WAEC 2017 English Language · Question 115

coy — choose the word that has the same vowel 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 vowel sound(s) as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined. coy

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

A.stole
B.howl
C.toil
D.throw

Answer: C. toil

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: We need the word whose vowel sound matches the vowel sound in "coy".

Explain the concept: "coy" has the diphthong /ɔɪ/ (as in "boy", "toy"). A diphthong is a glide from one vowel sound to another within a single syllable. We look for another word with /ɔɪ/, regardless of spelling.

Solution: Let us check each option.

A. stole → /stəʊl/. The vowel is /əʊ/. ✗
B. howl → /haʊl/. The vowel is /aʊ/. ✗
C. toil → /tɔɪl/. The vowel is /ɔɪ/. ✓
D. throw → /θrəʊ/. The vowel is /əʊ/. ✗

Only "toil" has the same /ɔɪ/ sound as "coy". The spellings "oy" and "oi" both represent this sound.

Tip: In WASSCE vowel questions, ignore spelling and say each word aloud. The letters "oi" and "oy" almost always give /ɔɪ/ (boy, toy, oil, coin, join). Watch for "ow" though, since it can be /aʊ/ (howl) or /əʊ/ (throw).

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