WAEC 2021 English Language · Question 119

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 tough

Options

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

A.cough
B.born
C.boat
D.done

Answer: D. done

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question The word "tough" is given, and the underlined part is "ou". In "tough", this is pronounced /ʌ/ (as in "cup"), so tough is /tʌf/. We need the option with the same vowel sound.

Explain the concept English spelling and pronunciation often don't match. The letters "ou" can be pronounced in many ways:

tough → /ʌ/
cough → /ɒ/
through → /uː/
though → /əʊ/

So you must go by the sound, not the spelling.

Check each option

A. cough /kɒf/: the vowel is /ɒ/ (as in "hot"). Even though it ends in "-ough" like tough, the sound is different. ✗
B. born /bɔːn/: the vowel is /ɔː/. ✗
C. boat /bəʊt/: the vowel is the diphthong /əʊ/. ✗
D. done /dʌn/: the vowel is /ʌ/, the same as in tough /tʌf/. ✓

Answer: D (done)

Exam tip Don't be fooled by similar spelling. "Cough" looks like "tough" but sounds different. Say each word aloud and compare only the vowel sound. A useful group of /ʌ/ words spelled differently: done, son, love, come, tough, blood, cup.

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