FTCE Reading K-12 Practice Exam

Consonants are characterized by a partial obstruction of airflow during their pronunciation. This obstruction occurs at various points of articulation in the vocal tract, such as the lips, tongue, or throat, creating different sounds. These partial blockages allow for the rich variety of consonant sounds, which are essential in the formation of words and the structure of speech.

In contrast, complete freedom of airflow pertains to vowel sounds, where the vocal tract remains open, allowing air to flow unobstructed. Choosing only vowel sounds overlooks the vital role consonants play in language. Silence during speech production does not align with consonant sounds as they inherently involve vocalization. Thus, the focus on partial obstruction accurately describes the nature of consonantal articulation.