choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the letter(s) underlined from the options lettered A-E Bark

Analyze the question: The underlined letter(s) in "Bark" isn't shown, but the only sensible options are the b at the start (/b/) or the k at the end (/k/). Since all the options contain "b" (climb, tomb, curb, doubt, dumb), the underlined letter is almost certainly the b in "Bark", which is pronounced /b/.

Concept: In English, the letter "b" is sometimes silent, especially when it comes after "m" at the end of a word (climb, tomb, dumb) or before "t" (doubt). A sound-matching question like this tests whether you can spot where "b" is actually pronounced.

Solution: Check each option for whether "b" is sounded.

• A. climb: /klaɪm/, the b is silent.
• B. tomb: /tuːm/, the b is silent.
• C. curb: /kɜːb/, the b is pronounced /b/.
• D. doubt: /daʊt/, the b is silent.
• E. dumb: /dʌm/, the b is silent.

Only curb has a pronounced /b/ sound, matching the "b" in "Bark".

Answer: C. curb

Tip: Remember the silent-b rule: "b" is usually silent after "m" at the end of a word (climb, comb, tomb, dumb, bomb, lamb) and before "t" (doubt, debt, subtle). In "sound-matching" questions, the correct answer is often the one that does NOT follow the silent pattern, so look for the odd one out.