JAMB 2012 English Language · Question 30

Answer the following question below and choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the letter (s) underlined. tangerine

Options

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

A.gear
B.danger
C.girl
D.ignore

Answer: B. danger

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

The question didn't show which letter is underlined in "tangerine". In JAMB 2012 this is the g in tangerine, so I'll work with that.

Step 1: Analyze the question We need to find the word whose consonant sound matches the sound of the underlined letter g in "tangerine".

Step 2: Find the sound Tangerine is pronounced /ˌtændʒəˈriːn/. The "g" here is the soft /dʒ/ sound, as in "jam" or "judge".

Step 3: Check each option

A. gear /ɡɪə/: the "g" is hard, /g/. ✗
B. danger /ˈdeɪndʒə/: the "g" is soft, /dʒ/. ✓
C. girl /ɡɜːl/: the "g" is hard, /g/. ✗
D. ignore /ɪɡˈnɔː/: the "g" is hard, /g/. ✗

Step 3 conclusion: Only "danger" has the /dʒ/ sound, which matches "tangerine".

Answer: B (danger)

Exam tip: In English, "g" is usually soft (/dʒ/) when followed by e, i, or y, as in gem, giant, gym, danger. It is usually hard (/g/) in other positions, as in gear, girl, go. There are exceptions (like gear and girl, where g is followed by e or i but stays hard), so always say the word aloud in your head before choosing.

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