The primary constriction at the glottis.

The primary constriction at the glottis.

• A. Velar
• B. Palatal
• C. Alveolar
• D. Glottal

Answer: (D)

This question tests your understanding of where in the vocal tract a consonant is formed—the place of articulation. The glottis is the opening between the vocal folds in the larynx. When the constriction for a sound is made right at that opening, we call it glottal articulation. That’s why “glottal” is the correct label for the primary constriction at the glottis. For contrast, the other places involve different tongue positions: velar sits toward the soft palate at the back of the mouth, palatal around the hard palate in the middle, and alveolar near the ridge behind the teeth. So the constriction at the glottis specifically points to the glottal category.

This question tests your understanding of where in the vocal tract a consonant is formed—the place of articulation. The glottis is the opening between the vocal folds in the larynx. When the constriction for a sound is made right at that opening, we call it glottal articulation. That’s why “glottal” is the correct label for the primary constriction at the glottis. For contrast, the other places involve different tongue positions: velar sits toward the soft palate at the back of the mouth, palatal around the hard palate in the middle, and alveolar near the ridge behind the teeth. So the constriction at the glottis specifically points to the glottal category.