JAMB 2025 English Language · Question 85

For the question, choose the option that has the same consonant sound as the ones represented by the letter(s) underlined. knot

Options

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

A.church
B.norm
C.keep
D.cease

Answer: B. norm

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The word is "knot". The underlined letter(s) were not shown, but in "knot" the usual focus is the "kn" at the start, where the k is silent and the sound represented is /n/. (If the underlined letter were "n" alone, the sound is still /n/.) So we need the option with the /n/ sound.

Concept: Sound-matching questions depend on pronunciation, not spelling. In "knot" /nɒt/, the "kn" spells the single sound /n/.

Check each option:

A. church /tʃɜːtʃ/: starts with /tʃ/. Not /n/.
B. norm /nɔːm/: starts with /n/. Match.
C. keep /kiːp/: starts with /k/. This is a trap, because "knot" is spelled with k but the k is silent.
D. cease /siːs/: starts with /s/. Not /n/.

Answer: The only option containing the /n/ sound is **B.

Tip: When you see "kn" at the start of a word (knee, knife, know, knot), the k is silent and the sound is /n/. Always say the word aloud in your head and ignore the spelling. Other silent-letter pairs to remember are "wr" (write), "gn" (gnat), and "mb" at the end (comb).

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