JAMB 2012 English Language · Question 93

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

Options

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

A.starch
B.fare
C.mad
D.came

Answer: C. mad

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: You are asked to find the word with the same vowel sound as the "a" in patch.

Explain the concept: In English phonetics, the letter "a" can be pronounced in several ways. The word patch has the short vowel /æ/, as in cat, bad and flat.

Solution (step by step):

patch is pronounced /pætʃ/, so the vowel is /æ/.
A. starch is /stɑːtʃ/, with the long vowel /ɑː/. This is not a match.
B. fare is /feə/, with the diphthong /eə/. This is not a match.
C. mad is /mæd/, with the short vowel /æ/. This is a match.
D. came is /keɪm/, with the diphthong /eɪ/. This is not a match.

Answer: The correct option is C. mad.

Tip: Short "a" before a consonant, as in patch, mad, bat, trap, is usually /æ/. If the word ends in a silent "e" (came, fare) or has "ar" (starch), the vowel sound changes. Always say the word aloud in your head and compare the sounds, not the spellings.

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