From the word lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letter(s) undelined  ask

The question is badly formatted: the underlined letters did not come through. The word given is "ask", so the underlined letters were probably "sk" or "k". Let's work with that.

Step 1: Analyze the question We need the word with the same consonant sound(s) as the underlined part of "ask". The word "ask" is pronounced /ɑːsk/, so the consonant cluster at the end is /sk/.

Step 2: Look at the sounds in each option

• A. tax /tæks/ – the ending is /ks/, which is the reverse order of /sk/.
• B. secure /sɪˈkjʊə/ – the "s" and "c" are in different syllables, so they do not form a cluster. The "c" is /k/ but the "s" is separate.
• C. scheme /skiːm/ – the "sch" is pronounced /sk/, so it matches exactly.
• D. axe /æks/ – the ending is /ks/, again not /sk/.

Step 3: Compare Only scheme has the cluster /sk/ in the same order as in "ask". In "scheme", "ch" sounds like /k/, and with the "s" in front it gives /sk/.

Note on the question: If the underlined letters were only "k", then "secure" (which has /k/) could also fit.

Answer: C. scheme

Tip: In sound questions, don't rely on spelling. Say each word aloud and compare the order of sounds. "ch" often sounds like /k/ in words of Greek origin, such as scheme, school, chemistry, and chorus.