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

Analyze the question: The symbol /n/ is the regular "n" sound, as in "nine" or "sun". We need the word that actually has this sound when spoken, not just one that has the letter "n" in its spelling.

Explain the concept: In English, the letter "n" is sometimes pronounced differently or not at all:

• "n" before "k" or "g" often becomes the velar nasal /ŋ/ (the "ng" sound), as in "sing" or "think".
• Silent letters also occur. "kn-" at the start of a word has a silent "k", so only /n/ is pronounced. Final "-mn" has a silent "n".

Check each option:

• A. ankle is /ˈæŋkl/. The "n" before "k" is pronounced /ŋ/, not /n/. ✗
• B. knock is /nɒk/. The "k" is silent, and the word starts with the clear /n/ sound. ✓
• C. hymn is /hɪm/. The final "n" is silent, so the word ends in /m/. ✗
• D. hung is /hʌŋ/. The "ng" is pronounced /ŋ/, not /n/. ✗

Answer: B. knock.

Tip: Watch out for these patterns when a question asks for /n/:

• "kn-" at the start of a word (knife, knee, know) gives /n/.
• "-mn" at the end of a word (hymn, autumn, column) has a silent "n".
• "nk" and "ng" usually give /ŋ/, not /n/.

Always say the word aloud in your head and listen to the sound, instead of relying on the spelling.