JAMB 2010 English Language · Question 57

Coup? — Choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the underlined letters

Question

Choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the underlined letters. Coup?

In the original paper part of this question is underlined. The underline isn't shown here: see the explanation below.

A.whup
B.hoot
C.couple
D.scout

Answer: B. hoot

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: "Coup" is pronounced /kuː/ (the "p" is silent). The vowel sound is the long /uː/, as in "boot". We need the option with the same vowel sound.

Explain the concept: In English, the letters "ou" can represent several different sounds:

/uː/ as in coup, group, soup
/aʊ/ as in scout, house
/ʌ/ as in couple, young

Check each option:

A. whup is pronounced /wʌp/ (or /hwʌp/), with the short vowel /ʌ/. This is not a match.
B. hoot is pronounced /huːt/, with the long vowel /uː/. This matches coup /kuː/.
C. couple is pronounced /ˈkʌpl/, with the short vowel /ʌ/. This is not a match.
D. scout is pronounced /skaʊt/, with the diphthong /aʊ/. This is not a match.

Answer: The correct option is B (hoot).

Tip: "Coup" is a French loanword, so the "ou" sounds like the "oo" in food and the final "p" is silent, as in coup d'état. When a word comes from French, don't trust its spelling. Say it aloud, then match the sound, not the letters. Notice that couple looks most like coup but sounds completely different, which is a typical JAMB trap.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.