Choose the option that rhymes with the given word taciturn

Analyze the question: We need the word that rhymes with "taciturn", so we compare the ending sounds.

Explain the concept: Rhyming words share the same vowel sound and ending sound, starting from the last stressed or main sound. "Taciturn" is pronounced /ˈtæsɪtɜːn/. The ending is -urn /ɜːn/, the same sound as in "turn", "learn" and "burn".

Step-by-step solution:

• A. rerun /ˌriːˈrʌn/: ends in /ʌn/ (like "sun"). The vowel is different, so it does not rhyme. Spelling "-run" looks close, but the sound is not the same.
• B. tarn /tɑːn/: a tarn is a small mountain lake. It has the vowel /ɑː/ (like "barn"), not /ɜː/. It does not rhyme.
• C. around /əˈraʊnd/: ends in /aʊnd/. It does not rhyme.
• D. burn /bɜːn/: ends in /ɜːn/, exactly the same as the ending of "taciturn". It rhymes.

Answer: D. burn.

Tip: In rhyme questions, go by sound, not spelling. Say the words aloud and compare the last vowel and consonant sounds. Words like "rerun" and "tarn" look similar on paper but sound different. Also remember that "-urn", "-earn", "-ir" and "-er" (as in "fern") often share the same /ɜː/ sound.