WAEC English Language Past Questions and Answers (Objective & Theory) – With Detailed Explanation
WAEC English Language Past Questions and Answers (Objective & Theory)
Passing WAEC English Language requires a strong understanding of grammar, comprehension, lexis and structure, essay writing, and oral English. Many candidates fail English not because they cannot speak English, but because they are unfamiliar with WAEC question patterns.
This article provides carefully selected WAEC English Language past questions and answers with detailed explanations written in a simple and human-friendly format. These questions will help candidates understand how WAEC sets questions and how to answer them correctly.
This guide covers:
- Lexis and Structure
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Comprehension
- Oral English
- Fill in the gap
- Sentence correction
WAEC English Language Questions and Answers
Question 1
Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word.
The principal commended the students for their good behavior.
A. punished
B. praised
C. warned
D. criticized
Answer
B. praised
Explanation
The word “commended” means to praise or applaud someone for doing something good.
Question 2
Choose the correct option to fill the gap.
She has been waiting here ______ morning.
A. since
B. for
C. from
D. by
Answer
A. since
Explanation
“Since” is used with a specific point in time. “Morning” refers to a starting point.
Question 3
Choose the word opposite in meaning to scarce
A. rare
B. plentiful
C. little
D. few
Answer
B. plentiful
Explanation
Scarce means not enough. The opposite is plentiful which means abundant.
Question 4
Choose the correct option
He ______ to school every day.
A. go
B. goes
C. going
D. gone
Answer
B. goes
Explanation
“He” is singular, therefore the verb must also be singular. “Goes” is correct.
Question 5
Choose the correct sentence
A. She don’t like rice
B. She doesn’t likes rice
C. She doesn’t like rice
D. She not like rice
Answer
C. She doesn’t like rice
Explanation
After “doesn’t”, the verb returns to base form “like”.
Question 6
Choose the correct option
The boy is afraid ______ dogs.
A. with
B. of
C. for
D. by
Answer
B. of
Explanation
The correct expression is “afraid of”.
Question 7
Choose the option nearest in meaning
The man is generous
A. kind
B. greedy
C. wicked
D. proud
Answer
A. kind
Explanation
Generous means willing to give or share. This is similar to kind.
Question 8
Choose the correct option
They arrived ______ Lagos yesterday.
A. in
B. on
C. at
D. inside
Answer
A. in
Explanation
We use “in” for cities and countries.
Question 9
Choose the correct option
I prefer tea ______ coffee.
A. than
B. to
C. over
D. from
Answer
B. to
Explanation
The correct expression is “prefer something to something”.
Question 10
Choose the correct option
He is the ______ boy in the class.
A. tall
B. taller
C. tallest
D. more tall
Answer
C. tallest
Explanation
“the” shows superlative degree, so “tallest” is correct.
Question 11
Choose the correct option
The students ______ playing football.
A. is
B. are
C. was
D. be
Answer
B. are
Explanation
“Students” is plural, so use “are”.
Question 12
Choose the opposite of expand
A. grow
B. increase
C. reduce
D. enlarge
Answer
C. reduce
Explanation
Expand means increase. Opposite is reduce.
Question 13
Choose the correct option
She bought ______ umbrella.
A. a
B. an
C. the
D. some
Answer
B. an
Explanation
Umbrella begins with vowel sound, so use “an”.
Question 14
Choose the correct option
The teacher asked me ______ quiet.
A. be
B. to be
C. being
D. been
Answer
B. to be
Explanation
After “asked me”, we use infinitive “to be”.
Question 15
Choose the correct option
He has lived here ______ five years.
A. since
B. for
C. from
D. by
Answer
B. for
Explanation
“For” is used with duration.
Question 16
Choose the correct option
The book belongs ______ me.
A. with
B. for
C. to
D. by
Answer
C. to
Explanation
The correct expression is “belongs to”.
Question 17
Choose the nearest in meaning to rapid
A. slow
B. fast
C. calm
D. weak
Answer
B. fast
Explanation
Rapid means fast.
Question 18
Choose the correct option
She is good ______ singing.
A. in
B. at
C. for
D. with
Answer
B. at
Explanation
The correct expression is “good at”.
Question 19
Choose the correct option
We ______ our homework yesterday.
A. do
B. did
C. done
D. doing
Answer
B. did
Explanation
Yesterday indicates past tense.
Question 20
Choose the correct option
If I ______ you, I would apologize.
A. am
B. was
C. were
D. be
Answer
C. were
Explanation
This is conditional sentence. “Were” is correct.
WAEC English Language Exam Tips
To pass WAEC English Language successfully, follow these tips:
1. Read Questions Carefully
Many candidates rush and choose wrong answers.
2. Learn Grammar Rules
Focus on:
Tenses
Prepositions
Articles
Concord
Punctuation
3. Practice Comprehension
Read passages daily to improve understanding.
4. Improve Vocabulary
Learn new words every day.
5. Study Past Questions
WAEC repeats patterns frequently.
6. Understand Concord
Subject must agree with verb.
Example:
He goes (correct)
They go (correct)
7. Practice Essay Writing
Learn how to write:
Letter writing
Article writing
Narrative essay
Argumentative essay
Common WAEC English Language Topics
WAEC English questions usually come from:
Lexis and Structure
Comprehension
Summary Writing
Essay Writing
Oral English
Sentence Correction
Antonyms and Synonyms
Fill in the gap
Students should focus on these areas.
Common Mistakes Students Make
Students fail WAEC English because they:
Do not read instructions
Guess answers
Poor grammar knowledge
Weak vocabulary
Wrong tense usage
Poor comprehension skills
Lack of practice
Avoiding these mistakes improves performance.
How to Score A1 in WAEC English Language
To get A1 in WAEC English:
Read daily
Practice past questions
Learn 10 new words daily
Study grammar rules
Practice comprehension
Write essays weekly
Learn punctuation
Consistency is important.
Conclusion
WAEC English Language becomes easier when students practice regularly and understand how questions are structured. The questions and explanations provided in this guide help candidates build confidence and improve their grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
Students should carefully study each question and understand the reason behind each answer. English Language is not just about speaking but also about correct usage, grammar, and comprehension.
With consistent practice, proper reading habits, and attention to grammar rules, candidates can pass WAEC English Language successfully. Continue practicing past questions and focus on areas where you need improvement.
Keep visiting utmetips.com for more WAEC English Language past questions and answers, exam preparation guides, and study materials designed to help you excel in your examinations.
One Comment