lose — Choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the letter underlined

Analyze the question: The word is "lose" (the underlined letter is almost certainly the s). We need the word whose "s" (or equivalent consonant) has the same sound as the "s" in "lose".

Explain the concept: In English, the letter s can be pronounced in two ways:

• /s/ (voiceless), as in sit, horse
• /z/ (voiced), as in zoo, lose

Solution:

• "lose" is pronounced /luːz/, so the s sounds like /z/.
• A. noise: /nɔɪz/ → ends with /z/ ✔
• B. horse: /hɔːs/ → ends with /s/ ✘
• C. mouse: /maʊs/ → ends with /s/ ✘
• D. nurse: /nɜːs/ → ends with /s/ ✘

Only "noise" has the voiced /z/ sound at the end, matching "lose".

Answer: A. noise.

Tip: Words ending in a silent "e" after "s" can go either way, so don't guess. Say the word aloud and feel your throat: place your fingers on your throat. If it vibrates (like in /z/), the sound is voiced. "Lose" and "noise" vibrate. "Horse," "mouse," and "nurse" do not (they end in a hissing /s/).