MLAT Phonetic Script Association 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In a novel phonetic script, the symbol ⊕ consistently appears at the end of words that rhyme with 'moon.' Which word would most likely end with ⊕?
- tune (Correct answer)
- mane
- mile
- mole
Correct answer: tune
Words rhyming with 'moon' share the /uːn/ sound, so 'tune' fits the pattern.
Question 2: A phonetic code uses doubled letters to indicate a long vowel. If 'bit' is written as 'bit,' how would 'beat' be written?
- beet (Correct answer)
- biet
- biit
- beit
Correct answer: beet
Doubling the vowel letter signals a long vowel, so the long /iː/ in 'beat' becomes 'ee.'
Question 3: In a script where each consonant cluster is represented by a single unique symbol, which English word would require the MOST symbols under this system?
- strengths (Correct answer)
- bat
- trip
- clan
Correct answer: strengths
'Strengths' contains multiple distinct consonant clusters (str- and -ngths), requiring the most symbols.
Question 4: A learner sees that the MLAT phonetic symbol ∇ maps to the sound in 'ship' but not 'sip.' What phonetic distinction is being tested?
- The difference between /ʃ/ and /s/ (Correct answer)
- The difference between voiced and voiceless stops
- The difference between long and short vowels
- The difference between nasal and oral sounds
Correct answer: The difference between /ʃ/ and /s/
'Ship' has the fricative /ʃ/ while 'sip' has /s/, so the symbol marks that specific consonant contrast.
Question 5: A phonetic script assigns the symbol ◆ to any sound made with the lips pressed together. Which word's first sound would NOT receive ◆?
- vain (Correct answer)
- bat
- mat
- pat
Correct answer: vain
The /v/ in 'vain' is made with the upper teeth and lower lip, not both lips pressed together.
Question 6: If a phonetic alphabet marks stress with an accent above the stressed vowel symbol, how many accent marks would the word 'education' require?
- 1 (Correct answer)
- 2
- 3
- 4
Correct answer: 1
'Education' has one primary stress (on 'ca'), so only one accent mark is needed under a primary-stress-only system.
Question 7: In a test script, the symbol Ω replaces any vowel that is reduced to a schwa in natural speech. Which word would have the MOST Ω symbols?
- petroleum (Correct answer)
- cat
- run
- bright
Correct answer: petroleum
'Petroleum' has multiple unstressed syllables that reduce to schwas in natural American English speech.
MLAT Phonetic Script Association 2
In a novel phonetic script, the symbol ⊕ consistently appears at the end of words that rhyme with 'moon.' Which word would most likely end with ⊕?