From the questions lettered A to D, choose the one to which the given sentence is the appropriate answer. Many students ATTEND lectures everyday.

A. Do many students skip lectures everyday?

B. Do many students attend lectures every week?

C. Do many drivers attend lectures everyday?

D. Do many students attend concerts everyday?

From the questions lettered A to D, choose the one to which the given sentence is the appropriate answer. The THIRD-YEAR girls were commended by the principal.

D. Were the first-year girls commended by the principal?

A. Were the third-year girls reprimanded by the principal?

B. Were the third-year girls commended by the doctor?

C. Were the third-year boys commended by the principal?

D. Were the first-year girls commended by the principal?

Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence. He has left the country for this good time. This means that he

D. will improve his credentials

From the questions lettered A to D, choose the one to which the given sentence is the appropriate answer. Stephen SELDOM goes to the house.

C. Does Stephen often go to the house?

A. Does James seldom go the house?

B. Does Stephen seldom go to the school?

C. Does Stephen often go to the house?

D. Does Stephen seldom leave the house?

choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. She had to work from ....

C. the morning till the evening

WAEC (WASSCE) 2021 · Part 1 of 2

2021 WAEC (WASSCE) English Language Past Questions and Answers

The 2021 WAEC (WASSCE) English Language past questions with answers: 133 objective questions from the 2021 paper in the DeeepSolve question bank, each with its answer behind "Show answer". This is part 1 of 2: questions 1 to 67. Try each question before you check, then practise the paper as a timed WAEC-style CBT.

Practise this paper as a timed WAEC-style CBT All WAEC (WASSCE) English Language years

Questions 1–67

1.
choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence. The students became restive after the authorities increased their tuition fees.
This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.
1. A.alarmed
2. B.hostile
3. C.noisy
4. D.agitated
Show answer
Answer: D. agitated
AI explanation
Analyze the question: We need the word closest in meaning to restive as used in the sentence: "The students became restive after the authorities increased their tuition fees."
Explain the concept: Restive means unable to remain still, quiet, or calm. It describes someone who is impatient, uneasy, or resisting control, usually because of dissatisfaction. It is often confused with "restful," but it means almost the opposite.
Solution, step by step:
Think about the context. The fees went up, and the students reacted to that.
Check each option: • A. alarmed means frightened or worried about danger. The students are showing dissatisfaction, not fear, so this doesn't fit well. • B. hostile means openly unfriendly or aggressive. This is stronger than "restive". Restive suggests unrest and unease, not necessarily outright hostility. • C. noisy means making a lot of sound. Restive students might make noise, but the word describes their mood, not their volume. • D. agitated means troubled, stirred up, and restless. This matches "restive" closely, since the students are uneasy and unsettled.
Answer: The correct option is D. agitated.
Tip: Link restive to restless. Both start with "rest" and describe someone who cannot settle. In WASSCE and JAMB lexis questions, ask whether the word describes a feeling or state (agitated, restless) rather than a particular action (noisy) or an extreme (hostile).
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2.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that contains the sound represented by the given phonetic symbol. /ŋ/
1. A.tongue
2. B.gone
3. C.fan
4. D.wind
Show answer
Answer: A. tongue
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3.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined put
1. A.worn
2. B.could
3. C.fun
4. D.pan
Show answer
Answer: B. could
AI explanation
Analyze the question: This is a vowel-sound (phonetics) question. The word "put" has the vowel sound /ʊ/ (a short "oo" sound, as in "book" or "foot"). We need the option with the same sound.
Explain the concept: The English letter "u" can be pronounced in different ways:
/ʊ/ as in put, full, pull
/ʌ/ as in fun, cut, bus
The letters "ou" and "oo" can also represent /ʊ/ in some words, such as could, should, would, book.
Solution: Let us find the vowel sound in each option.
A. worn is /wɔːn/. The vowel is the long /ɔː/. ✗
B. could is /kʊd/. The vowel is /ʊ/. ✓
C. fun is /fʌn/. The vowel is /ʌ/ (the "u" here is different from the one in put). ✗
D. pan is /pæn/. The vowel is /æ/. ✗
Only could has the same /ʊ/ sound as put.
Answer: B. could
Tip: Be careful with the letter "u". Put and fun both have "u", but they sound different. Always say the word aloud and match the sound, not the spelling. The words put, could, should, would, full, pull, book, foot all share the /ʊ/ sound, so memorize them as a group.
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4.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letters underlined. ton
1. A.knock
2. B.hymn
3. C.pink
4. D.sing
Show answer
Answer: A. knock
AI explanation
The underlined letters didn't show up in your question, so I have to work out what they were. The word is "ton", and the only consonant sound that could be underlined in it is probably n (the /n/ sound) or t or the whole "n".
Step 1: Analyze the question This is a consonant-sound question. You match the sound of the underlined letters in the given word with the same sound in one of the options. For "ton" (/tʌn/), the likely underlined letter is the final n, which has the sound /n/.
Step 2: Look at each option's sounds
A. knock is /nɒk/. The "kn" is pronounced /n/ because the k is silent. The first sound is /n/.
B. hymn is /hɪm/. It ends with /m/, and the n is silent.
C. pink is /pɪŋk/. The "n" here is pronounced /ŋ/ because it comes before k.
D. sing is /sɪŋ/. The "ng" is pronounced /ŋ/.
Step 3: Compare The sound /n/ in "ton" matches the /n/ in "knock". Options C and D have the velar nasal /ŋ/, which is a different sound. Option B has /m/.
Answer: A (knock)
If the underlined letter were "t", none of the options would fit, which supports the "n" reading.
Tip: Watch for silent letters at the start of words like knock, knife, know (the k is silent, so the sound is /n/), and gnat. Also remember that "n" before k or g usually becomes /ŋ/ (pink, sing, think), which is a different sound from plain /n/.
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5.
choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence. The office has taken stringent measures to protect its facilities.
This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.
1. A.suitable
2. B.right
3. C.strict
4. D.complete
Show answer
Answer: C. strict
AI explanation
Analyze the question: You are asked to find the word closest in meaning to "stringent" as used in the sentence: "The office has taken stringent measures to protect its facilities."
Explain the concept: Stringent is an adjective meaning strict, severe, or rigorously enforced. It is often used with words like rules, regulations, measures, conditions, and laws. For example: "stringent security checks" means very strict security checks.
Solution, step by step:
Look at the context: the office is protecting its facilities, so the measures must be firm and serious.
Test each option in the sentence: • A. suitable measures: this means appropriate, but it does not carry the idea of severity. • B. right measures: this means correct, which is not the same as strict. • C. strict measures: this fits perfectly, since strict rules or actions are tightly enforced. • D. complete measures: this means whole or thorough, which is not the meaning of stringent.
The closest meaning is strict.
Answer: C. strict
Exam tip: Link stringent with strict and tight. The word even sounds like "string," which you can picture as pulled tight. Whenever you see "stringent rules/measures/conditions," think "strict."
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6.
Identify the one with the different stress pattern
1. A.reduce
2. B.prolong
3. C.remove
4. D.purpose
Show answer
Answer: D. purpose
AI explanation
Analyze the question: We need the word whose stress falls on a different syllable from the others. All four are two-syllable words, so the question is whether the stress falls on the first or the second syllable.
Concept: In English, many two-syllable verbs take stress on the second syllable (re-DUCE, pro-LONG, re-MOVE). Many two-syllable nouns take stress on the first syllable (PUR-pose).
Step-by-step solution:
A. reduce is stressed on the second syllable: /rɪˈdjuːs/ (re-DUCE)
B. prolong is stressed on the second syllable: /prəˈlɒŋ/ (pro-LONG)
C. remove is stressed on the second syllable: /rɪˈmuːv/ (re-MOVE)
D. purpose is stressed on the first syllable: /ˈpɜːpəs/ (PUR-pose)
Three of the words (reduce, prolong, remove) have second-syllable stress, while purpose has first-syllable stress. So purpose is the odd one out.
Answer: D. purpose.
Tip: Words beginning with the prefixes re-, pro-, de-, con- and similar are usually verbs with stress on the second syllable (reduce, remove, prolong, protect, decide). If one word in the list does not start with such a prefix, it often has a different stress pattern. Practise saying each word aloud and tapping on the stressed syllable.
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7.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that rhymes with the given word court
1. A.cart
2. B.plot
3. C.flew
4. D.fort
Show answer
Answer: D. fort
AI explanation
Analyze the question: You are asked to find the word that rhymes with "court". Rhyming words have the same ending sound, especially the vowel sound and any consonants that follow it.
Explain the concept: Rhyme depends on sound, not spelling. "Court" is pronounced /kɔːt/. The vowel is the long "aw" sound (/ɔː/), followed by /t/. So we need a word that ends in /ɔːt/.
Step-by-step solution:
A. cart /kɑːt/: This has the "ah" sound (/ɑː/), as in "father". It does not rhyme with "court".
B. plot /plɒt/: This has a short "o" sound (/ɒ/). It does not rhyme.
C. flew /fluː/: This has the "oo" sound and ends differently. It does not rhyme.
D. fort /fɔːt/: This has the same /ɔːt/ ending as "court". It rhymes.
Answer: The correct option is D. fort.
Tip: Say the words aloud and listen to the vowel sound. Don't be fooled by spelling: "court" and "cart" look similar but sound different. Words like court, fort, sport, short, thought all share the /ɔː/ vowel sound. In rhyme questions, always match the vowel sound and the ending consonant.
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8.
Get to work! Don't sit ....... doing nothing
1. A.about
2. B.up
3. C.on
4. D.by
Show answer
Answer: A. about
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The sentence is "Get to work! Don't sit ....... doing nothing." We need the preposition or particle that goes with "sit" to show someone is idle and wasting time.
Explain the concept: This question tests phrasal verbs. The meaning changes with the particle that follows the verb:
sit about / sit around = stay idle, doing nothing useful
sit up = rise from lying down, or stay awake late
sit on = serve on a committee, or delay dealing with something
sit by = watch something happen without taking action. It is usually followed by a clause, as in "sit by and watch."
Solution, option by option:
A. about: "Don't sit about doing nothing" is natural and common. It means don't be lazy or idle. ✔
B. up: "Don't sit up doing nothing" would mean staying awake, which doesn't fit the idea of getting to work.
C. on: "Don't sit on doing nothing" is not a standard expression here.
D. by: "sit by" suggests passively watching something happen. It would need "and" (e.g., "sit by and do nothing"), so it is awkward here.
Answer: The sentence calls for idleness, so A. about is correct.
Tip: "Sit about/around" means being idle, and you can link it to "loiter about." For "sit by," remember it usually appears as "sit by and watch/do nothing" (standing aside while something happens).
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9.
choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. No sooner had we set off ....... it started to rain
1. A.that
2. B.when
3. C.than
4. D.as
Show answer
Answer: C. than
AI explanation
Analyze the question The sentence is "No sooner had we set off ....... it started to rain." We need the word that correctly completes the structure "No sooner...".
Explain the concept "No sooner" is a comparative expression, so it is always followed by than, never "when" or "that".
Correct: No sooner had she arrived than the meeting began.
"Hardly/Scarcely... when" is the other pair. Hardly had she arrived when the meeting began.
Notice also the inverted word order after "No sooner" (had we set off, not "we had set off"). This is typical of negative adverbials at the start of a sentence, and the sentence already follows it.
Step-by-step solution
Spot the clue phrase: "No sooner had..."
Recall the pair: No sooner... than
Check the options: • A. that: wrong, not paired with "no sooner" • B. when: this pairs with "hardly" or "scarcely", not "no sooner" • C. than: correct • D. as: wrong in this structure
Completed sentence: No sooner had we set off than it started to rain.
Exam tip Remember the memory trick: "No sooner THAN; Hardly WHEN." Both "sooner" and "than" are comparatives (sooner = more soon), so they go together. WASSCE, NECO and JAMB repeat this pattern often, so you can pick up an easy mark.
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10.
From the questions lettered A to D, choose the one to which the given sentence is the appropriate answer. Many students ATTEND lectures everyday.
1. A.Do many students skip lectures everyday?
2. B.Do many students attend lectures every week?
3. C.Do many drivers attend lectures everyday?
4. D.Do many students attend concerts everyday?
Show answer
Answer: A. Do many students skip lectures everyday?
AI explanation
Analyze the question
This is an emphasis (stress) question. The word in capitals, ATTEND, is the focus of the sentence. The question that the sentence answers must therefore be one where "attend" is the new or contrasting information, and everything else is already stated in the question.
Explain the concept
In oral English, the capitalised word carries the emphasis, and it gives the answer to the part of the question that differs. The rest of the sentence repeats what the question already said.
Show the solution
The sentence is: Many students ATTEND lectures everyday.
Compare each option with it:
A. "Do many students skip lectures everyday?" Only the verb differs (skip vs attend). The answer "Many students ATTEND lectures everyday" stresses the verb to correct "skip". This fits.
B. "...attend lectures every week?" Here the focus would be on the time, so the answer would stress EVERYDAY.
C. "Do many drivers...?" The focus would be on the subject, so the answer would stress STUDENTS.
D. "...attend concerts...?" The focus would be on the object, so the answer would stress LECTURES.
Only option A matches the emphasis on ATTEND, since the verb is the only element that changes.
Answer: A
Tip: Find the capitalised word in the answer, then pick the question that has a different word in that same position. The question's wrong word is replaced by the stressed word in the answer.
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11.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letters underlined. laughed
1. A.read
2. B.bed
3. C.sachet
4. D.right
Show answer
Answer: D. right
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12.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined chief
1. A.dead
2. B.feast
3. C.fine
4. D.chin
Show answer
Answer: B. feast
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The underlined part of "chief" is not shown, but it is almost certainly "ie", which gives the long vowel /iː/ (chief = /tʃiːf/). We need the option with the same vowel sound.
Explain the concept: In English, the long /iː/ sound can be spelled in several ways: "ie" (chief), "ea" (feast), "ee" (seen), "e-e" (scene). The spelling differs but the sound is the same.
Solution, checking each option:
A. dead /ded/: the "ea" is the short vowel /e/. This does not match.
B. feast /fiːst/: the "ea" is the long vowel /iː/. This matches chief /tʃiːf/.
C. fine /faɪn/: the "i" is the diphthong /aɪ/. This does not match.
D. chin /tʃɪn/: the "i" is the short vowel /ɪ/. It is close, but short, so it does not match.
Answer: Option B, feast.
Tip: Do not match by spelling. "dead" and "feast" both have "ea", yet they sound different. Say each word aloud and ask whether the vowel is long (held, as in "eee") or short (quick, as in "i" in "chin"). Chief and feast both have the long "eee" sound.
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13.
From the questions lettered A to D, choose the one to which the given sentence is the appropriate answer. The THIRD-YEAR girls were commended by the principal.
1. A.Were the third-year girls reprimanded by the principal?
2. B.Were the third-year girls commended by the doctor?
3. C.Were the third-year boys commended by the principal?
4. D.Were the first-year girls commended by the principal?
Show answer
Answer: D. Were the first-year girls commended by the principal?
AI explanation
Analyze the question
This is an emphasis and interrogation question. In the given sentence, the words THIRD-YEAR are in capital letters. Capitals show emphatic stress, so the sentence is correcting or answering a question that got that detail wrong.
Concept
The emphasised word is the part of the sentence that differs from what the questioner assumed. The rest of the sentence repeats information already present in the question. So you must find the question that wrongly contained something else where "third-year" now stands.
Step-by-step solution
The sentence is: The THIRD-YEAR girls were commended by the principal.
A. "reprimanded" would be corrected by stressing commended, not THIRD-YEAR. ✗
B. "doctor" would be corrected by stressing principal. ✗
C. "boys" would be corrected by stressing girls. ✗
D. "first-year girls" is the only question with a wrong year group. The reply stresses THIRD-YEAR to correct it: "No, the THIRD-YEAR girls were commended by the principal." ✓
Answer: D
Tip: In emphasis questions, find the capitalised word and look for the option that differs from the sentence only in that one detail. The question holds the wrong information, and the stressed word in the answer is the correction.
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14.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letters underlined. sheep
1. A.sign
2. B.same
3. C.wash
4. D.sin
Show answer
Answer: C. wash
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The word "sheep" has the underlined letters "sh" (presumably), which make the sound /ʃ/. We need the option with the same consonant sound.
Concept: In English, the letters "sh" make the sound /ʃ/ (as in ship, fish). Always go by the sound, not the spelling.
Step-by-step analysis of the options:
A. sign - the "s" is pronounced /s/ (and "g" is silent), so /saɪn/. Not /ʃ/.
B. same - the "s" is pronounced /s/, so /seɪm/. Not /ʃ/.
C. wash - the "sh" is pronounced /ʃ/, so /wɒʃ/. This matches.
D. sin - the "s" is pronounced /s/, so /sɪn/. Not /ʃ/.
Answer: Only wash contains the /ʃ/ sound found in "sheep".
Tip: In sound-matching questions, ignore the spelling and say each word aloud. Remember that "s" at the start of a word is usually /s/, while "sh" is always /ʃ/. Look for words with "sh", "ti" (as in nation), or "ci" (as in special), since these often produce the /ʃ/ sound.
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15.
From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that wil, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence. While Mr.Ade is his son is a novice.
This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.
1. A.enlightened
2. B.competent
3. C.clever
4. D.experienced
Show answer
Answer: D. experienced
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16.
choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence. Ali plays the guitar with great dexterity.
This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.
1. A.wisdom
2. B.experience
3. C.pride
4. D.skill
Show answer
Answer: D. skill
AI explanation
Step 1: Analyze the question You are asked to find the word closest in meaning to "dexterity" as used in the sentence: Ali plays the guitar with great dexterity.
Step 2: Explain the concept "Dexterity" (noun) means skill or ease in using the hands (or body) to perform a task. It comes from the Latin dexter, meaning "right hand", the hand most people use more skillfully. Someone with dexterity is adept, nimble, and handy.
Step 3: Test each option
A. wisdom: good judgment from knowledge and life experience. It has nothing to do with physical handling of an instrument. ✗
B. experience: a person can have experience without being skilled, so it does not carry the meaning of nimbleness or ability. ✗
C. pride: a feeling of self-respect or arrogance, not an ability. ✗
D. skill: the ability to do something well, especially with the hands. Replace it in the sentence: "Ali plays the guitar with great skill." This fits perfectly. ✓
Step 4: Answer The correct option is D. skill.
Tip 💡 Link dexterity to "dexter" = right hand = handy = skill. In "nearest in meaning" questions, always put each option back into the sentence and see which one keeps the original meaning. Related words to learn: adroitness, deftness, proficiency, and nimbleness.
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17.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences. The younger brother insisted that he should be a .......... to the account.
1. A.partner
2. B.signatory
3. C.guarantor
4. D.participant
Show answer
Answer: B. signatory
AI explanation
Analyze the question
The sentence is: "The younger brother insisted that he should be a .......... to the account." We need the word that fits with the preposition "to" and the noun "account" (a bank account).
Explain the concept
This is a vocabulary-in-context question that tests collocation, meaning which words naturally go together with which prepositions.
Signatory to an account, agreement, or treaty: a person authorised to sign on it. "Signatory to the account" is a standard banking expression.
Partner: usually takes "in" or "of" (partner in a business), not "to the account."
Guarantor: usually "guarantor for" or "guarantor of" a loan or person.
Participant: usually "participant in" an event or activity.
Step-by-step solution
The sentence is about a bank account, so we need a word describing a person's role in relation to it.
The preposition "to" narrows the choices. "Signatory to" is the natural collocation.
Meaning check: the younger brother wanted the right to sign for, and so operate, the account. This fits "signatory" perfectly.
The other options fail on either meaning or preposition: • partner to the account: unnatural • guarantor to the account: wrong preposition and meaning • participant to the account: unnatural, since you participate in something
Answer: B. signatory
Exam tip
In "word completion" questions, always check the preposition after the blank. Words like signatory to, participant in, guarantor for, and partner in each have fixed pairings. Learning these collocations can help you eliminate wrong options quickly.
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18.
Is that the lady ........you planned to visit?
1. A.which
2. B.who
3. C.whose
4. D.whom
Show answer
Answer: D. whom
AI explanation
Analyze the question
The sentence is "Is that the lady ........ you planned to visit?" We need the correct relative pronoun to link "the lady" to the clause "you planned to visit."
Explain the concept
Relative pronouns depend on two things:
Who is used for people as the subject of a clause (e.g., "The lady who came here...").
Whom is used for people as the object of a verb or preposition (e.g., "The lady whom you visited...").
Which is used for things or animals, not people.
Whose shows possession (e.g., "The lady whose house you visited...").
Step-by-step solution
The antecedent is "the lady", which is a person. This rules out which (A).
Look at the clause "you planned to visit ___". Here, "you" is already the subject and "visit" is the verb. The missing word is the object of "visit" (you visit her).
There is no possession (not "the lady's ..."), so whose (C) is out.
Since the relative pronoun is the object and refers to a person, we use whom.
Full sentence: "Is that the lady whom you planned to visit?"
Correct answer: D. whom
Tip: Substitute he/she or him/her. If "her/him" fits, use whom. If "she/he" fits, use who. Here: "you planned to visit her" → whom. Note that in everyday speech "who" is often used, but in formal exams like WASSCE, "whom" is the grammatically correct choice for objects.
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19.
Regina pleaded with her son to ........ the habit of smoking.
1. A.come out
2. B.come over
3. C.come off
4. D.come from
Show answer
Answer: C. come off
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The sentence needs a phrasal verb that fits with "the habit of smoking." Regina is begging her son to stop or give up the habit.
Explain the concept: This question tests phrasal verbs with "come." Here are the meanings of the options:
come out: to become known, to emerge, or to be published (e.g., "The results came out yesterday.")
come over: to visit someone, or to affect someone suddenly (e.g., "Come over to my house.")
come off: to become detached, to succeed, or to happen (e.g., "The button came off.")
come from: to originate from a place (e.g., "She comes from Enugu.")
Work through it: The sentence needs the meaning "stop or give up the habit."
"Come out the habit of smoking" is not idiomatic.
"Come over the habit" does not mean quitting. Strictly, "get over" means to recover from something, not "come over."
"Come from the habit" makes no sense.
"Come off" is the closest fit. "Come off" can mean to leave or stop doing something, as in "come off drugs" or "come off a habit."
The sentence is not perfect, because the usual natural phrases are "give up," "break," or "kick" the habit. Among the options given, "come off" is the best fit, since it conveys leaving or abandoning the habit.
Answer: C. come off
Tip: For phrasal verb questions, first decide the meaning the sentence needs (here, "stop"), then eliminate options that mean something else, such as origin ("come from") or visiting ("come over"). Also remember that "come off" can mean "stop using or taking" something, as in "come off alcohol."
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20.
Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence. The bus driver smelt a rat when an unregistered vehicle trailed him for several kilometers. This means that the bus driver
1. A.increased his speed
2. B.became nervous
3. C.became suspicious
4. D.alerted the passengers
Show answer
Answer: C. became suspicious
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21.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letters underlined. tusk
1. A.box
2. B.boats
3. C.task
4. D.talks
Show answer
Answer: C. task
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22.
The long-awaited match was called .......... at the last moment
1. A.off
2. B.out
3. C.down
4. D.away
Show answer
Answer: A. off
AI explanation
Analyze the question The sentence needs a particle that completes the phrasal verb "called ____", meaning the match did not take place at the last moment.
Explain the concept Phrasal verbs combine a verb with a particle, and the particle changes the meaning. Some common ones with "call":
call off = cancel
call out = shout, or summon someone to help
call down = ask for something to come down, or scold (informal)
call away = summon someone to leave a place, usually a person, as in "He was called away on urgent business"
Solution
The match was "long-awaited", yet something happened "at the last moment". This suggests a sudden cancellation.
"Called off" means "cancelled", which fits perfectly: The long-awaited match was called off at the last moment.
Checking the others: • "called out" does not mean cancel. • "called down" does not fit a match. • "called away" is used for people being summoned elsewhere, not for events.
Answer: A. off
Tip: For events, remember that call off = cancel, and put off = postpone. Examiners love testing these two, so learn them as a pair. Also, "call away" is for people, while "call off" is for events.
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23.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the one that has the correct stress. consequential
1. A.CON-se-quen-tial
2. B.con- SE-quen-tial
3. C.con-se-QUEN-tial
4. D.con-se-quen-TIAL
Show answer
Answer: C. con-se-QUEN-tial
AI explanation
Analyzing the question: You're asked to find where the main (primary) stress falls in the word consequential (/ˌkɒnsɪˈkwenʃl/).
The concept: In English, words ending in -tial, -tion, -sion, -cial, and similar suffixes usually take their primary stress on the syllable just before the suffix. The suffix itself is never stressed.
Step-by-step solution:
Break the word into syllables: con - se - quen - tial (4 syllables).
The ending -tial is pronounced /ʃl/ and is a weak, unstressed syllable.
The syllable just before it is -quen-, so it carries the primary stress.
Compare with similar words: • influ-EN-tial • pres-i-DEN-tial • sub-STAN-tial • con-fi-DEN-tial
In each, the stress falls on the syllable before -tial.
The pronunciation is therefore: con-se-QUEN-tial. The first syllable carries only a weaker secondary stress.
Checking the options:
A. CON-se-quen-tial: wrong, as it stresses the first syllable.
B. con-SE-quen-tial: wrong, as it stresses the second syllable.
C. con-se-QUEN-tial: correct.
D. con-se-quen-TIAL: wrong, since the suffix is never stressed.
Tip: Remember the rule "stress the syllable before -tial, -tion, -sion, -cial". For example, eduCAtion, ofFIcial, poTENtial. Apply this rule and you can answer many stress questions quickly in WASSCE, JAMB and NECO.
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24.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined king
1. A.kit
2. B.rind
3. C.key
4. D.bean
Show answer
Answer: A. kit
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25.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined berth
1. A.hurt
2. B.hunt
3. C.breath
4. D.berry
Show answer
Answer: A. hurt
AI explanation
Question analysis: The word is "berth", and the underlined letters are presumably "er". We need the option with the same vowel sound as "er" in "berth".
Concept: "Berth" (a sleeping place on a ship or train, or a place for a ship to dock) is pronounced /bɜːθ/. The vowel is the long central vowel /ɜː/, the same sound as in "bird", "fur", "earn" and "hurt".
Checking each option:
A. hurt /hɜːt/ has the vowel /ɜː/. This matches "berth".
B. hunt /hʌnt/ has the short vowel /ʌ/, as in "cup". This does not match.
C. breath /breθ/ has the short vowel /e/, as in "bed". This does not match.
D. berry /ˈberi/ has the short vowel /e/. This does not match.
Answer: A (hurt)
Tip: The letters "er", "ir", "ur" and "ear" (as in "earth") often produce the same /ɜː/ sound. Compare "berth", "hurt", "bird", "learn" and "serve". Words like "berry" and "breath" use the short /e/ sound instead, so don't be fooled by the spelling "er" or "ea".
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26.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences. .I could not read what he wrote because his handwriting was_____
1. A.tiny
2. B.eligible
3. C.untidy
4. D.illegible
Show answer
Answer: D. illegible
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The sentence says the writer could not read what was written. We need a word describing handwriting that cannot be read.
Explain the concept: This question tests commonly confused words and word meaning.
Eligible means qualified or allowed to do something (e.g., "He is eligible to write JAMB").
Illegible means not clear enough to be read.
Legible means clear enough to be read.
Evaluate the options:
A. tiny: Very small writing could be hard to read, but it doesn't directly say it can't be read. It is not the best fit.
B. eligible: This means qualified, which has nothing to do with handwriting. Wrong, though it sounds similar to the answer.
C. untidy: Messy handwriting may still be readable, so this does not fully explain why he could not read it.
D. illegible: This means impossible or very difficult to read. It fits the meaning of the sentence exactly.
Answer: The sentence becomes: "I could not read what he wrote because his handwriting was illegible."
Tip: Remember the prefix il- means "not," so il-legible means "not legible." Don't confuse it with eligible, which is about qualification. Think: "Illegible = I can't read it."
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27.
choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence. The electricity supply in this community is erratic.
This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.
1. A.unpredictable
2. B.disorderly
3. C.low
4. D.temporary
Show answer
Answer: A. unpredictable
AI explanation
Step 1: Analyze the question You are asked to find the word closest in meaning to erratic as used in "The electricity supply in this community is erratic."
Step 2: Explain the concept Erratic means not even, regular, or consistent; it describes something that does not follow a fixed pattern and cannot be relied on. Think of a power supply that comes and goes with no schedule (typical NEPA/"light" experiences in many Nigerian communities!).
Step 3: Test each option
A. unpredictable: You cannot tell when the power will come or go. This matches erratic well.
B. disorderly: This describes unruly behaviour, such as a rowdy crowd. It is not used for a supply of electricity.
C. low: This refers to the amount or level of supply, not its consistency. Erratic power may be high at one moment and off the next.
D. temporary: This means lasting only for a short time. It says nothing about irregularity.
Step 4: Answer The best synonym for erratic in this context is A. unpredictable.
Step 5: Exam tip Remember the word family: erratic = irregular = inconsistent = unpredictable. It comes from the Latin errare, "to wander," so something erratic "wanders" without a steady path. When you see a synonym question, plug each option into the sentence and pick the one that keeps the meaning unchanged: "The electricity supply in this community is unpredictable" works perfectly.
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28.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined dye
1. A.deal
2. B.dent
3. C.tide
4. D.day
Show answer
Answer: C. tide
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The question asks for the word with the same vowel sound as the underlined part of "dye". The underlining doesn't show in the text, but "dye" is pronounced /daɪ/, so the vowel sound is the diphthong /aɪ/.
Concept: In this kind of question, ignore spelling and compare the sounds. The same sound can be spelled in different ways, for example "y" and "i-e" can both give /aɪ/ (as in my, time).
Step-by-step solution:
A. deal is /diːl/. The vowel is /iː/, so it does not match.
B. dent is /dent/. The vowel is /e/, so it does not match.
C. tide is /taɪd/. The vowel is /aɪ/, so it matches "dye" /daɪ/.
D. day is /deɪ/. The vowel is /eɪ/. It looks similar to /aɪ/, but it is a different diphthong, so it does not match.
Answer: The correct option is C. tide.
Tip: Say each word aloud and listen to the vowel glide. "Dye" and "tide" both end with the "eye" sound, while "day" ends with the "ay" sound. Don't let the shared "d" or the spelling mislead you. In sound questions, match the vowel sound only.
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29.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined tan
1. A.ten
2. B.tin
3. C.wan
4. D.gas
Show answer
Answer: D. gas
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30.
Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence. The recruits are under his tutelage. This means that he ______
1. A.assigns work to them.
2. B.trains them
3. C.disciplines them at work
4. D.protects them
Show answer
Answer: B. trains them
AI explanation
Step 1: Analyze the question The sentence is "The recruits are under his tutelage." You need to find what this tells us about the man's role towards the recruits. The key word is tutelage.
Step 2: Explain the concept Tutelage comes from the Latin tutela (guardianship) and is related to the word tutor. In modern English it mainly means instruction or teaching, that is, being taught or guided by someone. It can also mean protection or guardianship, but that is the older, legal sense.
Examples:
"She developed her skills under the tutelage of a master pianist." (She was taught by him.)
"The young footballers grew under the tutelage of the coach." (They were trained by him.)
Step 3: Work through the options
A. assigns work to them: Giving tasks is about supervision or delegation, not tutelage.
B. trains them: Matches the meaning of tutelage (instruction and training). This fits especially well because the people involved are recruits, who are new members being trained.
C. disciplines them at work: Discipline means correcting or punishing behaviour. It is not the core meaning of tutelage.
D. protects them: This reflects the older meaning of guardianship, but in this context, with recruits, instruction is the intended meaning.
Step 4: Answer The correct option is B. trains them.
Tip: Link tutelage to tutor. If someone is under your tutelage, you are their tutor, so you teach or train them. Words that share a root with a familiar word are often easier to remember.
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31.
choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence. Henry likes to be involved in shady deals.
This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.
1. A.unknown
2. B.undisclosed
3. C.dishonest
4. D.doubtful
Show answer
Answer: C. dishonest
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32.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that rhymes with the given word niece
1. A.keen
2. B.knees
3. C.peels
4. D.piece
Show answer
Answer: D. piece
AI explanation
Analyze the question: You need a word that rhymes with "niece". Rhyming words have the same ending sound, including the final consonant sound.
Concept: "Niece" is pronounced /niːs/. The vowel is a long "ee" and the word ends with an "s" sound (not a "z" sound). The spelling "-ece" is just how the sound is written, so always compare by sound, not spelling.
Step-by-step solution:
A. keen /kiːn/ has the long "ee" but ends in "n". It does not rhyme.
B. knees /niːz/ ends with a "z" sound. It is close, but "niece" ends with a hard "s", so it is only a near rhyme.
C. peels /piːlz/ ends in "lz". It does not rhyme.
D. piece /piːs/ has the long "ee" and ends in "s", exactly like /niːs/. It is a perfect rhyme.
Answer: D. piece
Tip: In rhyme questions, say each word aloud and compare the final sounds. Watch out for tricky options like "knees", which look similar but end with a "z" sound. Also remember that words like piece, niece, geese, and peace all share the /iːs/ sound.
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33.
choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. . After stalking its prey for a while, thé lion .... .or the kill.
1. A.closed in
2. B.closed up
3. C.closed on
4. D.closed down
Show answer
Answer: A. closed in
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The sentence is about a lion that has been stalking (secretly following) its prey. We need the phrasal verb that means moving in close to attack.
Explain the concept: The phrasal verb "close in" means to move nearer to something or someone, usually to attack or capture it. It is often used for hunters, predators, armies and police.
close in (for the kill): approach and surround the target
close up: to shut something completely, or to move closer together (as in a queue). It does not suggest attacking.
close on: to get nearer to someone or something you are chasing, often in a race. It is rarely followed by "for the kill".
close down: to stop operating, as when a shop or factory shuts permanently.
Solution:
The lion has been stalking its prey, so the next action is to move in on it.
The phrase "for the kill" points to an approach with the aim of attacking.
The standard idiom is "close in for the kill."
Checking the others: • "closed up for the kill" is not idiomatic. • "closed on for the kill" is awkward and not standard. • "closed down for the kill" makes no sense, because it means shutting something.
So the sentence reads: After stalking its prey for a while, the lion closed in for the kill.
Answer: A. closed in
Tip: Remember the fixed phrase "close in for the kill." In phrasal verb questions, look for a set expression that matches the context. "Close down" is for businesses, and "close in" is for predators or enemies approaching.
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34.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences. Occasionally, universities award _____ degrees to outstanding personalities.
1. A.ceremonial
2. B.honorary
3. C.temporary
4. D.respectable
Show answer
Answer: B. honorary
AI explanation
Step 1: Analyze the question The sentence is about universities giving degrees to "outstanding personalities" (famous or distinguished people). We need the adjective that describes the kind of degree given to such people.
Step 2: Explain the concept This is a vocabulary-in-context question, and the key is a collocation, meaning words that naturally go together. A degree given as a mark of respect, without the person having studied or written exams for it, is called an honorary degree. Examples are "Honorary Doctor of Letters" or "Honorary Doctor of Law" (D.Litt., LL.D.), which Nigerian universities often award to politicians, philanthropists, and eminent scholars.
Step 3: Test each option
A. ceremonial: This means related to a ceremony. It is not a standard term for a type of degree.
B. honorary: This means given as an honour, without the usual requirements. It fits perfectly with "outstanding personalities."
C. temporary: Degrees are not temporary. This makes no sense.
D. respectable: This means decent or socially acceptable. It is not used to classify degrees.
Step 4: Answer The correct option is B. honorary.
Tip: Remember that honorary comes from honour. If a degree, title, or position is given to honour someone rather than earned through study, it is honorary. The words "outstanding personalities" are your clue.
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35.
My heart was in my mouth as I tried to open the envelope. This means that as I opened the envelope, I was
1. A.very happy
2. B.quite eager
3. C.deeply disappointed
4. D.extremely afraid
Show answer
Answer: D. extremely afraid
AI explanation
Step 1: Analyze the question The question tests your knowledge of idioms. The expression is "my heart was in my mouth."
Step 2: Explain the concept The idiom "heart in one's mouth" means feeling very nervous, anxious, or frightened, usually because you are anticipating something that could be bad or dangerous. The image comes from the pounding feeling in your chest when you are scared, as if your heart has jumped up into your throat.
Examples:
"When the car skidded, my heart was in my mouth." (I was terrified.)
"She had her heart in her mouth as the results were announced." (She was extremely nervous.)
Step 3: Apply it to the sentence "My heart was in my mouth as I tried to open the envelope." The speaker is nervous about what is inside, perhaps exam results or a letter with important news. The feeling is fear and anxiety about the unknown.
Step 4: Check the options
A. very happy: no, the idiom does not express joy.
B. quite eager: you could be eager, but the idiom is about fear and nervousness, not eagerness.
C. deeply disappointed: disappointment comes after you see bad news, not while you are opening the envelope.
D. extremely afraid: this is the closest meaning, since it expresses fear and anxiety.
Answer: D. extremely afraid
Tip: For idioms involving body parts, such as "heart in mouth," "cold feet," or "butterflies in the stomach," think about the physical sensation. A heart pounding up into your mouth almost always signals fear or nervousness. Also, be careful with options like "eager" that sound close but do not capture the fear.
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36.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that contains the sound represented by the given phonetic symbol. /t /
1. A.whistle
2. B.soften
3. C.listen
4. D.pity
Show answer
Answer: D. pity
AI explanation
Analyze the question: We need the word that contains the sound /t/. The symbol seems to be /t/, so we are looking for the word where the letter "t" is actually pronounced.
Explain the concept: In English, the letter "t" is silent in some words, especially when it comes after "s" and before "-le" or "-en". Examples are whistle, castle, listen, soften, fasten. A silent letter appears in the spelling but is not heard in the pronunciation.
Solution (check each word):
A. whistle → /ˈwɪsl/. The "t" is silent, so there is no /t/.
B. soften → /ˈsɒfn/. The "t" is silent, so there is no /t/.
C. listen → /ˈlɪsn/. The "t" is silent, so there is no /t/.
D. pity → /ˈpɪti/. The "t" is clearly pronounced, so this word has /t/.
Tip: Remember the silent-t pattern: -stle and -sten (whistle, castle, listen, fasten) and also -ften (soften, often in many accents). When you see these endings, cross them out quickly in "sound" questions. Also note that "t" is silent in words like ballet and castle, so always say the word aloud in your head.
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37.
choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence. He became really disheartened when he heard the news.
This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.
1. A.defamed
2. B.dishevelled
3. C.depressed
4. D.disturbed
Show answer
Answer: C. depressed
AI explanation
Step 1: Analyze the question The underlined word is disheartened. We need the option closest in meaning to it in this sentence: "He became really disheartened when he heard the news."
Step 2: Explain the concept "Disheartened" comes from dis- (to remove) + heart (courage, hope, spirit). To be disheartened means to lose hope, confidence or enthusiasm, and to feel discouraged or downcast.
Step 3: Check each option
A. defamed: means to damage someone's reputation by false statements. This has nothing to do with feelings.
B. dishevelled: means untidy or messy, usually of hair or clothes. This is about appearance, not emotion.
C. depressed: means low in spirits, sad and discouraged. This is very close to "disheartened."
D. disturbed: means troubled, worried or interrupted. It is close in some ways, but it suggests anxiety or disruption rather than loss of hope or courage.
Step 4: Answer Hearing bad news and losing hope or spirit fits depressed best.
Tip: Break words into parts. Dis- + heart = "take away heart/courage," so look for a word about lost spirit, such as depressed, discouraged or dejected. Also watch for look-alike distractors: defamed, dishevelled and disturbed all begin with "d" but have different meanings.
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38.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letters underlined. weather
1. A.length
2. B.brother
3. C.think
4. D.breath
Show answer
Answer: B. brother
AI explanation
Question analysis: The underlined letters aren't visible in the text, but for "weather" the underlined part is almost certainly "th". In "weather" it is the voiced /ð/ sound, as in "this" and "that". So we need the option whose "th" is also voiced /ð/.
Concept: The English "th" has two sounds:
Voiced /ð/: the vocal cords vibrate (this, that, mother, weather, brother)
Voiceless /θ/: no vibration (think, thin, bath, breath, length)
Place a finger on your throat as you say the word. If you feel a buzz, it is voiced.
Checking each option:
A. length → /leŋθ/. The "th" is voiceless /θ/. ✗
B. brother → /ˈbrʌðə/. The "th" is voiced /ð/. ✓
C. think → /θɪŋk/. The "th" is voiceless /θ/. ✗
D. breath → /breθ/. The "th" is voiceless /θ/. ✗ (Note: the verb "breathe" /briːð/ is voiced, but the noun "breath" is voiceless.)
Answer: B. brother.
Tip: Words with "th" between vowels, like weather, brother, mother, father and other, are usually voiced. Words that end in "th" or start a content word with "th", like think, breath, bath, and thank, are usually voiceless. Exceptions exist, such as "this" and "that", but the test is always to feel the vibration in your throat.
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39.
Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence. He has left the country for this good time. This means that he
1. A.will never come back
2. B.left for better conditions
3. C.became an adventurer
4. D.will improve his credentials
Show answer
Answer: A. will never come back
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The sentence is "He has left the country for good time" (written here as "for this good time"). This is based on the idiom "for good", which means permanently or forever.
Explain the concept: In English, "for good" means for all time, with no return. For example:
"She has left Lagos for good." means she will never live in Lagos again.
The question is testing whether you can recognise the idiom and not take the words literally. The "good" here has nothing to do with "better" or "pleasant".
Work through the options:
A. will never come back: This matches the meaning of "for good" (permanently). ✔
B. left for better conditions: This reads "good" literally as "better". It describes a possible motive, not the meaning of the idiom.
C. became an adventurer: Nothing in the sentence suggests this.
D. will improve his credentials: This is unrelated to the idiom.
Note on the wording: The question as copied reads "for this good time", which looks like a small typing slip. The original WASSCE item uses the idiom "for good". With the idiom, the answer is clearly A.
Answer: A. He will never come back.
Exam tip: Whenever you see "for good" in an interpretation question, think "permanently". Similar idioms to revise are "once and for all", "for keeps", and "for ever".
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40.
From the questions lettered A to D, choose the one to which the given sentence is the appropriate answer. Stephen SELDOM goes to the house.
1. A.Does James seldom go the house?
2. B.Does Stephen seldom go to the school?
3. C.Does Stephen often go to the house?
4. D.Does Stephen seldom leave the house?
Show answer
Answer: C. Does Stephen often go to the house?
AI explanation
Analyze the question
The sentence is "Stephen SELDOM goes to the house." The capitalised word SELDOM signals emphasis, so the question it answers must be about how often Stephen goes to the house. The answer corrects or contrasts with a wrong assumption in the question.
Concept
In these "appropriate question" items, the stressed word in the answer is the part that differs from the question. The rest of the sentence (Stephen, goes to, the house) stays the same as in the question. So the correct question will:
Keep the same subject (Stephen)
Keep the same action and place (goes to the house)
Use a different frequency word from "seldom"
Step-by-step check
A. Does James seldom go the house? The subject is wrong (James, not Stephen), and "go the house" is missing "to". Wrong.
B. Does Stephen seldom go to the school? The place is wrong (school, not house), and "seldom" is not contrasted. Wrong.
C. Does Stephen often go to the house? The subject, action and place all match. Only the frequency differs ("often"), and the answer corrects it with "SELDOM". Correct.
D. Does Stephen seldom leave the house? The action is wrong (leave, not go to). Wrong.
Answer
The correct option is C. The emphasised "SELDOM" answers a question that assumed he goes there "often."
Tip
When a word is in capitals, find the option that changes only that idea and keeps everything else identical. Eliminate options that change the subject, verb or place.
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41.
Another difficulty is determining the ....78..... of each item needed in the exchange.
1. A.portion
2. B.value
3. C.quantity
4. D.among
Show answer
Answer: A. portion
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42.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that contains the sound represented by the given phonetic symbol. /l/
1. A.calm
2. B.lamb
3. C.could
4. D.salmon
Show answer
Answer: B. lamb
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43.
Mary and Jane are always quarrelling with ______.
1. A.each other
2. B.themselves
3. C.another
4. D.either
Show answer
Answer: A. each other
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44.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined date
1. A.west
2. B.height
3. C.says
4. D.heinous
Show answer
Answer: D. heinous
AI explanation
The underlined letters in "date" aren't visible in your question, but "date" has the vowel sound /eɪ/ (as in "day"). So we need the word among the options that contains the /eɪ/ sound.
Step 1: Analyze the question We are matching vowel sounds. The target sound is the diphthong /eɪ/ in "date".
Step 2: Check each option
A. west /west/ has the short vowel /e/. This is not /eɪ/.
B. height /haɪt/ has the diphthong /aɪ/ (as in "light"). This is not /eɪ/.
C. says /sez/ has the short vowel /e/ (as in "bed"). This is not /eɪ/, even though "say" itself is /eɪ/.
D. heinous /ˈheɪnəs/ has the diphthong /eɪ/ in its first syllable, the same as in "date".
Step 3: Answer The "ei" in "heinous" is pronounced /eɪ/, matching the vowel sound in "date".
Exam tip: The spelling "ei" can be pronounced in several ways:
/eɪ/ as in neighbour, eight, reign, heinous
/aɪ/ as in height, either (in some pronunciations)
/iː/ as in receive, seize
Also watch for tricky words like "says" and "said", which look like they should have /eɪ/ but actually use /e/. Always say the word aloud in your head rather than relying on spelling.
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45.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the one that has the correct stress. accuracy
1. A.AC-cu-ra-cy
2. B.ac-Cu-ra-cy
3. C.ac-cu-RA-cy
4. D.ac-cu-ra-CY
Show answer
Answer: A. AC-cu-ra-cy
AI explanation
Analyze the question: You are asked to pick the option that shows the correct stress pattern (which syllable is emphasized) in the word "accuracy".
Explain the concept: Stress is the syllable you say with the most force. In English, many words ending in -cy (like democracy, fluency, privacy) follow patterns based on their root words. For "accuracy", it helps to look at its syllables and its related word "accurate".
Step-by-step solution:
Break the word into syllables: ac-cu-ra-cy (4 syllables).
Say the word naturally: /ˈæk.jʊ.rə.si/. The strongest beat falls on the first syllable, "AC".
Compare with the related word "accurate" /ˈæk.jʊ.rət/. Its stress is also on the first syllable, and "accuracy" keeps that stress.
The other syllables (-cu-, -ra-, -cy) are weak and quickly spoken. The ending "-cy" is never stressed here, which rules out D. Stressing "-Cu-" (B) or "-RA-" (C) would sound unnatural.
Correct answer: The stress falls on the first syllable: AC-cu-ra-cy, which is option A.
Tip: Words like accuracy, delicacy, intimacy, literacy, advocacy usually carry stress on the first syllable, with the rest said lightly. When unsure, tap out the rhythm: DUM-da-da-da. Also, when a word ends in "-cy" and comes from a word with an early stress (like accurate), the stress usually stays early.
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46.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that contains the sound represented by the given phonetic symbol. /ð/
1. A.northern
2. B.bath
3. C.healthy
4. D.teeth
Show answer
Answer: A. northern
AI explanation
Analyze the question: You are asked to find the word containing the sound /ð/, the voiced "th" sound, as in "this", "mother" and "that".
Explain the concept: English has two "th" sounds:
/θ/ is voiceless, as in think, bath, teeth, healthy. There is no vibration in your throat.
/ð/ is voiced, as in the, brother, smooth. Your throat vibrates.
Step-by-step solution:
A. northern /ˈnɔːðən/. The "th" is voiced, so it has /ð/. ✔
B. bath /bɑːθ/. The "th" is voiceless, so it has /θ/. ✘
C. healthy /ˈhelθi/. The "th" is voiceless, so it has /θ/. ✘
D. teeth /tiːθ/. The "th" is voiceless, so it has /θ/. ✘
Only northern contains /ð/.
Answer: A. northern
Tip: Put your fingers on your throat and say the sound. If you feel a buzz, it is voiced, /ð/. Also remember that "th" in function words (the, this, that, them, there) and in words like mother, father, weather, northern, southern is usually /ð/. At the end of a noun, as in bath, teeth, mouth, it is usually /θ/. Note that the verbs bathe, breathe, smooth end in /ð/.
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47.
choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. I won't go to the cinema with you; I ..... the movie.
1. A.seeing
2. B.have seen
3. C.seen
4. D.had seen
Show answer
Answer: B. have seen
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The sentence is "I won't go to the cinema with you; I ..... the movie." The student is giving a reason for refusing. We need the verb form that fits grammatically and logically.
Explain the concept: The present perfect tense (have/has + past participle) is used for a past action that has a result or relevance now. Here the speaker's earlier viewing of the movie is the reason for the present decision not to go.
Step-by-step solution:
A. seeing: "I seeing the movie" is ungrammatical because it has no auxiliary verb.
B. have seen: "I have seen the movie" is grammatical. It links the earlier viewing to the present refusal, so the meaning is clear.
C. seen: "I seen the movie" is non-standard because the auxiliary "have" is missing.
D. had seen: The past perfect needs a past reference point, such as "I had seen the movie before you called." The present/future context here (won't go) doesn't support it.
So the sentence reads: "I won't go to the cinema with you; I have seen the movie."
Answer: B
Tip: When you see a bare past participle like "seen," "done," or "gone" with no helping verb (have, has, had, was, is), eliminate it quickly. Then ask whether the sentence is about the present (present perfect) or about something earlier than another past event (past perfect).
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48.
From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that wil, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence. The animosity between Fatou and Sheku is shocking, considering the ...... they once shared.
This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.
1. A.company
2. B.friendship
3. C.peace
4. D.understanding
Show answer
Answer: B. friendship
AI explanation
Step 1: Analyze the question The underlined word is animosity, which means strong hostility or hatred. We need a word that:
Is most nearly opposite in meaning to "animosity", and
Fits the gap in the sentence: "...considering the __ they once shared."
Step 2: Explain the concept This is an antonym question with a grammar and context check. The opposite of animosity (hatred, enmity, hostility) is something like friendship, goodwill, or amity. The word must also make sense with "shared" (something two people can share).
Step 3: Test each option
A. company: This means being together, but it is not the opposite of hatred. It is a weak fit.
B. friendship: This is the direct opposite of enmity or animosity. "The friendship they once shared" is natural and logical.
C. peace: This is the opposite of conflict or war, not of personal hostility. "The peace they once shared" is less natural.
D. understanding: This is related, but its opposite is "misunderstanding", not "animosity".
Step 4: Answer The sentence reads: "The animosity between Fatou and Sheku is shocking, considering the friendship they once shared." The contrast makes perfect sense, so the answer is B.
Exam tip: In "opposite in meaning" questions, first work out the exact meaning of the underlined word (animosity = hatred/hostility). Then pick the option that opposes it most directly, and confirm it fits the sentence. Words like "considering" often signal a contrast, which helps you check your choice.
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49.
choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. My father made me ......... at home.
1. A.stay
2. B.stayed
3. C.to be staying
4. D.to stay
Show answer
Answer: A. stay
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The sentence is "My father made me ......... at home." We need the correct verb form after the causative verb made.
Concept: Causative verbs (make, let, have) When make, let, or have is used in the active voice with an object, it is followed by the bare infinitive (the base verb without "to").
My teacher made us write the test again.
She let him go home.
The manager had them wait outside.
The "to" only appears when the sentence is in the passive voice: "I was made to stay at home by my father."
Step-by-step solution:
The structure is: subject (My father) + made + object (me) + __.
Made is a causative verb in the active voice, so it needs a bare infinitive.
Check each option: • A. stay: bare infinitive. Correct. • B. stayed: past tense. After made me, we don't use a past form. Wrong. • C. to be staying: wrong structure, because to and the continuous form don't follow active made me. • D. to stay: this would be correct only in the passive ("I was made to stay"). Wrong here.
Answer: The sentence reads, "My father made me stay at home.
Exam tip: Remember "Make, Let, Have: drop the to!" If you see made/let/had + person, go for the base verb. Only add to when the sentence turns passive (was made to...). WAEC loves testing this.
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50.
In spite of all their shortcomings, we cannot ... admire them.
1. A.only
2. B.but
3. C.also
4. D.still
Show answer
Answer: B. but
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The sentence is "In spite of all their shortcomings, we cannot ... admire them." We need a word that completes an idiomatic structure.
Concept: The idiom "cannot but + bare infinitive" means "have no choice but to" or "cannot help but." For example:
"I cannot but admire her courage" means "I can't help admiring her courage."
"We cannot but agree with you."
Here "but" works almost like "except," so "cannot but admire" means "can do nothing except admire."
Step-by-step test of the options:
A. only – "cannot only admire them" is incomplete. It would need "but also" to make sense, so it doesn't fit.
B. but – "we cannot but admire them" is the correct idiom. It means we have no choice except to admire them, which suits the idea of "in spite of their shortcomings."
C. also – "cannot also admire them" is awkward and doesn't convey the intended meaning.
D. still – "cannot still admire them" changes the meaning to something like "are no longer able to admire them," which is not the idea here.
Answer: The correct option is B. but.
Tip: Remember the pattern "cannot but + verb" = "cannot help but / must." Similar examples are "cannot but laugh" and "cannot but notice." WASSCE and JAMB love to test this idiom, so watch for it whenever you see "cannot ___" followed by a bare verb.
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51.
From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence. The champions were elated after the tournament while their opponents looked _______
This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.
1. A.baffled
2. B.dejected
3. C.pitiful
4. D.frightened
Show answer
Answer: B. dejected
AI explanation
Step 1: Analyze the question The underlined word is "elated" (the champions were elated). We need the word most nearly opposite in meaning that also fits the gap describing the opponents (the losers).
Step 2: Explain the concept
Elated means extremely happy, joyful, in high spirits.
The antonym should therefore mean very unhappy or low in spirits.
Step 3: Check each option
A. baffled: confused or puzzled. This is not the opposite of happy.
B. dejected: sad, downcast, disheartened. This is a direct opposite of elated, and it suits losers after a tournament.
C. pitiful: deserving pity, or poor in quality. It describes how someone appears to others, not an inner emotional state, so it is not a true antonym of elated.
D. frightened: scared. Fear is not the opposite of joy.
Step 4: Answer "The champions were elated after the tournament while their opponents looked dejected." The opponents lost, so they feel downcast.
Tip: For antonym questions, first decide whether the word is positive or negative, then find the option with the opposite feeling and the same intensity. Elated means very happy, so the opposite is very sad, which is dejected. Related word pairs to remember: elated and dejected, jubilant and despondent, euphoric and miserable.
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52.
He did it, but not ...... the way I had expected.
1. A.as
2. B.quite
3. C.hardly
4. D.so
Show answer
Answer: B. quite
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53.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same vowel sound as the one represented by the letter(s) underlined rear
1. A.realm
2. B.mere
3. C.reed
4. D.mare
Show answer
Answer: B. mere
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The word is "rear" with the underlined letters (likely "ear"). We need the word whose vowel sound matches the vowel sound in "rear".
Concept: "rear" is pronounced /rɪə/, which has the centring diphthong /ɪə/ (as in "here", "beer", "deer").
Check each option:
A. realm /relm/ has the vowel /e/ (as in "bed"). Not a match.
B. mere /mɪə/ has the diphthong /ɪə/. This is a match.
C. reed /riːd/ has the long vowel /iː/ (as in "see"). It is close, but it is a pure vowel, not the diphthong.
D. mare /meə/ has the diphthong /eə/ (as in "hair"). Not a match.
Answer: B. "mere" has the same /ɪə/ sound as "rear".
Tip: For vowel-sound questions, say each word aloud and write down its phonetic sound. Be careful with the diphthong pairs that WASSCE likes to test: /ɪə/ (rear, mere, beer) and /eə/ (mare, hair, bear). The spelling "ear" can mislead you, because "bear" has /eə/ while "rear" has /ɪə/.
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54.
Their proposal looks .......... than ours.
1. A.more workable a little bit
2. B.a little bit more workable
3. C.more a little bit workable
4. D.workable a little bit more
Show answer
Answer: B. a little bit more workable
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The sentence needs a comparative phrase with "than ours". The task is to put the words in the correct order, so this is a test of word order with comparatives and degree modifiers.
Explain the concept: A comparative adjective is formed with "more + adjective" (more workable). A modifier of degree, such as "a little bit", "much" or "far", normally comes before the whole comparative phrase:
a little bit more workable than...
much more beautiful than...
slightly more expensive than...
The modifier must not split "more" from its adjective ("more a little bit workable"), and it should not trail after the adjective ("workable a little bit more"), because that is unnatural in standard English.
Step-by-step check:
A. "looks more workable a little bit than ours" – the modifier is misplaced, so this is awkward and wrong.
B. "looks a little bit more workable than ours" – the modifier comes first, then the comparative phrase, then "than". This is correct.
C. "looks more a little bit workable than ours" – this splits "more" from "workable", so it is wrong.
D. "looks workable a little bit more than ours" – this breaks the comparative structure, so it is wrong.
Answer: B. Their proposal looks a little bit more workable than ours.
Tip: Use the pattern modifier + more + adjective + than. For example: "a little bit more serious than", "far more difficult than". If a modifier splits "more" from its adjective, eliminate that option.
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55.
Although some students may be innocent, ______are guilty of this offence.
1. A.much
2. B.great deal
3. C.most
4. D.a good deal
Show answer
Answer: C. most
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56.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letters underlined. fill
1. A.alms
2. B.calf
3. C.blank
4. D.could
Show answer
Answer: A. alms
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57.
From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence. That engineer was said to have used inferior than _____ materials in the construction of the collapsed building.
This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.
1. A.excellent
2. B.recommended
3. C.quality
4. D.exceptional
Show answer
Answer: C. quality
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58.
This is perhaps the most important..... 72....... of money.
1. A.aspect
2. B.duty
3. C.function
4. D.feature
Show answer
Answer: A. aspect
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59.
choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. She had to work from ....
1. A.morning till the evening
2. B.the morning till evening
3. C.the morning till the evening
4. D.morning till evening
Show answer
Answer: D. morning till evening
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The sentence is "She had to work from ...." and we must choose the correct fixed expression for a time span.
Concept: In English, the idiomatic phrases "from morning till night," "from dawn to dusk," and "from morning till evening" are fixed expressions. They take no articles (no "the") before the nouns. When we speak generally about a span of time like this, the nouns morning and evening are used as bare nouns, just like in "from day to day" or "from head to toe."
Step-by-step check:
A. morning till the evening: The article is used inconsistently, with none before "morning" and "the" before "evening." This is wrong.
B. the morning till evening: Again inconsistent, with "the" before only the first noun. This is wrong.
C. the morning till the evening: Grammatically possible in some contexts, but it is not the idiomatic fixed expression. It sounds unnatural for describing a work span in general.
D. morning till evening: Both nouns are bare, which is the correct idiomatic form. ✔
Answer: D. She had to work from morning till evening.
Tip: For "from ... to/till ..." time expressions, drop the articles on both sides: from morning till night, from dawn to dusk, from start to finish, from Monday to Friday. If the options show articles mixed unevenly (like A and B), eliminate them first.
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60.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that rhymes with the given word blue
1. A.flow
2. B.blur
3. C.grew
4. D.show
Show answer
Answer: C. grew
AI explanation
Analyze the question: You are asked to find the word that rhymes with "blue". Rhyming words have the same ending sound, so we compare how the words are pronounced, not how they are spelled.
Explain the concept: "Blue" is pronounced /bluː/. The ending sound is the long "oo" vowel /uː/. A word rhymes with it if it also ends in /uː/, even when the spelling is different (for example, two, shoe, through).
Check each option:
A. flow is /fləʊ/. It ends in the "oh" sound, so it does not rhyme.
B. blur is /blɜː/. It ends in the "er" sound. It also starts like "blue", but rhyme depends on the ending, so it does not rhyme.
C. grew is /ɡruː/. It ends in the long "oo" sound /uː/, the same as "blue". ✔
D. show is /ʃəʊ/. It ends in the "oh" sound, so it does not rhyme.
Answer: The word that rhymes with "blue" is grew, option C.
Tip: Cover the first letters and say only the ending sound aloud. "Blue" and "grew" both end in "-oo". Beware of options like "blur" that look similar in spelling but sound different. In rhyme questions, always trust your ears, not your eyes.
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61.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the same consonant sound(s) as the one represented by the letter(s) in bold. gender
1. A.guilty
2. B.good
3. C.glitter
4. D.joyful
Show answer
Answer: D. joyful
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The bold letter(s) in "gender" aren't shown here, but in this word the usual target is the g, which is pronounced as in /dʒ/ ("jen-der"). So we need the word whose consonant sound matches the /dʒ/ sound.
Concept: The letter g has two common sounds:
Hard g /g/, as in go, good, girl
Soft g /dʒ/, as in gentle, giant, gender
Before e, i, or y, g is often soft, though there are exceptions (e.g., get, give, guilty).
Step-by-step check of the options:
A. guilty: /ˈgɪlti/. The gu gives a hard /g/. ✗
B. good: /gʊd/. Hard /g/. ✗
C. glitter: /ˈglɪtə/. Hard /g/. ✗
D. joyful: /ˈdʒɔɪfl/. The j gives /dʒ/. ✓
Answer: The g in "gender" is /dʒ/, which is the same as the j in "joyful".
Tip: In sound questions, ignore spelling and say each word aloud. "Gender" starts like "jender", so look for the option that starts with a "j" sound. Remember that hard g words (guilty, good, glitter) all start with the /g/ sound as in "go".
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62.
This mode of trading has a number of disadvantages, as people will have to match their .....75..... With those of other people.
1. A.needs
2. B.intentions
3. C.wishes
4. D.desires
Show answer
Answer: D. desires
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63.
Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence. The chairman has come under fire over this project. This means that the chairman has been
1. A.severely criticised
2. B.highly praised
3. C.given the go-ahead
4. D.charged to court.
Show answer
Answer: A. severely criticised
AI explanation
Step 1: Analyze the question The question tests your understanding of the idiom "come under fire." You must pick the meaning that fits the sentence "The chairman has come under fire over this project."
Step 2: Explain the concept "To come under fire" literally describes soldiers being shot at. Figuratively, it means to be strongly criticised or attacked, usually by the public, the media, or colleagues.
Examples:
The minister came under fire for the poor state of the roads. (He was heavily criticised.)
The school principal came under fire from parents over increased fees.
Step 3: Work through the options
A. severely criticised. This matches the idiom's meaning exactly.
B. highly praised. This is the opposite of the idiom's meaning.
C. given the go-ahead. This means approved, which has nothing to do with being attacked.
D. charged to court. This is a legal action. Criticism may sometimes lead to it, but the idiom itself does not mean it.
Step 4: Answer The correct option is A. severely criticised.
Tip: Idioms with "fire" often suggest attack or trouble. "Under fire" means being attacked verbally, and "open fire" means to start attacking. If you meet an unfamiliar idiom, picture the literal image and ask whether the sentence sounds positive or negative. Here, soldiers being shot at points to something negative, which leaves A.
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64.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that contains the sound represented by the given phonetic symbol. /k/
1. A.cane
2. B.chain
3. C.knight
4. D.knife
Show answer
Answer: A. cane
AI explanation
Analyze the question: You are asked to find the word that contains the sound /k/ (the hard "k" sound, as in cat or kite). The question is about how a word is pronounced, not how it is spelled.
Concept: In English, the /k/ sound can be spelled in several ways:
c before a, o, u (e.g., cane, cot, cup)
k (e.g., kite)
ck, ch (in some words, e.g., school)
Some words begin with a silent k (the "kn-" words), where the k is written but not pronounced: knee, know, knock.
Step-by-step solution:
A. cane: pronounced /keɪn/. The "c" is followed by "a", so it is a hard c, which gives the /k/ sound at the start. ✔
B. chain: pronounced /tʃeɪn/. The "ch" gives /tʃ/, not /k/. ✘
C. knight: pronounced /naɪt/. The "k" is silent, so there is no /k/ sound. ✘
D. knife: pronounced /naɪf/. The "k" is silent here too. ✘
Correct answer: A (cane)
Tip: Always say the word aloud in your head and listen to the sound, not the spelling. Remember that "kn-" at the beginning of a word means the k is silent (knife, knight, knee, knot, know). Questions like this often use those words as traps, along with "ch" words, which usually give /tʃ/.
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65.
The children .........in the pool after school.
1. A.swam
2. B.swum
3. C.swimming
4. D.swim
Show answer
Answer: D. swim
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66.
From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that contains the sound represented by the given phonetic symbol. /b/
1. A.womb
2. B.doubt
3. C.public
4. D.thumb
Show answer
Answer: C. public
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67.
choose the word or group of words that best completes each of the following sentences. The committee has submitted its report .. the students' riot.
1. A.on
2. B.for
3. C.about
4. D.at
Show answer
Answer: A. on
AI explanation
Analyze the question: This tests your knowledge of prepositions, specifically which one correctly follows "report" when we mean the subject matter of the report.
Explain the concept: When "report" is followed by the topic or subject it deals with, the standard preposition is on.
A report on the economy
A report on the accident
A report on the students' riot
"About" is more casual and general. "On" is the formal, standard choice for official documents such as reports, studies, and investigations, which is why examiners prefer it.
Step-by-step solution:
The sentence says the committee submitted its report. We need a preposition that links "report" to its subject, which is the students' riot.
Test each option: • A. on: "report on the students' riot" is correct and idiomatic. • B. for: "report for" suggests the report is meant for someone or something, not that it is about the riot. This does not fit. • C. about: Not completely wrong in everyday speech, but it is less formal and not the standard collocation for an official committee report. • D. at: "report at" is incorrect here.
The best answer is on.
Answer: A. on
Exam tip: Remember the pattern "report on, research on, inquiry into, investigation into." Formal documents that examine a topic usually take on. If the sentence involves a committee, a panel, or an official report, think "on" first.
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2021 WAEC (WASSCE) English Language Past Questions and Answers

Questions 1–67

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