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

Analyze the question: The word is "worst" (the underlined part is likely "or"). We need the word whose underlined vowel sound matches the vowel sound in "worst".

Explain the concept: In "worst", the letters "or" after a "w" are pronounced as the long central vowel /ɜː/ (as in "bird", "fur", "term"). Normally "or" sounds like /ɔː/ (as in "cord"), but after "w" it changes.

Show the solution: Let's check each option.

• A. fiery /ˈfaɪəri/: the vowel sound is a diphthong /aɪə/. This is not a match.
• B. cord /kɔːd/: the vowel is /ɔː/. This is not a match, because "or" here is the normal /ɔː/ sound.
• C. put /pʊt/: the vowel is the short /ʊ/. This is not a match.
• D. worship /ˈwɜːʃɪp/: the "wor" is pronounced /wɜː/, the same vowel sound as in "worst" /wɜːst/. This is a match.

Answer: D. worship.

Tip: Remember the "wor" rule: when "wor" begins a syllable, it usually sounds like /wɜː/, as in work, world, worm, worth, worst, worship. It does not sound like /wɔː/. Keep this pattern in mind for similar vowel-sound questions.