WAEC 2017 English Language · Question 80

maize — 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. maize

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

A.step
B.what
C.whip
D.tray

Answer: D. tray

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The word is "maize" (the underlined part is most likely "ai", though the underline doesn't show here). We need a word with the same vowel sound.

Explain the concept: In "maize" /meɪz/, the vowel sound is the diphthong /eɪ/, as in "day" or "face". Diphthongs are two vowel sounds glided together in one syllable.

Solution: Let's check each option's vowel sound:

A. step /step/ has the short vowel /e/. ✗
B. what /wɒt/ has the short vowel /ɒ/. ✗
C. whip /wɪp/ has the short vowel /ɪ/. ✗
D. tray /treɪ/ has the diphthong /eɪ/. ✓

"Maize" /meɪz/ and "tray" /treɪ/ share the same /eɪ/ sound, even though they are spelled differently ("ai" and "ay").

Answer: D. tray.

Exam tip: In vowel-sound questions, ignore the spelling and say each word aloud, or write its sound in your head. Different spellings like "ai", "ay", "ei", "a-e" (as in "cake"), and "eigh" (as in "eight") can all make /eɪ/. Eliminate options with short vowels first, since diphthongs sound longer and glide.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.