WAEC English Language
2018 Style Practice Question Paper
Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination
ORIGINAL PRACTICE SET – 3
Not the Original 2018 WAEC Paper
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
- Read all questions carefully before answering.
- Follow the instructions given in each section.
- For the essay section, answer only one question.
- Use clear, appropriate and grammatically correct English.
- Present your answers neatly.
LEXIS AND STRUCTURE
Choose the option that best completes each sentence.
1. The students were asked to ________ their assignments before Friday.
2. She would have won the competition if she ________ harder.
3. The news ________ surprising to everyone.
4. The word closest in meaning to “rapid” is:
5. The opposite of “victory” is:
6. My brother has been absent ________ Monday.
7. The teacher, together with the students, ________ present.
8. We arrived ________ the station just before the train left.
9. The word closest in meaning to “courageous” is:
10. He is looking forward ________ meeting his old friend.
Questions 11–20: Choose the correct option.
11. The plural of “analysis” is:
12. This is the ________ book I have ever read.
13. The children enjoyed ________ at the party.
14. He apologized ________ being late.
15. I asked him ________ he had seen my notebook.
16. The opposite of “temporary” is:
17. When we reached the cinema, the film ________.
18. You ________ wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle.
19. “To turn over a new leaf” means:
20. The students were prevented ________ entering the laboratory.
SECTION A – Answer ONE question only.
21. Write a letter to your elder brother or sister explaining how you intend to prepare for an important examination.
22. Write an article for your school magazine on “The Dangers of Examination Malpractice”.
23. Write a story beginning with: “Nobody believed me when I said that I had seen the stranger before…”
24. Write a speech to be delivered at a school debate on: “Social Media Does More Harm Than Good to Students.”
25. Write an argumentative essay on: “Every student should learn a practical skill before leaving school.”
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Education is not limited to what students learn in the classroom. Although textbooks provide important knowledge, students also learn through observation, experience and interaction with other people. Activities outside the classroom can therefore contribute greatly to their development.
Participation in clubs, sports and community activities can help students develop confidence and leadership skills. Such activities also teach students how to cooperate with people who have different opinions and abilities. These experiences can be useful later in life.
However, students need to maintain a balance. Spending too much time on activities outside the classroom may affect academic work. The best approach is to organize one’s time carefully so that study, recreation and other activities can all receive proper attention.
26(a). Why is education not limited to classroom learning?
26(b). Mention two activities through which students can learn.
26(c). What qualities can outside activities develop?
26(d). Why should students maintain a balance?
26(e). What is the best approach to managing different activities?
26(f). Find a word from the passage meaning “ability to guide or influence others.”
26(g). Find the opposite of “different”.
26(h). State the main idea of the passage.
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.
Saving money is a useful habit that young people should develop. Money saved regularly can be used for important needs in the future. Saving also teaches people to plan their spending and distinguish between needs and wants.
One simple way of saving is to keep a record of daily expenses. This helps a person identify unnecessary spending. Small amounts saved regularly can become significant over time. Students can also avoid wasting money on things they do not really need.
Saving does not mean refusing to spend money completely. It means using money carefully and making sensible decisions. A person who learns to manage money early in life is more likely to become financially responsible later.
27(a). In three sentences, state three benefits of saving money.
27(b). In three sentences, state three ways students can develop the habit of saving.
28. The doctor advised him to give ________ smoking.
29. She succeeded ________ her determination.
30. The committee ________ divided in its opinion.
31. I wish I ________ enough money to buy the computer.
32. The word closest in meaning to “essential” is:
33. He arrived late, ________ he missed the beginning.
34. The students were asked to keep ________ during the examination.
35. “A piece of cake” means:
| Component | Skills Tested |
|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Lexis, Structure, Grammar and Vocabulary |
| Paper 2 – Section A | Essay, Letter, Article, Speech or Story |
| Paper 2 – Section B | Reading Comprehension |
| Paper 2 – Section C | Summary Writing |