JAMB 2025 English Language · Question 148

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

Options

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

A.bare
B.their
C.swear
D.serious

Answer: D. serious

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The word is "beer" (underlined part is likely "ee" or "eer"), which has the vowel sound /ɪə/ (as in here, deer). We need the option with the same vowel sound.

Explain the concept: This is a vowel-sound (phonetics) question. The sound /ɪə/ is a diphthong, a glide that starts at /ɪ/ and moves toward /ə/. The spelling can differ, so we focus on the sound, not the letters.

Solution: check each option

A. bare → /beə/. This has the diphthong /eə/ (as in air). Different from /ɪə/.
B. their → /ðeə/. This also has /eə/. Different.
C. swear → /sweə/. This also has /eə/. Different.
D. serious → /ˈsɪəriəs/. The first syllable "ser-" has /ɪə/, the same as in beer /bɪə/. Match.

Answer: The correct option is D. serious.

Tip: Words ending in -ear, -eer, -ere usually have /ɪə/ (beer, deer, here, near), while -are, -air, -ear in words like swear/bear/wear and their have /eə/. Watch out for the "ear" spelling, because it can be either sound (hear /ɪə/ vs bear /eə/). Always say the word aloud to check.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.