Final answer:
The first sound in "switch" is the consonant blend /sw/, making option d./sw/ the correct answer. The sound /sh/ is spelled differently and not how "switch" starts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first sound in the word "switch" is a combination of sounds, represented by the letter choices provided. The specific sound we're looking for is the initial consonant blend that starts the word.
When considering the options a./sh/ b./s/ c./swĭh/ d./sw/, we must examine the phonetic realization of the word "switch." The correct answer is d./sw/, as the word begins with a consonant blend of /s/ and /w/ before transitioning to the vowel sound. The /sh/ sound typically spelled as , , or followed by an 'i' or another vowel with weak stress, is not how the word "switch" starts.
Instead, "switch" begins with the /sw/ sound where /s/ blends directly with /w/ without producing the /sh/ sound. Examples of the /sh/ sound can be found in words like "shush," but in this case, "switch" does not begin with a /sh/ sound.