jump — choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the on represented by the letter(s) underlined

Analyze the question: The word is "jump", and the underlined letter is most likely the "j" at the start. The question asks which option has the same consonant sound as the one underlined. The sound of "j" in "jump" is /dʒ/, as in "judge".

Concept: In English, the letter "g" has two common sounds:

• Hard g /g/, as in go, geese, gear, get
• Soft g /dʒ/, as in gem, giant, digest

Checking each option:

• A. digest is pronounced /daɪˈdʒest/. The "g" here is soft and gives /dʒ/, the same sound as "j" in "jump". ✔
• B. geese is pronounced /giːs/. The "g" is hard /g/. ✘
• C. dozen is pronounced /ˈdʌzən/. The "d" is /d/, not /dʒ/. ✘
• D. gear is pronounced /gɪə/. The "g" is hard /g/. ✘

Answer: A (digest)

Tip: Compare the sounds, not the spellings. The letter "g" before e, i or y is often soft (/dʒ/), as in gentle, giant, gym. There are exceptions such as get, give, geese, gear, so always say the word aloud to check. Also note that "digest" as a verb has the soft g (/daɪˈdʒest/).