For the question, choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the ones represented by the letter(s) underlined. boot

Answer Details

The word "boot" contains the vowel sound /uː/, a long close back rounded vowel. This is the same prolonged "oo" sound heard in words like moon, tool, and food.

Examining each option:

• cold contains the diphthong /əʊ/ (as in "go"), which is entirely different from /uː/.
• food contains /uː/, the same long vowel as in "boot". Both words share the identical vowel quality and length.
• top contains the short vowel /ɒ/ (as in "hot"), a short open back vowel - not a match.
• book contains /ʊ/, a short close back vowel. Although "oo" appears in the spelling, the sound in "book" is shorter and more lax than the /uː/ in "boot".

The correct answer is food, because its vowel sound /uː/ is identical to that in "boot".

Exam tip: Do not rely on spelling to match vowel sounds. "Book" and "boot" share the same vowel letters but have different pronunciations. Always sound the words out to compare the actual vowel quality.