WAEC 2024 English Language · Question 38

dumb — 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. dumb

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

A.comb
B.pupil
C.urban
D.month

Answer: D. month

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: "dumb" has the vowel sound /ʌ/ (as in "cup"). The "b" is silent. We need the word whose vowel sound is also /ʌ/.

Explain the concept: Vowel sounds depend on pronunciation, not spelling. The letter "u" and "o" can both produce /ʌ/ in different words.

Check each option:

A. comb - /kəʊm/. The vowel is /əʊ/ (as in "home"). Not a match.
B. pupil - /ˈpjuːpl/. The vowel is /juː/ (as in "cube"). Not a match.
C. urban - /ˈɜːbən/. The vowel is /ɜː/ (as in "bird"). Not a match.
D. month - /mʌnθ/. The vowel is /ʌ/, the same as in "dumb" /dʌm/. This is a match.

Answer: D. month

Tip: In English, the letter "o" often sounds /ʌ/ in words like month, son, come, love, money, some, done. Don't be misled by spelling. Say the word aloud and focus on the sound. Also, "comb" has a silent "b" like "dumb" does, which is a common distractor in this kind of question.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.