WAEC 2021 English Language · Question 131

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

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. pleasure

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

A.pressure
B.pleasing
C.natural
D.occasion

Answer: D. occasion

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The underlined letters in "pleasure" aren't shown here, but in this standard question the underlined part is "s" in "pleasure". It is pronounced /ʒ/, as in "pleasure" /ˈpleʒə/. We need the word with the same /ʒ/ sound.

Concept: The sound /ʒ/ (the "zh" sound) is a voiced palato-alveolar fricative. It appears in words like measure, vision, treasure, garage, occasion. It is different from /ʃ/ ("sh"), which is its voiceless partner.

Check each option:

A. pressure /ˈpreʃə/: the "ss" gives /ʃ/ (voiceless "sh"). ✗
B. pleasing /ˈpliːzɪŋ/: the "s" gives /z/. ✗
C. natural /ˈnætʃrəl/: the "t" gives /tʃ/ ("ch"). ✗
D. occasion /əˈkeɪʒn/: the "s" gives /ʒ/. ✓

Answer: D. occasion.

Tip: Remember the pair "sh" /ʃ/ (voiceless) and "zh" /ʒ/ (voiced). Put your fingers on your throat: for "pressure" there's no vibration, but for "pleasure" and "occasion" you feel one. Words ending in -sion after a vowel (occasion, decision, vision) and -sure (measure, treasure) usually carry /ʒ/.

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