Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) Practice Test

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Prepare for the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations for each question. Achieve success on your exam!

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Which of the following describes consonants in terms of airflow?

  1. They occur without any obstruction

  2. They form a single sound with vowels

  3. They obstruct airflow during pronunciation

  4. They are always voiced sounds

The correct answer is: 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.