WAEC 2014 English Language · Question 114

bull — choose the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined

Question

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined. bull

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

A.hoof
B.crude
C.soup
D.stood

Answer: D. stood

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The word "bull" has the vowel sound /ʊ/ (short "oo", as in "put" or "full"). We need the option with the same vowel sound.

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

Short /ʊ/: book, put, full, bull
Long /uː/: food, moon, rude

Step-by-step solution:

A. hoof - Usually pronounced /huːf/ (long /uː/), though some speakers say /hʊf/. The standard exam pronunciation is the long sound. ✗
B. crude - /kruːd/, with a long /uː/. ✗
C. soup - /suːp/, with a long /uː/. ✗
D. stood - /stʊd/, with the short /ʊ/, the same as in "bull". ✔

Answer: D. stood

Tip: Words like book, look, good, stood, wood, foot all have the short /ʊ/ sound. Words like food, moon, soup, crude have the long /uː/. Say the word aloud and ask yourself whether you are making a quick, short sound or a stretched one. A short "oo" before "d" or "k" is often the short /ʊ/ (stood, good, book). The exceptions are words like food and mood, which are long.

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