NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

What are voiceless sounds?

1. Sounds made with a high pitch

2. Sounds produced without vibrating the vocal cords

3. Sounds produced while shouting

4. Sounds made by breath alone

The correct answer is: Sounds produced without vibrating the vocal cords

Voiceless sounds refer specifically to sounds that are produced without the vocal cords vibrating. This distinction is fundamental in phonetics and linguistics, as voiced sounds do involve vocal cord vibration, while voiceless sounds are articulated solely using the air passing through the vocal tract. For example, the sounds /p/, /t/, and /k/ are all voiceless consonants, produced without vocal cord engagement. Understanding voiceless sounds is essential for language teaching, particularly for English language learners, as it helps with pronunciation and listening skills. Recognizing the difference between voiced and voiceless sounds aids in teaching the nuances of sound production and helps in identifying sounds that may change meaning in different contexts. In contrast, the other options do not accurately define voiceless sounds, as high pitch, shouting, or breath alone do not pertain to the absence of vocal cord vibration specifically. Thus, understanding that voiceless sounds are characterized by the lack of vibration from the vocal cords leads to a clearer grasp of phonetic principles.