WAEC 2024 English Language · Question 132

chute — 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. chute

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

A.loch
B.usual
C.sugar
D.choose

Answer: C. sugar

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The underlined letters aren't shown, but the word is "chute". Here "ch" is the consonant sound represented. In "chute" the "ch" is pronounced /ʃ/ (as in "shoot"). It is not /tʃ/. Chute is pronounced /ʃuːt/.

Concept: In words borrowed from French, "ch" is often pronounced /ʃ/ (machine, chef, chute, parachute), unlike native English words where "ch" is /tʃ/ (church, choose).

Check each option:

A. loch: "ch" is /x/ or /k/, a Scottish sound. Not a match.
B. usual: "s" is /ʒ/ (as in "vision"). It is close, but it is voiced, so not a match.
C. sugar: "s" is /ʃ/. This matches the /ʃ/ in "chute".
D. choose: "ch" is /tʃ/. This is a different sound because it begins with a "t" sound.

Answer: C. sugar. Both words begin with the /ʃ/ sound.

Tip: Remember that /ʃ/ and /ʒ/ are a voiceless and voiced pair. "Sugar" and "chute" have the voiceless /ʃ/, while "usual" has the voiced /ʒ/. For "ch" words, ask yourself whether the word is French-derived (chef, machine, chute), which usually gives /ʃ/, or English (chair, choose), which gives /tʃ/.

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