JAMB 2024 English Language · Question 89

In the following question, choose the option that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined. bathe

Options

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

A.rake
B.tear
C.bath
D.care

Answer: A. rake

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The word is "bathe" (the underlined part is the vowel, the "a" with silent "e"). We need the word with the same vowel sound.

Explain the concept: "Bathe" is pronounced /beɪð/. The "a_e" pattern gives the diphthong /eɪ/, as in "name" or "cake". Note that "bathe" is different from "bath" /bɑːθ/, which has a long /ɑː/ sound. The added "e" changes both the vowel and the final consonant.

Solution: Let's find the vowel sound in each option:

A. rake: /reɪk/ → vowel /eɪ/ ✔
B. tear (to rip): /teə/ → vowel /eə/ ✘ (tear, meaning a drop from the eye, is /tɪə/, also not a match)
C. bath: /bɑːθ/ → vowel /ɑː/ ✘
D. care: /keə/ → vowel /eə/ ✘

Only "rake" has the /eɪ/ sound, the same as "bathe".

Answer: A. rake.

Tip: Watch out for words with the "a + consonant + e" pattern. Most give /eɪ/ (bathe, rake, cake, late). But when the "a" is followed by "r" plus "e" (care, bare, dare), the sound changes to /eə/. Also, don't be tricked by "bath": the word looks similar, but it has a different vowel sound.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.