WAEC 2014 English Language · Question 117

man — 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. man

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

A.part
B.hand
C.market
D.charade

Answer: B. hand

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Question analysis: The word "man" has the vowel sound /æ/ (as in cat, bad). We need the option with the same vowel sound.

Concept: English has short vowel sounds and long vowel sounds. The /æ/ sound is a short, open front vowel. It is different from /ɑː/, a long vowel made at the back of the mouth, as in father or car.

Step-by-step check of each option:

A. part is /pɑːt/, with the long vowel /ɑː/. This does not match.
B. hand is /hænd/, with the short vowel /æ/. This matches man /mæn/.
C. market is /ˈmɑːkɪt/, with the long vowel /ɑː/. This does not match.
D. charade is /ʃəˈrɑːd/ (British English), with /ɑː/. This does not match.

Answer: The word whose vowel sound matches man is hand, which is option B.

Tip: Whenever you see "ar" in a word (part, market), expect the long /ɑː/ sound. A single "a" between consonants, as in man, hand, cat and bad, is usually the short /æ/. Say both words aloud: man and hand sound like a rhyming pair in the vowel, while part stretches the sound longer.

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