What writing system uses symbols that represent only consonants, requiring readers to supply vowels?

The correct answer is the writing system that focuses on consonants, requiring readers to infer or supply the missing vowels in order to read the text accurately. This system is known as consonantal writing, or abjad, where the primary symbols represent consonant sounds while the vowels are often not explicitly written. This can be seen in languages like Arabic and Hebrew, where the script contains letters for consonants and relies on the reader to supply the appropriate vowels based on context.

In this system, the understanding of words and their pronunciation is heavily dependent on familiarity with the language, as the absence of vowel representation can make it more challenging for those unfamiliar with the context or grammar to interpret the text correctly. This contrasts with other systems, such as syllabic systems that use symbols to represent syllables (which include both consonants and vowels), logographic systems that represent entire words or morphemes with unique symbols, and alphabetic systems that typically represent both consonants and vowels in a structured way.