Phonetics Quiz
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Speech melody is the variations in the _____of the voice.
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Loudness
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Pitch
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Timbre
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About This Quiz
Phonetics is a branch of linguistics that studies how humans produce and perceive sounds, or in the case of sign languages, the equivalent aspects of sign. Phoneticians—linguists who specialize in phonetics—study the physical properties of speech.
Take this interesting Phonetics quiz and learn interesting trivia.
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- 2.
Identify the transcription of the following word - pretty
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[preti]
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[priti]
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[pritu]
Correct Answer
A. [priti]Explanation
The correct transcription of the word "pretty" is [priti].Rate this question:
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- 3.
According to the direction of the pitch range kinetic tones may be ________ .
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Wide and narrow
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Fall, rise, fall-rise, rise-fall
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High, mid, low
Correct Answer
A. Fall, rise, fall-rise, rise-fallExplanation
The question is asking about the possible variations of kinetic tones based on the direction of the pitch range. The correct answer states that kinetic tones can be fall, rise, fall-rise, or rise-fall, indicating that the pitch can either decrease, increase, have a combination of both, or have a combination of rise and then fall. This answer provides a comprehensive range of possibilities for the direction of the pitch range in kinetic tones.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Identify the transcription of the following word - sign
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[sain]
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[sin]
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[sign]
Correct Answer
A. [sain]Explanation
The transcription [sain] accurately represents the pronunciation of the word "sign". The "ai" combination in the word is pronounced as a long "i" sound, similar to the word "rain".Rate this question:
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- 5.
From the semantic point of view the complex tones have a/an _____ meaning.
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Polite
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Implicatory
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Straightforward
Correct Answer
A. ImplicatoryExplanation
Complex tones have an implicatory meaning from a semantic point of view. This means that they convey a deeper or hidden message beyond their literal or straightforward interpretation. Implicatory tones often involve implied meanings, suggestions, or indirect communication, allowing for more nuanced and complex expressions.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Identify the transcription of the following word - sill
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[sil]
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[sail]
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[sill]
Correct Answer
A. [sil]Explanation
The correct answer is [sil]. This transcription accurately represents the pronunciation of the word "sill". The brackets indicate that the pronunciation is represented using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). In this case, the word is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by a "l" sound.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Timber can be defined as ________.
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Loudness of the voice
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Tonal coloring of the speaker's voice
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Speed of speech
Correct Answer
A. Tonal coloring of the speaker's voiceExplanation
Timber refers to the unique quality or characteristic of a sound produced by a particular instrument or voice. It is determined by the harmonics and overtones present in the sound, which give it a distinct tonal coloring. In the context of the question, timber is specifically referring to the tonal coloring of the speaker's voice, indicating that it is describing the unique qualities and characteristics of the speaker's voice that contribute to its overall sound.Rate this question:
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- 8.
A whole sentence or part of it having at least one accented word which carries a marked change in pitch, and pronounced without any pause inside it is called ___.
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A rhythmic group
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An intonation group
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A phrase
Correct Answer
A. An intonation groupExplanation
An intonation group is a whole sentence or part of it that contains at least one accented word which carries a marked change in pitch. It is pronounced without any pause inside it.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The choice of the nuclear tone of the non-final group is determined by _____.
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The degree of its semantic independence and completeness
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The position of the terminal tone
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The communicative type of the utterance
Correct Answer
A. The degree of its semantic independence and completenessExplanation
The nuclear tone of the non-final group is determined by the degree of its semantic independence and completeness. This means that the tone used in the non-final group is influenced by how much it can stand alone and convey meaning on its own, as well as how complete the meaning is within that group. The choice of tone will vary depending on these factors, as they affect the overall communicative effectiveness of the utterance.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The Scale (the Head) begins _______
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With an unstressed syllable
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With the last stressed one
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With the first stressed syllable
Correct Answer
A. With the first stressed syllableExplanation
The scale, also known as the Head, starts with the first stressed syllable. This means that the first syllable of the scale is emphasized or given more prominence in terms of stress.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The complex tone Low Rise + Fall means _____.
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Apologetic flavour
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Mystification, persuasiveness
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Surprise
Correct Answer
A. Mystification, persuasivenessExplanation
The complex tone "Low Rise + Fall" suggests a combination of mystification and persuasiveness. This tone implies that the speaker or writer is trying to both confuse and convince the audience. They may use intricate language or arguments to create a sense of mystery or ambiguity, while also attempting to persuade or influence the listener or reader. This tone can be effective in engaging the audience and keeping them intrigued while also trying to sway their opinions or beliefs.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Tempo is ________.
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Periodic recurrence of rhythmic units
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Speed of speaking
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Relative degree of prominence
Correct Answer
A. Speed of speakingExplanation
The correct answer is "speed of speaking". Tempo refers to the pace or speed at which someone speaks. It determines how fast or slow someone's speech is. It is a measure of the rate at which words are spoken and can vary depending on the individual's speaking style and the context of the communication.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Identify the transcription of the following word - limb
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[limb]
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[lim]
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[laimb]
Correct Answer
A. [lim]Explanation
The correct transcription of the word "limb" is [lim].Rate this question:
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- 14.
Any syllables between the Nucleus and the end of the tone-unit are called _____.
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Nuclear tone
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Tail
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Pre-head
Correct Answer
A. TailExplanation
The correct answer is "Tail". In linguistics, the tail refers to any syllables that come after the nucleus of a tone-unit. The nucleus is the most prominent syllable in terms of pitch and intensity, and the tail consists of any syllables that follow it. This distinction is important in the study of tone and intonation patterns in languages.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The Fall-Rise may cover several words. This form of it is called ______ .
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Unextended
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Complex
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Divided
Correct Answer
A. DividedExplanation
The given correct answer is "divided". The explanation for this is that the question states that the Fall-Rise may cover several words, implying that it is divided into multiple parts or segments. Therefore, the form of the Fall-Rise that covers several words is called "divided".Rate this question:
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- 16.
Rhythm is _______ .
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Variations of the pitch of the voice
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A time break between phonetic pieces
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Periodic recurrence of units of different size and level
Correct Answer
A. Periodic recurrence of units of different size and levelExplanation
The correct answer is "periodic recurrence of units of different size and level". This answer accurately describes the concept of rhythm, which refers to the pattern of beats or accents in a piece of music or poetry. Rhythm involves the repetition of units, such as notes or syllables, at regular intervals, creating a sense of pattern and structure. These units can vary in size and intensity, adding complexity and interest to the overall rhythm.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Identify the transcription of the following word - pint
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[pint]
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[pin]
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[paint]
Correct Answer
A. [paint]Explanation
The transcription of the word "pint" is [paint].Rate this question:
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- 18.
If the voice at the beginning of a syllable is higher than at its end, there is a _______ effect of a pitch change.
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Level
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Falling
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Rising
Correct Answer
A. FallingExplanation
When the voice at the beginning of a syllable is higher than at its end, it indicates a decrease in pitch over the duration of the syllable. This is known as a falling effect of a pitch change. In other words, the pitch starts high and gradually decreases as the syllable is pronounced.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The first element of the Fall-Rise - the fall - is phonetically _______.
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Less prominent than the second
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As prominent as the second
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More prominent than the second
Correct Answer
A. Less prominent than the secondExplanation
The correct answer is "less prominent than the second". In a Fall-Rise intonation pattern, the first element (the fall) is phonetically less prominent than the second element (the rise). This means that the pitch of the voice decreases during the fall, indicating a lower level of prominence or emphasis, and then rises during the rise, indicating a higher level of prominence or emphasis.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The head with all notional words being stressed, is called ______.
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Diffuse
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One-peak
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Sliding
Correct Answer
A. DiffuseExplanation
The term "diffuse" refers to the head with all notional words being stressed. This means that in a phrase or sentence, all the important or meaningful words are emphasized or given stress. This can help to convey the intended meaning and highlight the key points of the statement.Rate this question:
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- 21.
The information which is new for their hearer is called ______ .
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Highlighting
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Telling
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Referring
Correct Answer
A. TellingExplanation
When we "tell" someone something, we are providing them with new information or sharing something they didn't previously know. This could be in the form of sharing facts, details, or personal experiences. "Telling" involves actively conveying information to someone, making it the correct answer in this context. "Highlighting" refers to emphasizing or drawing attention to something, while "referring" means mentioning or directing someone to something else.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Speakers use ______ to express things they consider to be contrary to what their hearers expect. These things contrast with something which has already been said or implied, or with something which is implicit in the context.
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Low Key
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High Key
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Level
Correct Answer
A. High KeyExplanation
Speakers use "High Key" to express things they consider to be contrary to what their hearers expect. These things contrast with something which has already been said or implied, or with something which is implicit in the context.Rate this question:
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- 23.
______ are used in speech for various purposes, to increase the semantic prominence of separate items of an utterance or its overall prominence.
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Emphatic Tones
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Irregular Prehead
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Nuclear Shift
Correct Answer
A. Emphatic TonesExplanation
Emphatic tones are used in speech to enhance the importance or emphasis of specific elements within an utterance or the overall prominence of the utterance itself. By using emphatic tones, speakers can highlight certain words or phrases, conveying their significance or conveying a strong emotion or conviction. Emphatic tones help to grab the listener's attention and make the intended message more impactful and memorable.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Identify the proper highlighted word in the answer to the following question: Did you hire a car?
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No, I HIRED a motorbike.
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No, I hired a MOTORBIKE.
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No, I HIRED A MOTORBIKE.
Correct Answer
A. No, I hired a MOTORBIKE.Explanation
The proper highlighted word in the answer is "MOTORBIKE" because it correctly identifies the type of vehicle that was hired.Rate this question:
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- 25.
According to the distribution of relative prominence among the semantic items in the prenuclear part of an intonation group which is ultimately reflected in the number of full and partial stresses in the Head, we differentiate the following types of Heads _____.
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Descending, ascending, level
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Stepping, sliding, scandеnt
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One-peak, double-peak, several-peak
Correct Answer
A. One-peak, double-peak, several-peakExplanation
The correct answer categorizes the types of Heads based on the distribution of relative prominence among semantic items in the prenuclear part of an intonation group. It states that there are three types of Heads: one-peak, double-peak, and several-peak. These types indicate the number of full and partial stresses in the Head, with one-peak having a single prominent stress, double-peak having two prominent stresses, and several-peak having multiple prominent stresses.Rate this question:
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- 26.
The head, formed with a series of stressed and unstressed syllables, unstressed syllables being pronounced higher than the preceding stressed ones, is called _____.
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Scandent
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Level
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Stepping
Correct Answer
A. Scandent -
- 27.
The head, formed with a series of stressed and unstressed syllables, each following stressed syllable being pronounced lower than the preceding one, is called _____.
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Sliding
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Descending
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Ascending
Correct Answer
A. DescendingExplanation
The correct answer is "descending" because the head, which is formed with a series of stressed and unstressed syllables, is pronounced with each following stressed syllable being pronounced lower than the preceding one. This means that the pitch or tone of the stressed syllables decreases as you move through the head.Rate this question:
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- 28.
The complex tone High Rise + High Rise means _____ .
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Insistence, energy, dogmatism
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Contrast
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Surprise, incredulity
Correct Answer
A. Surprise, incredulityExplanation
The combination of "High Rise + High Rise" suggests a repetition or doubling of the same element, which often leads to a sense of surprise or incredulity. This is because it is unexpected to have two high-rise buildings in close proximity or to encounter multiple instances of something that is typically rare or unusual. Therefore, the correct answer is "surprise, incredulity."Rate this question:
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- 29.
The complex tone Fall Rise + Fall means _____ .
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Insistence, energy, dogmatism
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A sense of contrast
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Apologetic flavour
Correct Answer
A. A sense of contrastExplanation
The complex tone "Fall Rise + Fall" indicates a sense of contrast. This tone suggests a change in pitch, starting with a fall, then rising, and finally falling again. This pattern creates a contrast between the initial fall and the subsequent rise, leading to a sense of contrast or juxtaposition in the overall tone.Rate this question:
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- 30.
Prominence and the decisions a speaker makes in distributing prominence to give an utterance its intended meaning is called _______.
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Highlighting
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Telling
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Referring
Correct Answer
A. HighlightingExplanation
The correct answer is "Highlighting." In the context of the question, prominence refers to the emphasis or importance given to certain elements in speech. When a speaker distributes prominence strategically, they are highlighting specific aspects of their utterance to convey their intended meaning effectively.Rate this question:
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- 31.
The head, formed with a series of stressed and unstressed syllables, all stressed syllables being pronounced on the same level, is called _____.
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Sliding
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Level
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Ascending
Correct Answer
A. LevelExplanation
The correct answer is "level" because a series of stressed and unstressed syllables in the head are all pronounced on the same level. This means that there is no variation in the stress or emphasis placed on each syllable, resulting in a flat or level pronunciation.Rate this question:
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- 32.
____ is all unstressed and partially stressed syllables preceding the first fully stressed one.
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Nuclear tone
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Head / Scale
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Pre-head
Correct Answer
A. Pre-headExplanation
Pre-head refers to all unstressed and partially stressed syllables that come before the first fully stressed syllable in a word. This term is commonly used in linguistics to describe the syllabic structure of words and the patterns of stress within them. The pre-head syllables provide a buildup of tension and anticipation before the main stressed syllable, helping to create rhythm and emphasis in speech.Rate this question:
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- 33.
Speakers use ______ tones in parts of utterances which contain ideas they think their hearers already know about or have experience of. They refer to something shared by themselves and the hearers at that point in the conversation. It may be something they both know about it.
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Falling
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Rising
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Fall-rise
Correct Answer
A. Fall-riseExplanation
Speakers use fall-rise tones in parts of utterances which contain ideas they think their hearers already know about or have experience of. This tone pattern indicates that the speaker is presenting information that is shared by both themselves and the hearers. It is used to signal that the speaker is referring to something that both parties are familiar with and can understand in the context of the conversation.Rate this question:
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- 34.
The term _____ is applied to any prehead which is displaced in pitch from the normal position in the lower half or near the middle of the voice range.
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Emphatic Tones
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Irregular Prehead
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Nuclear Shift
Correct Answer
A. Irregular PreheadExplanation
The term "Irregular Prehead" is applied to any prehead which is displaced in pitch from the normal position in the lower half or near the middle of the voice range. This means that the prehead, which is the initial part of a speech sound, is not in its usual position in terms of pitch. It is either higher or lower than expected. This irregularity in the prehead can affect the overall tone and quality of the voice.Rate this question:
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- 35.
Identify the proper highlighted word in the answer to the following question: Did you take a motorbike?
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No, I HIRED a motorbike.
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No, I hired a MOTORBIKE
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No, I HIRED A MOTORBIKE.
Correct Answer
A. No, I HIRED a motorbike.Explanation
The proper highlighted word in the answer is "hired".Rate this question:
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- 36.
The parts of utterances which contain ideas which the hearers already know about or have experience of is called _____.
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Highlighting
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Telling
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Referring
Correct Answer
A. ReferringExplanation
Referring refers to the parts of utterances that contain ideas which the hearers already know about or have experience of. It involves mentioning or pointing to something that is familiar to the listener, allowing for effective communication and understanding. This helps in avoiding unnecessary repetition and allows for efficient communication by building on shared knowledge or experiences.Rate this question:
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- 37.
The _____ tone is the appropriate referring tone for the dominant speaker to choose, but it would be inappropriate for the non-dominant speaker to use it.
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Falling
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Rising
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Fall-rise
Correct Answer
A. RisingExplanation
The rising tone is the appropriate referring tone for the dominant speaker to choose, but it would be inappropriate for the non-dominant speaker to use it. The rising tone typically indicates a question or uncertainty, and it can convey a lack of confidence or deference to the listener. In a dominant position, using a rising tone may suggest a lack of authority or assertiveness. However, for a non-dominant speaker, using a rising tone could be seen as submissive or seeking approval, which may not be appropriate in certain situations.Rate this question:
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- 38.
The displacing the nuclear tone from its normal position on the last notional word in an utterance to a word at the beginning or the middle of it is called ____.
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Emphatic Tones
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Irregular Prehead
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Nuclear Shift
Correct Answer
A. Nuclear ShiftExplanation
Nuclear shift refers to the displacement of the nuclear tone, which is typically placed on the last notional word in an utterance, to a word at the beginning or middle of the utterance. This shift in the placement of the nuclear tone is used to emphasize or highlight a particular word or phrase in the sentence. It helps to draw attention to the important information and adds emphasis to the speaker's intended meaning.Rate this question:
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- 39.
According to the pitch movement within each stress-group (rhythm group), Heads may be _______ .
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Descending, ascending, level
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Stepping, sliding, scandеnt
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One-peak, double-peak, several-peak
Correct Answer
A. Stepping, sliding, scandеntExplanation
The correct answer is "stepping, sliding, scandеnt". In pitch movement within each stress-group, the heads may exhibit a stepping pattern, where the pitch rises or falls in a step-like manner. They may also show a sliding pattern, where the pitch smoothly glides up or down. Additionally, the heads can display a scandеnt pattern, where the pitch gradually ascends.Rate this question:
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- 40.
The pitch change in the last stressed syllable and the following unstressed ones is called _____.
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Nuclear tone
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Head / Scale
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Pre-head
Correct Answer
A. Nuclear toneExplanation
The term "nuclear tone" refers to the change in pitch that occurs in the last stressed syllable and the following unstressed ones. This change in pitch is a characteristic feature of certain tonal languages, where the pitch contour of a syllable can affect its meaning. The other options, "Head/Scale" and "Pre-head," do not specifically refer to this pitch change in the last stressed syllable and unstressed ones.Rate this question:
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- 41.
______is a series of stressed and unstressed syllables that may be pitched variously starting with the first fully stressed syllable and ending before the last stressed syllable
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Nuclear tone
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Head / Scale
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Pre-head
Correct Answer
A. Head / ScaleExplanation
The correct answer is "Head / Scale". In prosody, a "head" refers to the first fully stressed syllable in a series of stressed and unstressed syllables. A "scale" refers to the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables that follow the head. This pattern may vary in pitch and typically ends before the last stressed syllable. Therefore, "Head / Scale" accurately describes the series of stressed and unstressed syllables in this context.Rate this question:
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- 42.
The head, formed with a series of stressed and unstressed syllables, each following stressed syllable being pronounced higher than the preceding one, is called ______.
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Descending
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Ascending
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Stepping
Correct Answer
A. AscendingExplanation
The term "ascending" accurately describes the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in the head. In an ascending pattern, each stressed syllable is pronounced higher than the preceding one, creating a rising or ascending rhythm. This contrasts with a descending pattern where each stressed syllable is pronounced lower than the preceding one. The term "stepping" does not accurately describe the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables, so it is not the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 43.
The complex tone Fall + Fall Rise means______ .
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Apologetic flavour
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Surprise, incredulity
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Contrast
Correct Answer
A. Apologetic flavourExplanation
The complex tone "Fall + Fall Rise" indicates an apologetic flavor. This tone starts with a fall in pitch and then rises slightly before falling again. It conveys a sense of regret or apology, as the rise in pitch after the initial fall indicates a desire to reconcile or make amends. This tone is commonly used when someone is expressing remorse or seeking forgiveness.Rate this question:
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- 44.
The information which has the same meaning (more exactly, it expresses nothing which is different in meaning) as the piece of information which comes immediately before, or sometimes after is pronounced as_______.
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Low Key
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High Key
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Level
Correct Answer
A. Low KeyExplanation
The term "low key" refers to information that has the same meaning as the information that came immediately before or after it. It signifies that the information is not significantly different or stands out, but rather maintains a consistent or similar meaning.Rate this question:
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- 45.
From the semantic point of view the falling-rising nuclear tone has ______.
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A straight forward meaning
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An implicatory meaning
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A friendly meaning
Correct Answer
A. A friendly meaningExplanation
The falling-rising nuclear tone in speech typically conveys a friendly meaning. This tone is often used to signal warmth, friendliness, and approachability. It can help create a positive and welcoming atmosphere in a conversation. The rising-falling pitch pattern suggests a rise in friendliness or enthusiasm followed by a gentle fall, indicating a friendly intention. This tone can be used to establish rapport and build a friendly connection with the listener.Rate this question:
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- 46.
According to the general contour of pitch movement over the Head, the Heads may be _______ .
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Descending, ascending, level
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Stepping, sliding, scandеnt
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One-peak, double-peak, several-peak
Correct Answer
A. Descending, ascending, levelExplanation
The question is asking about the possible contours of pitch movement over the Head. Pitch refers to the perceived frequency of a sound, and the Head is likely referring to a musical composition or a specific section of a musical piece. The answer choices describe different types of pitch movement: descending (going down in frequency), ascending (going up in frequency), and level (maintaining a constant frequency). These options cover the range of possible pitch movements that can occur in a musical composition.Rate this question:
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- 47.
The head, formed with a series of stressed and unstressed syllables, unstressed syllables being pronounced on the same level as the preceding stressed one, is called _____.
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Sliding
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Level
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Stepping
Correct Answer
A. SteppingExplanation
In poetry, the head refers to the initial stressed syllable of a line, followed by one or more unstressed syllables. These unstressed syllables are pronounced at the same level as the preceding stressed syllable. This rhythmic pattern is known as "stepping," where the stress is emphasized and the unstressed syllables are pronounced more softly. Therefore, the correct answer is "stepping."Rate this question:
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- 48.
The head, formed with a series of stressed and unstressed syllables, unstressed syllables being pronounced lower than the preceding stressed ones, is called _____.
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Descending
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Sliding
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Stepping
Correct Answer
A. SlidingExplanation
The term "sliding" accurately describes the concept of the head in poetry, where stressed and unstressed syllables are pronounced with varying levels of pitch or volume. This creates a sliding effect in the rhythm of the poem. The other options, "descending" and "stepping," do not accurately capture this concept.Rate this question:
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- 49.
The complex tone Fall + Fall means _____.
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Mystification, persuasiveness
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Apologetic flavour
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Insistence, energy, dogmatism
Correct Answer
A. Insistence, energy, dogmatismExplanation
The complex tone "Fall + Fall" suggests a sense of insistence, energy, and dogmatism. This combination implies a strong and forceful tone, where the speaker is determined and unwavering in their beliefs or arguments. The repetition of the word "Fall" emphasizes the intensity and passion behind the tone, conveying a sense of conviction and assertiveness.Rate this question:
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Mar 17, 2025Quiz Edited by
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May 17, 2021Quiz Created by
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