Which statement correctly describes unvoiced sounds?

• A. They are produced without vibration of the vocal cords
• B. They are produced with vibration of the vocal cords
• C. They involve glottalization only
• D. They are always vowels

Answer: (A)

Voicing describes whether the vocal cords vibrate during sound production. Unvoiced sounds are produced without that vibration. You can feel the difference by placing a finger on your throat and saying a word that starts with a sound like p or s; you’ll hear air but no buzzing from the vocal cords. This is why the statement that unvoiced sounds are produced without vibration of the vocal cords is the correct description. They aren’t defined by glottalization alone—glottalization can occur in some contexts, but it isn’t the defining feature of all unvoiced sounds. They aren’t vowels; vowels are typically voiced sounds produced with vibration and a more open vocal tract.