JAMB 2025 English Language · Question 120

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

Options

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

A.sure
B.match
C.chemistry
D.scheme

Answer: A. sure

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

The underlined letters aren't visible in the question as pasted, but the word is "shadow", so the underlined part is almost certainly "sh", which gives the sound /ʃ/.

Step 1: Analyze the question We need the option that contains the same consonant sound as the "sh" in shadow, which is /ʃ/ (as in ship, push).

Step 2: Check each option

A. sure is pronounced /ʃʊə/ (or /ʃɔː/). The "s" is pronounced /ʃ/, so it matches.
B. match is pronounced /mætʃ/. The "tch" gives /tʃ/, which is a different sound.
C. chemistry is pronounced /ˈkemɪstri/. The "ch" gives /k/.
D. scheme is pronounced /skiːm/. The "sch" gives /sk/.

Step 3: Answer Only sure begins with /ʃ/, the same sound as "sh" in shadow.

Tip: Watch out for /ʃ/ spelled in unusual ways. "s" in sure and sugar, "ti" in nation, "ci" in special, and "ch" in machine and chef all give /ʃ/. Don't confuse it with /tʃ/ (as in church, match), which is a "t" sound followed by /ʃ/.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.