WAEC 2024 English Language · Question 71

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

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. rest

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

A.near
B.survey
C.choir
D.carry

Answer: D. carry

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

The question doesn't show which letter(s) are underlined in "rest" (the formatting was lost), but the natural consonant to test is the r at the start of "rest", which is the sound /r/.

Step 1: Identify the sound "rest" begins with the consonant sound /r/.

Step 2: Find the /r/ sound in each option

A. near /nɪə(r)/: the "r" is at the end. In Standard Nigerian and British English it is not pronounced (non-rhotic), so there is no /r/ sound.
B. survey /ˈsɜːveɪ/ (noun) or /səˈveɪ/ (verb): the "r" only makes the vowel long, so it is not pronounced as /r/.
C. choir /ˈkwaɪə/: the "r" is silent, so there is no /r/ sound.
D. carry /ˈkæri/: the "r" comes before a vowel, so it is pronounced as /r/.

Step 3: Conclusion Only "carry" has a pronounced /r/ sound, like the /r/ in "rest".

Concept to remember: In Standard British and Nigerian English, "r" is pronounced only when a vowel sound follows it (as in red, carry, very). When "r" comes at the end of a word or before a consonant, it is usually silent and only affects the vowel (as in near, car, survey).

Exam tip: In consonant-sound questions, say each word aloud and ask, "Do I actually hear the sound?" Silent letters are a favourite trap for WASSCE and JAMB.

Note: Since the underlined part was not visible, I assumed it was the "r".

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.