protein — Choose the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined

The underlined letters aren't visible in the question as pasted, so I'll work from the most likely version of this question.

Analyze the question "Protein" is pronounced /ˈprəʊtiːn/. The first syllable has the diphthong /əʊ/ (the "oh" sound, as in "go"). The underlined letters are most likely "o" in "pro-".

(The other vowel in "protein" is "ei" /iː/. None of the options has that sound, since "chicken" has /ɪ/, a short sound. So the question must be testing the "o" sound.)

Explain the concept In vowel-sound questions, ignore spelling and match the sound. Say each word aloud and compare it with the underlined part.

Step-by-step solution

• protein: /ˈprəʊtiːn/. The "o" is /əʊ/.
• A. potty: /ˈpɒti/. The "o" is a short /ɒ/. ✗
• B. chicken: /ˈtʃɪkɪn/. The vowel is /ɪ/. ✗
• C. gobble: /ˈɡɒbl/. The "o" is a short /ɒ/. ✗
• D. go: /ɡəʊ/. The vowel is /əʊ/. ✓

Answer: D. go.

Tip: An "o" at the end of a short word, or in an open syllable (like "pro-", "go", "no", "so"), is usually the long /əʊ/ sound. An "o" followed by a double consonant (like "potty", "gobble") is usually the short /ɒ/ sound. Look at what follows the vowel.