/p/ — Choose the word that contains the sound represented by the given phonetic symbol

Analyze the question: You are asked to find the word in which the sound /p/ is actually pronounced. In English, the letter "p" is sometimes silent, so you must listen to the sound and not rely on spelling.

Concept: The /p/ sound is a voiceless bilabial plosive. Both lips close, then release a puff of air. Some words have a "p" in the spelling that is silent, especially at the start of words with "pn-" and "ps-" (from Greek origins). Also, "p" in "cupboard" is commonly lost through assimilation.

Go through each option:

• A. pneumonia /njuːˈməʊniə/. The "p" is silent. ✘
• B. compare /kəmˈpeə/. The "p" is clearly pronounced after the /m/. ✔
• C. cupboard /ˈkʌbəd/. The "p" is silent in speech, because it assimilates to /b/. ✘
• D. psychology /saɪˈkɒlədʒi/. The "p" is silent. ✘

Answer: Only compare has the /p/ sound clearly pronounced, so the answer is B.

Tip: Words beginning with pn-, ps-, and pt- (pneumonia, psychology, psalm, pterodactyl) usually have a silent "p". Also remember that cupboard is pronounced /ˈkʌbəd/. Always say the word aloud and listen for the sound before choosing.