JAMB 2022 English Language · Question 29

foot — Choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined

Question

Choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined. foot

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

A.live
B.vegetable
C.traffic
D.of

Answer: C. traffic

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The word "foot" has the underlined letter "f" (the question's underline was lost in formatting, but the consonant in "foot" is clearly f). Its sound is the voiceless labiodental fricative /f/. We need the option whose underlined consonant also has the /f/ sound.

Concept: Some letters can represent different sounds. For example, the letter "f" is usually /f/, but in "of" it is pronounced /v/. Likewise, "v" is usually /v/.

Checking the options (the underlined part is not shown, so I'll check the consonant that matches /f/):

A. live /lɪv/: ends in /v/ (voiced), not /f/.
B. vegetable /ˈvedʒɪtəbl/: starts with /v/, not /f/.
C. traffic /ˈtræfɪk/: the "ff" is pronounced /f/. This matches "foot".
D. of /ɒv/: the "f" is pronounced /v/, not /f/.

Answer: The only option with the /f/ sound is C. traffic.

Tip: Watch out for the word "of". It looks like it should have /f/, but it is pronounced /ɒv/. JAMB often uses this trap. Always say the word aloud in your head, and don't trust the spelling.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.