Which manner of articulation involves a complete blockage of oral airflow, followed by release?

• A. Fricative
• B. Glide
• C. Stop/plosive
• D. Nasal

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is how the airstream is shaped by the articulators. A stop (plosive) happens when the oral cavity is completely shut off at some place of articulation, so no air escapes through the mouth. Then that complete closure is released, and the built-up air bursts out, creating a sudden, explosive sound. Stops can be voiceless (like p, t, k) or voiced (like b, d, g).

Fricatives, in contrast, involve a narrow constriction that lets air flow continuously and creates turbulence, not a full blockage. Glides involve a more open, smooth movement toward a vowel with no abrupt release. Nasals have the velum lowered so air escapes through the nose, not the mouth, and also don’t produce the same oral-burst release.