WAEC 2017 English Language · Question 86

down — 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. down

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

A.sown
B.doubt
C.door
D.thrown

Answer: B. doubt

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The word "down" has the vowel sound /aʊ/ (the diphthong in "now" or "cow"). We need the option that has the same sound in its underlined/relevant part (here the "ow" in "down").

Explain the concept: In English, the letters "ow" can be pronounced in two main ways:

/aʊ/ as in down, town, cow
/əʊ/ as in sown, thrown, snow

The letters "ou" can also give /aʊ/ as in doubt, house, mouse, even though the spelling is different. In sound questions, always match the sound, not the spelling.

Step-by-step solution:

"down" → /daʊn/ → vowel sound /aʊ/
A. "sown" → /səʊn/ → vowel sound /əʊ/ ✗
B. "doubt" → /daʊt/ → vowel sound /aʊ/ ✓
C. "door" → /dɔː/ → vowel sound /ɔː/ ✗
D. "thrown" → /θrəʊn/ → vowel sound /əʊ/ ✗

Only "doubt" has the same /aʊ/ sound as "down".

Answer: B. doubt

Tip: Don't be fooled by spelling. "Sown" and "thrown" look like "down" because they end in "-own", but they sound different. Say each word aloud and compare the vowel sound. Remember: down, doubt, now, house all share /aʊ/, while sown, thrown, snow, low share /əʊ/.

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