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Question

Difficulty: HardConsonant Sounds

Complete the statement below by providing the correct phonetic representations of the consonant sound combinations.

Answer:In the word 'axiom', the letter 'x' represents the voiceless consonant cluster 【/ks/】, whereas in the word 'examine', the letter 'x' represents the voiced consonant cluster 【/gz/】.

Answer

In 'axiom', the letter 'x' represents the voiceless consonant cluster /ks/, while in 'examine', it represents the voiced consonant cluster /gz/.
In Oral English, the letter 'x' yields two primary consonant clusters depending on stress and surrounding phonetic environment. In 'axiom', the letter 'x' produces the voiceless cluster /ks/. In 'examine', because 'x' precedes a stressed vowel sound, both elements voice to form /gz/.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the phonetic pronunciation of the letter 'x' in the word 'axiom'.
The letter 'x' in 'axiom' precedes an unstressed vowel sound and is pronounced with the voiceless velar plosive /k/ followed by the voiceless alveolar fricative /s/, forming /ks/.
When 'x' appears before an unstressed syllable or at the end of a root word, it typically retains its voiceless cluster pronunciation.
2
Analyze the phonetic pronunciation of the letter 'x' in the word 'examine'.
The letter 'x' in 'examine' occurs before a stressed vowel, causing the plosive and fricative components to become voiced: /g/ and /z/, forming /gz/.
Intervocalic 'x' followed by a stressed vowel undergoes voicing assimilation from /ks/ to /gz/.

Key Concept

Phonetic realization of orthographic 'x' as voiceless (/ks/) versus voiced (/gz/) consonant clusters
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Consonant Sounds

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