JAMB 2025 English Language · Question 121

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

Options

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

A.cold
B.food
C.top
D.book

Answer: B. food

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question You are asked to find the word whose vowel sound matches the vowel in "boot". The "oo" in boot is the long vowel /uː/ (as in "moon" or "shoe").

Explain the concept In English, the letters "oo" can be pronounced in different ways:

Long /uː/: boot, food, moon, cool
Short /ʊ/: book, look, good, foot

So you must listen to the sound, not just look at the spelling.

Step-by-step solution Write the sound of each word:

A. cold /kəʊld/ has the diphthong /əʊ/. It does not match.
B. food /fuːd/ has the long /uː/. It matches boot /buːt/.
C. top /tɒp/ has the short /ɒ/. It does not match.
D. book /bʊk/ has the short /ʊ/. This is a common trap, because it is spelled with "oo" like boot but sounds different.

Answer The correct option is B. food.

Exam tip Do not be fooled by identical spellings. Words with "oo" fall into two groups: long /uː/ (food, boot, moon) and short /ʊ/ (book, foot, good, look). Say each word aloud to check the sound. JAMB often puts the "same spelling, different sound" option in as a distractor.

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