JAMB 2015 English Language · Question 23

Owl — choose the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the underlined letters or…

Question

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the underlined letters or letters underlined. Owl

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

A.bowl
B.tow
C.howl
D.route

Answer: C. howl

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: "Owl" is pronounced /aʊl/, with the diphthong /aʊ/ (as in "now" or "cow"). We need the option that has the same vowel sound.

Concept: The letters "ow" can be pronounced in two main ways:

/aʊ/ as in cow, now, howl, brown
/əʊ/ as in bowl, tow, show, low

The spelling is the same, but the sound differs. Always say the word aloud to check.

Solution:

| Option | Word | Pronunciation | Vowel sound | |---|---|---|---| | A | bowl | /bəʊl/ | /əʊ/ (different) | | B | tow | /təʊ/ | /əʊ/ (different) | | C | howl | /haʊl/ | /aʊ/ (same as owl) | | D | route | /ruːt/ | /uː/ (different) |

"Howl" rhymes with "owl", so both have the /aʊ/ sound.

Answer: C. howl

Tip: For "ow" questions, ask whether the word rhymes with cow or with low. "Owl" and "howl" rhyme with cow, while "bowl" and "tow" rhyme with low. Also note that "route" can be pronounced /ruːt/ (or /raʊt/ in American English in some uses), but in standard Nigerian English exam contexts it is /ruːt/. Even so, "howl" is the safest match.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.