15 American English Vowel Sounds Quiz
This short quiz will test your knowledge of the 15 American English vowel sounds.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
1. How many vowel sounds are there in spoken American English?
- A.
5
- B.
15
- C.
13
- D.
12
Correct Answer
B. 15Explanation
In spoken American English, there are 15 vowel sounds. These vowel sounds include the five basic vowel letters (a, e, i, o, u) and their variations, such as long and short sounds, diphthongs, and r-controlled sounds. The 15 vowel sounds are essential in distinguishing and pronouncing words correctly in American English.Rate this question:
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- 2.
2. What is the most common vowel sound in spoken American English?
- A.
/ǝ/ schwa
- B.
/ae/ black
- C.
/uw/ blue
- D.
/er/ purple
Correct Answer
A. /ǝ/ schwaExplanation
The most common vowel sound in spoken American English is /ǝ/ schwa. The schwa sound is a neutral, unstressed vowel sound that is often used in weak syllables, such as the second syllable in "about" or the first syllable in "banana." It is the most common vowel sound because it appears in many common words and is often used in reduced forms of words in connected speech.Rate this question:
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- 3.
3. Which vowel sound below is made low in your mouth?
- A.
/iy/ green
- B.
/a/ olive
- C.
/I/ silver
- D.
/ʊ/ wood
Correct Answer
B. /a/ oliveExplanation
The vowel sound /a/ in the word "olive" is made low in the mouth. This sound is produced by opening the mouth wide and lowering the jaw, allowing the sound to resonate in the lower part of the mouth. It is a low, open vowel sound.Rate this question:
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- 4.
4. Which vowel sound below has an extra long sound?
- A.
/ay/ white
- B.
/ae/ black
- C.
/e/ red
- D.
/I/ silver
Correct Answer
A. /ay/ whiteExplanation
The vowel sound /ay/ in the word "white" has an extra long sound. This sound is a diphthong, which means it is a combination of two vowel sounds (/a/ and /i/). When pronounced, the /ay/ sound is held for a longer duration compared to the other vowel sounds listed.Rate this question:
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- 5.
5. What key fact about vowels do you need to know for speaking American English more clearly?
- A.
Schwa is the most common sound in spoken English
- B.
There are 15 vowel sounds in American English
- C.
Every English word has one vowel sound that is stressed or emphasized
- D.
Many words have more than one vowel sound
Correct Answer
C. Every English word has one vowel sound that is stressed or emphasizedExplanation
In order to speak American English more clearly, it is important to know that every English word has one vowel sound that is stressed or emphasized. This means that when speaking, one should pay attention to the specific vowel sound that is emphasized in each word in order to pronounce it correctly and be easily understood.Rate this question:
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Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Jun 23, 2012Quiz Created by
Confidentvoice
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