WAEC 2021 English Language · Question 117

change — choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letters underlined

Question

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letters underlined. change

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

A.nature
B.nation
C.champagne
D.chameleon

Answer: A. nature

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The underlined letters are not shown, but the word is "change", so the underlined part is almost certainly "ch", which is pronounced /tʃ/ (as in "chair"). We need the option containing the /tʃ/ sound.

Concept: The letters "ch" can be pronounced in three ways in English:

/tʃ/ as in church, change
/ʃ/ as in champagne, machine
/k/ as in chemist, chameleon

Check each option:

A. nature /ˈneɪtʃə/: the "t" before "ure" is pronounced /tʃ/. This matches "ch" in change.
B. nation /ˈneɪʃn/: the "ti" is pronounced /ʃ/. This does not match.
C. champagne /ʃæmˈpeɪn/: the "ch" is pronounced /ʃ/. This does not match.
D. chameleon /kəˈmiːliən/: the "ch" is pronounced /k/. This does not match.

Answer: Only nature has the /tʃ/ sound, the same as "ch" in change.

Tip: Watch for the "-ture" ending (nature, picture, future, culture). It is nearly always pronounced /tʃə/, the same as "ch". Also remember that "ch" in words of French origin (champagne, machine, chef) is /ʃ/, and in Greek-origin words (chemist, chorus, chameleon) it is /k/.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.