/ b / — choose the word that contains the sound represented by the given phonetic symbol

Analyze the question: You are asked to pick the word in which the sound /b/ is actually pronounced. In English, the letter "b" is sometimes silent, so the spelling can be misleading.

Explain the concept: Silent "b" usually occurs in two patterns:

• "mb" at the end of a word, as in lamb, comb, tomb, climb, thumb
• "bt" in some words, as in doubt, debt, subtle

Solution, word by word:

• A. bugle is pronounced /ˈbjuːɡl/. The "b" is at the beginning and is clearly pronounced, so the sound /b/ is present.
• B. doubt is pronounced /daʊt/. The "b" is silent.
• C. subtle is pronounced /ˈsʌtl/. The "b" is silent.
• D. lamb is pronounced /læm/. The final "b" is silent.

Answer: A. bugle

Exam tip: In sound questions, do not trust the spelling. Say each word aloud in your head and listen for the sound. Remember the silent-b words: doubt, debt, subtle, lamb, comb, tomb, climb, thumb, plumber, bomb. If a "b" comes at the start of a word, as in bugle, it is almost always pronounced.