JAMB 2015 English Language · Question 39

Power — 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. Power

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

A.flour
B.higher
C.liar
D.flier

Answer: A. flour

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyzing the question: The word "power" (underlined part is likely "ow" in "power") has the vowel sound /aʊə/ (as in "pow-er"), which is a triphthong: /ˈpaʊə/.

Concept: Some English words have a diphthong followed by a schwa, called a triphthong (a "smoothed" sound made of three vowel sounds). We compare the vowel sound in each option to /aʊə/.

Checking each option:

A. flour is pronounced /ˈflaʊə/. The "our" gives /aʊə/, which is exactly the same as "ow-er" in power. The two words are homophones in their endings, and "flour" even sounds just like "flower".
B. higher is pronounced /ˈhaɪə/. The sound is /aɪə/, not /aʊə/.
C. liar is pronounced /ˈlaɪə/. Again /aɪə/.
D. flier is pronounced /ˈflaɪə/. Again /aɪə/.

Comparison:

power: /aʊə/
flour: /aʊə/ ✔
higher, liar, flier: /aɪə/ ✘

Options B, C and D all share the "eye" sound (/aɪ/), while power and flour share the "ow" sound (/aʊ/).

Answer: A (flour)

Exam tip: In vowel-sound questions, say each word aloud slowly and focus on the middle of the sound. "Power" has the "ow" sound as in "now", while "higher, liar, flier" have the "eye" sound as in "my". A quick way to remember: flour and flower sound the same as power's ending, so think "flour power!"

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.