WAEC 2019 English Language · Question 133

flout — 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. flout

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

A.follow
B.plough
C.light
D.once

Answer: B. plough

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The word "flout" is pronounced /flaʊt/. The underlined letters are "ou", which make the diphthong /aʊ/, the sound in "out" or "now". We need the option with the same vowel sound.

Concept: English spelling can be misleading, so always judge by sound, not by spelling. The sound /aʊ/ can be spelled "ou" (flout, house), "ow" (cow, now), or "ough" (plough, bough).

Check each option:

A. follow /ˈfɒləʊ/. The stressed vowel is /ɒ/, as in "hot". Not a match.
B. plough /plaʊ/. The "ough" makes /aʊ/, the same as in "flout". Match.
C. light /laɪt/. The vowel is /aɪ/, as in "my". Not a match.
D. once /wʌns/. The vowel is /ʌ/, as in "cup". Not a match.

Answer: B. plough

Tip: Say each word aloud and compare it with a simple "key word" for the sound. Here, "flout" sounds like "out", and "plough" sounds like "now". Also remember that "ough" is pronounced in many ways (though, through, cough, rough, plough), so memorize these exceptions as they appear often in WASSCE, JAMB and NECO.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.