Tips for solving spectrographic analysis:

First, always start with the vowels. Think about all the words that you are attempting to match spectrograms to. Arrange the words according to the vowels in the IPA transcription according to height and frontness. Find the highest frontest vowel in the list of words and match that to the appropriate spectrogram. Then use that as a comparison.

Second, use manners of articulation for extra support. Examine the list of words for different identifiable manners and match them to the appropriate spectrogram. Remember that liquids, nasals and glides look like vowels but a little weaker. Glides always have a fairly lengthy transition. Remember how to identify [r] in a spectrogram (F3).

Third, use place of articulation for extra extra support. Examine the transition from the consonants into the vowels and from the vowels into the consonants. Some are marked with arrows on the spectrograms for clarity. See if you can use those to provide support for consonants that are velar or bilabial to help justify your answers. Remember that consonants transitions are very brief and don’t confuse them with glides or diphthongs which show a longer transitional period!