JAMB 2024 English Language · Question 217

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

Question

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

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

A.Monday
B.go
C.mouth
D.rock

Answer: A. Monday

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question The question doesn't show which letter is underlined, but in "money" the vowel sound being tested is almost certainly the "o" in the first syllable, which is pronounced /ʌ/ (as in "cup").

Explain the concept In English, the letter "o" can represent several different sounds:

/ʌ/ as in money, son, come, love
/əʊ/ as in go, home, boat
/aʊ/ as in mouth (spelled "ou")
/ɒ/ as in rock, hot, dog

To answer questions like this, say each word aloud and match the vowel sounds, not the spellings.

Solution

money /ˈmʌni/, so the vowel is /ʌ/.
A. Monday /ˈmʌndeɪ/, so the "o" is /ʌ/. This is a match.
B. go /gəʊ/, so the vowel is /əʊ/. No match.
C. mouth /maʊθ/, so the vowel is /aʊ/. No match.
D. rock /rɒk/, so the vowel is /ɒ/. No match.

Only "Monday" has the same vowel sound as "money".

Answer: A. Monday

Tip: Watch for the "o" words that sound like "u": money, Monday, month, come, some, son, love, other, mother, brother. They are often tested in JAMB. Memorize them as a group, so you can pick them out quickly during the exam.

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