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essay writing for waec students

The 5-Paragraph Essay: A Simple Way to Write WAEC Essay

essay writing for waec students

– Dr Ibraheem Dooba

When we were in secondary school, we had excellent English teachers. However, while they taught us essay writing, they paid scant attention to how to write it. That is, we were not shown the moves that matter in essay writing. This means that while we could tell a good essay from a bad one, we didn’t know the steps to follow to write good ones. So, we were left to shoot in the dark, sometimes we hit the target, some days we missed. Today, I want to remove students from the uncertain situation.

I understand that senior secondary students have started writing their NECO examinations and that they will sit for the English language exam on the second of August 2021.

Accordingly, the 5-paragraph essay is one useful tool that any student can use to write the required 450 words effortlessly. As the name implies, this essay is written in five paragraphs: one each for the introduction and conclusion and three paragraphs for the body.

The good thing about this tool is that you can use it to write any of the six questions in the essay section – from the formal letter to the article for publication.

But if I were a student writing the examination, I would choose to answer the debate question or the informal letter. The debate is easy to tackle. However, there are some years (such as WAEC 1997) that do not feature the debate question – even though such omissions are rare. When that happens, you should choose to write an informal letter.

In this article, I will show you how to write an essay using the 5-paragraph technique, then I will use one of the WAEC (1996) questions to implement the steps.

Here is a summary of how to write the essay: in the introduction, tell the readers what you want to tell them. In the body, tell them (using three or more points). Finally, use the conclusion to tell them that you have told them. Let me explain each step.

Introduction

The goal of the introduction is to tell your reader what the essay is about. Therefore, the introduction of a debate is divided into three parts: the greetings, stating your position (whether you’re opposing or proposing) and a brief mention of your three points.

Example: “Mr Chairman, the panel of judges, the time-keeper, my co-debaters, ladies and gentlemen. I stand before you today to oppose the motion that says ‘the female child is more beneficial to her parents than the male child’. In doing that, I will support my position with the following three points: one, the male child is the only one guaranteed to keep the family name. Two, it is the male child who shoulders the responsibility of providing for the family and the male presence in the family is enough security. In the next paragraphs, I will argue each point in detail.”

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The body has three paragraphs. One paragraph for each point. Some students find the body to be the most difficult part to write. After writing the first sentence of their point, they get stuck. They don’t know how to explain the point to increase their word count. I have a solution. For every paragraph, follow five steps: one, state your point. Two, use meta-commentary to repeat the point once or twice (setting it off by using phrases like that is, this means that, in essence, etc.). Three, give an example. Four, use a proverb, a quote or a metaphor and explain it. Five, introduce a naysayer. That is, argue the viewpoint of your opponent and immediately attack it. For example, “my opponent will argue that female children are more beneficial to their parents because they help in the kitchen. But that argument is weak if you consider the fact that it is the male child who provides the food for the parents. So I believe that the person who provides is more useful than the person who prepares.”

Then move on to the next point. If you follow the above five steps for each paragraph, you would never be short of what to write again. To demonstrate, let me write one complete paragraph.

“First, the male child keeps the family name. This means that it is the boy who perpetuates the father’s name. In essence, the girl will get married and adopt her husband’s name. For instance, my friend’s sister got married and changed from Maryam Ahmad Bukar to Maryam Mahmud Sodangi. Since they are the only children of their parents, it became the sole responsibility of my friend to maintain the father’s name. I agree with our religious teacher who was fond of saying “you boys are supposed to be the providers, the protectors and guardians to your female relatives. You should remember this responsibility. A boy is never too young to learn this.” The essence of my teacher’s counsel was to prepare us to shoulder our responsibilities and be the pillars of our families and communities. I know that the opposing speakers would say that some cultures, such as Islam, allow – even mandate – their women to keep their fathers’ names. I concede that this is true. But you should also concede that even in the Islamic culture, some women prefer to use their husband’s names.”

Easy isn’t it? I generated 178 words in the paragraph above because I followed the five steps. Two additional paragraphs will fetch you 500 words. So you should follow the same steps for the remaining two points. If you do that, your problem would be having too many words. But that is a better problem to have than having too few.

The conclusion is like the introduction except that it restates what you have already stated and why that is important. So it also has three parts: one, restate your position. Two, mention the three points again. Three, mention why your position is important and why it should be accepted.

“In conclusion, I am opposed to the motion say says boys are less beneficial to their parents and poignantly argued my position with irrefutable facts; namely, the male child is the only one guaranteed to keep the family name, it is he who shoulders the responsibility of providing for the family and it is the male child who offers security for the family. This position is important because while it is commendable to fight for the equality of women, it is completely unacceptable to demote and demean the men in the process.”

I wish you the best grade in your examination.

Series count: 17/100

Please share.

~ Ibraheem Dooba

Arewa Award

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The Ultimate Exam Success Hub

“Top Reasons Why Students Fail English in WAEC: How to Avoid Them and Make an A Grade

Did you know that approximately 1.5 million students like you take the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) every year? Sadly, various sources including the statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, Mrs Agnes Teye-Cudjoe, for the English Language, about 40% of the students who sat for the WAEC English exam failed to make a passing grade. 

What is the cause of this mass failure in English Language? As you prepare for your WAEC exam, you definitely want to know why students fail English in WAEC to avoid making the same mistakes, especially as English is often a prerequisite for further education and employment opportunities. 

In this article, we’ll explore the common mistakes many students have made in the different sections of the WAEC English exam and, more importantly, provide you with actionable tips to help you overcome these challenges and improve your performance. 

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

The sections of the waec english exam.

Before we discuss the common reasons why students fail English in WAEC, let’s take a quick look at the structure of the senior secondary certificate examination:

  • Paper 1: Objective (Multiple Choice) – This section tests students on grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.
  • Paper 2: Essay and Letter Writing – Students are required to write essays and letters on given topics.
  • Paper 3: Test of Orals – This section assesses students’ listening comprehension, pronunciation, and intonation.

Common Mistakes Students Make in Each Section & How to Avoid Them

A. paper 1: objective (multiple choice), lack of vocabulary and grammar knowledge.

One reason why students fail English in WAEC is due to a limited vocabulary and grammar knowledge. This leads to difficulty in understanding questions and selecting the correct answers. 

To improve in these areas, consider the following tips:

  • Read widely, including newspapers, novels, and articles, to expose yourself to new words and expressions.
  • Maintain a vocabulary journal where you write down unfamiliar words, their meanings, and usage examples.
  • Practice grammar exercises regularly to reinforce your understanding of grammar rules.

Misinterpreting questions

Sometimes students misinterpret the questions, leading to incorrect answers. This misunderstanding is another reason why students perform poorly in certificate examinations. To avoid this, work on your reading comprehension skills by:

  • Reading questions carefully and underlining keywords.
  • Breaking down complex sentences into simpler parts.
  • Paraphrasing questions in your own words to ensure understanding.

Time management issues

Another factor that contributes to why students fail English in WAEC is poor time management skills. Managing time effectively is crucial for success in the objective section. Poor time management contributes to why students fail the English language in WASSCE. Here are some tips for better time management:

  • Quickly skim through the questions before answering them to understand the time required for each question.
  • Allocate a specific amount of time for each question and stick to it.
  • Answer more straightforward questions first to build confidence and save time for more challenging ones.
  • Practice objective questions under timed conditions to simulate exam conditions. The good thing is Edubaloo has a timer feature. So you can time yourself when practicing with your Edubaloo app. Set a goal you want to reach with your timing, note how long it takes, and keep working on your timing until you achieve the goal. >>>CHECK: Click here to see how the app can help you

B. Paper 2: Essay and Letter Writing

Poor essay structure and organization.

A well-structured and organized essay is crucial for scoring high marks. Many secondary school students need help organizing their thoughts, which is one reason they fail English in WAEC. 

To improve your essay structure, follow these tips:

  • Begin with an introduction that clearly states your main point or thesis.
  • Organize your body paragraphs logically, each discussing a single idea related to the main point.
  • End with a conclusion that summarizes your main ideas and restates your thesis.

Weak argument development and lack of supporting details

A strong essay requires well-developed arguments and supporting details. Unfortunately, many students fail to provide enough evidence to support their claims, contributing to poor performance in the West African Examination Council WAEC. To strengthen your arguments, consider these strategies:

  • Start by brainstorming your main points and gathering evidence to support them.
  • Clearly state your argument in each body paragraph and provide relevant examples, facts, or anecdotes to support it.
  • Address possible counterarguments or objections to your argument to show your understanding of different perspectives.

Incorrect grammar, punctuation, and spelling

Errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling can negatively impact your essay score, and it’s another reason why students fail the English language in WAEC. To minimize these errors:

  • Proofread your work multiple times, checking for grammar, punctuation, and spelling mistakes.
  • Use grammar and spell-check tools to help identify errors.
  • Have a friend or teacher review your work for additional feedback.

Inappropriate tone and style in formal letters

Maintaining an appropriate tone and style in formal letters is essential for achieving a high senior secondary certificate examination score. Many students fail to differentiate between formal and informal language, leading to lower marks. To improve your formal letter-writing skills:

  • Familiarize yourself with formal letter-writing conventions, such as proper salutations, closing phrases, and formal language.
  • Avoid using slang, abbreviations, or overly casual expressions in your letters.
  • Practice writing different types of formal letters to gain experience and confidence.

C. Paper 3: Test of Orals

Inadequate listening comprehension skills.

Listening comprehension is a vital component of the Test of Orals section, and students who struggle with it are more likely to fail English in WAEC. To enhance your listening comprehension abilities:

  • Regularly listen to English audio materials like podcasts, radio programs, and audiobooks.
  • Practice active listening by taking notes while listening, summarizing the content, and discussing it with others.
  • Complete listening comprehension exercises to test your understanding and identify areas for improvement.

Poor pronunciation and intonation

Pronunciation and intonation are essential aspects of oral communication, and students with difficulties in these areas are more likely to perform poorly in the examination council WAEC. To improve your pronunciation and intonation:

  • Practice speaking English regularly, focusing on accurate pronunciation and natural intonation.
  • Listen to English podcasts and audio recordings of native speakers to become familiar with the correct pronunciation and intonation patterns.

Limited understanding of stress patterns

A solid grasp of stress patterns in English words and sentences is essential to performing well in the orals section. Many students struggle with this, but you can master stress patterns by:

  • Studying the rules of word stress and sentence stress in English
  • Practicing speaking English out loud, focusing on applying the correct stress patterns
  • Listening to native English speakers and paying attention to the stress patterns they use

 Additional Factors Contributing to Why Students Fail English in WAEC

A. ineffective study habits.

Developing effective study habits is vital to improving your performance in the WAEC English exam. Some tips for creating efficient study routines include:

  • Setting specific goals for each study session
  • Breaking study sessions into shorter, focused periods with breaks in between
  • Reviewing material regularly to reinforce your learning

B. Lack of motivation and self-confidence

Boosting your motivation and self-confidence is essential for success in the WAEC English exam. Here are some strategies to help you stay motivated and confident:

  • Set clear goals and celebrate small victories along the way
  • Remind yourself of your reasons for wanting to succeed in the exam
  • Surround yourself with positive influences, like supportive friends with common interests and family members

C. Exam Anxiety

Managing exam-related stress is crucial for performing well in all certificate examinations . Here are some techniques to help you cope with anxiety:

  • Practice past English WAEC questions and answers to familiarize yourself with what to expect in the Exam. You can download some here.
  • Practice relaxation techniques, like meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation
  • Develop a healthy lifestyle by eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep
  • Seek support from friends, family, or a counselor if your anxiety becomes overwhelming

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How Edubaloo Can Help Improve English Language Performance in WAEC

Let’s look at some of Edubaloo’s features and how they specifically address common mistakes why students fail English in WAEC:

  • Daily Streak: By committing to a daily study routine, you can consistently work on improving your English language skills. The Daily Streak feature keeps you motivated by tracking your progress and rewarding you for maintaining a consistent study schedule. This helps you develop good study habits and reinforces your learning of English language concepts. See how to create a study schedule here: HOW TO CREATE A STUDY SCHEDULE.
  • Performance Insight: With the Performance Insight feature, you can track your WAEC English exam preparation progress. This tool identifies your strengths and weaknesses in different aspects of the English language, such as vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension. You can tailor your study efforts to maximize your exam preparation by focusing on the areas that need improvement.
  • Explanation: The Explanation feature provides clear and concise explanations for key English language concepts and common mistakes. This helps you understand why you made specific errors and how to avoid them in the future. By offering step-by-step explanations, Edubaloo ensures you fully grasp the material and improve your comprehension.
  • Simulator: The Simulator feature creates a realistic learning environment, allowing you to practice for the WAEC English exam under exam-like conditions. By replicating the exam experience, you can familiarize yourself with different testing formats, build confidence, and reduce test anxiety. This innovative approach to exam preparation ensures that you are well-equipped to tackle the WAEC English exam head-on.
  • Study by Topic: The “Study by Topic” feature offers a structured, organized method for exam preparation, focusing on specific English language topics. By allowing you to concentrate on individual topics sequentially, you can build a solid foundation of understanding and knowledge while increasing material retention. This feature caters to the unique needs of each student, ensuring a more effective exam preparation experience for the WAEC English exam.

Frequently Asked Questions on Why Students Fail English in WAEC

What are the main reasons why students fail english in waec.

Why do students fail English? They may fail due to a lack of vocabulary and grammar knowledge, poor reading comprehension skills, inadequate essay writing skills, insufficient practice in oral tests, ineffective study habits, low motivation, and exam anxiety.

How can I improve my vocabulary and grammar for the WAEC English exam?

Regularly reading books, articles, and newspapers can help improve your vocabulary. Additionally, you can practice grammar exercises, use flashcards, and leverage online resources like Edubaloo to strengthen your grammar skills.

What are some tips for effective essay writing in the WAEC English exam?

Focus on creating a clear and logical essay structure, developing strong arguments, providing supporting details, maintaining an appropriate tone and style, and proofreading your work for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.

How can I overcome exam anxiety during the WAEC English exam?

Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises and visualization, maintain a positive mindset, and ensure that you are well-prepared by consistently practicing and reviewing the material.

How can I improve my listening and speaking skills for the WAEC English oral test?

Regularly engage in listening and speaking activities, such as watching English movies or videos, listening to English podcasts, and conversing with native English speakers. Practice pronunciation and intonation, and familiarize yourself with stress patterns in English words and sentences.

Are any resources or tools available to help me prepare for the WAEC English exam?

Yes, Edubaloo is a comprehensive study tool that offers various features tailored to help students improve their performance in the WAEC English exam. These features include Daily Streak, Performance Insight, Explanation, Simulator, and Study by Topic.

Can poor time management during the exam lead to WAEC English exam failing?

Yes, poor time management contributes to why students fail English in WAEC. It can cause students to rush through sections or fail to complete the exam. Practising time management strategies is crucial, such as allocating time for each section and regularly checking the clock to stay on track.

Each of the factors outlined in this article explains why students fail English in WAEC. By being aware of the common pitfalls across the different sections of the exam and implementing the strategies and tips we’ve shared, you’ll be well on your way to overcoming these challenges that result in why students fail English in WAEC and achieving the results you desire. Remember, adequate preparation and consistent practice are essential to mastering English. So, don’t be discouraged by past statistics. Implement these strategies alongside your Edubaloo app , and you’ll be on your way to joining the successful students who smash the WAEC English exam. DOWNLOAD YOUR EDUBALOO APP HERE.

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How to write an excellent WAEC essay

I was completely clueless about writing strategies when I was in secondary school preparing for WAEC.  Of course my friends came to me seeking guidance…

I was completely clueless about writing strategies when I was in secondary school preparing for WAEC.  Of course my friends came to me seeking guidance on how to write their essays. My approach and answer to their quest was to grab a pen, train it at the paper and to begin writing furiously to beat time.  After I had written paragraphs, I told them: “like this.”  Of course it worked for me.  But I don’t think it did for my friends/students.

The only improvement on the above approach was to tell them what my teachers told me and what many English teachers tell their students:  “Use outline,” that way you would be guided on what to write.  Although this is a fair point, the benefit of outlining is rather limited.  For a student who doesn’t know how to argue persuasively or doesn’t understand that writing is like joining a conversation or having a discussion, outlining wouldn’t help.  He would do the outlining alright, but that wouldn’t improve the quality of the writing. It would be “step one, I will write this nonsense, then followed by that nonsense, I will also not forget to write the other nonsense.”

I managed to pass the English language paper and so did many of my friends.  But I’ve since learned that for any writing (actually for anything) I do, it helps to develop a system on how to accomplish it, so that when inspiration refuses to prod you with its mesmerizing fingers, one would wheel out the system and produce content at will.

Some teachers are doing an amazing job, where some get it wrong however, is when they focus on grammar and other technicalities like proper address and punctuation.  But you have to have content before you think about punctuation.  Many students already have sufficient punctuation skills anyway, what is usually the challenge is producing the words. And essays are nothing but words properly arranged. So what approach can students use to easily generate the words at will and under the pressures of the examination?  This is the question I try to answer today.

A more appropriate question would be, if I were a secondary school student preparing for WAEC, how would I approach the essay question?

I would  use two things: a strategy and a template/steps.  My strategy would be to answer any question that gives me an opportunity to argue. Luckily, out of the five (they used to be six in the late 80s and 90s) essay questions, four of them satisfy this condition.  I bought the past questions book from Amab, a bookstore belonging to a friend in Minna yesterday to prepare for this column.  While reading the book, I observe that out of the five questions, at least two are letters (formal and informal), one is a speech or debate, one is an article suitable for publication and the last question is usually a story that illustrates and ends with a moral of some description.

Only the last question could be viewed as not providing the opportunity for argument – but even that is arguable.Why do we choose questions which offer the opportunity for argument?  This is due to the fact that it is the nature of man to argue – including about things he knows nothing about.  If you doubt my claim, visit any group on the social media.  It’s where people join discussion without first asking what the discussion is about.  A commenter on the U.K. Guardian website accurately described this phenomenon: “Ah, the internet, where strongly-held opinions are strongly put, and facts be damned.”

Except that it is not only on the internet that people have strong-held opinions.  They do so too offline.  And even if someone doesn’t have an opinion, he can instantly generate one depending on the question you ask.

That’s why, when I want to elicit a lot of comments on my Facebook page, I couch a post in the form an argument.  For example, “what is your assessment of this administration in the last two and half years?” would not generate as much reaction as “do you think this administration has performed well or poorly and what reasons do you have to justify your opinion?” now watch as everyone becomes a skilful debater. 

It is for the same reason why questions are easier to respond to than statements.  If I say, “write about WAEC” you may struggle to come up  with words to use in your response, but if I say, “in what ways do you think WAEC has been useful to schools and students in West Africa?” now you don’t have to think deeply before you’re able to answer that question.  That’s why when writing becomes a challenge for me, as it often becomes, I simply ask relevant questions such as why, how and so what.

Now that I’ve my strategy, the second thing I need is a template and the steps to follow for the student to easily produce more words than he or she needs.  The next column will address that.  Therefore, whether you’re a student preparing for WAEC or a teacher preparing students or anyone who no longer wants to suffer from paucity of words when writing should read this column next week.

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essay writing for waec students

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How to Master Literature in English for WAEC and NECO: A Step-by-step Guide

How to master Literature in English in WAEC and NECO

  • Introduction

How to master literature in English for WAEC and NECO is a challenge for so many students preparing for the final examinations. When I was preparing for my WAEC (West African Examinations Council) and NECO (National Examinations Council) exams, Literature in English seemed like a formidable challenge. The complex texts, the need to analyze themes, characters, and literary devices, and the pressure of essay writing made it a daunting subject.

However, with dedication, the right approach, and some essential strategies, I was able to not only read Literature in English effectively but also excel in these exams. In this article, I will share my journey and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to read and pass Literature in English in WAEC and NECO.

Start Early and Consistently

Select key texts wisely, read actively, understand literary concepts, join study groups, practice essay writing, past questions and mock exams, how to master literature in english for waec and neco – steps.

To master Literature in English in both WAEC requires the steps below.

Firstly, success in Literature in English is starting your preparation early and maintaining consistency. Reading novels, plays, and poems requires time and effort. Begin by creating a study schedule that allocates specific time slots for reading and analyzing literary texts. Consistency is crucial to building a strong foundation in the subject.

I remember that I was just in the third term of SS2 (Grade 11) when I started preparing for the examinations. My friends and I started reading up all the texts that we could not read because of one reason or the other when we were in the previous class. We bought past questions and treated so many years of the PQ. Although it was not a smooth journey. With dedication and consistency, I was able to scale through with flying colours.

WAEC and NECO typically have a list of recommended texts. Choose these texts wisely, as they are the primary materials you will be examining. Read them thoroughly, taking note of essential themes, characters, and literary techniques. If possible, seek guidance from your teachers on which texts to prioritize.

Furthermore, You need to understand that in the examination, you are required to pick one of the drama and one of the prose questions. This should guide you on what to read and prepare for. An example is when you are required to pick between Wuthering Heights or Fences. Typically, If you prefer answering questions on Wuthering Heights, read up on everything that concerns the book starting from the text itself, the summary, the plot, the theme to the significance of each character in the text.

Active reading involves engaging with the text actively rather than passively flipping through pages. As you read, highlight or underline key passages , make annotations in the margins, and jot down notes about characters, plot developments, and literary devices. This practice helps you retain information and makes it easier to review later.

Avoid arbitrarily flipping through the pages of the texts. This is even one of those things that make students resort to chasing after the abridged or summarized version of the books. There is a need for you to have a personal encounter with the original text. Read them carefully. This will help you to answer difficult questions related to the activities of the characters in the text.

Literature in English is not just about reading; it also requires a strong grasp of literary concepts and terminology. Take the time to understand terms like symbolism, irony, foreshadowing, and allegory. Knowing these concepts will help you analyze texts more effectively. Additionally, it attracts more marks for you as a candidate. This will send a message to the examiner that you are well-prepared for the examination.

Conversely, a failure to be expressive with these literary concepts will make you lose your mark on the altar of ignorance.

Studying literature can be more enjoyable and effective when done in groups. Join or create a study group with classmates who are also preparing for WAEC and NECO. Discussing the texts, sharing insights, and asking questions can provide valuable perspectives and enhance your understanding.

You can also join our study online study group. You will meet with students who are keen to ace their examinations and teachers who are always ready to take you through the journey of learning.

The essay component is a significant part of Literature in English exams. Practice essay writing regularly by selecting essay topics related to the texts you’ve read. Pay attention to structure, coherence, and the use of evidence from the texts to support your arguments. Seek feedback from teachers or peers to improve your writing skills.

Here is a tip that your Literature teacher might forget to tell you: always write your answers in the present tense. This is the only acceptable way to answer Literature in English.

Related Posts:

Why Students Fail Literature in English in WAEC

To familiarize yourself with the exam format and the types of questions that may appear, practice with past questions and consider taking mock exams. This will help reduce exam anxiety and improve your time management during the actual exam. We have prepared Literature in English past questions for you in this post.

If you are also preparing for UTME, you can take our free Literature in English CBT Quiz to score high in the forthcoming examination.

Mastering Literature in English for WAEC and NECO is achievable with the right approach and dedication. Start early, read actively, understand literary concepts, join study groups, practice essay writing, and familiarize yourself with past questions. Remember that success in this subject is not about memorization but about a deep understanding of the texts and the ability to analyze them critically. By following these steps, you can confidently read and pass Literature in English in your WAEC and NECO exams, just as I did. Good luck!

Olushola Sijuade

Sijuade Olushola Samson is a seasoned teacher and a website developer . He is the founder of Acada Ace Tutors.

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  • WAEC English Essay Past Questions and Answers

October 3, 2023 Victoria Jackson English , WAEC Past Questions 0

Past Questions on Economics

WAEC English Essay Past Questions and Answers – WAEC English Essay Past Questions and Answers serve as invaluable tools for students preparing for the West African Examination Counc i l (WAEC) English exam. This comprehensive collection follows a structured pattern to help candidates hone their essay-writing skills and excel in the English language test. The pattern typically includes a diverse range of essay topics, comprehension passages, and tasks like letter and speech writing, all closely aligned with the WAEC syllabus. What makes these materials especially useful is the detailed answers provided, which not only offer correct responses but also expla i n the reasoning and writing techniques behind them. This facilitates a deeper understanding of essay construction, grammar, vocabulary usage, and overall exam requirements. By studying and practicing with these past questions and answers, students can gain confidence, refine their writing abilities, and boost their chances of achieving outstanding results in the WAEC English exam.

WAEC English Essay Past Questions and Answers

Why you need WAEC English Essay Past Questions and Answers

1. It enlightens you on the scope of the exam.

2. You won’t be in the dark about quest i ons to expect in the examination.

3. You won’t need support rather you’ll be confident in yourself.

4. In like manner, you won’t develop examination fever as a result of not knowing where the questions will be coming from.

5. It equips you beforehand.

6. it guides you on how to answer exam technical questions.

WAEC English Essay Past Questions and Answers Pattern

WAEC English Essay Past Questions and Answers follow a structured pattern to aid students in their exam preparation. These materials encompass various essay top i cs, comprehension passages, and letter or speech writing tasks in line with the WAEC syllabus. The pattern includes questions that assess grammar, vocabulary, and the ability to construct well-organized essays. Answers often provide model responses, highlighting key points and appropriate writing styles. This pattern aids students in understanding the expected format and content for essay questions. By practicing with these past questions, candidates can improve their writing skills and effect i vely prepare for the WAEC English exam, increasing their chances of success. WAEC English Essay Past Questions and Answers

Sample of WAEC English Essay Past Questions and Answers

In the questions below, choose the word(s) or phrase that best fills the gap(s).

Jubril found that thieves had entered his house in his absence. He went to the police to report the… (A) break out(B) break up (C)break-in (D) break into

After the accused was found guilty by the court, his counsel… before the sentence was passed (A) begged for mercy (B)made a plea for mitigation (C) made an ovation (D) made a plea for litigation

The officer was compelled to… the suspect’s car. (A)seize (B) cease (C) size (D) disease

If you are going to the market, may I… please? (A) follow you (B)come with you (C) come by you (D) come as your second

Ans: B WAEC English Essay Past Questions and Answers

Thank you for the party, we … (A) enjoyed ourselves (B)enjoyed (C) enjoyed very much (D) enjoyed too much.

The complete WAEC English Essay Past Questions and Answers with accurate answers is N2,000.

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7 Tips to Prepare for WAEC English Exams

  • Don’t make reading your hobby:  A lot of people put reading as a hobby in their CV, they might be right because they have finished schooling. But “You” are still schooling, so reading should be a top priority and not a hobby. Read far and wide to enhance your level of aptitude
  • Get Exams Preparation Materials:  These involve textbooks, dictionaries, Babcock University Post UTME Past Questions and Answers, mock questions, and others. These materials will enhance your mastery of the scope of the exams you are expecting.
  • Attend Extramural Classes:  Register and attend extramural classes at your location. This class will help you refresh your memory and boost your classroom understanding and discoveries of new knowledge.
  • Sleep when you feel like:  When you are preparing for any exams, sleeping is very important because it helps in the consolidation of memory. Caution: Only sleep when you feel like it and don’t oversleep.
  • Make sure you are healthy:  Sickness can cause excessive feelings of tiredness and fatigue and will not allow you to concentrate on reading. If you are feeling as if you are not well, report to your parent, a nurse, or a doctor. Make sure you are well.
  • Eat when you feel like it: During the exam preparation period, you are advised not to overeat, and to avoid sleep. You need to eat little and light food whenever you feel like eating. Eat more fruits, drink milk and glucose. This will help you enhance retention.
  • Reduce your time on social media: Some people live their entire lives on Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Messenger chat. This is so bad and catastrophic if you are preparing for exams. Try and reduce your time spent on social media during this time. Maybe after the exams, you can go back and sleep in it.

If you like these tips, consider sharing them with your friends and relatives. Do you have a question or comments? Put it on the comment form below. We will be pleased to hear from you and help you score as high as possible. myPastQuestion.com .

We wish you good luck!

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FREE WAEC English Past Questions and Answers (DOWNLOAD PDF)

If you’re a student preparing for the West African Examination Council ( WAEC ), then you know how important it is to have access to past questions and answers. One of the most important subjects in the WAEC examination is English Language. To help you prepare effectively for this subject, it’s essential to have access to WAEC English past questions and answers.

WAEC English past questions and answers cover a wide range of topics, including comprehension, summary, grammar, and literature. By studying these past questions and answers, you’ll get a good idea of the types of questions that are likely to be asked in the examination. You’ll also be able to identify your weak areas and work on improving them.

Fortunately, there are many websites where you can download WAEC English past questions and answers for free. These resources can be incredibly helpful in your preparation for the WAEC examination. By using them, you’ll be able to improve your chances of success and achieve the grades you need to pursue your academic goals.

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Table of Contents

Understanding the WAEC English Exam

If you are planning to take the WAEC English exam, it is important to understand the format and scoring system of the exam. This will help you to prepare effectively and maximize your chances of success. In this section, we will provide an overview of the WAEC English exam format and scoring system.

Exam Format

The WAEC English exam is divided into two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 is a multiple-choice test that consists of 60 questions and lasts for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Paper 2 is a written test that consists of three sections: Comprehension, Summary, and Essay. The total time for Paper 2 is 2 hours and 30 minutes.

The Comprehension section of Paper 2 contains two passages with a total of 20 questions. The Summary section requires you to summarize a given passage in not more than 60 words. The Essay section requires you to write an essay on a given topic.

Scoring System

The WAEC English exam is graded on a nine-point scale, with grade 1 being the highest and grade 9 being the lowest. To pass the exam, you need to score at least a grade 6. The grading system is based on the following criteria:

  • Paper 1: Each question is worth 1 mark, and the total score is out of 60 marks.
  • Comprehension section: Each question is worth 1 mark, and the total score is out of 20 marks.
  • Summary section: The maximum score is 10 marks, and you will be awarded marks based on the quality of your summary.
  • Essay section: The maximum score is 30 marks, and you will be awarded marks based on the quality of your essay.

In addition to the overall grade, you will also receive a separate grade for each paper. Your final grade will be based on the combined scores of both papers.

It is important to note that the WAEC English exam is designed to test your proficiency in the English language. Therefore, it is essential that you have a good understanding of English grammar, vocabulary, and syntax. You should also be able to read and comprehend English passages quickly and accurately.

Past Questions Analysis

When preparing for the WAEC English Language exam, it is important to analyze past questions to understand the exam format and the types of questions that are typically asked. In this section, we will analyze past questions from the Reading Comprehension, Summary Writing, and Essay Writing sections of the exam.

Reading Comprehension

The Reading Comprehension section of the WAEC English Language exam tests your ability to understand and interpret written passages. The passages are usually taken from a variety of sources such as newspapers, magazines, and books. The questions are designed to test your understanding of the main ideas, details, and inferences in the passages.

In the past questions, the passages are usually between 500 and 1000 words long. There are typically five to ten questions per passage, and you will have about 30 minutes to complete this section of the exam. The questions can be in the form of multiple-choice, short answer, or matching.

Summary Writing

The Summary Writing section of the WAEC English Language exam tests your ability to summarize a given passage in your own words. The passage could be a news article, a story, or an essay. The aim of this section is to test your ability to identify the main ideas and key points of a passage and to express them in a clear and concise manner.

In the past questions, you will be given a passage of between 250 and 350 words. You will be required to summarize the passage in a single sentence of not more than 50 words. You will have about 15 minutes to complete this section of the exam.

Essay Writing

The Essay Writing section of the WAEC English Language exam tests your ability to write a well-structured essay on a given topic. The aim of this section is to test your ability to organize your thoughts and ideas, to express them clearly and coherently, and to demonstrate your knowledge of grammar and vocabulary.

In the past questions, you will be given a choice of two or three essay topics. You will be required to write an essay of between 250 and 450 words on the topic of your choice. You will have about 45 minutes to complete this section of the exam.

Overall, analyzing past questions is an important part of preparing for the WAEC English Language exam. By understanding the exam format and the types of questions that are typically asked, you can improve your chances of success.

Answering Techniques

When it comes to answering WAEC English past questions, it is important to have a strategy in place. This section will provide you with some techniques to help you answer both the objective and theory questions.

Objective Questions

The objective questions in the WAEC English past questions are multiple-choice questions. To answer these types of questions effectively, you should follow these tips:

  • Read the question carefully and try to understand what it is asking.
  • Eliminate any obviously incorrect answers.
  • If you are unsure of the correct answer, make an educated guess by eliminating the options that are clearly incorrect.
  • If you are still unsure, move on to the next question and come back to it later.

Theory Questions

The theory questions in the WAEC English past questions require you to write an essay or short answer response. To answer these types of questions effectively, you should follow these tips:

  • Read the question carefully and make sure you understand what it is asking.
  • Plan your response before you start writing. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that you address all aspects of the question.
  • Use clear and concise language to express your ideas.
  • Provide evidence to support your arguments. This could include quotes from the text or real-life examples.
  • Use proper grammar and spelling to ensure that your response is easy to read and understand.

By following these techniques, you can improve your chances of answering the WAEC English past questions correctly and effectively. Remember to practice answering past questions regularly to build your confidence and improve your skills.

When it comes to answering WAEC English Past Questions, there are certain techniques that can help you perform better. Here are a few tips to help you:

Objective questions are multiple-choice questions that require you to choose the correct answer from a list of options. Here are some tips on how to approach these types of questions:

  • Read all the answer options before selecting the best one.
  • Eliminate any answer options that you know are incorrect.
  • If you are unsure of the answer, make an educated guess. It is better to guess than to leave the question unanswered.
  • If you are running out of time, make sure you at least guess on every question.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting the correct answer on objective questions.

Remember, the key to success in answering WAEC English Past Questions is to stay calm, read the questions carefully, and use the techniques that work best for you. With practice and preparation, you can improve your performance and achieve the results you desire.

Study Tips for WAEC English

Preparing for WAEC English can be a daunting task, but with the right study tips, you can improve your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the exam:

1. Understand the Exam Format

Before you start studying, it’s important to understand the format of the exam. This will help you know what to expect and how to prepare effectively. WAEC English consists of two papers: Paper 1 (Objective) and Paper 2 (Essay). Paper 1 is made up of multiple-choice questions, while Paper 2 requires you to write essays on given topics.

2. Practice Past Questions

Practicing past questions is one of the most effective ways to prepare for WAEC English. It helps you become familiar with the exam format and the types of questions you can expect. You can find past questions and answers online or in study guides. Make sure to time yourself when practicing to simulate the exam environment.

3. Improve Your Vocabulary

Having a good vocabulary is essential for success in WAEC English. Make an effort to learn new words every day and practice using them in sentences. You can also use flashcards or vocabulary apps to help you learn and remember new words.

4. Read Widely

Reading widely can help you improve your comprehension skills and expand your knowledge of different topics. Read newspapers, magazines, novels, and other materials that interest you. This will help you become more familiar with different writing styles and improve your ability to understand and analyze texts.

5. Practice Writing Essays

Writing essays is a key component of WAEC English Paper 2. Practice writing essays on different topics to improve your writing skills and become more comfortable with the exam format. Make sure to pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.

By following these study tips, you can improve your chances of success in WAEC English. Remember to stay focused, stay positive, and stay committed to your studies.

In conclusion , practicing with WAEC English Past Questions and Answers is an essential part of preparing for the WAEC examination. By using past questions, you can become familiar with the format of the exam and the types of questions that are likely to be asked. This will help you to feel more confident and prepared on the day of the exam.

It is important to note that while past questions can be a valuable resource, they should not be the only resource you use to prepare for the exam. You should also study your textbooks and notes, and seek help from your teachers or tutors if you have any areas of difficulty.

When using past questions, it is important to time yourself and practice under exam conditions. This will help you to develop your time management skills and ensure that you are able to complete the exam within the allocated time.

Finally, it is important to remain calm and focused on the day of the exam. Remember to read the instructions carefully and answer all questions to the best of your ability. With the right preparation and mindset, you can achieve success in the WAEC English examination.

How To Get The WAEC ENGLISH Past Questions 

To get the complete Original WAEC English Past Questions and answers of the course mentioned above, you only need to pay the sum of N2,000  using any of the methods below;

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Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

1. what is the format of waec english language exam.

The WAEC English Language exam consists of two papers: Paper 1 (Objective) and Paper 2 (Essay/Comprehension). Paper 1 is a multiple-choice test that lasts for 1 hour 30 minutes and consists of 60 questions. Paper 2 is a writing test that lasts for 2 hours and 30 minutes, and consists of two sections: Section A (Essay) and Section B (Comprehension).

2. What are the common topics covered in WAEC English Language exam?

The WAEC English Language exam covers a range of topics, including grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, summary writing, letter writing, and essay writing. Some common topics that appear in the exam include idioms and proverbs, sentence structure, figures of speech, reading comprehension, and essay writing.

3. Where can I download WAEC English past questions and answers in PDF format?

You can download WAEC English past questions and answers in PDF format from a number of websites, including  ghstudents.com ,  edupadi.com , and  studentmajor.com . These websites offer free downloads of past questions and answers for several years.

4. How many essay questions are in the WAEC English Language exam?

The WAEC English Language exam has one essay question in Section A of Paper 2. This essay question is usually a compulsory question that requires you to write an essay on a given topic. The essay question is usually worth 50 marks out of a total of 100 marks for Section A.

5. Can I get WAEC English Language past questions and answers on myschool.ng?

Yes, you can get WAEC English Language past questions and answers on myschool.ng. Myschool.ng is a popular educational website that offers past questions and answers for several subjects, including English Language. However, you may need to pay a fee to access some of the resources on the website.

6. What are some tips for preparing for the WAEC English Language exam?

Some tips for preparing for the WAEC English Language exam include practicing past questions and answers, improving your grammar and vocabulary, reading widely, and practicing your writing skills. It is also important to manage your time effectively during the exam and to read and follow the instructions carefully.

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10 compulsory topics of English Language in WAEC 

There are some compulsory subjects that are common with every WAEC candidate, they include English language and mathematics. Then, there are compulsory topics of English Language in WAEC as well.

In the English language, some topics are constant in the WAEC examination. Proper knowledge of these topics of the English language is a big boost to the candidate’s chances of passing the English language with flying colours.

compulsory topics of English Language in WAEC

Table of Contents

The importance of the English language in the WAEC examination

 There are some reasons why the English language is a very important subject in the WAEC examination. The reasons include:

  • The English language is the official language of the member countries, whose citizens sit for the prestigious WAEC examination.
  • The English language is a required subject for many purposes, such as employment and educational purposes.

These two reasons outlined above are among the chief reasons, why knowledge of the English language is very important, because every WAEC candidate, irrespective of his chosen field of work or course of study will still need at least a credit (or a pass) in the English language.

The compulsory topics of English Language

For a WAEC candidate to pass the English language WAEC examination, there are some topics that are regular or integral in the English language syllabus of the WAEC examination. 

Those topics appear in every WAEC English language examination from year to year, so they have been compiled, so that WAEC candidates can easily access them and study them well, to increase their chances of passing the English language.

The top 10 compulsory topics of English language in the WAEC examination include:

  • Summary writing
  • Essay writing
  • Lexis and structure: The Lexis as a major topic has some subtopics under its wings, they include:
  • Vowels (Diphthongs and monophthongs)
  • Rhymes (Homophones)
  • Word stress (Monosyllables and polysyllables).
  • Formal and informal letter
  • Phrases and clauses.

NB: Under Lexis and structure, we have sub-topics such as:

  • Clause and sentence patterns
  • Word classes and their functions.
  • Comprehension
  • Use of speech
  • Punctuation and spelling
  • Mood, tense, aspect, number, concord, degree, and question tags.
  • Verbs and verbal formation.
  • Differentiating between the consonant types.
  • Oral English (Including vowel and consonant sounds).

Things to note about English language examination in WAEC

There are three sections in the English language examination. They include:

  • Objective (Section I )
  • Theory (Section II )
  • Oral English section (Section III )

In the first section of the English language examination, you will be tasked with going through and providing correct answers for a total of 100 answers. This section is usually multiple choice objective questions. 

In the second section, the theory section; candidates will be tasked with writing strings of words, and that may come in form of articles, essays, and letter writing. This is a very important aspect of the English language examination.

Every student knows which writing they can do best, so it’s advisable that every WAEC candidate stick to their strength, and avoid their weaknesses.

In the last section of the English language examination, one of the most controversial topics of the English language will be treated: oral English. This aspect tests a candidate’s grasp of the English language, ranging from rhymes to syllables, and covers subtopics such as phonetic symbols, intonation, vowel sounds,  and consonant sounds

Recommended textbooks for effective learning of English language for WAEC

The need for suitable study materials for the study of the English language cannot be underestimated, based on how important the subject is to candidates and their potential future careers.

The recommended materials for learning English language include:

  • Modern English
  • Essential English

These two textbooks are two of the most common English textbooks that are used in secondary schools, which makes them the most popular choice among tutors and students alike. 

Extra tips to boost knowledge of English language topics

  • Candidates are advised to cultivate the habit of making use of the dictionary whenever they are reading so that they can easily look up strange words, and improve their knowledge of topics such as antonyms and synonyms.
  • Candidates are encouraged to also cultivate the habit of reading literature books, or articles at their leisure or dedicated study period. The reading of literature books or articles tends to improve general control of the English language, which will reflect through writing, use of idioms, and general use of grammar.
  • Browsing or looking up books written by experts in oral English may go a long way in improving the knowledge of oral English. Oral English is a section or topic of the English language where students struggle a lot because they are not familiar with its official usage. Engaging materials that treat oral English may help improve candidates’ grip on oral English.

Frequently asked questions about compulsory topics of English language

Where do these topics of the english language occur the most in the waec examination.

The topics of the English language, which were highlighted in this article are important topics of English language, and they are sprinkled across the objective and theory sections of the English language. They are not limited to any section of the English language.

Are they any other topic of the English language that is common in the WAEC examination?

Yes. The above-listed topics are the most important and common topics of the English language in the WAEC examination, but this doesn’t rule out the occurrence of some topics which are as important as the above-mentioned topics.  An example of a topic that is important in the English language examination, but not included in the list is: • Formation of words, which includes synonyms, antonyms, prefixes, suffixes, direct and indirect speeches.

Getting a credit in the English language is one of the most common requirements for most academic establishments in English-speaking countries of west Africa.

To pass the English language in the WAEC examination, there are some compulsory topics of English Language that are inevitably present in every edition of the WAEC examination. 

Good knowledge of those topics of the English language is essential for any candidate who wishes to reach the minimum requirement of getting credit in the English language for the WAEC examination.

Candidates are being advised to study those topics, as they are a proven pathway to passing the English language in WAEC.

important topics in chemistry for waec, waec topics for mathematics, waec vocabulary, important topics in physics for waec, important topics in biology for waec, common topics in physics jamb, requirements for english language, jamb use of english syllabus, waec and jamb subject

These posts might interest you:

How to get A1 in WAEC

  • WAEC syllabus for 2024
  • All you need to know about WAEC objective questions
  • Does WAEC repeat questions?

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How To Answer Questions on Essay and Letter Writing In WAEC & NECO – Tips and Strategies

Essay and Letter Writing In WAEC and NECO in English language pose a lot of challenges to most students who do not know the skills, tips and strategies of passing this part in the theory section. WAEC and NECO examiners made this paper compulsory for all candidates to attempt because they know if candidates are given as an option, 90% would skip this part.

I will give you some key-points to note which would aide you in answering Essay writing as well as letter writing questions with ease in your exam. Also, i will put you through on how to count the words to ensure you are on track because when faced with writing an essay or letter writing of about 450 words, you need to be sure much time isn’t wasted on this section because there are other questions that need to be attempted with the limited time awarded to you.

Points To Note

1) Ideally, English language paper 1, section A allocates 50 minutes for you to choose just one (1) question among five questions set, be it an essay or letter writing topic, to prove your ability to communicate in writing.

2) The one question to be answered carries 50 marks, distributed thus;

  • Content (substance) of your work and relevance to the set question – 10 marks
  • Organization (including use of correct formats and paragraphing) – 10 marks
  • Expression (Effective use languages) – 20 marks
  • Mechanical accuracy (avoidance of grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors) – 10 marks

3) You are required to prove your ability to communicate in writing in not less than 450 words. That is, if you are to write 10 words in a line, you should be able to produce an essay of not less than 45 lines long; if 9 words per line – 50 lines; if 8 words – 56 lines; if 7 words – 64/65 line; If 6 words – 75 line; if 5 words – 90 lines, etc.

Always ensure you start from the beginning of the first paragraph of your word (be it an essay or letter writing) to count.

By now you ought to have known the average number of words you write on a line. If not, start practicing now.

How To Count The Number of Words In Essay and Letter Writing In WAEC & NECO Exam

Write up a page, pick 6 lines at random and count the number of words each contains. The number of words that appear most frequently should be taken as the number of words you write on a line. For example, if line 1 contains 7 words, line 2 – 8 words, line 3 – 6 words, line 4 – 7 words, line 6 – 6 words and line 6 – 7 words; then you write 7 words in a line. You already know that 7 words in a line will give you 65 lines. Count out 65 lines before you begin to answer your questions and put a dot at the margin of your answer sheet to remind you to start rounding off as you approach 65 lines.

4) The five questions usually set are drawn from essay and letter writing type. They include;

  • Letter writing – Formal, informal and semi formal
  • Narrative essay
  • Descriptive essay
  • Argumentative essay – Debates/Speeches
  • Expository essay – Explanations and Directions.
  • Creative writing

Questions are set on Article and Report Writing. Article writing falls into any of the types listed above, except letter writing. Report writing equally falls into any of the listed types, except argumentative essay. The question asked will specify whether your report writing will be in letter or essay form.

Guidelines on Essay and Letter Writing – Tips and Strategies

1) Read through all the questions with an open mind. Give each some thoughts, the select the one you understand properly and have sufficient points to write on. For instance, some candidates wrongly make up their minds before entering the examination hall, that they will answer any question asked for informal letter writing . A case in point is that of informal letter writing asking a candidate to write ‘explaining how a relationship with a friend went sour’.  Many candidates dabble into that question without knowing the meaning of ‘sour’.  The result is that they wrote out of point and lost all their marks in both content and organization (20 marks out of 50 marks).

2) Know your limitations and choose an appropriate question. If you are not good at creating a story or managing the past tense, definitely you cannot write well on a narrative essay topic, etc. Remember you have a wide choice as you are required to answer only one question out of five.

3) Note the appropriate format to use in answering the question you have carefully chosen. For instance, if you have chosen a question on Article Writing, do not use a letter writing format. Write only the topic and start your introductory paragraph. You will lose marks under organization if a letter writing format is used.

4) Jot down the points you want to use as they come to your mind. Number them sequentially, as you intend to bring them into your work. The few minutes devoted to planning your work are extremely useful as they help you produce organized work with full control.

5) Just incase you have jotted too many points down, select 4 good written points to expatiate on. Dwelling on them at length and convincingly while remembering your essay should not be more than 450 words long. At the same time, a short essay will earn you low scores in organization and mechanical accuracy .

6) Pay good attention to paragraphing.  The first word of each paragraph should begin about three centimetres away from the left-hand margin. Each paragraph should begin with a new idea, so begin a new paragraph as you move to a new idea. However, two similar ideas that are brief can be merged into one paragraph. The content of the introductory and concluding paragraph must be appropriately chosen to match the format of the topic chosen.

7) Do not write on either margin of your answer sheets. The instructions there even tells you not to. Ensure you obey it. Number your questions you have chosen and are writing on, as well.

8) Devote the last 5 minutes of the time allotted for this section to reading over your work carefully, with the intention of detecting errors, misspelt words and incorrect punctuation that can cost you marks under Mechanical Accuracy.

9) After effecting corrections of detected errors, read through your work once more before finally moving to other sections of English language paper 1.

N.B: Try and limit or avoid the use of big words, especially the ones you cannot spell correctly nor use appropriately. Use simple English that takes you straight to the point without rigmarole. Use British spellings, not American spellings, as they are the ones commonly used in West Arica.

The points, tips, strategies explained above are the current WAEC and NECO recommended approach in Essay and letter writing from the examiners point of view. Using the guidelines and approach would fetch you a good score in essay and letter writing in WASSCE and NECO as well.

I hope this helps? Remember you can reach me via the comment section below should you have any question as regards letter and essay writing tips , approach, strategies and guidelines for English language exam in WAEC or NECO and I will be glad to assist.

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WAEC Syllabus for English Language PDF 2024/2025 – Download

Read and download the WAEC syllabus for English Language 2024/2025 PDF (Essay writing, summary writing, oral English and so on).

The 2024/2025 WAEC syllabus gives you all the areas of concentration, recommended textbooks and authors to follow. The topics will enable your read in line with what you should expect in your examination.

The West African Examination Council has approved some topics, area of concentration, scheme of work, text books and authors for all West African countries to follow.

How Do I know where WAEC questions will come from? The only place to get them is from the WASSCE syllabus. So, follow the article accordingly.

NOTE: This WAEC syllabus for English language is for both SSCE and GCE. So, whichever examination you are sitting for, do well to follow this syllable.

Scroll down to download the complete scheme of work for English language

Table of Contents

2024 Area of concentration and WAEC Syllabus for English Language

ESSAY WRITING:

The Essay Writing section of the WAEC English exam carries 50 marks of the total marks. Topics to study in this section are the following.

  • Letter writing (Formal or Informal)
  • Writing a speech
  • How to write a narrative
  • Making description
  • Debate writing and presentation of argumentation
  • Report writing
  • Writing article.
  • Essay writing.
  • Writing of exposition.

The summary section requires candidates to read a prose passage of about 300 words and summarize it.

 Hints for this section.

  • Your write up should meet the number of words stated on the Exam paper (Mostly, not less than 450 words)
  • Let your write-up be unique and related to the topic. Do not deviate from the subject matter you are writing about.
  • Make sure to paragraph your write-up properly using a formal format with proper arrangement of your points and emphasis.
  • Avoid making grammatical errors, wrong punctuation, or misspelling of words.

COMPREHENSION

This section of the paper covers 40 marks of the total marks. The WAEC English Language comprehension section consists of two paragraphs to be answered in 50 minutes.

Each of the paragraphs has over 300 words.

What you should study in this section?

  • Learn how to read passages carefully and answer questions from them.
  • Get past questions to see sample passages, read them, and answer the questions in them.
  • Questions from the comprehension passages are OBJ questions.

What to study?

LEXIS and STRUCTURES :  The topics to study under lexis and structures are;

  • Idioms and idiomatic expressions.
  • Collocations
  • Dictionary meanings of words.
  • Sequence of tenses
  • Pronouns and matching of pronouns in sentences
  • Noun referents
  • Prepositions in sentences
  • Use of figurative
  • Conjunctions
  • Determiners

WAEC Oral English Syllabus for 2024

This section is for the WAEC Oral English syllabus. The following are topics that the WAEC Oral English questions will be set from.

Note: This is still part of the 2024 WAEC Syllabus for English Language and the Oral paper is paper 3 of the English Language Exam.

Listening Comprehension:  Topics to study under listening comprehension

  • Test vowels and consonants
  • Stress and stress patterns
  • Diphthongs and Monophthongs

CONSONANTS : Important topics to cover in this section are;

  • Single Consonants
  • Consonant sounds and clusters

VOWELS : Cover the following topics

  • Vowel system
  • Pure Vowels
  • Monophthongs
  • Triphthongs
  • Sound contrasts

STRESS : Topics to study

  • Primary Stress
  • Emphatic stress
  • Word Stress
  • Sentence Stress

INTONATION : What to study in this section

  • Intonation patterns
  • Pitch fall and rise patterns

Other important topics to cover;

  • Syllable Structure
  • Phonetic Symbols and transcription
  • Patterns in Sentences
  • Phrases and Clauses
  • Concord Rules

MORE SYLLABUS

  • WAEC Syllabus for Biology PDF Download
  • WAEC Syllabus for Economics PDF
  • WAEC Syllabus for Chemistry PDF
  • WAEC Syllabus for Financial Accounting PDF
  • WAEC Syllabus for Physics PDF Download
  • WAEC Syllabus for Maths Download PDF
  • WAEC Syllabus For Literature In English PDF
  • WAEC Syllabus for Government PDF

Recommended Textbooks and materials to use for 2024

Now that you have known the topics to read for the exam, I want to recommend the following textbooks and materials for WAEC candidates to use along when doing their studies.

Below are the best and recommended textbooks to read for the 2023 WAEC English exam.

  • Practice in Spoken English written by Attah, M.
  • English Lexis and Structure (Revised Edition), written by Bamgbose, A.
  • New Oxford Secondary English Course, written by Banjo, A.
  • Essential Oral English, written by Caesar, O.
  • Mastering English Usage and Communication Skills written by Egbe, D.
  • Oral English by Elugbe, B.
  • Senior English Project 3 by Grant, N., and Co.
  • Oral English at Your Fingertips, written by Idris, U.
  • Common Errors in English, written by Nnamonu, S.

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WAEC English Questions and Answers 2022/2023 |Oral, Essay & Theory

  • February 8, 2022

Welcome to our free online WAEC English Questions 2021 and correct expo hints to WAEC English language answers 2021 for OBJ, Oral & Essay (paper 1, paper 2, and paper 3).

Our WAEC English Language questions and Answers 2021 expo is available now on Studentmajor for paper 1 (OBJ, Objectives) and Paper 2 (Theory & Essay) and paper 3 (Use Of Oral).

All you need to pass this Exam is our free English Language Expo guide. This package covers from WAEC English Language Questions 2021 and Answers to WAEC English OBJ, Theory, essay, and Letter writing Expo.

Note, our free WAEC English answers 2021 material is not aimed at leaking WAEC English questions 2021 before the exam, but to empower WAEC candidates with what they will see and what they should be expecting in this 2021 WAEC English language exam.

WAEC English Language Expo 2021/2022

Once again, this WAEC 2021 English language questions and answers expo solutions are free of charge and it is very comprehensive. Making use of this expo will guarantee candidates at least A or B.

We maintain and respect the West African Examination Council exam’s policies and we are not aiming at infringing the exam policies.

But to help in securing and building better WAEC candidates that will not always rely on the WAEC English expo, we have piled up this material to support the 2021 candidates.

WAEC English Paper 1 Objectives (OBJ) 2021

English Language Paper 1 is Objectives (OBJ) Questions 2021 and there are about 60 questions in this paper to be answered in  1 hour, 30 minutes.

Candidates are to choose just one option from the multi-choice Obj options and shade their answer on the OMR (The OBJ Answer Booklet).

WAEC English Language Questions and Answers 2021 expo to letter writing & essay summary [Paper 1,2 &3 Objectives, OBJ, Theory & Oral paper)

WAEC English Language ObJ questions and answers’ options always look similar. So you need to pay attention to each question and read the question either twice or more before choosing an option.

So, don’t ever make a mistake of picking an answer when you have not gone through all other options. Below are samples and possible WAEC 2021 English Language OBJ questions and Answers for 2021.

WAEC English Questions and Answers Samples 2021.

The following are some important WAEC English Language Past Questions and Answers Samples 2021 to practice with.

Choose the word that best Fill in the spaces:

1. A good Nigerian citizen must abide________ the constitution of the country.

Solution : In the English Language, one can only abide by rules. So the Correct Answer is B.

2. There would have been a riot in our school but for the timely ______ of our staff.

  • intervention
  • interruption
  • interference

3. The armed robbers _______ every room in the bank to look for money?

4. Ade is too clever by half. Does this mean that Ade is________?

  • far cleverer than others.
  • actually very stupid in his behavior.
  • annoyingly clever.
  • behaving to be clever but is not.

In each of the statements below, choose the word that best explains the meaning of the bold word(s)

5. Ameh is really being economical with the truth . This means that Ameh

  • is being praised for being honest.
  • does not know enough.
  • knows more than he is prepared to say.
  • is not telling the truth.

6. I hope the principal would be gracious enough to forgive us.

WAEC English Language Theory Questions and Answers 2021

WAEC English Paper 2 Theory (Essay): Theory, Essay and letter writing (formal and informal) make up the English language paper 2.

The WAEC 2021 English Language questions from this paper range from letter writing to essay and so on.

Format of English Language Letter/Essay Writing

Format for WAEC English Essay and Lettering Writing: If you are writing a formal letter, then follow this format;

Formal Letter Format:

  • Your address (at the right-hand-side)
  • Address of the person you are sending to (at the left-hand side)
  • Caption (the heading of your letter)
  • Body of the letter (starting with Introduction, then to content and conclusion)
  • Complimentary close (Yours faithfully)
  • Your Signature / Name (each on separate lines)

Informal letter Format:

  • Your address
  • Body of the letter
  • Complimentary close

If you are writing an essay, follow this format: An English essay has three main parts:

  • Start with the introduction,
  • Move to the body
  • Make a conclusion.

Download WAEC English syllables

WAEC Oral English Paper 3 Questions and Answers 2021

The WAEC English Language Paper 3 will be the use of Oral which will test. The WAEC 2021 Questions and answers from this paper will test candidates abilities on phonetics and concords.

Paper 3 has 60 multiple choices (Objective) Questions. The time range for this paper will be 1 hour, 30 minutes.

Below are samples and possible WAEC English Oral paper questions and Answers 2021.

1. Which of the following words contains the sound as / ǝ /?

2. Which of the following words, does not have the same stress pattern as the others?

3. Choose the word that best rhymes with “DROUGHT”

4. Choose the word that best rhymes with “ CARRIER ”

Exam Format and Instructions to follow

Many candidates fail WAEC because of the following:

  • Check to be sure that your candidate’s details on the answer booklets are correct.
  • Do not write or submit the same exam number or name on more than one answer booklet on the same subjects.
  • Shun exam malpractice.
  • Make sure to follow the exam instructions as presented on the Question papers before you start.
  • Shade your answers appropriately following the OMR rules stated earlier.
  • Do not shade your objective answer sheets with a pen instead, use an HB pencil.
  • Provide valid details only.

That is the best WAEC English Language questions and answers 2021 expo solution that is available for now for paper 1 (OBJ, Objectives) and Paper 2 (Theory & Essay) and paper 3 (Use Of Oral).

Kindly check back for our free WAEC English expo 2021 for OBJ, theory, essay, and letter writing in few minutes.

essay writing for waec students

22 comments

Am Bernard please help me to pass my wassce extremely core subject

I really appreciate but please more update, in physics, chemistry and biology also English and math

Please we need more answers

Please help me for my chimistiry and math and biology, thanks so much for your time

Please oo help me for my Mathematics,Geography, biology and Account

Thanks I really appreciate

Thanks for all this I really appreciate

Help me with Jamb :Accounting, Mathematic, English, Economic Thanks

I have few months to wasce , please help me get all the core subject but I’ve learnt too

I am so relieved to see likely questions in test of oral

Am grateful thanks Pls help me with English, mathematics, Economic, Accounting, civil, Government

Please help me in all my subject mostly my maths and English with other important subject

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Help me with, maths, English,physics, Agriculture, Economic, CRS, biology, chemistry, Geography,

Thanks for this am really grateful for it, please update me when any update is on

Help me with my wace for 2021 English and Mathematics

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essay writing for waec students

Literature-In-English

The resources below on Literature-In-English have been provided by WAEC to assist you understand the required standards expected in Literature-In-English final Examination. Students performance in examination under review was done by the Chief examiner, this you will see while exploring links like General Comment, Performance, Weaknesses, Strength and Observation to respective Questions.

+ MAY/JUN. WASSCE 2008

+ nov/dec wassce (private). 2008, + may/jun. wassce 2009, + gce - nov/dev. 2009, + may/jun. wassce 2010, + nov/dec wassce (private). 2010, + may/jun. wassce 2011, + nov/dec wassce (private). 2011, + may/jun. wassce 2012, + nov/dec wassce (private). 2012, + may/jun. wassce 2013, + nov/dec wassce (private). 2013, + may/jun. wassce 2014, + nov/dec wassce (private). 2014, + may/jun. wassce 2015, + nov/dec wassce (private). 2015, + wassce for school candidates 2016, + wassce for private candidates 2016, + wassce for school candidates 2017, + wassce for private candidates 2017, + wassce (private candidates) 1st series 2018, + wassce for school candidates 2018, + wassce (private candidates) 2nd series. 2018, + wassce (private candidates) 1st series. 2020, + wassce (private candidates) 2nd series. 2020, + wassce for school candidates 2020, + wassce (private candidates) 1st series 2021, + wassce (private candidates) 2nd series. 2021, + wassce for school candidates 2021.

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Paperahead

8 Facts You Need To Know About WAEC Papers

Educational examinations play an important role in ensuring students receive a quality education. In West Africa, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is responsible for coordinating and administering exams for students. WAEC provides high-quality exams essential for students to get into universities and colleges.

Is WAEC Easy to Pass

The council also offers professional development opportunities for educators. WAEC is committed to ensuring that all students in West Africa have access to quality education. In this blog post, we cover common queries asked by the students. So, let’s get started:

Is WAEC Easy to Pass?

The answer to this question is both yes and no.  WAEC exams are not easy to pass, but students can score good grades with proper preparation.  WAEC has a wide range of subjects, and each subject has its difficulty level. So, it all depends on the student’s ability to understand and answer the questions correctly.

There are several resources students can use to prepare for WAEC exams . These include online resources, past papers, and revision notes. Students can also attend tuition classes to get help from experienced educators.

The bottom line is that students need to put in the effort to pass the WAEC exams. With proper preparation and understanding of the material, students can achieve good grades.

Do WAEC Repeat Questions?

It’s a common question among students preparing for their WAEC exams. While some believe that repeating questions is a waste of time, others feel that it’s the best way to ensure they get the best grades. So, what’s the answer?

There isn’t a definitive answer to this question as different students have different opinions. However, from our experience,  we would advise against repeating questions .  This is because the WAEC curriculum is constantly changing and evolving, so the chances of a question being repeated are relatively slim.

Instead, we recommend that students understand the concepts and principles behind the questions. This way, even if a question is slightly different from one year to the next, you’ll still be able to answer it. And, if you ever do come across a question that you’ve seen before, you’ll be able to recall the answer quickly.

So, if you’re looking to score the best grades possible, we recommend not repeating questions. Instead, focus on understanding the concepts and principles behind the questions.

How is WAEC Marked and Scored?

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is responsible for setting and marking exams for students in West African countries. The council has several exams, including the WAEC Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE). This exam is taken by students in their final year of secondary school and is used to determine whether they will progress to tertiary education.

How is WAEC Marked and Scored

WAEC employs many different methods to mark and score exams. The first step is to grade each question according to its length & importance. This is done by a team of markers, given a set of questions and asked to grade them according to the marking scheme.

Once all the questions have been graded, the marks are totalled and converted into a final score out of 100. This score is then used to determine whether a student has passed or failed the exam.

WAEC also uses a system of moderation, which involves sending a sample of questions to a different team of markers. This team then grades the questions and compares their results to the original team. If there is a discrepancy, the question is sent back to the original team for re-marking.

The moderation process ensures that the exams are marked fairly and consistently. It also helps to ensure that the final score is accurate and reflects the students’ performance.

Overall, WAEC employs methods to ensure that the exams are marked and scored fairly and consistently. This helps produce accurate results, which can then be used to determine a student’s future.

How Many Questions Are There In WAEC?

This is a question that has been asked by many students who are writing the exam. The answer to this question is not straightforward because it depends on the subject you are taking. However, on average, there are around 50 to 60 questions of 100 marks (Subjective/Objective included) in each subject.

Make sure that you go through all the questions and practice as many as possible to score high in the exam.

Who Mark WAEC Paper?

It is not clear who marks the WAEC papers, but it is believed that the examiners are recruited from different education schools. The marking process is usually done in batches, and each examiner is usually given a specific number of papers to mark.

What is Yellow Paper in WAEC?

The Yellow Paper is a document that WAEC releases to its candidates before each examination. It contains all the information that the candidates need to know about the examination, including the schedule, the syllabus, and the rules.

Therefore, candidates must read and understand the contents of the Yellow Paper before sitting for the examination.

How Does WAEC Question Paper Look Like?

WAEC question papers are usually in the form of a booklet. It is usually white with the WAEC logo at the top left corner. The front cover usually has the subject name and code and the name of the examination board. The back cover usually contains instructions for candidates.

How Does WAEC Question Paper Look Like

The inside pages of the WAEC question paper booklet are divided into two sections: the objective section and the essay section. The objective section contains questions that must be answered by choosing the correct answer from the given options. The essay section contains questions that require candidates to write their answers in essay format. Candidates are usually given a choice of questions to answer in the essay section.

waec past question papers

A panel of experts usually sets WAEC question papers. The objectives section’s questions are usually based on the syllabus for the subject. The essay questions are usually based on topics commonly tested in the WAEC examination. Candidates are given a time limit to complete the WAEC question paper. The time limit is usually two hours for the objective section and 2-3 hours for the essay section. Candidates are advised to read the instructions carefully before starting the examination.

How Do I Answer WAEC Questions?

This is a question that a lot of students seem to struggle with. The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Each student has to find their way of answering WAEC questions that work best for them. However, a few tips can help make answering WAEC questions a little bit easier.

Always Read the Question:  Make sure you understand what is being asked before writing anything down. This will help ensure that you don’t waste time on questions that you don’t know the answer to.

Try to answer the question in your own words:  Don’t just regurgitate information from the textbook – this will likely get you marked down. Instead, try to explain the concept in your own words. This will show that you have a good understanding of the material.

Calculate the time of each question:  Get the time of each question by dividing the total time of the exam by the number of questions. For Example, If you have 60 questions that must be solved in 180 minutes. Now, (180/60=3), which means you have 3-min to solve a single question. This will help you budget your time to avoid running out of time before finishing the exam.

Check Your Work:

  • Once you’ve finished answering a question, go back and check your work.
  • Haven’t made any mistakes, and your answer makes sense.
  • If you’re unsure about something, ask a friend or teacher for help.

Finally, don’t stress out. Answering WAEC questions can be tough, but it’s important to remember that everyone struggles with them at first. Just take your time, focus on doing your best, and don’t get discouraged. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to answer WAEC questions like a pro!

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What happens to WAEC papers after they are marked and results recorded?

After the papers are marked and results recorded, WAEC keeps the scripts for a period of few years. During this time, schools can request to view their students’ scripts. The script is then sent from WAEC’s repository to the school or candidate requesting it.

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First-year SHS students to sit for placement test after BECE – MoE

Ges explains why the reopening date for first-year shs students has been extended., the 2023 school selection guidelines are here, top five most popular shs programmes..

BECE & WASSCE Past Questions and Answers

essay writing for waec students

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essay writing for waec students

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25 bece english language essay questions from which waec will choose in 2023.

essay writing for waec students

As a BECE candidate, it’s important to be well-prepared for the English Language test, which usually has both objective and writing problems.

Even though it may be easier to answer the objective questions, the essay questions require more critical thinking and writing skills. In this piece, we’ll talk about 25 essay questions that WAEC could use on the BECE exam in 2023.

  • Write a story that ends with the sentence, ‘I learned that day that anything is possible if you believe in yourself.’
  • Write an article for publication in your school magazine on the topic: How to Improve Your Study Habits.
  • Write a persuasive essay on the topic: Should School Uniforms Be Mandatory?
  • Write a letter to your father telling him how proud you are of him for achieving a major milestone in his career.
  • Write an essay on the topic: The Importance of Education in Today’s Society.
  • Write a story that ends with the sentence, ‘I knew I had found my true calling.’
  • Write a descriptive essay on your favorite childhood memory.
  • Write a letter to your school principal suggesting ways to improve the quality of education in your school.
  • Write an argumentative essay on the topic: Should Social Media Be Banned in Schools?
  • Write a letter to your local government representative addressing a community issue that needs attention.
  • Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper expressing your opinion on a controversial topic in your community.
  • Write a persuasive essay on the topic: Should Students Be Allowed to Use Cell Phones in Class?
  • Write a letter to your friend describing your favorite hobby.
  • Write an article for publication in a national newspaper on the topic: The Effects of Climate Change on Our Environment.
  • Write a story that ends with the sentence, ‘I finally found the courage to speak up.’
  • Write a letter to your school principal suggesting ways to promote better sportsmanship in your school.
  • Write an argumentative essay on the topic: Should Animals Be Kept in Zoos?
  • Write a letter to your friend telling him or her about a life-changing experience you had.
  • Write an essay on the topic: The Benefits of Reading.
  • Write a story that ends with the sentence, ‘I never thought I could do it, but I did.’
  • Write a letter to your school principal suggesting ways to reduce bullying in your school.
  • Write a story that ends with the sentence, ‘It was the best day of my life.’
  • Write a letter to your friend telling him or her about a cultural event you recently attended.
  • Write an article for publication in a national newspaper on the topic: The Effects of Technology on Our Society.
  • Write a letter to your friend describing how you spent your last holiday.

These are just a few of the many writing questions that WAEC could choose from for the 2023 BECE exam.

It’s important to get ready for the test well by writing essays on a wide range of themes. Good luck!

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English Studies

Collections of Argumentative Essays for WAEC, NECO, G.C.E and Other External Exams

essay writing for waec students

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY:

MEANING AND EXAMPLES

Argumentative Essay It is an effort made in writing to convince the reader that your reasons are good enough to make your stand on an issue acceptable. It entails stating in a clear and convincing manner that your views, opinion and reasoning are the best. For every argumentative essay, there is the premise and the conclusion. One’s premise must be strong and factual to make a convincing conclusive statement. In argumentative essay, a writer argues over a proposition or view in order to win an imaginary opponent over. There is a difference between a debate and an argumentative essay. While the two involve arguments, debate is spoken while argumentative essay is essentially writen. There are two types of argumentative essay- open and close argumentation. In an open argumentative essay, the writer presents a balanced argument on the issue under discussion without taking sides. This is an objective argument which involves an examination of the pros and cons of the proposition; it involves considering the advantages and weaknesses of a phenomenon. Most external examination bodies such as WASSCE does not test open argumentation but close argumentation. In a close argumentative essay, the writer takes a clear side of a proposition and strives to win imaginary opponents to his/her side. It requires a sound control of language and marshaling of points through logical formations. To have a clearer picture of argumentative essays see examples drawn from SSCE English Language examinations from different years below:

2018 WAEC QUESTION 4: You are the main speaker in a debate on the topic: Children of literate parents perform better in school than those of illiterate parents. Write your argument for or against the motion

CHILDREN OF LITERATE PARENTS PERFORM BETTER IN SCHOOL THAN THOSE OF ILLITERATE PARENTS Good day the Moderator, Panel of Judges, Accurate Time-Keeper and my Co-debaters. I am Kentebe Laye, I am here to passionately support the motion that states that children of literate parents perform better in school than those of illiterate parents. You can’t give what you don’t have goes the popular saying and this has an effect on the motion. Literate parents understand and value the significance of education as they are product ofit and have seen its significance hence, they would undoubtedly encourage their children to attain the zenith of their education because they know education is light. From the foregoing, children of literate parents would perform better in school than children of the illiterate parents because they wouli constantly monitor the progress of their children and know the requisite intervention they need to take, especially in situations when the child is not performing satisfactorily. This might not be the case for illiterate parents who might be stranded in coming up with the suitable mechanismn to assist their children academically. Homework are correctly supervised by literate parents as these are subject matters, they are not strange to. However, illiterate parents are oblivious of these subject matters and stand high chances of being deceived and hoodwinked by their children. Furthermore, literate parents can call at their children school anytime as they understand what the children are expected to be taught and if there is an issue, they can easily detect it. Also, they understand, from the assessment reports of their children, their strengths and weaknesses and can profer necessary intervention to solve them to their expected or targeted levels or sub-levels. This cannot be so for illiterate parents bscause those concepts would be strange to them. Literate parents can assist their children with projects, debates, quiz preparations, etc. They also know the right incentives to give to children to spur them in the part of excellence. My opponents might argue that literate parents might not have the time to assist their children with their academic needs. However, a literate parent that understand the value of education will know that while teachers are important in a child’s destiny, the home is the bedrock in shaping childrens’ destiny and in achieving the necessary acadernic milestone of a child. More so, literate parents understand the importance of a child’s exposure to what they learnt in class. They are enthusiastic about their chidren going on trips, vacations, excursions, etc. which would further aid learning. However, illiterate parents might see this as meaningless adventures which is not worthy of attention or signiicance. Literate parets are empathetic towards theirr Children as they celebrate their successes and encourage their areas of shortcomings. This is so because they have passed through that stage before and they understand that it is not always rosy. This might not be the case of illiterate parents whose main preoccupation might be result-oriented and thus over-stretch their children above their limits and thus result in depression and low self-esteem. Literate parents have high tendency to detect relationships that might destroy their children, and thus act timely to prevent such, illiterate parents might not know as they might not understand the language of communication of their children with their friends, especially those who are not literate in English Language. Finally, literate parents know which device or gadget can affect their children concentration and thus would take proactive measures to either reduce it or eliminate it completely. This might not be the case for illiterate parents who are usually tossed around by their children, and feel that if they give their children all that they ask they may do well in their studies and this is not necessarily so. I believe with these cogent facts I have been able to assert convincingly that children of literate parents perform better than children of illiterate parents. Thanks for your time.

2016 WAEC QUESTION 4 A DEBATE TO SUPPORT EDUCATION AS THE BEST LEGACY

Good day, Mr. Chairman, Panel of Judges, Accurate Time-Keeper, co-debaters, and my esteemed audience. My name is Anele Julius, and I write in support of the motion which states that education is the best legacy a parent can give a child. The term “Education” implies a training or process of learning a lesson, skill, trade or profession by teaching, instruction or supervision. This is, however, formal. Education can also take informal forms through adapting to our environment and developing mentally, morally, socially, aesthetically and behaviourally. Education is what everyone needs and should have, particularly, children who at their age are naive and inexperienced. They need education to discover their potentials, enhance the quality of their life and living condition.A well-trained and educated child is an asset, not a liability. Education is empowerment because it breeds people who are useful and productive not just to themselves and their families but also to the entire society. The illiterate have nothing to offer. They are liabilities; they are solely dependent and they slow down the pace of societal progress. Mr. Chairman, you will also agree with me that the importance placed on education – particularly at primary and secondary levels – in most of the advanced countries reflects their national budgets on the education sector. It is the education sector that researches and develops what the society at large lives on. Today, their commitment pay of. The same, unfortunately, cannot be said of Nigeria. This is because we lack the sustained efforts to invest into our country’s education sector. Audience, children are future leaders and education remains a sole platform for raising them. Parents must understand that the leadership problem we in Nigeria is partly traceable to lack of proper education, good moral and acceptable social behaviour, etc. all of which actually at first, began at home with the first teachers – parents. Now, my opponent might want to question the importance of education in the face of the challenges our country faces being unable to provide employment to legions of educated youth out there. I stand to be corrected that it is lack of proper education that has dragged us into the quagmire of unemployment in the first place. We run a system of education that teaches students to get educated so as to seek good jobs, rather than to get education/empowerment that can lead them to self-employment and becoming employers of labour. And now we are reaping the consequence of a faulty education system. In conclusion, as the saying goes “If education is expensive, try ignorance”, the consequence of not properly being educated is highly gruesome when compared to the resources we would have used to educate our children. It is the knowledge which education brings that set us free from perpetual slavery of ignorance. Thank you for your audience.

2015 WAEC QUESTION 4: SCHOOLING IN RURAL AREA IS BETTER THAN SCHOOLING IN URBAN AREA.

Good day, Mr. Chairman, Panel of Judges, Accurate Time Keeper and my Co-debaters. My name is Ajanaku Temitope, am here to oppose the motion which states that schooling in rural areas is better than schooling in urban areas. Before I proceed, I would like to define the word ‘schoo!’ . A school is a formal education institution where people go to be educated because they believe it has what it takes to make them a better person. It is no doábt that only schools in urban areas have what it takes to make someone a better person because it has both human and, material resources at its disposal to furnish a child into perfec- tion. Teachers are the bedrock of every school, a school might have ail the facilities but without qualified teachers the facilities are of no importance. Teachers in urban areas either attended Universities or Colleges of Education to read Education or other cognate fields which make them versed in what they teach. No qualified, experience teachers with Master’s Degree or above will resort to teach in rural areas which has made rural areas to be at a disadvantage and make urban areas more developed because they have influx of qualified and experienced teachers who will impart knowledge into urban school students. However, rural areas rely heavily on corpers as teachers and burden them with subjects which ideally are not their field of specialty, thus reducing effectiveness and efficiency. Furthermore, in terms of facilities like laboratories, libraries etc. urban schools /areas have up-to-date books and laboratory equipment which makes learning interesting and transactional between teachers and students. On the contrary, few rural areas have libraries and laboratories and the few that has either have obsolete books or limited laboratory equipment that would be insufficient for the students. This is collaborated by National Youths Corps who complain bitterly when posted to rural areas because. they lack the required textbooks and equipment to teach their students and since majority of the corpers are inexperienced in teaching, they cannot improvised, thus not being able to impart in the students. More so, all work and no play makes jack a dull boy goes the popular saying. Recreational facilities durıng short and one breaks to ease students’ tensions and an avenue to develop strong iterpersonal relationship skills abound in urban schools but absent in rural areas. Clubs like press club, literary and debating societies, jet club etc. are functional in urban areas which make their students

holistic in all areas – harnessing speaking, reading, writing and listening skills. Clubs of this nature are absent in rural areas because they don’t have adequate teachers /instructors to supervise or run them. The outcome of WASSCE, NECO, JSSCE results testifies that schooling in urban areas are better than rural areas because high failures are recorded more in rural areas with larger percentage of successes in urban areas. Furthermore, in terms of communication confidence, writing skills etc students from the rural areas cannot compete with students from urban areas. I believe wih these few points of mine, I have been able to convince you that schooling in urban areas is better than schooling in rural areas.

2014 WAEC TECHNOLOGY HAS MADE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE

Good day the Chaimman, Panel of Judges, Accurate Time Keeper, Co-debaters, Ladies and Gentlemen.  I am here to oppose the motion which says that technology has made the world a better place. Yes, infomation is now at our fingertip because of technołogy; easy and fast communicaticn is derived through technology. However, technology has caused more harm than good to the society and the world at large. The advent of Facebook, telegram, Twitter, Whatsapp, 2go and other social media have brought decadence in all ramifications. Immorality has increased because social media have been a channel through which sexually provocative films, pictures, clips etc. are accessed, thus, corrupting of youths. While accessing the internet to do mearningful things, nude pictures might just pop up from nowhere staring on your screen. Without self control, one might derail into watching porn and feeding his mind with sexual practices. The rate of sexual immorality has increased because of pornographic pictures, fiims etc that are on the internet. Furthermore, cases of internet frauds, hacking into people’s personal data information, ‘yahoo-yahoo’ etc would have not be more prevalent if technology had not advanced. Students are addicted to chatting with their phones even in classes when they are expected to be listening to their teachers. Students’ attentions are captured by the internet as they only discuss latest release video, musical clips, football fixures, etc they have viewed on their phones, laptops, etc, rather than to face their studies. This brings disiractions. More so, the advent of technology has made students lazy with their assignments. They just access the internet tor any ready-made materials and ‘copy and paste’ other people’s ideas without acknowledging them or rewriting those ideas in their own words. Panel of Judges, technology has bred a generation of irresponsible and indisciplined youths who are always desirous of taking short cuts in all that they do. Furthermore, the rate of kidnapping and sexual molestation have increased all in the name of blind dating, as so many ignorant ladies fall prey to deceitful and wicked men whose motive is to abuse young naive ładies. Mr. Chairman and my impartial panel of Judges, technology is claimed to have brought easy life to people but I only wonder how true this statement is because phones which is primarily meant for communication is used by mischevious people to trick people off their money by sending them fraudulent messages of fake lotteries they have supposedly won. In conclusion, technology has only brought pain disaster and problem to the world. Students` essays are filled with bad expressions and mechanical errors because they bring in their chatting language into formal academic essays. I believe without any iota of doubt that I have been able to prove that technology has not made the world a better place.

2013 WAEC AN ARGUMENT AGAINST THE MOTION EDUCATION IS NOT AS IMPORTANT AS RICHES

Good day the Moderator, Panel of Judges, Accurate Time-Keeper, Co-debaters and my Fellow Students. I am here to oppose the motion which states that education is not as important as riches. Education is the best legacy any parent can give to their children, goes the common saying. I wonder why riches were not used to replace education as the best legacy a parent can bequeath to their children. This is because no level of riches can quantify the significance of education as an educated mind has the capacity to make as many riches as he/she wants because the correct application of one’s education can bring about the level of wealth one desires. Yes, my co-debater notes that the end results of every education is the acquisition of wealth. While she is right, it is an half-true statement because one of the end result of education is riches as there are other end results of education which are fame, renewed mind, wide exposure, quality relationship, wisdom, etc. which riches cannot confer. Yes, riches are important, but cannot be compared with education because rich being without the right knowledge of how to use the riches, which only education offers, would invest such riches into meaningless ventures thus yielding no dividend or benefits. Education gives the right exposure which no amount of riches can proffer. Someone with a university education must have made quality friends, develop promising relationships, have their skills, attend seminars, conferences, etc., from which they would have garnered the required ability to maximize every opportunity that comes in their way. Education makes man to see the manifest opportunity and provides avenue on how to exploit such opportunities maximally for their benefits. Also, meaningful relationships derived from education makes a man know from whom to seek advice, and steps on how to confront life challenges. A rich uneducated man is at the mercy of the educated who will toss him here and there since he or she lacks the needed skills and capabilities to make opportunities out of every situation. Rich uneducated being needs advice and professional counsel from the educated on where to channel their funds for maximál profits. It is not that the educated do not required counsels; but through their renewed, open-minded and pragmatic minds, they can sieve counsels, do background check to ascertain which advice should be taken and the one to be discarded. The rich uneducated man is more prone to fraudsters and tricksters whose main aim is to loot him or her of their money. An educated man can amass more riches than the richest uneducated man because education broadens the scope, perception and disposition of a man and makes a man to see beyond their physical and immediate circumstances. In conclusion, countries which prioritise education above money have been more successful and developed than countries that emphasise riches above education. This invariably implies that a man who values riches above education will shift off success and holistic development himself. With these few points of mine, I hope that I have been able to convince you that education is important than riches. Thank you.

2012 WAEC: QUESTION 4 REASONS TO BAN VIOLENT VIDEO GAMES

Good day the Moderator, Panel of Judges, Accurate Time-keepèr, and my Co-debaters. I am writing to support the motion which states that violent video games should be banned. First and foremost, a wise man says that you can only feature in a future you picture, this saying shows the inmportance of what one sees as one becomes what one sees. A youth that is preoccupied with violent video games will turn into a violent being whose satisfaction will only be derived from the suffering and ill-treatrment of others. Yes, video games are source of relaxationand pleasure but when it is violent it does something to the psychology of child who will want to act out what he or she sees. Video games go beyond a means of relaxation but have an indelible effect on the person that sees it. What then are the effects of continual exposure to violent video games? If addiction is the tem to describe the end result of common football games, what are we to call someone who is engrossed with violent video games? A person who sees violent video games will be addicted to seeing people suffer, will take pleasure in the sight of blood, would find enjoyment when people are in pain or distress and such a person would turn into a sadist, a dictator who is satisfied in other people’s suffering. They become schadenfreude. Panel of Judges, world notorious criminals are known to be addicted to violent videos which they watch to keep up with their masochistic tendencies. When a young boy or girl is exposed to violent video game, such a lad is on the way to becoming a criminal. Why succumb to violent video games when there are exciting games which task a student intellectual and creative thinking. There is no analytical nor critical reasoning derived from viewing violent video games rather it hardens a mind and make it dangerous and have a knack for doing evil. Violent video games teach no moral nor advocate any didactic lesson but only inspire a win – win / lose-lose mentality and turn their viewers into recalcitrant bully who are desirous of acting out the new violent styles of fighting. Parents must be cautious of what their children see because older children would want to put into practice the violent video games they have seen on their younger siblings which may endanger the lives of these younger siblings or harden it. In conclusion, the eye is a sensitive part of the body which captures what is seen and it is sent to the brain for memory retention. People become what they are continuąlly exposed to so a child who is continually exposed to violent video games, will invariably be violent and be a source of danger to himself or herself, the family, the community and the entire society. I believe I have been able to convince you that violent video game should be banned. Thank you.

Have you learnt something? Drop your questions, contributions or words of appreciation on the comment box.

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25 BECE English Language Essay Questions That WAEC Will Choose From in 2023

essay writing for waec students

As a BECE candidate, it is important to be well prepared for the English Language exam, which usually consists of both objective and essay questions. While the objective questions may be easier to answer, the essay questions require more critical thinking and writing skills. In this article, we will be discussing 25 essay questions that WAEC may choose from in the 2023 BECE exam.

  • Write a letter to your friend describing how you spent your last holiday.
  • Write an article for publication in your school magazine on the topic: How to Improve Your Study Habits.
  • Write a story that ends with the sentence, ‘It was the best day of my life.’
  • Write a letter to your father telling him how proud you are of him for achieving a major milestone in his career.
  • Write an essay on the topic: The Importance of Education in Today’s Society.
  • Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper expressing your opinion on a controversial topic in your community.
  • Write a descriptive essay on your favorite childhood memory.
  • Write a letter to your school principal suggesting ways to improve the quality of education in your school.
  • Write an argumentative essay on the topic: Should Social Media Be Banned in Schools?
  • Write a letter to your local government representative addressing a community issue that needs attention.
  • Write a story that ends with the sentence, ‘I knew I had found my true calling.’
  • Write a persuasive essay on the topic: Should Students Be Allowed to Use Cell Phones in Class?
  • Write a letter to your friend telling him or her about a life-changing experience you had.
  • Write an article for publication in a national newspaper on the topic: The Effects of Climate Change on Our Environment.
  • Write a story that ends with the sentence, ‘I finally found the courage to speak up.’
  • Write a letter to your school principal suggesting ways to promote better sportsmanship in your school.
  • Write an argumentative essay on the topic: Should Animals Be Kept in Zoos?
  • Write a letter to your friend describing your favorite hobby.
  • Write an essay on the topic: The Benefits of Reading.
  • Write a story that ends with the sentence, ‘I never thought I could do it, but I did.’
  • Write a letter to your school principal suggesting ways to reduce bullying in your school.
  • Write a persuasive essay on the topic: Should School Uniforms Be Mandatory?
  • Write a letter to your friend telling him or her about a cultural event you recently attended.
  • Write an article for publication in a national newspaper on the topic: The Effects of Technology on Our Society.
  • Write a story that ends with the sentence, ‘I learned that day that anything is possible if you believe in yourself.’

These are just a few of the many essay questions that WAEC may choose from in the 2023 BECE exam. It is important to prepare thoroughly for the exam by practicing writing essays on a variety of topics. Good luck!

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The Most Important Writing Exercise I’ve Ever Assigned

An illustration of several houses. One person walks away from a house with a second person isolated in a window.

By Rachel Kadish

Ms. Kadish is the author of the novel “The Weight of Ink.”

“Write down a phrase you find abhorrent — something you yourself would never say.”

My students looked startled, but they cooperated. They knew I wouldn’t collect this exercise; what they wrote would be private unless they chose to share it. All that was required of them was participation.

In silence they jotted down a few words. So far, so good. We hadn’t yet reached the hard request: Spend 10 minutes writing a monologue in the first person that’s spoken by a fictitious character who makes the upsetting statement. This portion typically elicits nervous glances. When that happens, I remind students that their statement doesn’t represent them and that speaking as if they’re someone else is a basic skill of fiction writers. The troubling statement, I explain, must appear in the monologue, and it shouldn’t be minimized, nor should students feel the need to forgive or account for it. What’s required is simply that somewhere in the monologue there be an instant — even a fleeting phrase — in which we can feel empathy for the speaker. Perhaps she’s sick with worry over an ill grandchild. Perhaps he’s haunted by a love he let slip away. Perhaps she’s sleepless over how to keep her business afloat and her employees paid. Done right, the exercise delivers a one-two punch: repugnance for a behavior or worldview coupled with recognition of shared humanity.

For more than two decades, I’ve taught versions of this fiction-writing exercise. I’ve used it in universities, middle schools and private workshops, with 7-year-olds and 70-year-olds. But in recent years openness to this exercise and to the imaginative leap it’s designed to teach has shrunk to a pinprick. As our country’s public conversation has gotten angrier, I’ve noticed that students’ approach to the exercise has become more brittle, regardless of whether students lean right or left.

Each semester, I wonder whether the aperture through which we allow empathy has so drastically narrowed as to foreclose a full view of our fellow human beings. Maybe there are times so contentious or so painful that people simply withdraw to their own silos. I’ve certainly felt that inward pull myself. There are times when a leap into someone else’s perspective feels impossible.

But leaping is the job of the writer, and there’s no point it doing it halfway. Good fiction pulls off a magic trick of absurd power: It makes us care. Responding to the travails of invented characters — Ahab or Amaranta, Sethe or Stevens, Zooey or Zorba — we might tear up or laugh, or our hearts might pound. As readers, we become invested in these people, which is very different from agreeing with or even liking them. In the best literature, characters are so vivid, complicated, contradictory and even maddening that we’ll follow them far from our preconceptions; sometimes we don’t return.

Unflinching empathy, which is the muscle the lesson is designed to exercise, is a prerequisite for literature strong enough to wrestle with the real world. On the page it allows us to spot signs of humanity; off the page it can teach us to start a conversation with the strangest of strangers, to thrive alongside difference. It can even affect those life-or-death choices we make instinctively in a crisis. This kind of empathy has nothing to do with being nice, and it’s not for the faint of heart.

Even within the safety of the page, it’s tempting to dodge empathy’s challenge, instead demonizing villains and idealizing heroes, but that’s when the needle on art’s moral compass goes inert. Then we’re navigating blind: confident that we know what the bad people look like and that they’re not us — and therefore we’re at no risk of error.

Our best writers, in contrast, portray humans in their full complexity. This is what Gish Jen is doing in the short story “Who’s Irish?” and Rohinton Mistry in the novel “A Fine Balance.” Line by line, these writers illuminate the inner worlds of characters who cause harm — which is not the same as forgiving them. No one would ever say that Toni Morrison forgives the character Cholly Breedlove, who rapes his daughter in “The Bluest Eye.” What Ms. Morrison accomplishes instead is the boldest act of moral and emotional understanding I’ve ever seen on the page.

In the classroom exercise, the upsetting phrases my students scribble might be personal (“You’ll never be a writer,” “You’re ugly”) or religious or political. Once a student wrote a phrase condemning abortion as another student across the table wrote a phrase defending it. Sometimes there are stereotypes, slurs — whatever the students choose to grapple with. Of course, it’s disturbing to step into the shoes of someone whose words or deeds repel us. Writing these monologues, my graduate students, who know what “first person” means, will dodge and write in third, with the distanced “he said” instead of “I said.”

But if they can withstand the challenges of first person, sometimes something happens. They emerge shaken and eager to expand on what they’ve written. I look up from tidying my notes to discover students lingering after dismissal with that alert expression that says the exercise made them feel something they needed to feel.

Over the years, as my students’ statements became more political and as jargon (“deplorables,” “snowflakes”) supplanted the language of personal experience, I adapted the exercise. Worrying that I’d been too sanguine about possible pitfalls, I made it entirely silent, so no student would have to hear another’s troubling statement or fear being judged for their own. Any students who wanted to share their monologues with me could stay after class rather than read to the group. Later, I added another caveat: If your troubling statement is so offensive, you can’t imagine the person who says it as a full human being, choose something less troubling. Next, I narrowed the parameters: No politics. The pandemic’s virtual classes made risk taking harder; I moved the exercise deeper into the semester so students would feel more at ease.

After one session, a student stayed behind in the virtual meeting room. She’d failed to include empathy in her monologue about a character whose politics she abhorred. Her omission bothered her. I was impressed by her honesty. She’d constructed a caricature and recognized it. Most of us don’t.

For years, I’ve quietly completed the exercise alongside my students. Some days nothing sparks. When it goes well, though, the experience is disquieting. The hard part, it turns out, isn’t the empathy itself but what follows: the annihilating notion that people whose fears or joys or humor I appreciate may themselves be indifferent to all my cherished conceptions of the world.

Then the 10-minute timer sounds, and I haul myself back to the business of the classroom — shaken by the vastness of the world but more curious about the people in it. I put my trust in that curiosity. What better choice does any of us have? And in the sanctuary of my classroom I keep trying, handing along what literature handed me: the small, sturdy magic trick any of us can work, as long as we’re willing to risk it.

Rachel Kadish is the author of the novel “The Weight of Ink.”

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The Loss of Things I Took for Granted

Ten years into my college teaching career, students stopped being able to read effectively..

Recent years have seen successive waves of book bans in Republican-controlled states, aimed at pulling any text with “woke” themes from classrooms and library shelves. Though the results sometimes seem farcical, as with the banning of Art Spiegelman’s Maus due to its inclusion of “cuss words” and explicit rodent nudity, the book-banning agenda is no laughing matter. Motivated by bigotry, it has already done demonstrable harm and promises to do more. But at the same time, the appropriate response is, in principle, simple. Named individuals have advanced explicit policies with clear goals and outcomes, and we can replace those individuals with people who want to reverse those policies. That is already beginning to happen in many places, and I hope those successes will continue until every banned book is restored.

If and when that happens, however, we will not be able to declare victory quite yet. Defeating the open conspiracy to deprive students of physical access to books will do little to counteract the more diffuse confluence of forces that are depriving students of the skills needed to meaningfully engage with those books in the first place. As a college educator, I am confronted daily with the results of that conspiracy-without-conspirators. I have been teaching in small liberal arts colleges for over 15 years now, and in the past five years, it’s as though someone flipped a switch. For most of my career, I assigned around 30 pages of reading per class meeting as a baseline expectation—sometimes scaling up for purely expository readings or pulling back for more difficult texts. (No human being can read 30 pages of Hegel in one sitting, for example.) Now students are intimidated by anything over 10 pages and seem to walk away from readings of as little as 20 pages with no real understanding. Even smart and motivated students struggle to do more with written texts than extract decontextualized take-aways. Considerable class time is taken up simply establishing what happened in a story or the basic steps of an argument—skills I used to be able to take for granted.

Since this development very directly affects my ability to do my job as I understand it, I talk about it a lot. And when I talk about it with nonacademics, certain predictable responses inevitably arise, all questioning the reality of the trend I describe. Hasn’t every generation felt that the younger cohort is going to hell in a handbasket? Haven’t professors always complained that educators at earlier levels are not adequately equipping their students? And haven’t students from time immemorial skipped the readings?

The response of my fellow academics, however, reassures me that I’m not simply indulging in intergenerational grousing. Anecdotally, I have literally never met a professor who did not share my experience. Professors are also discussing the issue in academic trade publications , from a variety of perspectives. What we almost all seem to agree on is that we are facing new obstacles in structuring and delivering our courses, requiring us to ratchet down expectations in the face of a ratcheting down of preparation. Yes, there were always students who skipped the readings, but we are in new territory when even highly motivated honors students struggle to grasp the basic argument of a 20-page article. Yes, professors never feel satisfied that high school teachers have done enough, but not every generation of professors has had to deal with the fallout of No Child Left Behind and Common Core. Finally, yes, every generation thinks the younger generation is failing to make the grade— except for the current cohort of professors, who are by and large more invested in their students’ success and mental health and more responsive to student needs than any group of educators in human history. We are not complaining about our students. We are complaining about what has been taken from them.

If we ask what has caused this change, there are some obvious culprits. The first is the same thing that has taken away almost everyone’s ability to focus—the ubiquitous smartphone. Even as a career academic who studies the Quran in Arabic for fun, I have noticed my reading endurance flagging. I once found myself boasting at a faculty meeting that I had read through my entire hourlong train ride without looking at my phone. My colleagues agreed this was a major feat, one they had not achieved recently. Even if I rarely attain that high level of focus, though, I am able to “turn it on” when demanded, for instance to plow through a big novel during a holiday break. That’s because I was able to develop and practice those skills of extended concentration and attentive reading before the intervention of the smartphone. For children who were raised with smartphones, by contrast, that foundation is missing. It is probably no coincidence that the iPhone itself, originally released in 2007, is approaching college age, meaning that professors are increasingly dealing with students who would have become addicted to the dopamine hit of the omnipresent screen long before they were introduced to the more subtle pleasures of the page.

The second go-to explanation is the massive disruption of school closures during COVID-19. There is still some debate about the necessity of those measures, but what is not up for debate any longer is the very real learning loss that students suffered at every level. The impact will inevitably continue to be felt for the next decade or more, until the last cohort affected by the mass “pivot to online” finally graduates. I doubt that the pandemic closures were the decisive factor in themselves, however. Not only did the marked decline in reading resilience start before the pandemic, but the students I am seeing would have already been in high school during the school closures. Hence they would be better equipped to get something out of the online format and, more importantly, their basic reading competence would have already been established.

Less discussed than these broader cultural trends over which educators have little control are the major changes in reading pedagogy that have occurred in recent decades—some motivated by the ever-increasing demand to “teach to the test” and some by fads coming out of schools of education. In the latter category is the widely discussed decline in phonics education in favor of the “balanced literacy” approach advocated by education expert Lucy Calkins (who has more recently come to accept the need for more phonics instruction). I started to see the results of this ill-advised change several years ago, when students abruptly stopped attempting to sound out unfamiliar words and instead paused until they recognized the whole word as a unit. (In a recent class session, a smart, capable student was caught short by the word circumstances when reading a text out loud.) The result of this vibes-based literacy is that students never attain genuine fluency in reading. Even aside from the impact of smartphones, their experience of reading is constantly interrupted by their intentionally cultivated inability to process unfamiliar words.

For all the flaws of the balanced literacy method, it was presumably implemented by people who thought it would help. It is hard to see a similar motivation in the growing trend toward assigning students only the kind of short passages that can be included in a standardized test. Due in part to changes driven by the infamous Common Core standards , teachers now have to fight to assign their students longer readings, much less entire books, because those activities won’t feed directly into students getting higher test scores, which leads to schools getting more funding. The emphasis on standardized tests was always a distraction at best, but we have reached the point where it is actively cannibalizing students’ educational experience—an outcome no one intended or planned, and for which there is no possible justification.

We can’t go back in time and do the pandemic differently at this point, nor is there any realistic path to putting the smartphone genie back in the bottle. (Though I will note that we as a society do at least attempt to keep other addictive products out of the hands of children.) But I have to think that we can, at the very least, stop actively preventing young people from developing the ability to follow extended narratives and arguments in the classroom. Regardless of their profession or ultimate educational level, they will need those skills. The world is a complicated place. People—their histories and identities, their institutions and work processes, their fears and desires—are simply too complex to be captured in a worksheet with a paragraph and some reading comprehension questions. Large-scale prose writing is the best medium we have for capturing that complexity, and the education system should not be in the business of keeping students from learning how to engage effectively with it.

This is a matter not of snobbery, but of basic justice. I recognize that not everyone centers their lives on books as much as a humanities professor does. I think they’re missing out, but they’re adults and they can choose how to spend their time. What’s happening with the current generation is not that they are simply choosing TikTok over Jane Austen. They are being deprived of the ability to choose—for no real reason or benefit. We can and must stop perpetrating this crime on our young people.

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