WAEC 2023 English Language · Question 124

rou g e — choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letter(s)…

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. rou g e

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

A.gem
B.rage
C.leisure
D.jest

Answer: C. leisure

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The word is "rouge" (underlined: ge). We need the word with the same consonant sound as the "ge" in rouge.

Explain the concept: In "rouge" (pronounced /ruːʒ/), the "ge" makes the sound /ʒ/, the voiced palato-alveolar fricative. This is the same sound as the "s" in "measure" or "vision". It is different from /dʒ/, the "j" sound in "judge".

Step-by-step solution:

A. gem: the "g" is pronounced /dʒ/ (as in "jam"). Not a match.
B. rage: the "ge" is pronounced /dʒ/ (/reɪdʒ/). Not a match. It is spelt like "rouge" but sounds different, which is the trap here.
C. leisure: the "s" is pronounced /ʒ/ (/ˈleʒə/ in Nigerian and British usage). This matches /ʒ/.
D. jest: the "j" is pronounced /dʒ/. Not a match.

Answer: The sound /ʒ/ appears in leisure, so the correct option is C.

Exam tip: Be careful with /ʒ/ and /dʒ/. /ʒ/ is a smooth "zh" sound with no "d" at the start. It appears in words like measure, treasure, vision, pleasure, garage, beige, rouge. If the word sounds like "judge", it is /dʒ/. If it sounds like the middle of "pleasure", it is /ʒ/. Spelling can mislead you, so say the word aloud to yourself.

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