MLAT Phonetic Script Association 3

Question 1

A phonetic script uses a horizontal bar through a letter to indicate nasalization. If 'm' with a bar = nasalized 'm,' which word's final sound would most likely carry this mark?

Accepted Answer

sing

Answer

'Sing' ends with the nasal velar /ŋ/, which would be marked for nasalization in such a system.

Question 2

An MLAT-style task presents the invented word 'felbu' transcribed as /fɛlbu/. If the script symbol ☾ = /ɛ/, what does ☾ sound like?

Accepted Answer

The vowel in 'bed'

Answer

/ɛ/ is the short 'e' sound found in words like 'bed' or 'bet.'

Question 3

A code pairs each phonetic symbol with a color. Symbol for /p/ = blue, /b/ = red. What phonetic property explains grouping these two sounds together with different colors?

Accepted Answer

They share place of articulation but differ in voicing

Answer

/p/ and /b/ are both bilabial stops but /p/ is voiceless and /b/ is voiced, making voicing the distinguishing feature.

Question 4

In the MLAT phonetic section, a student hears a word and must select the correct symbol sequence. The word is 'phone.' Which sequence is correct if ∅=/f/, ○=/oʊ/, △=/n/?

Accepted Answer

∅○△

Answer

'Phone' is pronounced /foʊn/, so the symbols must appear in the order: consonant, vowel, consonant.

Question 5

A phonetic script doubles a symbol to show a lengthened consonant, as in Italian 'geminate' consonants. If ✦ = /t/, how would a long /t:/ be written?

Accepted Answer

✦✦

Answer

The system's rule is to double the symbol for length, so ✦✦ represents the geminate /t:/ sound.

(MLAT) Modern Language Aptitude Test Practice Test

(MLAT) Modern Language Aptitude Test Practice Test

MLAT Phonetic Script Association 3