JAMB 2024 English Language · Question 30

Choose the option that has the same vowel sound as represented by the underlined letter(s) busy

Options

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

A.vineyard
B.automobile
C.twilight
D.island

Answer: A. vineyard

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The word is "busy", and the underlined part is the "u". In "busy" /ˈbɪzi/, the "u" is pronounced as the short vowel /ɪ/ (as in "bit"). We need the option whose underlined letter(s) have the same /ɪ/ sound. The question doesn't show the underlining in the options, so we must find the one whose vowel sound is /ɪ/ in a likely underlined position.

Concept: "Busy" is an irregular spelling. The "u" is pronounced /ɪ/, not /ʌ/ as in "bus".

Check each option:

A. vineyard /ˈvɪnjəd/. The first "i" is the short /ɪ/ sound. This matches "busy".
B. automobile /ˈɔːtəməbiːl/. The vowels are /ɔː/, /ə/, /iː/. There is no /ɪ/ sound.
C. twilight /ˈtwaɪlaɪt/. The "i" sounds are /aɪ/. No match.
D. island /ˈaɪlənd/. The "i" is /aɪ/. No match.

Answer: Option A. "Vineyard" has the short /ɪ/ in its first syllable, the same vowel sound as the "u" in "busy".

Tip: Memorize the common irregular /ɪ/ spellings: busy, business, women (the "o" is /ɪ/), minute (the noun), and England. In sound questions, always write out the phonetic transcription of each word. Words with "i" in "ine" can trick you into the long /aɪ/, but in "vineyard" the "i" is short.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.