WAEC 2023 English Language · Question 1

hack — choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letter(s) 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 letter(s) underlined. hack

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

A.behaviour
B.schedule
C.exhibit
D.honourable

Answer: A. behaviour

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

The question doesn't show which letters are underlined, but the word is "hack", so the most likely target is the /h/ sound at the beginning (the "h" in hack).

Step 1: Identify the sound In "hack", the "h" is pronounced /h/ (as in /hæk/).

Step 2: Check each option for the /h/ sound

A. behaviour /bɪˈheɪvjə/ – the "h" is pronounced /h/. ✔
B. schedule /ˈʃedjuːl/ or /ˈskedʒuːl/ – there is no /h/ sound. The "sch" is /ʃ/ or /sk/. ✘
C. exhibit /ɪɡˈzɪbɪt/ – the "h" is silent. ✘
D. honourable /ˈɒnərəbl/ – the "h" is silent. ✘

Step 3: Answer Only "behaviour" has the /h/ sound, matching the "h" in "hack".

Note: If the underlined part was instead "ck" (/k/), then "schedule" (/sk/ in British English) could be considered, so always check what is underlined in your paper. But since the word "hack" is given with the sounds of "h" being the distinguishing feature among these options, A is the best fit and matches the official key.

Exam tip: Remember the silent "h" words: honour, honest, hour, heir, exhibit, exhaust, exhort. In these, "h" is not pronounced. If an option has a pronounced "h" (like behave, behaviour, ahead), that is usually your answer when the target sound is /h/.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.