Which word has the vowel sound in "code" (the /oʊ/ diphthong)?
code uses the /oʊ/ diphthong, gliding from 'o' toward 'oo', /koʊd/. By contrast 'cord' uses the open /ɔː/ vowel plus an r-colour, /kɔːrd/. The difference is a moving versus a flat vowel. In American English the 'r' in 'cord' is strongly pronounced. If you flatten 'code' into 'cord' you may confuse listeners between writing software and an electrical cable. Practise gliding your lips forward on 'code' so the vowel clearly travels and ends rounded.
2 / 5
Which statement about "byte" and "bite" is correct?
byte and bite are perfect homophones, both pronounced /baɪt/ with the /aɪ/ diphthong as in 'my'. The spelling differs but the sound is identical, which is exactly why 'byte' was coined to be unmistakable when spoken aloud yet distinct in writing from 'bit'. The real contrast to watch is 'byte' versus 'bit' (/bɪt/), where the vowel changes from the long gliding /aɪ/ to the short /ɪ/. Say 'eight bytes' clearly so it never collapses into 'eight bits'.
3 / 5
How should "sync" differ from "think" in pronunciation?
sync begins with a clean /s/ and ends /sɪŋk/, while think begins with the voiceless 'th' /θ/ made with the tongue tip between the teeth, /θɪŋk/. Many learners replace /θ/ with /s/ or /t/, turning 'think' into 'sink' or 'tink'. For developers this matters: you 'sync' a branch but you 'think' about a design. Put your tongue lightly between your teeth and blow for the 'th', then pull it back behind the teeth for the crisp /s/ of 'sync'.
4 / 5
Which word uses the rounded /ɔː/ vowel found in "port"?
port uses the rounded open /ɔː/ vowel plus r, /pɔːrt/, and it is a near or exact homophone of 'pour' in many accents. Compare it with 'part' /pɑːrt/, which uses the unrounded /ɑː/ vowel. Rounding your lips is the key signal: for 'port' push the lips into a small circle. In networking you 'open a port', so a clear rounded vowel keeps it from sounding like 'part'. Drill the pair 'port / part' to feel your lips round and unround.
5 / 5
What is the main difference between "code" and "cord"?
The contrast is vowel quality plus the 'r'. code /koʊd/ has the gliding /oʊ/ diphthong and no r-sound, while cord /kɔːrd/ has a flat, rounded /ɔː/ and a clear 'r' before the 'd'. If your accent drops the 'r' you must still keep the vowels distinct: a moving glide for 'code' versus a steady open vowel for 'cord'. Mixing them up can turn 'merge the code' into something about a cable. Exaggerate the forward glide of 'code' when practising.