JAMB 2015 English Language · Question 40

Purse — 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. Purse

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

A.journey
B.pays
C.heart
D.course

Answer: A. journey

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The word "purse" has the vowel sound /ɜː/ (as in "bird", "fur", "her"). The underlined part is probably "ur". We need the option with the same vowel sound.

Explain the concept: The sound /ɜː/ is a long central vowel. It is spelled in many ways: ur (purse), er (her), ir (girl), ear (learn), our (journey), or (word).

Check each option:

A. journey: The "our" is pronounced /ɜː/, as in /ˈdʒɜːni/. This matches purse /pɜːs/.
B. pays: The "ay" gives /eɪ/, as in "day". It does not match.
C. heart: The "ear" gives /ɑː/, as in /hɑːt/. It does not match.
D. course: The "ou" gives /ɔː/, as in /kɔːs/. It does not match.

Answer: Only "journey" has the /ɜː/ sound, so the correct option is A.

Tip: Watch for "our" spelled words. "Journey" and "courtesy" use /ɜː/, but "course" and "pour" use /ɔː/. Always say the word aloud in your head and compare the sound, not the spelling. Also remember that "heart" is a famous exception, pronounced /hɑːt/ even though it contains "ear".

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.