Learn French Pronunciation & Phonetics 2

Question 1

The French vowel 'u' (as in 'tu') is best described as which type of sound?

Accepted Answer

A front rounded vowel with no direct English equivalent

Answer

A back rounded vowel identical to English 'oo' in 'moon'

Answer

The same as the English 'u' in 'cup'

Answer

A silent vowel when appearing at the end of a word

Question 2

What is the general stress pattern in French compared to English?

Accepted Answer

Stress falls on the final syllable of a rhythmic group or phrase

Answer

Stress falls on the first syllable of each word

Answer

Stress alternates between odd and even syllables

Answer

Each word carries equal, variable stress depending on the speaker

Question 3

The French letter combination 'gn' represents which sound?

Accepted Answer

The palatal nasal /ɲ/, similar to Spanish 'ñ'

Answer

A hard /gn/ sound (g + n in sequence)

Answer

The /ŋ/ sound like English 'ng' in 'sing'

Answer

A /nʒ/ blend (n + zh)

Question 4

What is the 'e caduc' (mute e / schwa) in French?

Accepted Answer

An unstressed /ə/ vowel in words like 'le' that can be dropped in fast speech

Answer

The accented 'é' sound in words like 'été'

Answer

The 'e' in 'neige' that produces a glide sound

Answer

The 'ê' in 'fête' that is always fully pronounced

Question 5

When is a French 'h' considered 'h aspiré' (aspirate h)?

Accepted Answer

When it prevents liaison and elision with the preceding word

Answer

When it produces an audible puff of air like English 'h'

Answer

When it produces a voiced fricative like Spanish 'j'

Answer

When it appears at the end of a word

Question 6

Which statement about final consonants in French words is generally correct?

Accepted Answer

Final consonants are usually silent

Answer

Final consonants are always fully pronounced

Answer

Final consonants are only pronounced before a pause

Answer

Final consonants are doubled in pronunciation for clarity

Question 7

What intonation pattern is used in informal French yes/no questions?

Accepted Answer

Rising intonation at the end of a declarative statement

Answer

Descending intonation throughout the sentence

Answer

Completely flat intonation with no pitch change

Answer

Heavy stress on the first word of the sentence