JAMB 2016 English Language · Question 20

For these questions, choose the option that have the same consonant sound as the ones represented by the letter (s) underlined ''choice''

Options

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

A.schedule
B.teach
C.leisure
D.machine

Answer: B. teach

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The word "choice" has the underlined letters "ch", which make the sound /tʃ/ (as in "chair"). We need the option where the underlined letters make the same /tʃ/ sound. The question didn't show the underlined parts of the options, so we look at the "ch" in each word.

Explain the concept: The letters "ch" can be pronounced in different ways in English:

/tʃ/ as in church, teach, chair (the most common)
/ʃ/ as in machine, chef (mostly French loanwords)
/k/ as in school, schedule, chemist (mostly Greek origin)

Solution (step by step):

A. schedule: In British English (the standard for Nigerian exams), "sch" is pronounced /ʃ/ (SHED-yool), and in American English it is /sk/. Neither is /tʃ/. ✗
B. teach: /tiːtʃ/. The "ch" is /tʃ/, the same as in "choice" /tʃɔɪs/. ✓
C. leisure: /ˈleʒə/. The "s" makes the /ʒ/ sound. ✗
D. machine: /məˈʃiːn/. The "ch" makes /ʃ/. ✗

Answer: The only word with the /tʃ/ sound is teach, which is option B.

Tip: For "ch" questions, first say the target word aloud and feel the sound: "choice" starts with a "tch" sound. Then test each option. Remember that "ch" in French-origin words (machine, chef, parachute) sounds like "sh", and in Greek-origin words (school, chorus, chemistry) it sounds like "k". Plain English words like teach, church, much keep the "tch" sound.

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