Which statements about voiced and voiceless sounds are correct?

1. A. All twenty vowels of English are voiced.
2. B. With the vocal cords apart, voiceless sounds are produced.
3. C. Rapid opening and closing of the vocal cords produces voiceless sounds.
4. D. Fifteen of the twenty-four English consonants are voiced.
5. E. The organs of articulation include parts of the leg and hand.

1. AA, B, and D only
2. BB, C, and D only
3. CA, C, and E only
4. DB, D, and E only

Pick an option to check yourself, or open the answer below.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. A, B, and D only

Explanation

Vibration of the vocal cords makes a sound voiced. Nine consonants are voiceless (/p t k f θ s ʃ tʃ h/), and the other fifteen are voiced.