WAEC 2021 English Language · Question 12

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined chief

Options

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

A.dead
B.feast
C.fine
D.chin

Answer: B. feast

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The underlined part of "chief" is not shown, but it is almost certainly "ie", which gives the long vowel /iː/ (chief = /tʃiːf/). We need the option with the same vowel sound.

Explain the concept: In English, the long /iː/ sound can be spelled in several ways: "ie" (chief), "ea" (feast), "ee" (seen), "e-e" (scene). The spelling differs but the sound is the same.

Solution, checking each option:

A. dead /ded/: the "ea" is the short vowel /e/. This does not match.
B. feast /fiːst/: the "ea" is the long vowel /iː/. This matches chief /tʃiːf/.
C. fine /faɪn/: the "i" is the diphthong /aɪ/. This does not match.
D. chin /tʃɪn/: the "i" is the short vowel /ɪ/. It is close, but short, so it does not match.

Answer: Option B, feast.

Tip: Do not match by spelling. "dead" and "feast" both have "ea", yet they sound different. Say each word aloud and ask whether the vowel is long (held, as in "eee") or short (quick, as in "i" in "chin"). Chief and feast both have the long "eee" sound.

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