WAEC 2018 English Language · Question 70

tax — 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. tax

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

A.ask
B.ached
C.lacks
D.kiss

Answer: C. lacks

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

The question doesn't show which letters are underlined in "tax", but the likely target is the "x" in "tax", which represents the consonant cluster /ks/. I'll work on that basis.

Step 1: Analyze the question We need the word with the same consonant sound(s) as the underlined letter(s). The letter "x" in "tax" is pronounced /ks/ (tax = /tæks/).

Step 2: Concept Sometimes a single letter stands for two sounds. The letter "x" usually stands for /ks/, as in tax, box and mix. So we look for the option whose underlined part (or ending) is pronounced /ks/.

Step 3: Check each option

A. ask /ɑːsk/ has the cluster /sk/, which is the reverse order of /ks/. ✗
B. ached /eɪkt/ ends in /kt/. ✗
C. lacks /læks/ ends in /ks/, spelled "cks", and it matches the "x" in "tax" exactly. ✓
D. kiss /kɪs/ has only /s/. ✗

Step 4: Answer "Lacks" ends with /ks/, exactly like "tax" /tæks/. In fact, "tax" and "lacks" are perfect rhymes.

Tip: In sound questions, write out the phonetic transcription of the underlined part first, then compare it with each option. Watch for order: /ks/ is not the same as /sk/, so don't be fooled by "ask".

I should be honest that the underlining wasn't visible in your question.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.