Gce Model Questions Vol1 2017 English Language Question 55

Practice objective / multiple choice question 55 from the 2017 Gce Model Questions Vol1 English Language examination.

Gce Model Questions Vol1 2017 English Language Objective / Multiple Choice Medium Difficulty
Question 55 GCE_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1 • 2017 • ENGLISH_LANGUAGE • objective

In English, the singular noun "cat" is transcribed as /kæt/ and its plural form "cats" as /kæts/. Explain the phonological rule that determines the pronunciation of the plural suffix /‑s/ in this context.

Answer Options

A. The suffix \/‑s\/ is realized as voiced [z] after the voiceless \/t\/, because the plural suffix always becomes voiced before a consonant.
Correct Answer B. The suffix /‑s/ is realized as voiceless [s] after the voiceless /t/, due to a voicing assimilation rule where the plural suffix takes the voicing of the preceding sound.
C. The suffix \/‑s\/ is realized as a glottal stop [ʔ] after the voiceless \/t\/, because the tongue closure causes a stop articulation.
D. The suffix \/‑s\/ is realized as voiceless [s] after any consonant, regardless of voicing, due to a universal devoicing rule.
Correct Answer
B
Correct Option:
The suffix /‑s/ is realized as voiceless [s] after the voiceless /t/, due to a voicing assimilation rule where the plural suffix takes the voicing of the preceding sound.

About This Question

This is Gce Model Questions Vol1 2017 English Language Question 55. It is one of the objective questions from the 2017 Gce Model Questions Vol1 English Language examination.

Difficulty level: Medium .

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