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

Analyze the question

You are asked to find the word containing the sound /j/. This is the palatal approximant, the "y" sound as in yes. Don't confuse it with /dʒ/, the "j" sound as in judge.

Explain the concept

In phonetics, the symbol /j/ does not stand for the letter "j". It stands for the "y" sound, as in:

• yes /jes/
• yellow /ˈjeləʊ/
• you /juː/

The "j" sound as in jump is written /dʒ/.

Solution: check each option

• A. judge /dʒʌdʒ/ has the sound /dʒ/, not /j/.
• B. jump /dʒʌmp/ has the sound /dʒ/, not /j/.
• C. king /kɪŋ/ has the sounds /k/, /ɪ/ and /ŋ/. There is no /j/.
• D. tongue /tʌŋ/ has the sounds /t/, /ʌ/ and /ŋ/. There is no /j/.
• E. young /jʌŋ/ begins with /j/, the "y" sound.

Answer: E (young)

Tip: In phonetics questions, read the symbol as a sound, not as a letter. The symbol /j/ means the "y" sound, while the "j" sound of judge is /dʒ/. If you see /j/, look for a word that starts with the "y" sound, such as yam, yes or young.