In the following question, four spellings are given. Select the correctly spelt word.

Introduction / Context:
This spelling question asks you to identify the correct form of a common English word. The word in question is used for a clever or novel trick, feature, or device that is intended to attract attention or increase appeal, often in marketing. Accurate spelling is important for clear written communication and is frequently tested in competitive exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Four similar-looking spellings are offered: gimmic, gimick, gimmick, and gimic.
• Only one of these is standard in dictionaries and widely used in written English.
• The correct spelling has a double m and a ck at the end.

Concept / Approach:
The standard spelling of the word is gimmick, with two m letters and the final ck. English often uses double consonants before certain endings to preserve vowel sounds or for historical reasons. In this word, the double m is an established part of the correct form. The endings ic and ick also matter; here, gimmick is the only correct dictionary entry. The other variants omit letters or rearrange them in ways not accepted in standard English.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall from memory or common usage the spelling of the word that means a clever trick or feature used to attract attention: gimmick.Step 2: Check the options for a match: gimmick with double m and ck is present as option C.Step 3: Examine gimmic (option A), which lacks the final k and is not standard.Step 4: Examine gimick (option B), which uses a single m, also incorrect.Step 5: Examine gimic (option D), which omits both the double m and the final k. Therefore, option C is the only correct spelling.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify by using the word in a sentence: The company added a free toy as a marketing gimmick. In printed materials and online articles, this word always appears as gimmick, not gimmic, gimick, or gimic. Dictionaries list only the double m, ck spelling. Thinking of related forms such as gimmicky (adjective) also shows the double m pattern is retained.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Gimmic, gimick, and gimic are common misspellings that may appear in casual writing but are not considered correct in standard English. They violate the established pattern of consonants in this particular word. Examiners often design such options to test whether you know the exact placement and doubling of consonants.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes rely on sound alone and think that because the word is pronounced with a short i and a k sound at the end, any of the spellings could work. However, English spelling is influenced by historical conventions and patterns, so memorising frequent words like gimmick is important. A useful trick is to visualise the word as gim + mick, which helps you remember the double m and the ck ending.

Final Answer:
The correctly spelt word is gimmick, so option C is correct.