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

Analyze the question: The word "ploy" is given, and we need to find the option with the same vowel sound as the underlined letters. The underlined part is probably "oy", but it isn't shown here. In "ploy" the vowel sound is the diphthong /ɔɪ/.

Concept: A diphthong is a vowel sound that glides from one sound to another. The sound /ɔɪ/ is usually spelt "oy" or "oi", as in boy, toy, coin, voice.

Step by step:

• ploy → /plɔɪ/, with the diphthong /ɔɪ/
• A. plough → /plaʊ/, with the diphthong /aʊ/ (as in cow). Not a match.
• B. law → /lɔː/, with the long vowel /ɔː/. This is a pure vowel, not a diphthong, so it is not a match.
• C. noise → /nɔɪz/, with the diphthong /ɔɪ/. This is a match.
• D. sort → /sɔːt/, with the long vowel /ɔː/. Not a match.

Answer: C. noise

Tip: Don't be misled by spelling. "Plough" looks like it might sound like other "ou/ow" words, and "law" and "sort" have an "o"-type sound, but only "oy" and "oi" spellings give /ɔɪ/. When you see "oy" or "oi", think of boy, coin, noise, toy. Always say the words aloud to compare their sounds.