WAEC 2024 English Language · Question 32

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

Question

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

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

A.coax
B.chore
C.road
D.rod

Answer: B. chore

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The word is "coarse" (underlined part is likely "oar"). It is pronounced /kɔːs/, so the vowel sound is the long /ɔː/ (as in "door" or "more"). We need the option with the same vowel sound.

Check each option:

A. coax is /kəʊks/. The vowel is the diphthong /əʊ/, which is different.
B. chore is /tʃɔː/. The vowel is /ɔː/, which is the same as in "coarse".
C. road is /rəʊd/. The vowel is the diphthong /əʊ/, which is different.
D. rod is /rɒd/. The vowel is the short /ɒ/, which is different.

Concept: Spelling can mislead you. "oa" can be pronounced /ɔː/ (coarse, roar, board) or /əʊ/ (road, coax, boat). Always say the word aloud and listen for the sound. The "-ore" and "-oar" endings usually give /ɔː/ (chore, more, roar).

Answer: B, chore.

Tip: Group words by sound, not spelling. Words like "coarse, chore, sore, pour, door, law" all share /ɔː/. Compare "coarse" with "course" and "source", which sound the same.

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