WAEC 2020 English Language · Question 101

man — 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. man

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

A.tape
B.slash
C.palm
D.barn

Answer: B. slash

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The word is "man". The vowel sound is /æ/ (the short "a" sound, as in cat, bad). We need the option with the same vowel sound.

Explain the concept: In English, the letter "a" can represent different sounds:

/æ/ as in man, cat, slash (short, front vowel)
/eɪ/ as in tape, name
/ɑː/ as in palm, barn, car (long, back vowel)

Check each option:

A. tape /teɪp/: the vowel is /eɪ/, so it does not match.
B. slash /slæʃ/: the vowel is /æ/, so it matches "man" /mæn/.
C. palm /pɑːm/: the vowel is /ɑː/, so it does not match.
D. barn /bɑːn/: the vowel is /ɑː/, so it does not match.

Answer: The correct option is **B.

Tip: Say the words aloud. "Man" and "slash" both have a short, quick "a" sound, with the mouth fairly open and the sound made at the front. If the "a" is long and drawn out (as in palm and barn), it's /ɑː/. Remember that the "l" in palm is silent, which often tricks students.

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