Choose from the options lettered A - E the one that contains the sound segment represented by the given phonetic symbol /u:/

Analyze the question: You are asked to find the word that contains the long vowel sound /u:/ (as in "boot" or "food").

Concept: /u:/ is a long, close back rounded vowel. It is different from /ʊ/, which is the short vowel in "put" and "book". Note the length mark (:) in /u:/.

Checking each option:

• A. book /bʊk/: short vowel /ʊ/, so not correct.
• B. choke /tʃəʊk/: diphthong /əʊ/, so not correct.
• C. put /pʊt/: short vowel /ʊ/, so not correct.
• D. rude /ru:d/: long vowel /u:/, so this is correct.
• E. rug /rʌɡ/: vowel /ʌ/, so not correct.

Answer: D (rude)

Tip: Words with "oo" can be tricky. "Book", "look", "foot" and "put" have the short /ʊ/, while "food", "moon", "rude", "true" and "blue" have the long /u:/. In the exam, always check whether the symbol has the length mark (:). If it does, say the word aloud and see if you stretch the vowel.