In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the word which is similar in meaning to the adjective "phonetic", i.e., relating to speech sounds.

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks for a word similar in meaning to "phonetic". In linguistics and language study, "phonetic" relates to speech sounds and the way they are produced, transmitted, and heard. It is connected to pronunciation and spoken language, not silence or lack of speech. The correct synonym must reflect this relationship to sound and speaking.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: "phonetic".
• Options: Mute, Reticent, Silent, Spoken.
• We focus on the general sense of phonetic as "relating to speech sounds" or "related to pronunciation".
• The correct answer will be associated with speaking rather than silence.

Concept / Approach:
"Phonetic" comes from the Greek root "phone", meaning sound or voice. It is used in phrases like "phonetic alphabet", "phonetic transcription", and "phonetic spelling", all of which refer to how words are pronounced or spoken. Among the options given, "Spoken" is the only word that directly connects to speech and oral language. "Mute", "Reticent", and "Silent" are all associated with not speaking or speaking very little, which is the opposite direction.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that "phonetic" is used in contexts such as "phonetic symbols", "phonetic script", and "phonetic representation" to describe how words sound when spoken. Step 2: Examine "Spoken". This adjective directly refers to things that are said aloud, such as "spoken language" or "spoken words". It links naturally to pronunciation and sound. Step 3: Substitute "Spoken" as a near synonym: both "phonetic description" and "spoken description" have to do with oral sound rather than written form. Step 4: Examine "Mute". This word means unable to speak or choosing not to speak, which is associated with silence, not sound. Step 5: Examine "Reticent". This means reserved or not inclined to talk much; again, it suggests limited speech rather than focus on sound. Step 6: Examine "Silent". This means making no sound or not speaking, which is the opposite of an emphasis on speech sounds. Step 7: Conclude that "Spoken" is the only option that shares the core idea of speech and sound with "phonetic".

Verification / Alternative check:
Compare usage: "phonetic language teaching" focuses on how words are spoken; "spoken language teaching" also emphasises oral communication. Both share the idea of speech sounds. On the other hand, phrases like "mute language" or "silent teaching" would mean something completely different and are not standard collocations in this context. This confirms that "Spoken" is the closest match to "phonetic" among the given choices.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Mute" is wrong because it describes lack of speech, not attention to sound. "Reticent" is wrong because it refers to a person's unwillingness to speak freely, not to the nature of speech sounds. "Silent" is wrong because it indicates absence of sound, whereas "phonetic" explicitly concerns the presence and qualities of speech sounds.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to overfocus on the exam's emphasis on "opposite" questions and wrongly assume that "phonetic" must be related to silence. Another pitfall is not recalling the root "phon-" (sound), which appears in other words like "telephone" and "symphony". Recognising roots helps you quickly see that "phonetic" must be about sound and that "Spoken" is therefore the best match.

Final Answer:
The word similar in meaning to "phonetic" is Spoken.