JAMB 2014 English Language · Question 35

Vision. — Choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the letter underlined

Question

Choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the letter underlined. Vision.

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

A.Enclosure.
B.Instruction.
C.Mansion.
D.Nation.

Answer: A. Enclosure.

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The underlined letter in "Vision" isn't shown, but it is almost certainly the "s", which is pronounced /ʒ/ (as in "measure"). We need the option with the same sound.

Concept: The /ʒ/ sound is called the voiced palato-alveolar fricative. It is common in words ending in -sion (after a vowel), -sure, and -zure. Compare it with /ʃ/ (as in "ship"), which is its voiceless partner.

Step-by-step solution:

Vision: /ˈvɪʒn/ with the sound /ʒ/
A. Enclosure: /ɪnˈkləʊʒə/. The "s" is pronounced /ʒ/, as in "measure". ✔
B. Instruction: /ɪnˈstrʌkʃn/. The "ct" and "tion" give /kʃ/, so there is no /ʒ/. ✘
C. Mansion: /ˈmænʃn/. Here "s" comes after a consonant (n), so it is /ʃ/, not /ʒ/. ✘
D. Nation: /ˈneɪʃn/. The "t" gives /ʃ/. ✘

Answer: A. Enclosure has the same /ʒ/ sound as the "s" in "vision".

Tip: Look at what comes before "-sion". If it follows a vowel, as in vision, decision and television, it is /ʒ/. If it follows a consonant, as in mansion, tension and pension, it is /ʃ/. Also remember that "-sure" after a vowel, as in measure, pleasure and enclosure, gives /ʒ/.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.