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

Analyze the question: The symbol /ɑ:/ is the long open back vowel, the sound in "father," "car," and "start". You need the word that contains this sound.

Explain the concept: /ɑ:/ is a long vowel. It is often spelt "ar" (car), "al" (calm), or "au" (aunt, laugh in some accents). In Nigerian English exam practice, we follow the standard British (RP) pronunciation.

Check each option:

• A. anus is /ˈeɪnəs/. The first vowel is the diphthong /eɪ/, so this is not correct.
• B. aunt is /ɑ:nt/. The vowel is the long /ɑ:/, so this is correct.
• C. day is /deɪ/. This has the diphthong /eɪ/, so it is not correct.
• D. embassy is /ˈembəsi/. This has /e/, /ə/ and /i/, so it is not correct.
• E. pack is /pæk/. This has the short vowel /æ/, so it is not correct.

Answer: B. aunt.

Tip: Compare "aunt" with "ant." "Aunt" has the long /ɑ:/ (like "arnt"), while "ant" has the short /æ/. Words like aunt, path, laugh, dance, class, and grasp usually take /ɑ:/ in British English. Always check whether the vowel is long (:) or short.