WAEC 2019 English Language · Question 97

back — Choose the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined

Question

Choose the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined. back

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

A.flame
B.pat
C.bet
D.lark

Answer: B. pat

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The word "back" has the short vowel /æ/ (as in "cat"). The underlined letter(s) isn't shown, but the vowel in "back" is "a", so we need the option with the same /æ/ sound.

Concept: English vowel sounds depend on pronunciation, not spelling. Let's transcribe each word:

back → /bæk/ (vowel: /æ/)
A. flame → /fleɪm/ (diphthong /eɪ/)
B. pat → /pæt/ (vowel: /æ/)
C. bet → /bet/ (vowel: /e/)
D. lark → /lɑːk/ (long vowel /ɑː/)

Solution: Compare each vowel with /æ/:

flame has /eɪ/ (a glide, different)
pat has /æ/ (same)
bet has /e/ (different, a mid-front vowel)
lark has /ɑːk/ (long, different)

Only pat matches "back".

Answer: B. pat

Tip: For "same vowel sound" questions, ignore spelling and say each word aloud. Short /æ/ words like back, pat, cat, man have a short, "flat" sound. Watch out for "a" in words ending with silent "e" (flame), which usually becomes /eɪ/, and "ar" (lark), which usually becomes /ɑː/.

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