WAEC 2020 English Language · Question 107

stuff — 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. stuff

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

A.tune
B.hoof
C.tough
D.doff

Answer: C. tough

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The word is "stuff", and the underlined part is most likely the vowel "u". We need a word with the same vowel sound.

Concept: In "stuff", the "u" is pronounced /ʌ/ (the short "uh" sound), as in "cup" or "but". Let's check each option's vowel sound.

Step-by-step check:

A. tune: /tjuːn/, with a long "oo" sound (/uː/). Not a match.
B. hoof: /huːf/, with a long "oo" sound (/uː/). Not a match.
C. tough: /tʌf/, with the short "uh" sound (/ʌ/). This matches "stuff" /stʌf/.
D. doff: /dɒf/, with a short "o" sound (/ɒ/). Not a match.

Answer: The vowel in "stuff" is /ʌ/, and "tough" has the same sound.

Tip: In English, the letters "ough" can be pronounced in many ways (though, through, cough, tough). In "tough", "ou" is pronounced /ʌ/ and "gh" is pronounced /f/, so it rhymes with "stuff", "enough", and "rough". When a sound-matching question gives a word ending in "-uff", look for rhyming words like these.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.