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WAEC (WASSCE) 2017 · Part 1 of 2

2017 WAEC (WASSCE) English Language Past Questions

The 2017 WAEC (WASSCE) English Language past questions with answers: 135 objective questions from the 2017 paper in the DeeepSolve question bank, each with its answer behind "Show answer". This is part 1 of 2: questions 1 to 68. Try each question before you check, then practise the paper as a timed WAEC-style CBT.

Past questions © the examination body (JAMB/WAEC/NECO). DeeepSolve is not affiliated with them. Rights holders: see /copyright.

Questions 1–68

  1. 1.

    From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. One of the muggers who snatched the hangbag _____ been arrested by the police.

    1. A.have
    2. B.was
    3. C.is
    4. D.has
    Show answer

    Answer: D. has

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  2. 2.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences. When all the members started arguing, the chairman called the meeting to _______

    1. A.slience
    2. B.order
    3. C.audience
    4. D.attention
    Show answer

    Answer: B. order

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  3. 3.

    From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. The sick man was ____ emaciated that i could hardly recognize him.

    1. A.too
    2. B.very
    3. C.quite
    4. D.so
    Show answer

    Answer: D. so

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  4. 4.

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

    1. A.eve
    2. B.busy
    3. C.tip
    4. D.shaded
    Show answer

    Answer: A. eve

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  5. 5.

    From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. I will do for you ______ you want me to.

    1. A.whenever
    2. B.whichever
    3. C.whatever
    4. D.however
    Show answer

    Answer: C. whatever

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  6. 6.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences. Mr Uche was trying to _____ a list of his debtors

    1. A.compare
    2. B.compose
    3. C.compound
    4. D.compile
    Show answer

    Answer: D. compile

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  7. 7.

    In the following question, the main/primary stress is indicated by writing the sylable on which it occurs in capital letters. From the words lettered A to D, choose the one that has the correct stress. circumstantial

    1. A.CIR-cum-stan-tial
    2. B.cir-CUM-stan-tial
    3. C.cir-cum-STAN-tial
    4. D.cir-cum-stan-TIAL
    Show answer

    Answer: C. cir-cum-STAN-tial

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  8. 8.

    From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. Your application for employment _____ at this very moment.

    1. A.was being considered
    2. B.is considered
    3. C.is being considered
    4. D.was considered
    Show answer

    Answer: C. is being considered

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  9. 9.

    From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. Two boys in the art class were doing self-potraits by looking at ____ in the mirror.

    1. A.oneself
    2. B.each other
    3. C.one another
    4. D.themselves
    Show answer

    Answer: D. themselves

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  10. 10.

    From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to underlined word as it used in the sentence.  The prescribed textbooks are difficult to find in the bookshops.

    1. A.highlighted
    2. B.right
    3. C.actual
    4. D.recommended
    Show answer

    Answer: D. recommended

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  11. 11.

    After the following sentence, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretaion that is most appropriate for the sentence. Peter and Paul get along like a house on fire. This means that they

    1. A.have a very good relationship
    2. B.are not on speaking terms
    3. C.avoid each other always
    4. D.pretend to like each other
    Show answer

    Answer: A. have a very good relationship

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  12. 12.

    From the word lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letter(s) undelined  bat

    1. A.limb
    2. B.dumb
    3. C.subtle
    4. D.nimble
    Show answer

    Answer: D. nimble

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  13. 13.

    In the following sentence, the word that receives the emphatic stress is written in capital letters. From the questions lettered A to D, choose the one to which the given sentence is the appropriate answer. Some students arranged the SEATS.

    1. A.Did all the students arrange the seats?
    2. B.Did some teacher arrange the seats?
    3. C.Did some students arrange the books?
    4. D.Did some students break the seats?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Did some students arrange the books?

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  14. 14.

    From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. He almost got _____ with the crime.

    1. A.up
    2. B.off
    3. C.over
    4. D.away
    Show answer

    Answer: D. away

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  15. 15.

    From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to underlined word as it used in the sentence.    Our stationery supplies are exhausted.

    1. A.completed
    2. B.finished
    3. C.consumed
    4. D.destroyed
    Show answer

    Answer: B. finished

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  16. 16.

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

    1. A.sure
    2. B.bore
    3. C.her
    4. D.fork
    Show answer

    Answer: C. her

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  17. 17.

    In the following sentence, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence. In recent tournaments i have seen amateurs play better than so-called _____

    1. A.experts
    2. B.veterans
    3. C.specialists
    4. D.professionals
    Show answer

    Answer: D. professionals

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  18. 18.

    After the following sentence, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretaion that is most appropriate for the sentence. Let us draw a veil over this matter. This means that we should

    1. A.avoid discussing the matter
    2. B.take the matter to court
    3. C.cover our heads with a veil
    4. D.get the elders to resolve the matter
    Show answer

    Answer: A. avoid discussing the matter

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  19. 19.

    From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. _______ I would love to be at your party, I really can't

    1. A.In as much as
    2. B.As much as
    3. C.Much as
    4. D.As much
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Much as

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  20. 20.

    From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. The spectators had endure the heat _____

    1. A.as they could
    2. B.as best as they could
    3. C.as best they could
    4. D.as they could best
    Show answer

    Answer: C. as best they could

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  21. 21.

    From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. _______ an accident, the police should be informed immediately.

    1. A.In the event of
    2. B.In view of
    3. C.in view to
    4. D.In place of
    Show answer

    Answer: A. In the event of

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  22. 22.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that rhymes with the given word. view

    1. A.through
    2. B.cue
    3. C.route
    4. D.tool
    Show answer

    Answer: B. cue

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  23. 23.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences. He gives the____ that he is wealthy but he really isn't.

    1. A.impression
    2. B.opinion
    3. C.attribute
    4. D.indication
    Show answer

    Answer: A. impression

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  24. 24.

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

    1. A.flower
    2. B.damn
    3. C.sore
    4. D.pure
    Show answer

    Answer: A. flower

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  25. 25.

    In the following sentence, the word that receives the emphatic stress is written in capital letters. From the questions lettered A to D, choose the one to which the given sentence is the appropriate answer. My father will GET home at 5 o'clock

    1. A.Will your father get home at 5 o'clock?
    2. B.Will my father leave home at 5 o'clock?
    3. C.Will my father get here at 5 o'clock
    4. D.Will my mother get home at 5 o'clock?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Will my father leave home at 5 o'clock?

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  26. 26.

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

    1. A.teeth
    2. B.tough
    3. C.northern
    4. D.worthy
    Show answer

    Answer: A. teeth

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  27. 27.

    In the following sentence, the word that receives the emphatic stress is written in capital letters. From the questions lettered A to D, choose the one to which the given sentence is the appropriate answer.  ADE is my youngest brother

    1. A.Is Ade my youngest cousin?
    2. B.is Ade my oldest brother?
    3. C.Is Abu my youngest brother?
    4. D.Is Ade your youngest brother?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Is Abu my youngest brother?

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  28. 28.

    In the following sentence, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence. The comment I made at the conference was general; being ______ would have hurt some people.

    1. A.ordinary
    2. B.specific
    3. C.tactful
    4. D.candid
    Show answer

    Answer: B. specific

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  29. 29.

    From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. If you don't get off my property, I'll set my dog ___ you.

    1. A.off
    2. B.on
    3. C.unto
    4. D.into
    Show answer

    Answer: B. on

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  30. 30.

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

    1. A.buy
    2. B.lay
    3. C.till
    4. D.brim
    Show answer

    Answer: A. buy

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  31. 31.

    From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. She suddenly came ____  a lot of money.

    1. A.into
    2. B.up
    3. C.over
    4. D.through
    Show answer

    Answer: A. into

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  32. 32.

    From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. He dabbles _______  politics from time to time

    1. A.in
    2. B.about
    3. C.through
    4. D.into
    Show answer

    Answer: A. in

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  33. 33.

    From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. Either he or you _____ to clean up the mess right now.

    1. A.has
    2. B.was
    3. C.have
    4. D.were
    Show answer

    Answer: C. have

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  34. 34.

    In the following question, the main/primary stress is indicated by writing the sylable on which it occurs in capital letters. From the words lettered A to D, choose the one that has the correct stress. calculator

    1. A.CAL-cu-la-tor
    2. B.cal-CU-la-tor
    3. C.cal-cu-LA-tor
    4. D.cal-cu-la-TOR
    Show answer

    Answer: A. CAL-cu-la-tor

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  35. 35.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences. The insurance company ____ my uncle for the loss of his car.

    1. A.redeemed
    2. B.relieved
    3. C.compensated
    4. D.paid
    Show answer

    Answer: C. compensated

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  36. 36.

    In the following question, the main/primary stress is indicated by writing the syllable on which it occurs in capital letters. From the words lettered A to D, choose the one that has the correct stress. Accidental

    1. A.AC-ci-den-tal
    2. B.ac-ci-DEN-tal
    3. C.ac-CI-den-tal
    4. D.ac-ci-den-TAL
    Show answer

    Answer: B. ac-ci-DEN-tal

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  37. 37.

    From the word lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letter(s) undelined    patient

    1. A.measure
    2. B.seizure
    3. C.sachet
    4. D.patent
    Show answer

    Answer: D. patent

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  38. 38.

    From the word lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letter(s) undelined  exam

    1. A.explain
    2. B.excuse
    3. C.exhaust
    4. D.exhale
    Show answer

    Answer: C. exhaust

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  39. 39.

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

    1. A.singe
    2. B.bank
    3. C.bond
    4. D.thin
    Show answer

    Answer: D. thin

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  40. 40.

    In the following sentence, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence. Success is the reward of _________, not indolence.

    1. A.prudence
    2. B.attentiveness
    3. C.diligence
    4. D.sharpness
    Show answer

    Answer: C. diligence

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  41. 41.

    From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. The teachers want _______

    1. A.modern, attractive, well-equipped schools
    2. B.attractive, well-equipped, schools modern
    3. C.well-equipped, attractive modern schools.
    4. D.schools, well-equipped, attractive modern
    Show answer

    Answer: A. modern, attractive, well-equipped schools

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  42. 42.

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

    1. A.boil
    2. B.cob
    3. C.role
    4. D.moth
    Show answer

    Answer: D. moth

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  43. 43.

    From the word lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letter(s) undelined  what

    1. A.whom
    2. B.whose
    3. C.whole
    4. D.where
    Show answer

    Answer: D. where

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  44. 44.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences. I had to put up my house as _______ for bank loan,

    1. A.pledge
    2. B.agreement
    3. C.collateral
    4. D.surety
    Show answer

    Answer: C. collateral

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  45. 45.

    From the word lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letter(s) undelined  ask

    1. A.tax
    2. B.secure
    3. C.scheme
    4. D.axe
    Show answer

    Answer: C. scheme

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  46. 46.

    In the following sentence, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence. Issa is very much interested in education while his sister in ________

    1. A.dull
    2. B.indifferent
    3. C.uncertain
    4. D.serious
    Show answer

    Answer: B. indifferent

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  47. 47.

    From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to underlined word as it used in the sentence.  The Chume's house caught fire because their little girl had turned on the gas inadvertently.

    1. A.automatically
    2. B.hurriedly
    3. C.carelessly
    4. D.unintentionally
    Show answer

    Answer: D. unintentionally

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  48. 48.

    In the following sentence, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence. Buba was purposeful in his serch for a job but Bala was rather _____ about his.

    1. A.patient
    2. B.slow
    3. C.lazy
    4. D.casual
    Show answer

    Answer: D. casual

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  49. 49.

    From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. The task ____ to them was very difficult.

    1. A.giving
    2. B.given
    3. C.give
    4. D.gave
    Show answer

    Answer: B. given

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  50. 50.

    After the following sentence, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretaion that is most appropriate for the sentence. When Victor's father gave him a new car, he was lost for words. This means that victor

    1. A.did not like the car
    2. B.forgot to show gratitude
    3. C.was overwhelmed
    4. D.was not grateful
    Show answer

    Answer: C. was overwhelmed

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  51. 51.This question needs a diagram, table or passage that we don't have yet, so it isn't shown.

  52. 52.

    After the following sentence, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretaion that is most appropriate for the sentence. You must square up to your problems. This means that you have to

    1. A.deal with your problems effectively
    2. B.consider your problems from all angles
    3. C.forget your problems
    4. D.arrange your problems
    Show answer

    Answer: A. deal with your problems effectively

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  53. 53.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that rhymes with the given word. loan

    1. A.storm
    2. B.from
    3. C.long
    4. D.bone
    Show answer

    Answer: D. bone

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  54. 54.

    After the following sentence, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretaion that is most appropriate for the sentence. Many of us escaped with the skin of our teet during the crisis. This means that we

    1. A.lost some of our teeth
    2. B.narrowly escaped
    3. C.quickly escaped
    4. D.had marks on our skin
    Show answer

    Answer: B. narrowly escaped

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  55. 55.

    From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences. We wished to win the tournament but we knew our _____ were slim.

    1. A.skills
    2. B.opportunities
    3. C.odds
    4. D.chances
    Show answer

    Answer: D. chances

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  56. 56.

    From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to underlined word as it used in the sentence.  Mediocrity in politics should not be tolerated.

    1. A.promoted
    2. B.encouraged
    3. C.approved
    4. D.helped
    Show answer

    Answer: B. encouraged

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  57. 57.

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

    1. A.copy
    2. B.not
    3. C.bore
    4. D.rock
    Show answer

    Answer: C. bore

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  58. 58.

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

    1. A.pressure
    2. B.nurture
    3. C.treasure
    4. D.champagne
    Show answer

    Answer: C. treasure

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  59. 59.

    From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. The farmer, with his sons, ______ millet.

    1. A.grows
    2. B.grow
    3. C.were growing
    4. D.have been growing
    Show answer

    Answer: A. grows

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  60. 60.

    In the following sentence, the word that receives the emphatic stress is written in capital letters. From the questions lettered A to D, choose the one to which the given sentence is the appropriate answer. Mr. Jones ALWAYS locks the back door.

    1. A.Does Mr. Jones always lock the front door?
    2. B.Does Mr. Jones seldom lock the back door?
    3. C.Does Mr. John always lock the back door?
    4. D.Does Mr. Jones always open the back door?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Does Mr. Jones seldom lock the back door?

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  61. 61.

    From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. My mother ______ to my leaving the dishes unwashed last night

    1. A.did not take kind
    2. B.does not take kind
    3. C.did not take kindly
    4. D.does not take kindly
    Show answer

    Answer: C. did not take kindly

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  62. 62.

    From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to underlined word as it used in the sentence.  The accused was asked to retract his statement.

    1. A.recall
    2. B.withdraw
    3. C.make
    4. D.rewrite
    Show answer

    Answer: B. withdraw

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  63. 63.

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

    1. A.jump
    2. B.dodge
    3. C.you
    4. D.jelly
    Show answer

    Answer: C. you

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  64. 64.This question needs a diagram, table or passage that we don't have yet, so it isn't shown.

  65. 65.

    From the word lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letter(s) undelined  tease

    1. A.prison
    2. B.passion
    3. C.cease
    4. D.loose
    Show answer

    Answer: A. prison

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  66. 66.

    From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. She is not the right candidate for the job _____ ?

    1. A.was she
    2. B.is she?
    3. C.isn't it
    4. D.is she not?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. is she?

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  67. 67.

    From the word lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letter(s) undelined  scrap

    1. A.palmistry
    2. B.physics
    3. C.psalm
    4. D.psychiatry
    Show answer

    Answer: B. physics

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  68. 68.

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

    1. A.mark
    2. B.bag
    3. C.anger
    4. D.carry
    Show answer

    Answer: A. mark

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