WAEC 2020 English Language · Question 5

fatal — 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. fatal

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

A.hard
B.fat
C.beard
D.bail

Answer: D. bail

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

The underlined letters aren't visible in the question, so we need to work out which vowel is most likely being tested in "fatal."

Step 1: Analyze the question "Fatal" is pronounced /ˈfeɪtl/. The stressed first syllable "fa" has the diphthong /eɪ/, as in "day."

The question normally underlines the "a" in the first syllable, which is the one with the clear sound. The second "a" is reduced to a weak sound (schwa or nearly silent), so the first "a" is the one that is tested.

Step 2: Find the sound of each option

A. hard: /hɑːd/ has the long vowel /ɑː/
B. fat: /fæt/ has the short vowel /æ/
C. beard: /bɪəd/ has the diphthong /ɪə/
D. bail: /beɪl/ has the diphthong /eɪ/

Step 3: Match the sounds "Fatal" has /eɪ/, and "bail" has /eɪ/. They match.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is D. bail.

Tip: In words like "fatal," "paper," "radio," and "label," the "a" in the first syllable is usually the long /eɪ/ sound. Do not be tricked by "fat," which looks similar but has the short /æ/ sound. In sound-matching questions, always compare how the words sound rather than how they are spelled.

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