modern English is 50.

• 26 sounds

• The number of phonemes in modern English is 44.

• 30 sounds

• The basic sounds in modern English consist of 26.

• 44 sounds

• The total number of sounds used in modern English is 30.

• 50 sounds

The relationship between English spelling and pronunciation is that (a)   .

• English spelling is always phonetic
• English spelling is often inconsist
• English spelling perfectly matches
• English spelling is simpler than pr

Match the following reasons for struggling with pronunciation in English to their explanations.

• They find grammar rules confusing.

• They do not understand the grammar rules.

• Insufficient practice leads to poor pronunciation.

• They do not practice enough.

• Sound production techniques are not mastered.

• They have not learned enough vocabulary.

• Limited vocabulary affects pronunciation.

• Incorrect pronunciation is often due to physically incorrect sound production.

If a student mispronounces a word, what is often the cause?

• They are trying to produce the sound in a way that is physically incorrect.
• They are not paying attention.
• They have not studied enough.
• They are using the wrong vocabulary.

How can phonetic symbols assist in learning pronunciation?

• They provide definitions of words.
• They help clarify how difficult words are pronounced.
• They replace the need for spelling.
• They are used only in poetry.

What are minimal pairs in phonetics?

• Words that are spelled differently but sound the same.
• Words that have the same spelling but different meanings.
• Pairs of sounds that are often confused.
• Words that rhyme with each other.

An example of a consonant cluster is (a)  

• The word 'ocean'
• The word 'cat'
• The word 'spring'
• The word 'apple'

What is a heteronym?

• A word that is difficult to pronounce.
• A word that sounds the same as another word.
• A word that has the same spelling but different meanings.
• A word that has different spellings but the same pronunciation.

What is the best way to improve pronunciation according to phonetics?

• Talk with someone who will correct you.
• Read books out loud.
• Practice alone in front of a mirror.
• Listen to music in English.