WAEC 2019 English Language · Question 39

bawl — 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. bawl

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

A.port
B.cook
C.pal
D.lout

Answer: A. port

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The word is "bawl" (underlined part is likely "aw"). We need the option with the same vowel sound.

Explain the concept: In "bawl", the letters "aw" make the long vowel /ɔː/ (as in "paw" or "law"). The word is pronounced /bɔːl/. We compare vowel sounds, not spelling.

Solution: Let's write the sound of each option:

A. port /pɔːt/ has the vowel /ɔː/, which matches "bawl".
B. cook /kʊk/ has the vowel /ʊ/ (short), which does not match.
C. pal /pæl/ has the vowel /æ/, which does not match.
D. lout /laʊt/ has the diphthong /aʊ/, which does not match. Note that "ou" and "aw" look similar in spelling, but they sound different.

Answer: The vowel in "bawl" /ɔː/ matches "port" /pɔːt/, so the correct option is A.

Tip: Do not be fooled by spelling. Say each word aloud and match the sound. "Aw", "or", "al" (as in "call") often give the same /ɔː/ sound, as in paw, port, call, born, law. For diphthongs like /aʊ/ (as in "lout", "now", "house"), your mouth moves from "ah" to "oo", while /ɔː/ stays steady.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.