Second IPA Quiz...For Those Who Have Nothing Else To Do.

1. If a vowel is half-long, the diacritical mark it receives is...

A tiny "h" (for "half-long") in the lower right corner.

One measly little dot to the right.

A happy face.

No mark at all.

An underline.

When a vowel is half-long, it is marked with a small dot to the right. This dot indicates that the vowel is pronounced with a slightly longer duration compared to a short vowel, but not as long as a long vowel. The dot serves as a diacritical mark to indicate this specific pronunciation feature of the vowel.

Explanation

When a vowel is half-long, it is marked with a small dot to the right. This dot indicates that the vowel is pronounced with a slightly longer duration compared to a short vowel, but not as long as a long vowel. The dot serves as a diacritical mark to indicate this specific pronunciation feature of the vowel.

2. Which word would get a "liquid u"?

Noodle

Boot

Puck

Puke

Flute

The word "puke" would get a "liquid u" because it contains the "u" sound that is pronounced like a liquid or a vowel glide.

Explanation

The word "puke" would get a "liquid u" because it contains the "u" sound that is pronounced like a liquid or a vowel glide.

3. [U] is a(n) _____________ vowel.

Front

Middle

Back

Ugly

Potentially long

The given question is asking for the type of vowel that [U] represents. In phonetics, vowels are classified based on their position in the mouth. The terms "front," "middle," and "back" refer to the position of the tongue when producing the vowel sound. Since [U] is pronounced with the back of the tongue raised towards the soft palate, it is classified as a "back" vowel.

Explanation

The given question is asking for the type of vowel that [U] represents. In phonetics, vowels are classified based on their position in the mouth. The terms "front," "middle," and "back" refer to the position of the tongue when producing the vowel sound. Since [U] is pronounced with the back of the tongue raised towards the soft palate, it is classified as a "back" vowel.

4. A potentially long vowel, such as [i], is LONG when...

It is followed by any consonant, but only in the unstressed position.

It is in the stressed position and followed by a voiceless consonant.

It is in the stressed position and followed by a voiced consonant.

It is in the unstressed position and followed by the word "skittle."

...wait a minute...[i] is ALWAYS long.

When a potentially long vowel, such as [i], is in the stressed position and followed by a voiced consonant, it is long. This means that the vowel sound is pronounced for a longer duration compared to when it is in other positions or followed by other types of consonants. This pattern applies consistently for the vowel [i], making it always long.

Explanation

When a potentially long vowel, such as [i], is in the stressed position and followed by a voiced consonant, it is long. This means that the vowel sound is pronounced for a longer duration compared to when it is in other positions or followed by other types of consonants. This pattern applies consistently for the vowel [i], making it always long.

5. What vowel sound is known as the "diamond of good speech"?

E

æ

ʌ

ɪ

ɜ

The vowel sound "ɪ" is known as the "diamond of good speech" because it is considered a central vowel sound that is commonly used in many languages and is associated with clear and precise pronunciation. This sound is often referred to as the "schwa" and is found in words such as "sit" and "bit." It is considered important for good speech because it is a neutral and easily producible sound that can help improve clarity and intelligibility in communication.

Explanation

The vowel sound "ɪ" is known as the "diamond of good speech" because it is considered a central vowel sound that is commonly used in many languages and is associated with clear and precise pronunciation. This sound is often referred to as the "schwa" and is found in words such as "sit" and "bit." It is considered important for good speech because it is a neutral and easily producible sound that can help improve clarity and intelligibility in communication.