WAEC & NECO English Language Past Questions and Answers (2020–2024)

English Language is a compulsory subject in WAEC and NECO, and you must pass it to gain admission into Nigerian universities and polytechnics. This page gives you many WAEC and NECO English Language past questions (2020–2024 style) with clear answers, most tested topics, and simple exam tips. Read slowly, copy the questions into your notebook, and practise them as if you are in the real exam hall.

Why You Must Master English Language for WAEC & NECO

English is the language of instruction for most subjects in Nigeria. If your English is weak, it is hard to understand questions in Mathematics, Science, or even Government. Both WAEC and NECO test you in five key areas: Comprehension, Summary, Lexis and Structure (vocabulary and grammar), Oral English, and Essay Writing. When you practise these areas very well, you will answer questions faster, avoid careless mistakes, and score high grades.

WAEC English Language Past Questions and Answers (2020–2024 Style)

The questions below are written in the style of recent WAEC English Language papers. They cover comprehension, summary, lexis and structure, oral English, and essay writing. Follow the numbering and study the bold answers.

Section A (WAEC): Comprehension Passages

Read each passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Write your answers in clear, simple English.

Passage 1 – Regular Practice

Read the passage and answer Questions 1–6.

Many Nigerian students fail English Language, not because they are not intelligent, but because they do not practise enough. They wait until a few weeks to the examination before they start to read seriously. By that time, there is too much to cover and too little time. Regular practice with past questions helps students to understand the structure of the exam and the common tricks used by examiners. It also builds confidence and improves speed.

1. From the passage, why do many Nigerian students fail English Language?
   Answer: They fail because they do not practise enough and start serious reading very late.
2. What is the effect of starting to read only a few weeks to the exam?
   Answer: There is too much work to cover and too little time to prepare well.
3. Mention two benefits of regular practice with past questions.
   Answer: It helps students understand the exam structure and tricks, and it builds confidence and speed.
4. In one sentence, summarize the writer’s advice to students.
   Answer: Students should begin early and practise English Language regularly with past questions.
5. What does the expression “too much to cover” suggest about the syllabus?
   Answer: It suggests that the English syllabus is wide and requires enough time to study.
6. Which word in the passage means “belonging to people who set the questions”?
   Answer: “Examiners”.

Passage 2 – School Reading Programme

Read the passage and answer Questions 7–12.

The principal of our school introduced a new reading programme last year. Every student was required to read at least one book every month and write a short report on it. At first, many students complained that the programme was stressful. However, after some months, teachers noticed a clear improvement in the students’ vocabulary and writing skills. Some students who were once shy also became more confident when speaking in class. The success of the programme encouraged the principal to extend it to the junior classes.

7. Why did many students complain at the beginning of the programme?
   Answer: They complained because reading a book every month and writing a report seemed stressful.
8. Mention two positive results of the reading programme.
   Answer: Students’ vocabulary and writing skills improved, and many became more confident when speaking.
9. What does the passage suggest about the link between reading and speaking skills?
   Answer: It suggests that regular reading can improve speaking skills and increase confidence.
10. Why did the principal extend the programme to the junior classes?
    Answer: He extended it because the programme was successful among the senior students.
11. In one sentence, state the main idea of the passage.
    Answer: A compulsory reading programme greatly improved students’ language skills and confidence.
12. Which word in the passage means “made bigger or continued further”?
    Answer: “Extended”.

Passage 3 – Time Management

Read the passage and answer Questions 13–18.

Ada is an SS3 student preparing for WAEC. She attends school lessons in the morning and extra classes in the evening. At first, she tried to study without any plan. She read any subject that came to her mind and spent long hours on her phone. After failing a mock examination, Ada became worried. Her English teacher advised her to create a simple timetable, reduce her phone use and sleep for at least seven hours every night. Within two months, Ada’s results improved, and she felt less stressed.

13. Why was Ada preparing seriously for her studies?
    Answer: Because she was an SS3 student preparing for WAEC.
14. What two things did Ada do wrongly at the beginning?
    Answer: She studied without a plan and spent long hours on her phone.
15. What happened after she failed the mock examination?
    Answer: She became worried and decided to listen to her teacher’s advice.
16. List two pieces of advice given by her English teacher.
    Answer: She should create a timetable and reduce phone use while having enough sleep.
17. What was the result of following the advice?
    Answer: Her results improved and she felt less stressed within two months.
18. In one sentence, state the lesson you learn from this passage.
    Answer: Good time management and discipline can greatly improve examination performance.

Section B (WAEC): Summary Writing Practice

Read each passage and answer the questions in clear, simple sentences. Follow the word limits.

Passage 4 – Miracle Centres

In many Nigerian schools, students depend too much on private lessons and miracle centres during examination periods. They believe that attending such places will guarantee their success, even if they do not study hard. Unfortunately, these centres sometimes encourage examination malpractice. Some supply questions and answers to candidates before or during the exam. This attitude destroys honest hard work and gives students a false sense of ability. When such students enter higher institutions, they often struggle because they lack the basic skills they should have developed in secondary school.

19. In three points, state the dangers of depending on miracle centres. (Not more than 15 words for each point.)
    Answer:
    i. They encourage examination malpractice by supplying questions and answers to candidates.
    ii. They destroy honest hard work and make students lazy.
    iii. They produce students who lack basic skills and struggle in higher institutions.
20. In one sentence, summarize the writer’s opinion about miracle centres.
    Answer: The writer believes miracle centres are harmful because they promote malpractice and produce weak students.
21. Write a good opening sentence for a summary of the whole passage.
    Answer: The passage explains how students’ dependence on miracle centres damages their education and future.
22. In not more than 20 words, state how students can avoid the problems mentioned in the passage.
    Answer: Students should study regularly, avoid miracle centres, and rely on honest teachers and genuine preparation.

Passage 5 – Keeping the Environment Clean

Many Nigerian cities are dirty because people throw refuse anywhere. Some traders pour water and waste materials on the road. Others refuse to use dustbins because they are too lazy to walk to them. Dirty environments encourage the breeding of flies and mosquitoes, which spread diseases such as malaria and cholera. Government agencies sometimes clear the refuse, but if citizens do not change their habits, the dirt quickly returns. Cleanliness should not be the duty of government alone; every citizen must accept it as a personal responsibility.

23. In three points, state the causes of dirty environments mentioned in the passage.
    Answer:
    i. People throw refuse anywhere instead of the right places.
    ii. Traders pour water and waste materials on the road.
    iii. Many people refuse to use dustbins because of laziness.
24. In two points, state the effects of dirty environments.
    Answer: They encourage flies and mosquitoes and spread diseases like malaria and cholera.
25. In one sentence, what should citizens do to solve the problem?
    Answer: Every citizen must see cleanliness as a personal duty and stop throwing refuse carelessly.
26. Write a closing sentence for a summary of this passage.
    Answer: Only when both government and citizens work together will our cities remain clean and healthy.

Section C (WAEC): Lexis and Structure

Choose the option that best completes each sentence or is nearest in meaning to the word in italics.

27. My brother has a very voracious appetite.
    A. small
    B. strange
    C. uncontrollable
    D. great
    Answer: D. great
28. The principal warned that no student should tamper with the laboratory equipment.
    A. repair
    B. touch wrongly
    C. arrange
    D. borrow
    Answer: B. touch wrongly
29. If I __________ harder, I would have passed the examination.
    A. study
    B. am studying
    C. had studied
    D. have studied
    Answer: C. had studied
30. The spectators were disappointed because the match was called __________ due to heavy rain.
    A. off
    B. out
    C. in
    D. away
    Answer: A. off
31. Hardly had we reached the school gate __________ the bell rang.
    A. when
    B. than
    C. and
    D. then
    Answer: A. when
32. The students were accused __________ cheating in the exam.
    A. of
    B. for
    C. about
    D. on
    Answer: A. of
33. The teacher gave us a concise explanation.
    A. long
    B. brief
    C. confusing
    D. false
    Answer: B. brief
34. The governor made a very vital decision.
    A. careless
    B. unimportant
    C. very important
    D. late
    Answer: C. very important
35. Our principal is averse to laziness.
    A. interested in
    B. opposed to
    C. tired of
    D. used to
    Answer: B. opposed to
36. Chidi as well as his friends __________ going for the debate.
    A. are
    B. were
    C. is
    D. be
    Answer: C. is
37. If the rain stops, we __________ football this evening.
    A. play
    B. will play
    C. would play
    D. played
    Answer: B. will play
38. By next week, the students __________ their continuous assessment.
    A. will complete
    B. will have completed
    C. are completing
    D. have completed
    Answer: B. will have completed

39. Choose the option that best completes the sentence:
    Neither the teacher nor the students __________ happy with the noise.
    A. was
    B. were
    C. are
    D. be
    Answer: B. were
40. Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the one in italics:
    The assembly ground was crowded on Monday.
    A. noisy
    B. empty
    C. wild
    D. dirty
    Answer: B. empty
41. Choose the correctly punctuated sentence.
    A. My best subjects are, English, Mathematics and Biology.
    B. My best subjects are English, mathematics, and biology.
    C. My best subjects are English, Mathematics, and Biology.
    D. My best subjects are; English, Mathematics and Biology.
    Answer: C. My best subjects are English, Mathematics, and Biology.

Section D (WAEC): Oral English

Answer Questions 42–47 on stress, vowel and consonant sounds, and intonation.

42. Which syllable is stressed in the word examination?
    A. EX-a-mi-na-tion
    B. ex-A-mi-na-tion
    C. ex-a-MI-na-tion
    D. ex-a-mi-NA-tion
    Answer: D. ex-a-mi-NA-tion
43. Which syllable is stressed in the word education?
    A. ED-u-ca-tion
    B. ed-U-ca-tion
    C. ed-u-CA-tion
    D. ed-u-ca-TION
    Answer: D. ed-u-ca-TION
44. Which word has a different vowel sound from the others?
    A. beat
    B. seat
    C. heat
    D. sit
    Answer: D. sit
45. Which of the following words has the same vowel sound as the underlined letters in father?
    A. cat
    B. mark
    C. gate
    D. late
    Answer: B. mark
46. In a yes/no question, the normal intonation pattern in English is:
    A. falling tone
    B. rising tone
    C. level tone
    D. low tone
    Answer: B. rising tone
47. In a WH-question (for example, “Where are you going?”), the usual intonation is:
    A. rising tone
    B. falling tone
    C. low tone
    D. level tone
    Answer: B. falling tone

Section E (WAEC): Essay Writing Practice

Study these WAEC-style essay questions. Use the outlines as guides. Practise writing full essays in your notebook.

48. Narrative Essay: Write a story that ends with the sentence: “That was the day I learnt that dishonesty does not pay.”
    Suggested Answer (Main Points):
    Answer: Introduce yourself as a student who cheated in a test, explain how you were caught and punished, describe your shame, and end with the sentence: “That was the day I learnt that dishonesty does not pay.”
49. Argumentative Essay: “Private schools are better than public schools in Nigeria.” Write for or against the motion.
    Answer (Outline):
    Introduction: Define private and public schools and state your position clearly.
    Body: Give 3–4 strong points such as quality of teachers, facilities, discipline, school fees, and class size, with examples.
    Conclusion: Summarize your points and restate your stand firmly.
50. Descriptive Essay: Describe your school compound on a typical Monday morning.
    Answer (Outline):
    Introduction: Give the name and location of your school and the time.
    Body: Describe what you see (students in uniforms, flags, buildings), what you hear (assembly songs, bell, teachers’ voices), and what is happening (students sweeping, prefects controlling lines).
    Conclusion: Explain how you feel about your school environment.
51. Expository Essay: Explain the causes and effects of examination malpractice in Nigerian secondary schools.
    Answer (Outline):
    Introduction: Define examination malpractice.
    Body: Explain causes such as fear of failure, laziness, pressure from parents, and corruption; then give effects such as cancellation of results, loss of integrity and poor graduates.
    Conclusion: Suggest solutions like strict punishment, counselling, proper teaching and early preparation.
52. Formal Letter: Write a letter to the Commissioner for Education in your state, complaining about the lack of qualified English teachers in your school.
    Answer (Outline):
    Heading: Your address and date.
    Inside address and salutation: Commissioner’s office address and “Dear Sir/Madam,”.
    Body: State your school, describe the problem, show its effects on students’ performance, and politely request more qualified teachers.
    Conclusion and subscription: Thank the Commissioner and end with “Yours faithfully,” plus your full name.

NECO English Language Past Questions and Answers (2020–2024 Style)

These questions follow the pattern of recent NECO English Language examinations. Practise them well and compare them with the WAEC questions above.

Section A (NECO): Comprehension

Read the passage and answer Questions 1–6 (NECO).

Many parents complain that their children spend too much time on phones and social media. Instead of reading their books or helping with house chores, some students spend hours chatting, watching short videos, or playing online games. While mobile phones can be useful for research and learning, excessive use distracts students from their studies and weakens family relationships. Parents are therefore advised to set clear rules on phone usage and to monitor what their children do online.

1. According to the passage, what do many parents complain about?
   Answer: They complain that their children spend too much time on phones and social media.
2. Mention two negative effects of excessive phone use on students.
   Answer: It distracts students from their studies and weakens family relationships.
3. In one sentence, state how mobile phones can be useful to students.
   Answer: Mobile phones can be useful for research and learning.
4. What advice is given to parents?
   Answer: Parents are advised to set clear rules on phone usage and monitor their children’s activities online.
5. What is the main idea of the passage?
   Answer: The passage explains how too much phone use affects students and how parents should control it.
6. Which word in the passage means “too much”?
   Answer: “Excessive”.

Section B (NECO): Summary

Read the passage and answer Questions 7–10 (NECO) in clear sentences.

Good study habits are important for every student who wants to succeed. A serious student draws up a timetable and follows it strictly. He or she reviews class notes daily instead of waiting for tests or examinations. Such a student also finds a quiet place to study, avoids noise, and switches off unnecessary devices. When there is a problem, the student asks for help from teachers or brighter classmates. These habits, when practised consistently, lead to better understanding and higher grades.

7. List three good study habits mentioned in the passage. (Not more than 15 words each.)
   Answer:
   i. Drawing up a study timetable and following it strictly.
   ii. Reviewing class notes daily.
   iii. Finding a quiet place to study and avoiding noise and distractions.
8. In one sentence, explain how students should handle difficult topics.
   Answer: They should ask for help from teachers or brighter classmates.
9. What is the result of practising good study habits consistently?
   Answer: It leads to better understanding and higher grades.
10. Which word in the passage means “all the time, without stopping”?
    Answer: “Consistently”.

Section C (NECO): Lexis and Structure

Choose the option that best completes each sentence or is nearest in meaning to the word in italics.

11. My parents insisted __________ my attending the extra lesson.
    A. in
    B. on
    C. at
    D. for
    Answer: B. on
12. By this time tomorrow, we __________ our English examination.
    A. write
    B. will write
    C. will be writing
    D. will have written
    Answer: D. will have written
13. The boy was punished because he __________ the school rules.
    A. had broken
    B. has broken
    C. is breaking
    D. was breaking
    Answer: A. had broken
14. The teacher asked us to submit our notes, __________?
    A. didn’t we
    B. hadn’t we
    C. didn’t she
    D. hadn’t she
    Answer: C. didn’t she
15. I prefer reading novels __________ watching films.
    A. than
    B. from
    C. to
    D. over
    Answer: C. to
16. If Chidi had listened to his teacher, he __________ in trouble now.
    A. is not
    B. was not
    C. will not be
    D. would not be
    Answer: D. would not be
17. The principal took prompt action when the fire started.
    A. delayed
    B. immediate
    C. careless
    D. wrong
    Answer: B. immediate
18. The meeting was adjourned till next week.
    A. cancelled
    B. postponed
    C. changed
    D. ended quickly
    Answer: B. postponed
19. Choose the correctly punctuated sentence.
    A. “Have you finished your homework” asked the teacher.
    B. “Have you finished your homework?” asked the teacher.
    C. “Have you finished your homework?” Asked the teacher.
    D. “Have you finished your homework”? asked the teacher.
    Answer: B. “Have you finished your homework?” asked the teacher.

Section D (NECO): Oral English

Answer Questions 20–23 (NECO) on stress and sounds.

20. Which syllable is stressed in the word computer?
    A. COM-pu-ter
    B. com-PU-ter
    C. com-pu-TER
    D. com-pu-ter
    Answer: B. com-PU-ter
21. Which of the following words has a different consonant sound from the underlined letters in phone?
    A. physics
    B. photo
    C. pan
    D. phase
    Answer: C. pan
22. Which word has the same vowel sound as the underlined letters in sea?
    A. sit
    B. set
    C. seat
    D. said
    Answer: C. seat
23. In the sentence “Are you coming?”, the normal intonation pattern is:
    A. falling tone
    B. rising tone
    C. low tone
    D. level tone
    Answer: B. rising tone

Section E (NECO): Essay Writing

24. Informal Letter: Write a letter to your uncle who lives abroad, telling him about your preparation for the NECO examination.
    Answer (Outline):
    Address and date: Your address at the top right; date below.
    Salutation: “Dear Uncle …,”.
    Body: Describe your subjects, reading timetable, extra lessons, challenges, and how you are working hard to pass.
    Conclusion and subscription: Thank him for his support and end with “Yours sincerely,” plus your name.
25. Article Writing: Write an article for publication in your school magazine on the topic: “How to Make My School Better.”
    Answer (Outline):
    Title: HOW TO MAKE MY SCHOOL BETTER
    Introduction: Explain why improvement is needed in your school.
    Body: Suggest ways such as keeping the environment clean, obeying school rules, improving library and laboratories, and supporting clubs and societies.
    Conclusion: Call on students, teachers and government to work together.

Most Tested English Language Topics in WAEC & NECO

From recent WAEC and NECO English Language exams (2020–2024), the topics below appear almost every year. Make sure you understand them very well.

• Comprehension: Main idea, supporting details, inference, tone of the writer, meaning of words from context.
• Summary Writing: Picking key points only, using your own words, obeying word limits, writing clear sentences.
• Essay Writing: Narrative, descriptive, argumentative, expository essays; formal and informal letters; speeches and articles.
• Lexis and Structure: Synonyms and antonyms, idioms, phrasal verbs, prepositions, tenses, concord (subject–verb agreement), connectors, punctuation.
• Oral English: Vowel and consonant sounds, minimal pairs, stress in two- and three-syllable words, sentence stress, intonation.
• Registers: Words used in specific fields like health, agriculture, sports, education, banking, transportation and ICT.
• Figures of Speech: Simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, irony and sarcasm in comprehension passages.
• Spelling and Vocabulary: Commonly confused words such as “advise/advice”, “affect/effect”, British spelling patterns used by WAEC and NECO.

Exam Tips: How to Write a Good Essay

Use these simple steps when writing essays in WAEC and NECO.

• Understand the question: Read it two or three times. Know the type of essay and what you are asked to do.
• Choose one question only: Do not start two questions. Decide quickly and focus on one.
• Plan before you write: Spend 5–10 minutes to list your points in order.
• Use a clear structure: Introduction, 3–5 body paragraphs, and a short conclusion.
• Write a strong introduction: Mention the topic clearly and, in an argumentative essay, state your position.
• Develop each paragraph: Start with a topic sentence, then add examples, reasons and explanations.
• Use simple correct English: Avoid slang and SMS language. Write short, clear sentences.
• Link your ideas: Use words like “firstly”, “in addition”, “however”, “therefore”, “finally”.
• Watch your handwriting: Make it neat and easy to read. Examiners cannot award marks for what they cannot read.
• Check your work: Use the last 5 minutes to correct spelling, tenses and punctuation.

Exam Tips: Summary Writing Techniques

Summary questions carry many marks in WAEC and NECO. Use the techniques below.

• Read the questions first: This helps you know what to look for.
• Read the passage at least twice: First for general meaning, second to fish out key points.
• Underline or number key sentences: Mark only ideas that answer the questions.
• Use your own words: Change the wording but keep the original meaning.
• Obey the word or point limit: Do not write more points than requested.
• Do not add your own ideas: Only use information from the passage.
• Write in clear sentences: Each point should be written as one simple, grammatically correct sentence.
• Do not mix two points together: Write each point separately.

Exam Tips: Common Grammar Mistakes to Avoid

• Subject–verb agreement: Say “She goes to school” not “She go to school.”
• Tense consistency: Do not jump from past to present without a good reason.
• Wrong prepositions: Say “interested in”, “accused of”, “prefer rice to beans”.
• Double negatives: Do not say “I don’t have no pen.” Say “I don’t have any pen.”
• Apostrophe misuse: Use “it’s” for “it is” and “its” for possession.
• Capital letters: Start sentences and proper nouns with capital letters. Do not write everything in small letters.
• Run-on sentences: Do not join many ideas with only “and”. Use full stops and commas correctly.
• Colloquial expressions: Avoid words like “gonna”, “wanna”, “no wahala” in exam essays.
• Spelling: Learn the correct spelling of common words like “receive”, “separate”, “accommodate”, “friend”, “tomorrow”.

Conclusion: You Can Pass WAEC & NECO English Language

Do not fear English Language. Many students started with low scores but improved through constant practice. If you study your notes, answer many past questions like the ones on this page, and follow the exam tips, your grade will improve. Start now, not later. Ask questions in class, form study groups, and use your phone for learning instead of wasting time online. English Language is a key that will open doors for you in university, in job interviews, and in everyday life. Keep practising and believe in yourself — you can pass WAEC and NECO English with an excellent grade.