Final answer:
In a transcript, 'XX' typically represents an unclear word, which is indicated when the transcriber cannot hear or understand the word clearly. The answer is option 4.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of a transcript, the sequence 'C I XX cake' with 'XX' likely represents an unclear word. This is a common notation used in transcripts to show words that the transcriber was unable to hear or understand clearly.
Option 4, therefore, is the correct answer to the student's question. When a word in a transcript cannot be deciphered, it is often indicated by a placeholder such as 'XX' or similar symbols to show that a part of the conversation was inaudible or not clear enough to transcribe with certainty. In contrast, a pause would typically be indicated by a period or ellipsis, stutter by repetition of characters or words, and repetition by duplicating the word or phrase.