WAEC 2014 English Language · Question 37

sing — choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined…

Question

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

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

A.bog
B.nagged
C.zonked
D.game

Answer: C. zonked

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

The question doesn't show which letters are underlined, but in "sing" the natural choice is ng, the velar nasal /ŋ/. I'm working on that assumption.

Step 1: Analyze the question We need the word that contains the same consonant sound as the /ŋ/ in "sing". It is a single nasal sound, not /n/ followed by /g/.

Step 2: Concept The letters "ng" often stand for the velar nasal /ŋ/, made at the back of the mouth. The letter "n" before a "k" sound is also pronounced /ŋ/, as in "think" /θɪŋk/ and "bank" /bæŋk/.

Step 3: Check each option

A. bog /bɒɡ/: the consonants are /b/ and /g/. There is no nasal, so it has no /ŋ/.
B. nagged /næɡd/: "nagged" has /n/ at the start, but the "gg" is the plain /g/ sound, so the word is /næɡd/. It has no /ŋ/.
C. zonked /zɒŋkt/: the "n" comes before "k", so it is pronounced /ŋ/. This matches the /ŋ/ in "sing".
D. game /ɡeɪm/: the sounds are /g/ and /m/. It has no /ŋ/.

Step 4: Answer The only option containing /ŋ/ is C. zonked.

Tip: When "n" is followed by "k" or a hard "g" inside a word, check whether it is /ŋ/ (as in "think", "finger", "zonked"). Test it by saying the word aloud. If your tongue stays at the back of your mouth for the nasal, it is /ŋ/.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.