RICA Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Preparation

Question: 1 / 400

Which of the following describes consonants in terms of airflow?

They occur without any obstruction

They form a single sound with vowels

They obstruct airflow during pronunciation

Consonants are characterized by their ability to obstruct airflow during pronunciation. When producing consonant sounds, the airflow from the vocal cords is partially or completely blocked at various points in the vocal tract. This obstruction can occur in various ways, such as through the lips (as in "b" or "p"), the tongue against the roof of the mouth (as in "t" or "d"), or by constricting the throat (as in "k"). This obstruction is a key distinguishing feature of consonants compared to vowels, which allow for unobstructed airflow. Therefore, the description of consonants as obstructing airflow is accurate and reflects their linguistic function.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

They are always voiced sounds

Next Question

Report this question

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy