WAEC 2014 English Language · Question 48

/i:/ — 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. /i:/

A.fit
B.seal
C.sailing
D.career

Answer: B. seal

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: You are asked to find the word containing the long vowel sound /i:/, the sound in "see" or "feet".

Concept: /i:/ is a long vowel, different from the short /ɪ/ (as in "sit"). Say each word aloud and listen to the vowel.

Step-by-step:

A. fit is /fɪt/. This has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it is not correct.
B. seal is /si:l/. The "ea" spells the long /i:/ sound, so it is correct.
C. sailing is /ˈseɪlɪŋ/. It has the diphthong /eɪ/ and then short /ɪ/, so it is not correct.
D. career is /kəˈrɪə(r)/ in many Nigerian exam keys, or /kəˈrɪr/ in American English. It has the diphthong /ɪə/ and no pure /i:/ in the stressed syllable, so it is not correct. Some dictionaries do show /kəˈrɪə/, which confirms it is not /i:/.

Answer: B. seal.

Tip: Words with "ea" or "ee" (seal, feet, meat, seen) often carry /i:/. But watch out for exceptions like "bread" (/e/) and "great" (/eɪ/). When unsure, say the word slowly and see whether the vowel stays steady (long vowel) or glides (diphthong).

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