How does the letter 'x' sound?

The letter 'x' primarily represents the /ks/ sound in English phonetics, which is a combination of the /k/ and /s/ sounds. This can be observed in words such as "fox," "mix," and "box," where the 'x' appears at the end or in the middle of the word and is pronounced as /ks/.

Understanding the pronunciation of 'x' is important in phonics instruction since it can inform spelling, decoding, and pronunciation strategies for learners. The other options represent different sounds that 'x' does not convey in standard English usage. Thus, recognizing /ks/ as the sound associated with 'x' helps students in correctly identifying and articulating words that include this letter.