WAEC 2023 English Language · Question 93

fate — choose the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the underlined letter(s)

Question

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

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

A.weight
B.flat
C.share
D.said

Answer: A. weight

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The word "fate" is given, and we need a word with the same vowel sound. The vowel in "fate" is the diphthong /eɪ/ (as in "day").

Concept: In English, the same sound can be spelled in different ways. Here the /eɪ/ sound can be spelled with "a-e" (fate), "eigh" (weight), "ay" (day), or "ai" (rain).

Step-by-step solution:

fate → /feɪt/, vowel sound /eɪ/
A. weight → /weɪt/, vowel sound /eɪ/ ✔ (the "eigh" spelling gives the same sound)
B. flat → /flæt/, vowel sound /æ/ ✘
C. share → /ʃeə/, vowel sound /eə/ ✘ (the "r" changes it to a different sound)
D. said → /sed/, vowel sound /e/ ✘

Only weight matches the vowel sound in "fate". Notice that "weight" and "fate" even rhyme.

Answer: A. weight

Tip: Don't be fooled by spelling. Say each word aloud and focus on the sound only. Watch for "eigh" (weight, eight, neighbour, sleigh), which almost always gives /eɪ/. Also be careful with "share", "care" and "hair": the "r" turns the sound into /eə/, which is not the same as /eɪ/.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.