Select the correctly spelled English word from the given options that sound similar.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests spelling, a fundamental aspect of English language proficiency often checked in competitive examinations. You are given four similar looking words and must identify the correctly spelled one. Spelling questions help ensure that candidates can recognise standard written forms which are important for formal writing, form filling, and reading comprehension.

Given Data / Assumptions:

Four options are given: brooches, linoleam, limekilne, and cherubick.
Only one represents the standard spelling of a real English word.

Concept / Approach:
Brooches is the plural form of brooch, a decorative pin worn on clothing. The correct spelling is b r o o c h e s. Linoleum is a type of flooring, correctly spelled l i n o l e u m, not linoleam. Limekiln is a structure for burning limestone, spelled l i m e k i l n, not limekilne. Cherubic is the adjective meaning like a cherub, spelled c h e r u b i c, while cherubick is incorrect. Therefore, brooches is the only option that matches the standard spelling of a common English word.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify whether each option resembles any familiar English word. Step 2: Recognise brooches as the plural of brooch, a known word referring to a decorative pin or ornament. Step 3: Recall that linoleum is the correct spelling for a type of floor covering and compare it with linoleam, which uses the wrong vowel combination. Step 4: Note that limekiln is the accepted form for a type of furnace, so limekilne has an unnecessary extra e at the end. Step 5: Remember that cherub leads to cherubic as the adjective, so cherubick again has an incorrect k at the end, leaving brooches as the only correct choice.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can quickly check dictionary memory or mental images of common words. Brooches often appears in contexts like jewellery catalogues or descriptive passages in literature. The other forms do not match typical spelling patterns in English. For instance, endings like e a m in linoleam are less common than e u m in scientific or technical terms. Similarly, English adjectives derived from cherub end in i c rather than c k. These spelling patterns support selection of brooches as the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B linoleam is a misspelling of linoleum, with incorrect vowel placement. Option C limekilne incorrectly adds a final e to limekiln, which is not used in standard spelling. Option D cherubick is a wrong variant of cherubic, which does not take a final k.

Common Pitfalls:
Many candidates rely on vague visual memory and may be misled by extra letters that look decorative but are incorrect. Another pitfall is not knowing the base words at all, leading to random guessing. To improve spelling skills, it is helpful to read widely and pay attention to word forms, especially in headings, captions, and labels where spelling is usually carefully checked. Spelling practice with word families also reinforces correct patterns.

Final Answer:
brooches