WAEC 2024 English Language · Question 81

wolf — 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. wolf

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

A.golf
B.scold
C.crude
D.wood

Answer: D. wood

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The underlined letters were not shown, but the word is "wolf". The vowel is "o", pronounced /ʊ/ (the short vowel in "put" and "book"): wolf /wʊlf/.

Explain the concept: In English, the letter "o" can represent several sounds:

/ɒ/ as in "hot" and "golf"
/əʊ/ as in "go" and "scold"
/uː/ as in "do" and "crude" (the "u" here)
/ʊ/ as in "wolf", "woman" and "wood" (the "oo")

Step-by-step solution:

wolf has the vowel /ʊ/ (short, as in "put").
A. golf has /ɒ/ (as in "hot"), which is a different sound.
B. scold has /əʊ/ (as in "go"), which is a diphthong and different.
C. crude has /uː/ (long "oo" as in "food"), which is not the same as the short /ʊ/.
D. wood has /ʊ/ (as in "put"), which matches "wolf".

Answer: D. wood

Tip: Watch for the short /ʊ/ versus long /uː/ contrast. Short /ʊ/ words include wood, book, put, full, wolf and woman. Long /uː/ words include food, crude, moon and rule. Say each word aloud: if your lips stay relaxed and the sound is quick, it is /ʊ/.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.