Public — In each of the following questions, choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the one…

The question is missing its underline, so I have to work out which letter(s) in "Public" is meant. Most likely it is the "p", as in Public, which is the sound /p/.

Step 1: Analyze the question We need the option whose underlined sound matches the consonant in "Public". The underline did not come through, so I'm assuming it is the first letter "p" (/p/).

Step 2: Explain the concept English spelling can represent one sound in several ways. The sound /p/ can be written as "p" or "pp". The sound /f/ can be written as "f", "ph" or "gh". Silent or unusual letter combinations, like "ps" in "psychology", are often pronounced differently from what they look like.

Step 3: Check each option

• A. trophy: the "ph" is /f/. This is not /p/.
• B. pharmacy: the "ph" is /f/. This is not /p/.
• C. psychology: the "p" is silent, and the word begins with /s/. This is not /p/.
• D. handicap: the final "p" is pronounced /p/. This matches "Public".

Step 4: Answer The only option with the /p/ sound is handicap (hand-i-cap, where the "p" is /p/).

Tip: When you see "ph", think /f/. When you see "ps" at the start of a word, think /s/ with a silent "p". Only a plain "p" gives /p/. Also, if the underline is missing, check that the question has the underlined part before you answer.