2018 WAEC English Questions, Answers, and Exam Preparation

A farmer had three sons who were always quarreling. He was worried that they would not be able to take care of the farm after he was gone. To teach them a lesson, he asked them to break a bundle of sticks, but they could not. Then he untied the bundle and asked them to break the sticks one by one, which they easily did. He then told them that unity is strength.

What was the farmer worried about?
The farmer was worried that his sons would not be able to manage the farm after his death.

Why did the farmer give his sons a bundle of sticks?
He wanted to teach them a lesson about unity.

What happened when the sons tried to break the bundle of sticks?
They were unable to break it.

How did the sons finally manage to break the sticks?
They broke them one by one after the bundle was untied.

What is the moral of the story?
The moral of the story is that unity is strength.

Lexis and Structure
Choose the correct word to fill in the blank.

He is very good ____ mathematics.
at

The students arrived ____ the hall before the teacher.
in

The principal asked me to explain ____ I was late.
why

She prefers tea ____ coffee.
to

We must work hard ____ we want to succeed.
if

Summary Writing
Read the following passage and summarize it in one sentence.

The internet has changed the way we communicate. People now use social media, emails, and messaging apps instead of letters. This has made communication faster and easier. However, it has also led to concerns about privacy and misinformation.

Summary: The internet has made communication faster and easier but raises privacy and misinformation concerns.

Essay Writing
Write a short essay on the topic: “The Importance of Education.”

Education is the key to success in life. It provides knowledge and skills that help people achieve their goals. An educated person can make better decisions and contribute positively to society. Education also opens doors to job opportunities and financial stability. In conclusion, education is essential for personal and national development.

Literature-In-English
Who is the main character in “The Lion and the Jewel”?
Baroka

What is the central theme of “Things Fall Apart”?
The clash between tradition and change.

In “Julius Caesar,” who says “Et tu, Brute?”
Julius Caesar

What is the setting of “The Beautiful Ones Are Not Yet Born”?
Post-independence Ghana

Which literary device is used in “The trees danced in the wind”?
Personification

Oral English
Choose the correct pronunciation of the underlined word.

The word “enough” is pronounced as
/iˈnʌf/

Which word has the same vowel sound as “book”?
Look

The correct stress pattern for “education” is
e-du-CA-tion

Which word is a homophone of “peace”?
Piece

Identify the silent letter in “knight.”
K

Recommended Indian Books for 2018 WAEC English Questions and Preparation

1. High School English Grammar & Composition
Author: Wren & Martin
Publication: S. Chand
Content: This book covers grammar rules, sentence structure, and composition techniques. It includes practice exercises, essays, and comprehension passages that are useful for WAEC English preparation.

2. Objective General English
Author: S.P. Bakshi
Publication: Arihant Publications
Content: A comprehensive guide to English grammar, vocabulary, sentence correction, and reading comprehension, with multiple-choice questions similar to WAEC English exam patterns.

3. The Guide
Author: R.K. Narayan
Publication: Indian Thought Publications
Content: This novel can be used for literature-based questions, exploring themes like self-discovery, transformation, and social expectations, often appearing in WAEC English literature sections.

4. Word Power Made Easy
Author: Norman Lewis
Publication: Goyal Publishers
Content: Enhances vocabulary through word-building exercises, root words, and contextual examples. Useful for WAEC English vocabulary and comprehension questions.

5. English Grammar & Composition for Competitive Exams
Author: S.C. Gupta
Publication: Arihant Publications
Content: Covers grammar, comprehension, sentence rearrangement, and writing skills, helping students improve their answering techniques in WAEC English.

6. A Passage to India
Author: E.M. Forster
Publication: Penguin India
Content: A novel exploring British colonial rule in India, used for literary analysis, character study, and thematic discussions in WAEC literature questions.

7. An Atlas of Impossible Longing
Author: Anuradha Roy
Publication: Hachette India
Content: A novel with rich descriptive language, ideal for comprehension-based questions and essay prompts in the WAEC exam.

8. The Blue Umbrella
Author: Ruskin Bond
Publication: Rupa Publications
Content: A simple yet powerful story about kindness and materialism, often referenced for summary writing and character analysis questions.

9. Malgudi Days
Author: R.K. Narayan
Publication: Indian Thought Publications
Content: A collection of short stories that helps in answering comprehension passages and story interpretation questions.

10. The God of Small Things
Author: Arundhati Roy
Publication: Penguin India
Content: Deals with social themes and rich narrative styles, making it useful for thematic analysis and summary writing exercises.

11. My Experiments with Truth
Author: Mahatma Gandhi
Publication: Navajivan Publishing House
Content: An autobiography useful for essay writing, comprehension, and critical thinking exercises in WAEC English.

12. Train to Pakistan
Author: Khushwant Singh
Publication: Penguin India
Content: A historical novel that can be used for literary analysis, comprehension, and understanding social issues in English exams.

13. The Namesake
Author: Jhumpa Lahiri
Publication: HarperCollins India
Content: Explores identity and cultural differences, making it a good choice for comprehension, character analysis, and essay-based questions.

14. The White Tiger
Author: Aravind Adiga
Publication: HarperCollins India
Content: A contemporary novel useful for themes of corruption and social mobility, often appearing in literature-based WAEC questions.

15. How to Write Correct English
Author: R.P. Sinha
Publication: Rupa Publications
Content: A practical book for improving sentence construction, punctuation, and essay writing, crucial for WAEC English composition sections.

16. A Suitable Boy
Author: Vikram Seth
Publication: Aleph Book Company
Content: A novel dealing with family and society, offering useful excerpts for comprehension and summary writing.

17. English Made Easy
Author: P.C. Wren
Publication: S. Chand
Content: A foundational book focusing on grammar rules, idioms, and vocabulary, aiding students in WAEC English language preparation.

18. The Shadow Lines
Author: Amitav Ghosh
Publication: Penguin India
Content: A novel rich in descriptive writing, making it suitable for comprehension and summary-based questions.

19. The Palace of Illusions
Author: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Publication: HarperCollins India
Content: A retelling of the Mahabharata from Draupadi’s perspective, useful for literary analysis and thematic discussion in English exams.

20. The English Teacher
Author: R.K. Narayan
Publication: Indian Thought Publications
Content: A novel focused on personal growth and education, beneficial for literary essays and character-based WAEC English questions.

2018 WAEC English Question – Expert Guide and Preparation Tips

The 2018 WAEC English exam was a critical assessment for students aiming to secure strong grades in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Understanding the structure of the exam, the type of questions asked, and expert-backed preparation strategies is essential for success. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the 2018 WAEC English question format, expert tips for answering them, and important areas students should focus on.

Understanding the WAEC English Exam Structure

The WAEC English exam typically consists of three major sections:

1. Paper 1: Objective (Multiple Choice) – Tests grammar, vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms, and sentence structure.
2. Paper 2: Essay Writing, Comprehension & Summary – Includes composition writing, comprehension passages, and a summary section.
3. Paper 3: Oral English – Assesses pronunciation, stress patterns, and phonetic accuracy.

Each section evaluates different aspects of English language proficiency. A strong grasp of grammar, reading comprehension, and effective writing skills is crucial for high performance.

Common 2018 WAEC English Questions and Topics

Grammar and Lexis: Students were tested on sentence correction, parts of speech, active and passive voice, and direct and indirect speech. Questions included identifying errors in sentences and choosing the correct word to complete statements.

Comprehension Passages: The exam featured passages followed by questions assessing understanding, inference, and contextual meaning of words. Students needed to extract main ideas, interpret meanings, and answer in clear, concise sentences.

Summary Writing: This section required students to read a passage and summarize key points in a structured manner. The focus was on conciseness, clarity, and coherence.

Essay Writing: Topics included narrative, descriptive, argumentative, and letter writing. Common prompts asked students to describe an event, argue for or against a topic, or write a formal/informal letter.

Oral English Section: Questions tested phonetics, intonation, stress placement, and pronunciation. Students had to identify stressed syllables, recognize homophones, and choose correctly pronounced words.

Expert-Backed Tips for Answering WAEC English Questions

1. Master Grammar Rules – A strong foundation in English grammar is key. Practice sentence correction, tenses, and vocabulary-building exercises daily.

2. Improve Reading Comprehension – Read newspapers, novels, and past questions. Summarize what you read to sharpen analytical and critical thinking skills.

3. Enhance Writing Skills – For essay writing, focus on structure: introduction, body, and conclusion. Practice writing essays on common topics to improve fluency.

4. Practice Past Questions – Reviewing previous WAEC English questions helps familiarize students with the exam pattern and common question formats.

5. Develop Time Management – Allocate time wisely for each section. Avoid spending too much time on difficult questions. Attempt easier ones first to gain confidence.

6. Improve Oral English Proficiency – Listen to English news, practice pronunciation, and use phonetic dictionaries to enhance spoken English skills.

7. Follow Instructions Carefully – Many students lose marks due to misinterpretation of instructions. Read all questions twice before answering.

FAQ for 2018 WAEC English Question

What topics were covered in the 2018 WAEC English exam?
The exam included grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, summary writing, essay writing, and oral English.

How many sections were in the 2018 WAEC English exam?
There were three sections: Objective (multiple choice), Essay & Comprehension, and Oral English.

What type of essay questions were asked?
Narrative, descriptive, argumentative, and letter writing (formal and informal).

How can I improve my summary writing skills?
Practice reading passages and summarizing key points in concise sentences without adding unnecessary details.

What is the best way to prepare for the oral English section?
Listen to English audio materials, practice pronunciation, and study phonetics to recognize stress patterns and intonations.

Were comprehension questions difficult in the 2018 WAEC English exam?
The comprehension passages required critical thinking, but answering in clear and precise sentences made them manageable.

How can I improve my grammar for the WAEC English exam?
Study grammar rules, practice sentence correction, and engage in vocabulary-building exercises regularly.

What are the common mistakes students make in the exam?
Spelling errors, misinterpreting questions, lack of organization in essays, and poor time management.

How much time should I allocate for each section in the exam?
Plan 30 minutes for essay writing, 20 minutes for comprehension, 20 minutes for summary, and use the remaining time for reviewing answers.

Is studying past WAEC English questions helpful?
Yes, past questions help familiarize students with the exam pattern and improve confidence in answering similar questions.