WAEC 2014 English Language · Question 2

/^/ — choose the word that contains the sound represented by the phonetic symbol

Question

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that contains the sound represented by the phonetic symbol. /^/

A.bush
B.tough
C.cop
D.loot

Answer: B. tough

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: You are asked to find the word that contains the vowel sound /ʌ/ (written as /^/ here). This sound is the short "uh" sound, as in cup, but, love.

Explain the concept: /ʌ/ is a short, relaxed central vowel. Spelling can mislead you here, because the letters "ou" and "u" can each represent different sounds. Always say the word aloud and listen to the vowel.

Check each option:

A. bush is /bʊʃ/. The vowel is /ʊ/, as in put, book. This is not /ʌ/.
B. tough is /tʌf/. The "ou" is pronounced like the "u" in cup, so it has /ʌ/. ✔
C. cop is /kɒp/. The vowel is /ɒ/, as in hot, dog. This is not /ʌ/.
D. loot is /luːt/. The vowel is the long /uː/, as in food. This is not /ʌ/.

Answer: Option B, tough. It is the only word with the /ʌ/ sound.

Tip: Memorize a group of words where the spelling "ou" gives /ʌ/: tough, rough, enough, touch, young, country, double, trouble, couple. Also remember that "bush" and "put" are exceptions, where "u" gives /ʊ/ instead of /ʌ/. Examiners love using these tricky pairs, such as bush vs. tough, so practice saying them aloud.

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