WAEC 2018 English Language · Question 5

cheek — choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the on represented by the letter(s) underlined

Question

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the on represented by the letter(s) underlined. cheek

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

A.chemist
B.campaign
C.sharp
D.cheque

Answer: D. cheque

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The underlined letters in "cheek" are presumably "ch" (the question doesn't show the underline, but "ch" is the only consonant digraph). We need to find which word has the same sound as the "ch" in "cheek".

Concept: The letters "ch" can be pronounced in three main ways in English:

/tʃ/ as in church, cheek, chair
/k/ as in chemist, school, chorus (Greek-origin words)
/ʃ/ as in chef, machine (French-origin words)

Step-by-step solution:

"cheek" starts with /tʃ/ (as in "chip").
A. chemist has "ch" as /k/ (KEM-ist). This is not a match.
B. campaign has "c" as /k/ and "g" is silent in "-gn" (kam-PAYN). This is not a match.
C. sharp has "sh" as /ʃ/. This is not a match.
D. cheque is where it gets interesting. It is pronounced /tʃek/, so it begins with "ch" as /tʃ/ (the "que" at the end is /k/). The initial sound is the same as in "cheek".

Looking at it more carefully: if the underlined part is the initial "ch" in cheek, then "cheque" matches with /tʃ/. If the underlined part were the final "k" sound (as in "cheek" → "ck"/"k"), then "cheque" would also match through "que" = /k/. Either way, D fits.

Answer: D. cheque

Tip: For "ch" questions, remember the three sounds: /tʃ/ (chair), /k/ (chemist, school, chorus), /ʃ/ (chef, machine). Words from Greek usually give /k/, and words from French give /ʃ/. Everyday English words usually give /tʃ/.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.