WAEC English Language
2018 Style Practice Question Paper
Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination
Original Practice Set |
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
- Answer all questions in the sections where required.
- For the essay section, answer only one question.
- Read each passage carefully before answering.
- Use clear and correct English throughout your answers.
- This is an original practice paper based on WAEC-style skills.
LEXIS AND STRUCTURE
Choose the option that best completes each sentence.
1. The teacher asked the students to ________ attention in class.
2. If I had known about the meeting, I ________ attended it.
3. Neither the teacher nor the students ________ ready.
4. The opposite of “ancient” is ________.
5. The expression “once in a blue moon” means ________.
6. She has been living here ________ 2015.
7. The boy was punished because he ________ the school rules.
8. We arrived ________ the airport before noon.
9. The word closest in meaning to “generous” is ________.
10. He succeeded because he worked ________.
Questions 11–20: Choose the correct option.
11. The plural of “criterion” is:
12. She speaks English ________ than her brother.
13. The students congratulated ________ after the competition.
14. He is interested ________ science.
15. The manager asked me ________ I had completed the work.
16. The opposite of “expand” is:
17. They ________ the match before it began to rain.
18. The principal advised the students ________ punctual.
19. “To spill the beans” means:
20. The man ________ car was stolen reported to the police.
SECTION A – Answer ONE question only.
21. Write a letter to your friend describing your new school and explaining how you are adjusting to it.
22. Write an article for publication in your school magazine on the importance of reading among students.
23. Write a story ending with the words: “That day taught me never to give up.”
24. Write a speech to be delivered at your school assembly on the topic: “The Importance of Discipline.”
25. Write an argumentative essay on: “Students should be allowed to use mobile phones in school.”
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Many young people believe that success comes quickly. They see successful people and often notice only the final result without considering the years of effort behind it. In reality, achievement usually requires patience, discipline and continuous learning.
A student who wants to become successful should develop good habits. Regular study, careful planning and a willingness to learn from mistakes can make a great difference. Failure should not be treated as proof that a person cannot succeed. Instead, it can show where improvement is needed.
Success also means different things to different people. For one person, it may mean becoming a professional; for another, it may mean helping family or serving the community. What matters is setting meaningful goals and working steadily towards them.
26(a). Why do young people sometimes misunderstand success?
26(b). Mention three qualities needed for achievement.
26(c). What should a student do after failure?
26(d). Why does success mean different things to different people?
26(e). Find a word from the passage meaning “important or valuable.”
26(f). In one sentence, state the main idea of the passage.
Read the passage below and answer the questions.
Good communication is important in every area of life. People communicate at home, in school and at work. Clear communication helps people understand one another and prevents unnecessary disagreement.
Good communication requires careful listening. A person should listen to what others are saying instead of thinking only about what he or she wants to say next. Speaking clearly and choosing appropriate words are also important.
Written communication requires additional care. Letters, reports and messages should be organized clearly. Spelling, punctuation and grammar should be checked before a written message is sent.
Technology has made communication faster, but speed should not replace carefulness. People should think before sending messages, especially when the message may affect another person’s feelings or reputation.
27(a). In three sentences, state three reasons why good communication is important.
27(b). In three sentences, state three ways of improving communication.
| Component | Main Skills |
|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Lexis and Structure / Objective Questions |
| Paper 2 – Section A | Essay Writing |
| Paper 2 – Section B | Comprehension |
| Paper 2 – Section C | Summary |