WAEC 2018 English Language · Question 38

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

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

A.brown
B.blew
C.road
D.now

Answer: C. road

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The word "blow" has the underlined vowel letters "ow" (the question gives the whole word, so we take the vowel sound in it). We need the option with the same vowel sound.

Explain the concept: The letters "ow" can be pronounced in two ways:

/əʊ/ as in blow, know, show, snow (a long "oh" sound)
/aʊ/ as in now, brown, cow, down (the "ow" in "ouch")

Step-by-step solution:

The word "blow" is pronounced /bləʊ/, so the vowel sound is the diphthong /əʊ/.

Now check each option:

A. brown /braʊn/: vowel is /aʊ/. This does not match.
B. blew /bluː/: vowel is /uː/. This does not match.
C. road /rəʊd/: vowel is /əʊ/. This matches.
D. now /naʊ/: vowel is /aʊ/. This does not match.

Answer: C. road. It has the same /əʊ/ sound as "blow".

Tip: Do not trust spelling alone. "Blow" and "now" both end in "ow", but they sound different. Say each word aloud and listen to the vowel. Remember the pairs: blow/know/show/road/boat (/əʊ/) versus now/cow/brown/town (/aʊ/).

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.