WAEC 2020 English Language · Question 65

boil — 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. boil

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

A.coy
B.soul
C.how
D.mode

Answer: A. coy

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: You are asked to find the word with the same vowel sound as the "oi" in boil.

Explain the concept: The letters "oi" in boil make the diphthong /ɔɪ/, which sounds like "oy." A diphthong is a vowel sound that glides from one sound to another within the same syllable. The /ɔɪ/ sound can be spelled "oi" (boil, coin, join) or "oy" (boy, toy, coy).

Solution, step by step:

boil is pronounced /bɔɪl/, so the vowel sound is /ɔɪ/.
Check each option: • A. coy is /kɔɪ/, with the vowel sound /ɔɪ/. This matches. • B. soul is /soʊl/, with the vowel sound /oʊ/. This does not match. • C. how is /haʊ/, with the vowel sound /aʊ/. This does not match. • D. mode is /moʊd/, with the vowel sound /oʊ/. This does not match.

Answer: The correct option is A. coy, which has the same /ɔɪ/ sound as "boil."

Tip: In English, "oi" and "oy" almost always produce the same sound. When you see "oi" in a question, look for an option spelled with "oy" (boy, toy, joy, enjoy). Say each word aloud quickly to confirm the match.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.