WAEC 2023 English Language · Question 70

powder — 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). powder

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

A.low
B.loud
C.tour
D.potty

Answer: B. loud

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The underlined letters aren't shown, but in "powder" the underlined part is almost certainly ow, which is pronounced /aʊ/ (as in "now"). The word is /ˈpaʊdə/. We need the option with the same vowel sound.

Explain the concept: The letters "ow" and "ou" can each represent different sounds:

"ow" as in low, /əʊ/ (the sound in "go")
"ow" as in powder, /aʊ/ (the sound in "now")
"ou" as in loud, /aʊ/
"ou" as in tour, /ʊə/

Step-by-step check of each option:

A. low: /ləʊ/. This is the "oh" sound, not the same as /aʊ/.
B. loud: /laʊd/. This has the /aʊ/ sound, which matches powder.
C. tour: /tʊə/ (or /tɔː/). This is a different sound.
D. potty: /ˈpɒti/. The vowel is the short /ɒ/, so it doesn't match.

Answer: The vowel in powder is /aʊ/, and only loud has the same sound.

Tip: Don't trust spelling when matching sounds. "Ow" has two common sounds, /aʊ/ (cow, now, powder, flower) and /əʊ/ (low, show, grow). Say the word aloud and compare it with the options. Try the "now" test: if the word rhymes with "now," it's /aʊ/.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.