JAMB 2015 English Language · Question 61

Chalet — choose the word that has the same consonant sounds as the one represented by the letters underlined

Question

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same consonant sounds as the one represented by the letters underlined. Chalet

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

A.champion
B.chair
C.champagne
D.cheapen

Answer: C. champagne

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The underlined letters aren't shown, but in "chalet" the "ch" is the sound being tested. In "chalet" (/ˈʃæleɪ/), "ch" is pronounced as /ʃ/ (the "sh" sound), not the "ch" in "chair".

Explain the concept: English words borrowed from French usually keep the French pronunciation of "ch", which is /ʃ/. Examples: chef, machine, chandelier, champagne, chauffeur, parachute. Words of English origin usually have "ch" as /tʃ/, as in church, chair, cheap.

Step-by-step solution:

A. champion has /tʃ/ ("ch" as in church). Not a match.
B. chair has /tʃ/. Not a match.
C. champagne (/ʃæmˈpeɪn/) has /ʃ/ ("sh"). Match.
D. cheapen has /tʃ/. Not a match.

Answer: The "ch" in chalet is /ʃ/, and only champagne shares this sound.

Tip: When a "ch" word comes from French (chalet, chef, machine, champagne, chute), think "sh". When it is an everyday English word (chair, cheap, church, champion), think "ch" as in "chop".

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