JAMB 2023 English Language · Question 67

Choose the word which has the same consonant sounds as the underlined letter(s) pleasure

Options

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

A.rejoice
B.surge
C.seizure
D.reassure

Answer: C. seizure

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: "Pleasure" has the consonant sound /ʒ/ (as in "vision"), written as "s" in "pleasure" (/ˈplɛʒə/). Since the underlined part isn't shown, the target sound is almost certainly the "s" in "pleasure". We need the word with the same /ʒ/ sound.

Concept: The /ʒ/ sound is a voiced palato-alveolar fricative. It appears in words like measure, vision, treasure, leisure, garage. Don't confuse it with:

/dʒ/ as in judge, gentle, surge
/ʃ/ as in sure, ship

Check each option:

A. rejoice /rɪˈdʒɔɪs/: the "j" is /dʒ/. This is not a match.
B. surge /sɜːdʒ/: the "g" is /dʒ/. This is not a match, though it sounds close.
C. seizure /ˈsiːʒə/: the "z" is /ʒ/. This is a match.
D. reassure /ˌriːəˈʃʊə/: the "s" is /ʃ/, which is voiceless. This is not a match.

Answer: The "z" in seizure gives the same /ʒ/ sound as the "s" in pleasure, so the answer is C.

Tip: /ʒ/ is a smooth "zh" sound with no "d" at the start. If you can hear a "d" before it (/dʒ/, as in judge), it is the wrong sound. Words ending in -sure after a vowel or -sion after a vowel (measure, treasure, vision, decision) usually have /ʒ/. Try saying "zh" slowly in each option to check.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.