/u:/ — choose the word that contains the sound represented by the phonetic symbol

Analyze the question: You're asked to find the word that contains the long vowel sound /u:/, the sound in "moon," "food," and "blue."

Explain the concept: /u:/ is a long vowel, said with rounded lips and a long, steady "oo." It should not be confused with /ʊ/, the short sound in "put" or "book."

Solution: Let's check each word's pronunciation.

• A. plumber is /ˈplʌmə/. The "u" has the /ʌ/ sound, as in "cup," and the "b" is silent. This is not /u:/.
• B. pull is /pʊl/. This is the short /ʊ/ sound, as in "put." It is not long, so it is not /u:/.
• C. suit is /su:t/ (some speakers say /sju:t/). The "ui" gives the long /u:/ sound, as in "fruit" and "juice." This matches.
• D. hunger is /ˈhʌŋgə/. The "u" has the /ʌ/ sound. This is not /u:/.

Answer: The correct option is C. suit.

Tip: Watch out for the pairs /u:/ and /ʊ/.

• Long /u:/ appears in: suit, fruit, moon, true, rule.
• Short /ʊ/ appears in: pull, put, full, book, good.

Also remember that the letter "u" does not always sound like "oo." In "plumber" and "hunger" it sounds like /ʌ/. In the exam, say each word quietly to yourself and listen to whether the vowel is long and rounded.