What is the final spelling of (k) in a one-syllable word that follows a short vowel?

In one-syllable words that have a short vowel sound, the final spelling of the sound /k/ typically uses "ck." This spelling pattern helps signal the vowel's shortness and is a common rule in English phonetics. For example, in the word "back," the /k/ sound is represented by "ck," which follows the short vowel "a." The use of "ck" prevents confusion with the silent "e" pattern and reinforces the idea that the preceding vowel should be pronounced as a short vowel.

This spelling convention is crucial for distinguishing word meanings and ensuring proper pronunciation, particularly among early literacy learners. In contrast, other options like "c," "k," and "ke" are applicable in different contexts or word structures, but they do not follow the specific rule for short vowels at the end of one-syllable words. For instance, "ke" often denotes a long vowel sound, which is not suitable when adhering to short vowel rules. Thus, "ck" is the correct final spelling in this case.