WAEC 2021 English Language · Question 14

sheep — 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. sheep

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

A.sign
B.same
C.wash
D.sin

Answer: C. wash

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The word "sheep" has the underlined letters "sh" (presumably), which make the sound /ʃ/. We need the option with the same consonant sound.

Concept: In English, the letters "sh" make the sound /ʃ/ (as in ship, fish). Always go by the sound, not the spelling.

Step-by-step analysis of the options:

A. sign - the "s" is pronounced /s/ (and "g" is silent), so /saɪn/. Not /ʃ/.
B. same - the "s" is pronounced /s/, so /seɪm/. Not /ʃ/.
C. wash - the "sh" is pronounced /ʃ/, so /wɒʃ/. This matches.
D. sin - the "s" is pronounced /s/, so /sɪn/. Not /ʃ/.

Answer: Only wash contains the /ʃ/ sound found in "sheep".

Tip: In sound-matching questions, ignore the spelling and say each word aloud. Remember that "s" at the start of a word is usually /s/, while "sh" is always /ʃ/. Look for words with "sh", "ti" (as in nation), or "ci" (as in special), since these often produce the /ʃ/ sound.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.