The FRENCH village is located in Badagry.

A. Is the German village located in Badagry?

B. Is the French embassy located in Badagry?

C. Is the French village located in Ikoyi?

D. Was the French village located in Badagry?

Only teachers could afford a car. This means that

B. teachers and nobody else could afford a car

A. teachers could afford a car and nothing else

B. teachers and nobody else could afford a car

C. teachers and others could afford a car

D. few teachers could afford a car

The proncipal raised eyebrows at the student's explanation. This means that the principal

D. was surprised by the explanation

A. was unhappy about the explanation

D. was surprised by the explanation

His cousin is usually HOSPITABLE to strangers.

B. Is his cousin usually hostile to strangers?

A. Is his mother usually hospitable to strangers?

B. Is his cousin usually hostile to strangers?

C. Is his cousin seldom hospitable to strangers?

D. Is his cousin usually hospitable to foes?

Mary made a clean breast of everything. This means that Mary

D. changed the way things were done

John's father was PROMOTED yesterday.

C. Was John's father sacked yesterday?

A. Was Peter's father promoted yesterday?

B. Was John's mother promoted yesterday?

C. Was John's father sacked yesterday?

D. Was John's father promoted last year?

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WAEC (WASSCE) 2022 · Part 1 of 2

2022 WAEC (WASSCE) English Language Past Questions and Answers

The 2022 WAEC (WASSCE) English Language past questions with answers: 89 objective questions from the 2022 paper in the DeeepSolve question bank, each with its answer behind "Show answer". This is part 1 of 2: questions 1 to 45. 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 1–45

1.This question needs a diagram, table or passage that we don't have yet, so it isn't shown.
2.
In each of the following sentences, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A-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. Obi's family is known for their audacity, so one is surprised at his ______
This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.
1. A.cowardice
2. B.irritabilty
3. C.moodiness
4. D.insolence
Show answer
Answer: A. cowardice
AI explanation
Analyze the question
This is a lexis and structure question. You must pick a word that:
Is opposite in meaning to the underlined word, "audacity".
Fits the gap in the sentence logically.
Explain the concept
"Audacity" means boldness or daring (it can also mean rude boldness). Its opposite is therefore a word meaning fearfulness or lack of courage.
Solution
The sentence says: Obi's family is known for their audacity, so one is surprised at his __.
The word "surprised" tells us Obi behaves differently from his family. They are bold, so he must be timid or fearful.
Checking each option:
A. cowardice: lack of courage. This is the direct opposite of audacity, and it makes sense: "surprised at his cowardice."
B. irritability: being easily annoyed. This is not the opposite of boldness.
C. moodiness: being given to changing moods. This is unrelated.
D. insolence: rude boldness. This is close to audacity, so it is a synonym, not an opposite.
Answer: A. cowardice
Tip: In "opposite meaning and fills the gap" questions, look for contrast clues such as "surprised", "but" and "however". They tell you the missing word should be the opposite of the underlined one. Also watch out for options like D that are synonyms, since examiners include them as traps.
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3.
The night watchman was given the marching orders because of his negligence. This means that he was
1. A.promoted
2. B.dismissed
3. C.counselled
4. D.suspended
Show answer
Answer: B. dismissed
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The question tests your knowledge of idioms. "Given the marching orders" is an idiomatic expression, so we need its figurative meaning, not a literal one.
Explain the concept: The idiom to give someone their marching orders means to dismiss someone from a job, or to send them away. It comes from military language, where soldiers received "marching orders" instructing them to leave and move to another place. Today it is used when someone is told to go, usually because of misconduct, poor performance or negligence.
Solution, step by step:
The context is that the watchman showed negligence, which is a fault, so the outcome should be a negative one.
A. Promoted is wrong because a promotion is a reward, and nobody is rewarded for negligence.
B. Dismissed is correct because it means being sent away from the job, which matches the idiom.
C. Counselled is wrong because counselling means giving advice or guidance, and the idiom does not mean that.
D. Suspended is the closest distractor. Suspension is a temporary removal from work, while "marching orders" suggests a final termination. So it is not the best answer.
Answer: B. dismissed
Tip: When you meet an idiom, link it to its origin. "Marching orders" means you are told to march out, so you are sent away or fired. Also watch for close distractors like "suspended". Ask yourself whether the action is temporary or final.
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4.
The FRENCH village is located in Badagry.
1. A.Is the German village located in Badagry?
2. B.Is the French embassy located in Badagry?
3. C.Is the French village located in Ikoyi?
4. D.Was the French village located in Badagry?
Show answer
Answer: A. Is the German village located in Badagry?
AI explanation
This is a WASSCE "emphasis/stress" question. The capitalised word, FRENCH, shows which word is being stressed. In these questions, the stressed word is the one the speaker wants to contrast or correct, so you need to find the question that targets that word.
Step 1: Analyse the question "The FRENCH village is located in Badagry." The emphasis on FRENCH implies a contrast with some other kind of village, such as German, English or Spanish. The speaker is stressing that it is the French village, not another one.
Step 2: Find the question this sentence answers The sentence would be a natural reply to a question that wrongly names a different nationality, for example: "Is the German village located in Badagry?" → "No, the FRENCH village is located in Badagry."
Step 3: Check each option
A. Is the German village located in Badagry? The word that differs is "German", and the sentence corrects it with FRENCH. This fits.
B. Is the French embassy located in Badagry? This would be answered by stressing "village", not FRENCH, so it does not fit.
C. Is the French village located in Ikoyi? This would be answered by stressing "Badagry", so it does not fit.
D. Was the French village located in Badagry? This would be answered by stressing the tense ("is"), so it does not fit.
Step 4: Answer The correct option is A, because the stress on FRENCH corrects the wrong nationality "German" in the question.
Exam tip: In emphasis questions, ask yourself, "Which word in the options is different from the sentence?" The capitalised word in the statement is the corrected version of that differing word. Options that change a different word (embassy, Ikoyi, tense) point to a different stressed word.
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5.
He was jailed for failing to obey the court injunction.
1. A.law
2. B.order
3. C.fine
4. D.proceedings
Show answer
Answer: B. order
AI explanation
Analyze the question: This is a "closest in meaning" question. We need the word that best matches the word "injunction" in the sentence: "He was jailed for failing to obey the court injunction."
Explain the concept: An injunction is an official court order that commands a person to do something or to stop doing something. If someone ignores it, they can be punished for "contempt of court," which may include jail.
Go through the options:
A. law: A law is a general rule for everyone in a country. An injunction is a specific command to particular persons, so this is not the best match.
B. order: This fits. An injunction is a court order, and we "obey" an order.
C. fine: A fine is a money penalty, not something you obey.
D. proceedings: These are the steps of a court case, not something you obey.
Answer: The word closest in meaning to injunction is order.
Exam tip: In vocabulary questions, substitute each option into the sentence and see which sounds natural. "Failing to obey the court order" works perfectly. Also, collocation helps: you obey an order, but you do not usually "obey a fine" or "obey proceedings."
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6.
The governor filed an _______ against the ruling of the tribunal.
1. A.injunction
2. B.objection
3. C.application
4. D.appeal
Show answer
Answer: D. appeal
AI explanation
Step 1: Analyze the question The sentence needs a noun that fits "filed an ___ against the ruling of the tribunal." The key phrase is "against the ruling," which means the governor is challenging a decision already made.
Step 2: Explain the concepts
Injunction: a court order that stops someone from doing something, or compels them to do it. You seek or obtain an injunction. It is not used to challenge a ruling.
Objection: a formal protest raised during proceedings, such as an objection to a question or to evidence. It is not the normal word for challenging a final ruling.
Application: a formal request to a court (e.g., an application for bail). It needs a purpose ("application for...") and does not naturally go with "against a ruling."
Appeal: a request to a higher court to review and overturn a decision made by a lower court or tribunal.
Step 3: Apply to the sentence "Filed an appeal against the ruling of the tribunal" is the standard collocation. We say file an appeal against a ruling/judgment/decision.
Step 4: Answer The correct option is **D.
Tip: Memorize these legal collocations:
appeal against a judgment
injunction restraining someone
application for something
objection to something
If you see "against a ruling or judgment," think appeal.
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7.
FIll in the gap with the appropriate option in the sentence below: The judge expected direct answers but the accused was ....
1. A.illusive
2. B.secretive
3. C.delusive
4. D.evasive
Show answer
Answer: D. evasive
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The judge expected direct answers, but the accused was ____. The word "but" signals contrast, so we need a word meaning not direct, that is, avoiding giving a straight answer.
Explain the concepts (word meanings):
Illusive: not real, deceptive like an illusion (it describes things, not people's manner of answering).
Secretive: inclined to keep information hidden. It is close, but it describes a general habit of secrecy rather than dodging questions.
Delusive: giving a false impression or belief (describes things that mislead, such as delusive hopes).
Evasive: deliberately avoiding giving a direct answer, dodging questions.
Step-by-step solution:
The contrast with "direct answers" requires an antonym of "direct."
"Evasive" means avoiding a straight answer, which is exactly the opposite of direct.
The other options either describe unreal or deceptive things (illusive, delusive) or general secrecy (secretive), and none fits as precisely.
So the sentence reads: The judge expected direct answers but the accused was evasive.
Tip: Watch for confusing look-alike words. Illusive (illusion) is not the same as elusive (hard to catch), and neither means evasive (dodging). Remember: Evasive = Escaping the question.
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8.
He _____ his ideas very clearly at meetings.
1. A.puts out
2. B.puts across
3. C.puts away
4. D.puts in
Show answer
Answer: B. puts across
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The sentence needs a phrasal verb that means communicating or explaining ideas so that others understand them.
Explain the concept: Phrasal verbs change meaning depending on the particle (the small word) after the verb. Here are the options:
puts out: extinguishes (a fire) or publishes/releases something. "He puts out the fire."
puts across: communicates or explains ideas clearly so they are understood. "She puts her message across well."
puts away: stores something in its proper place, or saves money. "He puts away his books."
puts in: installs, or contributes time or effort. "He puts in extra hours."
Step-by-step solution:
The sentence is about ideas being expressed very clearly at meetings.
We need a verb meaning "to convey or communicate."
Only puts across has this meaning.
Checking: "He puts across his ideas very clearly at meetings" is natural and correct.
Answer: B. puts across
Tip: Think of across as a bridge: you carry your ideas across to your listeners. "Get across" and "put across" both mean to make others understand. Questions about phrasal verbs often test this kind of meaning, so learn them in pairs with example sentences.
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9.
My friend is as dull as ditchwater. This means that my friend is
1. A.dark in complexion
2. B.extremely boring
3. C.not intelligent
4. D.not a troublemaker
Show answer
Answer: B. extremely boring
AI explanation
Analyze the question: This is an idiom question. "As dull as ditchwater" (also "dull as dishwater") is a fixed expression, so you can't work out its meaning from the individual words alone.
Explain the concept: Ditchwater is the stagnant, murky water that collects in a ditch. It is lifeless, unattractive, and uninteresting. When we describe a person or thing as "as dull as ditchwater," we mean it is very boring and lacking in excitement or interest.
Step-by-step solution:
A. dark in complexion: "Dull" here does not refer to skin color. Wrong.
B. extremely boring: The idiom stresses a lack of excitement and interest, and "as...as" shows an extreme degree. This fits.
C. not intelligent: This is a common trap. "Dull" can sometimes mean slow-witted, but the idiom is about being tedious, not about intelligence. Wrong.
D. not a troublemaker: This has no connection to the idiom. Wrong.
Exam tip: For idiom questions, don't be fooled by the everyday meaning of one word (like "dull" suggesting "not intelligent"). Ask yourself what the whole phrase means. Also remember similar comparisons: "as dry as dust" (boring), "as clear as crystal" (very clear), "as busy as a bee" (very busy). Learn idioms as complete phrases.
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10.
The president of the student union said it was strategic to boycott classes to press home their demands.
1. A.acceptable
2. B.ethical
3. C.practical
4. D.tactical
Show answer
Answer: D. tactical
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11.
Franca's behaviour towards Edward leaves much to be desired. This means that Franca's behaviour was
1. A.unsatisfactory
2. B.appreciated
3. C.commendable
4. D.unexpected
Show answer
Answer: A. unsatisfactory
AI explanation
Step 1: Analyze the question The sentence uses the idiom "leaves much to be desired" and asks what it means for Franca's behaviour.
Step 2: Explain the concept "Leaves much to be desired" means something is poor or not good enough. Many things could be improved, so it falls short of the expected standard. It is a polite way of saying something is bad or inadequate.
Step 3: Work through the options
A. unsatisfactory: This means not good enough, which matches the idiom exactly.
B. appreciated: This means valued or welcomed. It is a positive meaning, so it does not fit.
C. commendable: This means praiseworthy. It is the opposite of the idiom's meaning.
D. unexpected: This means surprising. The idiom is about quality, not surprise, so it does not fit.
Step 4: Answer Franca's behaviour towards Edward was unsatisfactory.
Tip: Learn idioms by whether they are positive or negative. "Leaves much to be desired" is negative, so you can eliminate B and C straight away, since both are positive. Then ask yourself whether the idiom is about quality or about surprise. Here it is about quality, so A is correct. Related expressions include "falls short of expectations" and "is below standard".
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12.
He ran _____ that the defenders couldn't catch up with him.
1. A.very fast
2. B.much faster
3. C.so faster
4. D.so fast
Show answer
Answer: D. so fast
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13.
Only teachers could afford a car. This means that
1. A.teachers could afford a car and nothing else
2. B.teachers and nobody else could afford a car
3. C.teachers and others could afford a car
4. D.few teachers could afford a car
Show answer
Answer: B. teachers and nobody else could afford a car
AI explanation
Analyze the question: This is an "interpretation of sentences" question. You must find the option that keeps the meaning of the original sentence, especially the word "only."
Explain the concept: "Only + noun" restricts the action to that group and excludes everyone else. "Only teachers could afford a car" means that among all people, teachers were the sole group able to afford one.
Step by step:
A. "teachers could afford a car and nothing else": This restricts the thing afforded (a car and nothing else). The original restricts the people, not the item. Wrong.
B. "teachers and nobody else could afford a car": This restricts the people to teachers alone, which matches the original. Correct.
C. "teachers and others could afford a car": This adds other people, which contradicts "only." Wrong.
D. "few teachers could afford a car": This is about the quantity of teachers, not about who is excluded. The original does not say that few teachers could afford one. Wrong.
Tip: In "only + X" sentences, ask yourself, "Who or what is being excluded?" The word "only" usually limits the word right after it. Here it limits teachers, so the correct option must say "nobody else." Watch for distractors that shift "only" onto a different part of the sentence, like option A does.
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14.
From the words lettered A-D, choose the word that rhymes with the given word. lose
1. A.shoes
2. B.loose
3. C.does
4. D.mouse
Show answer
Answer: A. shoes
AI explanation
Analyze the question: You need the word that rhymes with "lose". Rhyme depends on sound, not spelling.
Explain the concept: Words rhyme when their vowel sound and ending consonant sound match. "Lose" is pronounced /luːz/, with a long "oo" vowel and a "z" sound at the end.
Solution: check each option
A. shoes is pronounced /ʃuːz/. It has the long "oo" vowel and ends in "z". This matches /luːz/, so it rhymes.
B. loose is pronounced /luːs/. The vowel is the same, but it ends in an "s" sound, not "z". It is a near-rhyme, but not a perfect one. This is the classic trap, because it looks almost identical to "lose".
C. does is pronounced /dʌz/. The vowel is short, as in "buzz", so it does not rhyme.
D. mouse is pronounced /maʊs/. The vowel is different and it ends in "s", so it does not rhyme.
Answer: The correct option is A. shoes.
Tip: In rhyming questions, ignore spelling and say each word aloud. Beware of look-alike words such as "lose" and "loose", which are spelled almost the same but end in different sounds (z versus s). Match both the vowel sound and the final consonant sound.
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15.
The economy of the country has remained _______ despite the crisis
1. A.strong
2. B.realistic
3. C.tough
4. D.firm
Show answer
Answer: A. strong
AI explanation
Step 1: Analyze the question The sentence is: "The economy of the country has remained ___ despite the crisis." We need an adjective that describes an economy and fits with "remained ... despite the crisis," meaning it did not weaken even under pressure.
Step 2: Explain the concept This tests collocation, which means knowing which words naturally go together in English. Several options look possible, so we must choose the one that is most idiomatic with "economy."
Step 3: Test each option
A. strong: "a strong economy" is a very common phrase. It means the economy is healthy and productive, and "remained strong despite the crisis" reads naturally.
B. realistic: This describes plans, goals, or expectations, not an economy. It does not fit.
C. tough: This describes people, conditions, or decisions ("tough times"). We do not normally say "a tough economy" to mean a resilient one.
D. firm: "Firm" can describe a currency, prices, or a stance ("the naira remained firm"). It is less natural for the economy as a whole, though it is not completely wrong.
Step 4: Identify the answer "Strong" is the best collocation with "economy" and gives the clearest meaning: the economy stayed healthy despite the crisis.
Tip: In "fill in the gap" questions, ask which word native speakers most commonly pair with the noun. "Strong economy," "heavy rain," and "high temperature" are collocations you should learn as fixed pairs. Also eliminate options that describe the wrong kind of noun, such as "realistic," which is used for plans and ideas.
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16.This question needs a diagram, table or passage that we don't have yet, so it isn't shown.
17.
At the terminus, all the passengers on the train will have to ________
1. A.alight
2. B.disembark
3. C.descend
4. D.dismount
Show answer
Answer: A. alight
AI explanation
Analyze the question The sentence is about passengers on a train reaching the terminus (the last stop). We need the verb that is idiomatically used when passengers leave a train or bus.
Explain the concept These four verbs have similar meanings, but they are used in different contexts:
Alight: to get off a train, bus, or other public transport. It is the standard word for passengers leaving a train or bus. It is also followed by "from": "alight from the bus."
Disembark: to leave a ship, aircraft, or boat (sometimes used for planes and large vessels). It is not usually used for trains.
Descend: to go down (stairs, a hill, a mountain). It does not mean getting off a vehicle.
Dismount: to get off something you ride astride, such as a horse, bicycle, or motorcycle.
Step-by-step solution
The vehicle is a train, so we need a word for leaving public land transport.
Disembark is mostly for ships and aircraft, so B is less suitable.
Descend means moving downward, which does not fit.
Dismount is for horses and bicycles, so it does not fit.
Alight is the correct word for getting off a train.
Completed sentence: At the terminus, all the passengers on the train will have to alight.
Answer: A. alight
Exam tip: Match the verb to the vehicle:
Train or bus → alight
Ship or plane → disembark
Horse or bicycle → dismount
Stairs or hill → descend
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18.
The proncipal raised eyebrows at the student's explanation. This means that the principal
1. A.was unhappy about the explanation
2. B.rejected the explanation
3. C.considered the explanation
4. D.was surprised by the explanation
Show answer
Answer: D. was surprised by the explanation
AI explanation
Analyze the question: This tests your knowledge of idioms. The idiom is "raised eyebrows" (or "raise an eyebrow"), and you must pick the option that best matches its meaning.
Explain the concept: To "raise eyebrows" at something means to react with surprise, doubt, or mild disapproval. The core idea is surprise, often because something is unexpected or unusual. It does not necessarily mean the person is angry, has rejected something, or is thinking it over.
Step-by-step solution:
A. was unhappy about the explanation. Raised eyebrows can hint at disapproval, but being unhappy is a stronger and different feeling. The idiom does not mean unhappiness.
B. rejected the explanation. The idiom describes a reaction, not a decision. The principal may not have rejected anything.
C. considered the explanation. This suggests careful thought, which is not what the idiom means.
D. was surprised by the explanation. This matches the core meaning of the idiom: a surprised or startled reaction.
Answer: D
Tip: For idiom questions, picture the physical action. Raised eyebrows are what your face does when you are surprised. Similar idioms to remember: "turn a blind eye" (ignore on purpose) and "pull someone's leg" (joke with them). Always choose the option closest to the core meaning, not the strongest emotion.
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19.
Isn't it high time we _____?
1. A.started eating
2. B.start eating
3. C.had started eating
4. D.start to eat
Show answer
Answer: A. started eating
AI explanation
Analyze the question The sentence is "Isn't it high time we _?" This tests the structure "it is (high) time + subject + past tense verb".
Explain the concept After the expressions it's time, it's high time, and it's about time, when a subject follows (we, he, they, etc.), English uses the simple past tense form. The meaning is present or future, not past. It suggests that the action should have begun already, or is overdue.
Examples:
It's high time you went to bed.
It's high time the government fixed the roads.
Check the options
A. started eating: simple past form (started) followed by eating. It fits the "high time + subject + past" structure. ✔
B. start eating: present tense. It is not the standard form after "high time". ✘
C. had started eating: past perfect. It is too far back and is not used in this pattern. ✘
D. start to eat: present tense again. ✘
Answer The correct option is A. started eating.
"Isn't it high time we started eating?"
Tip Remember the rule: "It's high time + subject + PAST". The past form signals that the action is overdue. If you see high time, about time, or time followed by a subject, look for the past tense option.
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20.This question needs a diagram, table or passage that we don't have yet, so it isn't shown.
21.
The smaller boys had always drawn back in fear when the bully raised a fist, but this time they did not ________
1. A.advance
2. B.agree
3. C.retaliate
4. D.recoil
Show answer
Answer: D. recoil
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22.
if I _____ what actually happened, I would have punished him.
1. A.had heard
2. B.have had
3. C.had had
4. D.have heard
Show answer
Answer: A. had heard
AI explanation
Analyze the question
The sentence is "If I _ what actually happened, I would have punished him." The main clause uses "would have punished", which signals a third conditional, used for unreal or imaginary situations in the past.
Explain the concept
The third conditional follows this pattern:
If + past perfect (had + past participle), would have + past participle
Example: If she had studied, she would have passed.
So the blank needs a past perfect verb: "had" + past participle.
Work through the options
A. had heard: past perfect of "hear", so it fits the pattern. ✔
B. have had: present perfect, so it is wrong after "if" in this structure.
C. had had: past perfect of "have". The grammar is fine, but "If I had had what actually happened" makes no sense. You do not "have" an event; you hear about it or know it.
D. have heard: present perfect, so it does not fit the third conditional.
Complete sentence
"If I had heard what actually happened, I would have punished him."
This means I did not hear what happened, so I did not punish him.
Answer: A
Exam tip: When you see "would have + past participle" in the main clause, look for "had + past participle" after "if". Then check the meaning, as with option C, which is grammatical but illogical.
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23.
It is always good to live _____ one's means.
1. A.within
2. B.under
3. C.with
4. D.through
Show answer
Answer: A. within
AI explanation
Analyze the question The sentence is "It is always good to live _ one's means." We need the preposition that completes a common English idiom.
Explain the concept This is a question on idiomatic expressions (prepositions). The phrase "live within one's means" means to spend only as much money as you earn, without going into debt. Here, "means" refers to your income or financial resources, and "within" shows you are staying inside those limits.
Show the solution Let's test each option:
A. within: "live within one's means" is a correct, standard idiom. ✅
B. under: "live under one's means" is not the standard idiom. It is unnatural here.
C. with: "live with one's means" makes no sense in this context.
D. through: "live through one's means" is incorrect. "Live through" means to survive an experience, such as "live through a war".
Identify the answer The correct option is A. within.
Related idioms to remember
live within one's means: spend only what you can afford
live beyond one's means: spend more than you earn
Tip Think of your means as a fence or boundary. You should stay within it, not go beyond it. In WASSCE and JAMB Use of English, idioms with prepositions are often tested, so learn them as whole phrases.
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24.
I hadn't finished talking to Halima, when she snapped my head off. This means that she
1. A.gave me a sharp slap
2. B.rudely interruped me
3. C.hissed at me
4. D.ordered me to stop talking
Show answer
Answer: B. rudely interruped me
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The idiom is "snap someone's head off." The sentence says the speaker had not finished talking when Halima did this, so the question is about what the idiom means in that context.
Explain the concept: "To snap someone's head off" means to respond to someone suddenly in an angry, sharp, or rude way. It has nothing to do with physical violence. It is about harsh, irritable speech.
Go through the options:
A. gave me a sharp slap – This takes the idiom literally. It is wrong, because the idiom is about speech, not a physical act.
B. rudely interrupted me – This fits. The speaker had not finished talking, and Halima cut in angrily and rudely. It matches both the idiom's meaning of a sharp, angry retort and the context of being cut off mid-speech.
C. hissed at me – Hissing is a sound of contempt or disapproval, not the meaning of the idiom.
D. ordered me to stop talking – This is close, but the idiom does not mean giving a formal order. It means a sudden, angry reply.
Tip: When you see an idiom in WASSCE or JAMB English, reject the literal options first (such as the slap in option A). Then use the context clue in the sentence, here "hadn't finished talking," to choose among the figurative meanings.
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25.
His cousin is usually HOSPITABLE to strangers.
1. A.Is his mother usually hospitable to strangers?
2. B.Is his cousin usually hostile to strangers?
3. C.Is his cousin seldom hospitable to strangers?
4. D.Is his cousin usually hospitable to foes?
Show answer
Answer: B. Is his cousin usually hostile to strangers?
AI explanation
The question looks like a WASSCE "opposite in meaning" or "word-change" item, where the capitalised word HOSPITABLE is the focus. The options are all framed as questions, so the task is most likely to find the option that changes the meaning to the opposite, replacing the key word with its antonym.
Step 1: Analyze the question The sentence is: His cousin is usually HOSPITABLE to strangers. The capitalised word is hospitable, which means friendly, welcoming and generous to guests or visitors.
Step 2: Explain the concept In this type of question, you keep the rest of the sentence the same and change only the emphasised word to its opposite.
Opposite of hospitable = hostile (unfriendly, unwelcoming)
Opposite of strangers = would be friends or acquaintances, but strangers is not the capitalised word, so it stays.
Step 3: Check each option
A. Changes his cousin to his mother. The key word is unchanged, so this is wrong.
B. Is his cousin usually hostile to strangers? The subject, adverb and object are kept, and hospitable becomes hostile. This matches.
C. seldom hospitable only changes the frequency. It is not a true opposite of the word, and the key word stays the same.
D. Changes strangers to foes. The capitalised word is not touched, so this is wrong.
Step 4: Answer Option B is correct. It is the only one that replaces HOSPITABLE with its antonym, hostile, while keeping everything else the same.
Tip: When one word is in capitals, look for the option that changes only that word and leaves the rest of the sentence intact. Options that change other parts of the sentence (like A and D) are distractors.
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26.
Farmers sometimes go through the frustrating experience of having to watch their produce rot
1. A.disheartening
2. B.dismaying
3. C.annoying
4. D.frightening
Show answer
Answer: B. dismaying
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27.This question needs a diagram, table or passage that we don't have yet, so it isn't shown.
28.
When the fire alarm went off, we all _____ the door.
1. A.made at
2. B.made to
3. C.made after
4. D.made for
Show answer
Answer: D. made for
AI explanation
Analyze the question The sentence needs a phrasal verb that means "moved quickly toward" the door when the alarm sounded.
Explain the concept The phrasal verb "make for" means to move toward a place, usually in a hurry.
The passengers made for the exit.
Compare the other options:
make at is not standard in this sense. "Make at someone" can mean to attack them, but it doesn't fit here.
make to is not a standard phrasal verb. "Make to do something" means to appear about to do it, as in "He made to leave."
make after means to chase someone, as in "The police made after the thief." That doesn't fit, because the people are not chasing the door.
make for means to head toward a place. This fits.
Solution "When the fire alarm went off, we all made for the door." This means we all rushed toward the door, which is exactly what people do in a fire emergency.
Tip Remember "make for" as "head for." If a question has a place as its object (the door, the exit, the market), "make for" is usually the answer. Also watch for "make off with," which means to steal and run away.
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29.
His manners are uncouth, while his wife's are ___________.
1. A.clever
2. B.classic
3. C.refined
4. D.purified
Show answer
Answer: C. refined
AI explanation
Step 1: Analyze the question The sentence uses the contrast word "while", so the blank needs a word that is the opposite of "uncouth", and it must describe manners.
Step 2: Understand the key word
Uncouth means rude, crude, lacking good manners or polish.
Its opposite is a word meaning polite, cultured, or well-mannered.
Step 3: Test each option
A. clever – means intelligent. It describes the mind, not manners, so it doesn't fit.
B. classic – means of lasting quality or traditional style. It is not normally used for manners.
C. refined – means polite, elegant, cultured. It is a direct opposite of "uncouth" and collocates naturally with "manners" (refined manners).
D. purified – means made clean or free from impurities. It is used for water, substances or the like, not behavior.
Step 4: Answer The best choice is C. refined. The sentence reads: "His manners are uncouth, while his wife's are refined."
Tip: In "contrast" questions, look for signal words such as while, but, whereas, however, although. They tell you to choose an antonym (opposite) of the given word. Also learn common pairs: uncouth ↔ refined/polished/cultured.
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30.
Reading the ______ of the famous King, one would see that he had many things to hide
1. A.memoirs
2. B.chronicles
3. C.life
4. D.monument
Show answer
Answer: A. memoirs
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The sentence says "Reading the __ of the famous King, one would see that he had many things to hide." We need a word for something that can be read and that tells about the king's life and personal story.
Explain the concept: This tests vocabulary in context.
Memoirs: a person's written account of their own life and experiences, often personal and sometimes selective or revealing.
Chronicles: a factual, chronological record of historical events, usually about a period, nation, or institution rather than one person's secrets.
Life: it does not fit grammatically. We would say "reading the life of" only in an awkward way. The natural form is "life story" or "biography".
Monument: a structure built to honour someone. You look at it, you do not read it.
Step-by-step solution:
"Reading" tells us the missing word must be something written, which rules out D (monument).
"Of the famous King" points to a record centred on one person. "Life" (C) is weak because it is not a text one reads in this idiom.
Between memoirs and chronicles, the phrase "he had many things to hide" suggests personal revelations that show what the king concealed. Memoirs are personal accounts, so they fit best. Chronicles are broader historical records, usually of events or reigns.
Answer: A. memoirs
Note: "Chronicles of the King" is also plausible in everyday English, since chronicles can record a king's reign. But "memoirs" fits better because the sentence is about a person's private life and what he hid.
Exam tip: In vocabulary-in-context questions, look for clue words such as "reading", which means a written text. Then match the focus: one person's personal story suggests memoirs or biography, while sweeping historical events suggest chronicles or annals.
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31.
spectacular
1. A.SPEC-tac-u-lar
2. B.spec-TAC-u-lar
3. C.spec-tac-U-lar
4. D.spec-tac-u-LAR
Show answer
Answer: B. spec-TAC-u-lar
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32.
Inflation has caused the cost of goods to _________
1. A.escalate
2. B.ascend
3. C.intensify
4. D.progress
Show answer
Answer: A. escalate
AI explanation
Step 1: Analyze the question The sentence is "Inflation has caused the cost of goods to ___." We need a verb that means prices rise rapidly and sharply, and that collocates naturally with "cost" or "prices".
Step 2: Explain the concept (word choice and collocation) In English, some words have similar general meanings but are used with particular nouns. Choosing the right one depends on collocation, which means which words naturally go together.
Step 3: Test each option
A. escalate: means to increase rapidly or become more serious or intense. It is commonly used with costs, prices, conflicts and tensions. "Costs escalate" is a standard phrase. ✔
B. ascend: means to go up or climb, usually physically (ascend a hill, ascend the throne). It is not used for prices. ✘
C. intensify: means to become stronger or more extreme. It is used with feelings, pressure, fighting or heat, not with the cost of goods. ✘
D. progress: means to move forward or improve. It does not fit a negative economic effect like inflation. ✘
Step 4: Answer The sentence becomes: "Inflation has caused the cost of goods to escalate." This is natural, and it matches the meaning of inflation, a rapid rise in prices.
Tip: In "closest meaning" or "fill in the gap" questions, ask yourself, "Which word do native speakers usually pair with this noun?" Remember: costs and prices escalate, people ascend stairs, feelings intensify, students progress.
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33.
She was certainly going to the cinema, _____?
1. A.isn't she
2. B.isn't it
3. C.wasn't it
4. D.wasn't she
Show answer
Answer: D. wasn't she
AI explanation
Analyze the question This tests question tags. A question tag repeats the auxiliary verb of the main sentence and uses a pronoun that matches the subject. A positive statement takes a negative tag, and a negative statement takes a positive tag.
Explain the concept Rules for question tags:
Use the same auxiliary (helping) verb and the same tense as the main clause.
Use a pronoun that matches the subject (she, he, they, it, and so on).
Reverse the polarity: positive statement → negative tag.
Solve step by step
Sentence: "She was certainly going to the cinema..."
Subject: She → the tag pronoun must be she. This rules out B and C, which use "it".
Verb: was going (past continuous) → the auxiliary is was, so the tag must be in the past: wasn't. This rules out A, "isn't she", which is present tense.
The statement is positive, so the tag is negative: wasn't she?
Full sentence: "She was certainly going to the cinema, wasn't she?"
Answer: D.
Tip: Find the subject, find the auxiliary, then flip positive to negative. Match tense and pronoun, and the answer follows. Adverbs like "certainly" do not change the tag.
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34.This question needs a diagram, table or passage that we don't have yet, so it isn't shown.
35.
Mary made a clean breast of everything. This means that Mary
1. A.won everyone over
2. B.told the whole truth
3. C.did everything effficiently
4. D.changed the way things were done
Show answer
Answer: B. told the whole truth
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The question asks for the meaning of the idiom "to make a clean breast of (something)."
Explain the concept: An idiom is a fixed expression whose meaning cannot be worked out from the individual words. "To make a clean breast of something" means to confess fully and honestly, holding nothing back. The "breast" stands for the heart or conscience, and "clean" means free of hidden guilt. So, to make a clean breast is to unburden yourself by telling the whole truth.
Solution, step by step:
"Made a clean breast of everything" means Mary confessed everything.
Check each option: • A. won everyone over: This means persuading people to support her. It has nothing to do with confession. ✗ • B. told the whole truth: This matches the idea of a full confession. ✓ • C. did everything efficiently: This is about skill or speed, not honesty. ✗ • D. changed the way things were done: This is closer to "turned over a new leaf" or "made reforms." ✗
Answer: Option B.
Tip: In idiom questions, look for the "confess/admit" family of meanings.
Come clean = confess
Spill the beans = reveal a secret
Make a clean breast of = confess fully
Picture someone "clearing their chest" of a heavy secret, and you will remember it easily.
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36.This question needs a diagram, table or passage that we don't have yet, so it isn't shown.
37.
I want to know your religious _____
1. A.believe
2. B.believing
3. C.beliefs
4. D.believes
Show answer
Answer: C. beliefs
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The sentence is "I want to know your religious _." The blank comes after the adjective "religious" and the possessive "your", so a noun is needed.
Explain the concept: Word-form questions test whether you can pick the right part of speech. After a possessive determiner (my, your, his) and an adjective (religious), English needs a noun. The noun here is belief (singular) or beliefs (plural).
Check each option:
A. believe: a verb, so it cannot follow an adjective as the thing being known. ✗
B. believing: a verb form (gerund or participle). It is not the natural noun here, and "religious believing" is awkward. ✗
C. beliefs: the plural noun. "Your religious beliefs" is the standard phrase, since a person usually holds a set of beliefs. ✓
D. believes: a third-person singular verb. ✗
Solution: "I want to know your religious beliefs."
Tip: When a blank follows "your/my/their + adjective", look for a noun. Eliminate the verb forms first, and you are usually left with the answer. Also note that "beliefs" is the common collocation: religious beliefs, political views, cultural practices.
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38.
Select the option 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. Kofi is generous, whereas his wife is
This question refers to an extract from the original paper, which isn't shown here.
1. A.sparing
2. B.stingy
3. C.unkind
4. D.harsh
Show answer
Answer: B. stingy
AI explanation
Step 1: Analyze the question The sentence is "Kofi is generous, whereas his wife is ____." The word "whereas" signals contrast, so we need a word that is the opposite of "generous" (the underlined word, presumably "generous").
Step 2: Concept Generous means willing to give freely, whether money, time, or help. Its antonyms are words like stingy, miserly, mean, tight-fisted. When a question says "most nearly opposite," look for the word that contrasts with the specific quality described, which here is giving or spending freely.
Step 3: Check each option
A. sparing: means careful or frugal in using something. It is close to the idea of restraint, but it is milder and doesn't strongly oppose "generous." It is also usually followed by "with" or "in" (e.g., "sparing with praise"), so it is not the best fit.
B. stingy: means unwilling to give or spend. This is the direct opposite of generous and fits the sentence perfectly.
C. unkind: means lacking kindness. This is about character in general, not about giving, so it is not a precise opposite.
D. harsh: means severe or cruel. This has nothing to do with giving.
Step 4: Answer The correct option is B. stingy. It is the direct antonym of "generous" and fills the gap correctly.
Tip: In antonym questions, match the exact dimension of meaning. "Generous" is about giving, so pick the word about not giving (stingy, miserly), not just any negative word like "harsh" or "unkind." Also watch for contrast words such as whereas, but, while, however, which tell you the missing word must be the opposite.
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39.
The reviewer did an excellent job at the book ______
1. A.launch
2. B.premiere
3. C.session
4. D.briefing
Show answer
Answer: A. launch
AI explanation
Analyze the question
The sentence is: "The reviewer did an excellent job at the book __." We need a word that forms a correct, natural collocation with "book."
Explain the concept
This tests collocation, which means words that naturally go together in English. Many nouns pair with "book" in specific ways, and others do not.
Book launch: the formal event where a new book is introduced to the public. This is the standard expression.
Premiere: used for the first public showing of a film, play, or musical work. We do not say "book premiere."
Session: a period of activity, such as a "training session." "Book session" is not a standard phrase.
Briefing: a meeting where information or instructions are given. "Book briefing" is not standard.
Step-by-step solution
A "reviewer" evaluates a book, and at a book launch it is common for a reviewer to present or discuss the book.
Test each option: • "book launch" is a standard phrase. ✔ • "book premiere" is unnatural. ✘ • "book session" is unnatural. ✘ • "book briefing" is unnatural. ✘
Only launch fits both the meaning and the collocation.
Correct answer: A. launch
The sentence reads: "The reviewer did an excellent job at the book launch."
Exam tip
For "fill in the blank" questions with nouns, ask yourself: "What do I commonly hear with this word?" Remember the pairings: book launch, film premiere, training session, press briefing. Matching the right event to the right thing is a common WASSCE and JAMB trick.
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40.
institution
1. A.IN-sti-tu-tion
2. B.in-STI-tu-tion
3. C.in-sti-TU-tion
4. D.in-sti-tu-TION
Show answer
Answer: C. in-sti-TU-tion
AI explanation
Analyze the question: This is a stress (word accent) question. You are asked to identify which syllable of "institution" carries the primary stress.
Explain the concept: In English, words ending in -tion usually take the primary stress on the syllable immediately before the suffix. Examples: edu-CA-tion, in-for-MA-tion, com-pe-TI-tion. This is because the "-tion" ending (pronounced /ʃən/) is unstressed, but it pulls the stress onto the syllable before it.
Show the solution:
Break the word into syllables: in – sti – tu – tion (4 syllables).
The suffix is -tion, so the stress falls on the syllable just before it: tu.
The pronunciation is /ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃən/ (in British English), with the primary stress on "tu" (and a secondary stress on "in").
Checking the options:
A. IN-sti-tu-tion: stress on the first syllable. Incorrect (this is only the secondary stress).
B. in-STI-tu-tion: stress on the second syllable. Incorrect.
C. in-sti-TU-tion: stress on the third syllable. Correct.
D. in-sti-tu-TION: stress on the last syllable. Incorrect, since -tion is never stressed in this pattern.
Answer: The primary stress falls on the third syllable, so the answer is C.
Exam tip: For words ending in -tion, -sion, -ic, -ical, -ity, the stress usually falls on the syllable right before the ending. Examples: pho-to-GRA-phic, ab-i-LI-ty, ex-PRE-ssion. Remember this rule and you can answer many stress questions in seconds.
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41.
To _____ did you speak?
1. A.whose
2. B.whom
3. C.who
4. D.which
Show answer
Answer: B. whom
AI explanation
Analyze the question The sentence is "To ____ did you speak?" We need the correct pronoun to fill the gap after the preposition "to".
Explain the concept
Who is a subject pronoun (it does the action): Who spoke?
Whom is an object pronoun (it receives the action or follows a preposition): To whom did you speak?
Whose shows possession: Whose book is this?
Which is used when choosing from a limited set of things or people: Which of the two boys?
A preposition such as to, for, with, by, from is followed by the object form, so after "to" we need whom.
Step-by-step solution
Look at the word before the gap: "To". This is a preposition.
Ask who is receiving the speaking. The answer would be "you spoke to him/her", and him/her is an object form, which matches whom.
Check the other options: • whose: shows ownership, which does not fit here. • who: subject form, which cannot follow a preposition in formal English. • which: refers to things or a chosen set, and there is no such choice implied here.
Answer "To whom did you speak?
Exam tip Try the him/who-m trick. If you can answer the question with him or her, use whom (both end in -m). If you can answer with he or she, use who. Also, whenever a preposition comes directly before the gap, think "whom".
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42.
John's father was PROMOTED yesterday.
1. A.Was Peter's father promoted yesterday?
2. B.Was John's mother promoted yesterday?
3. C.Was John's father sacked yesterday?
4. D.Was John's father promoted last year?
Show answer
Answer: C. Was John's father sacked yesterday?
AI explanation
Analyze the question
The word PROMOTED is in capital letters. In WASSCE English, this signals emphasis and contrast. The question is testing which question the given sentence would answer, meaning what the speaker is stressing.
Explain the concept
When a word is capitalized for emphasis, the sentence is usually correcting or answering a question about that specific word. The stressed word is the new or contrasting information. The rest of the sentence is already known or assumed.
So "John's father was PROMOTED yesterday" suggests:
It is known that John's father had something happen to him yesterday.
The point being made is that it was a promotion, and not something else, such as being sacked, demoted, or transferred.
Step-by-step solution
Check each option to see which question the emphasized sentence answers:
A. Was Peter's father promoted yesterday? This would be answered by stressing JOHN'S, not PROMOTED.
B. Was John's mother promoted yesterday? This would be answered by stressing FATHER.
C. Was John's father sacked yesterday? This would be answered by stressing PROMOTED ("No, he was PROMOTED"). This matches.
D. Was John's father promoted last year? This would be answered by stressing YESTERDAY.
Answer: The stressed word PROMOTED contrasts with "sacked", so option C is correct.
Exam tip
Find the capitalized word, then ask: "Which option changes only that word and keeps everything else the same?" That option is the answer. In this question, only C changes the action (sacked) while keeping John's father and yesterday unchanged.
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43.
How I wish she ______ the books before Tunde arrived.
1. A.sees
2. B.had seen
3. C.has seen
4. D.saw
Show answer
Answer: B. had seen
AI explanation
Analyze the question The sentence is "How I wish she __ the books before Tunde arrived." It tests the correct verb form after "wish" when talking about a past event.
Explain the concept When we use wish to express regret about something in the past, we use the past perfect tense (had + past participle). It shows that we want a past situation to have been different.
Wish about the present: I wish she knew. (past simple)
Wish about the past: I wish she had known. (past perfect)
The clause "before Tunde arrived" also supports this. Two past events are being compared, and the wished-for action (seeing the books) should have happened earlier than Tunde's arrival (arrived, past simple). The earlier of two past actions takes the past perfect.
Solution
"Wish" + a past event means we need the past perfect.
The past perfect of "see" is had seen.
Check the other options: • A. sees: present tense, which does not fit a past event. • C. has seen: present perfect, which does not fit "before Tunde arrived". • D. saw: simple past, which would be used for a present wish ("I wish she saw..."), not a regret about the past.
Complete sentence: "How I wish she had seen the books before Tunde arrived."
Exam tip Remember the pattern for wishes:
Present wish → past simple (I wish I were rich)
Past regret → past perfect (I wish I had studied)
If you see a past-time clue like "before Tunde arrived", go for had + past participle.
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44.
In the following options lettered A to D, all the words except one have the same stress pattern. Identify the one with the different stress pattern and shade your answer in the usual way.
1. A.public
2. B.concern
3. C.centre
4. D.people
Show answer
Answer: B. concern
AI explanation
Analyze the question: The question asks which word has a different stress pattern from the others. All of these are two-syllable words, so we check whether the stress falls on the first or the second syllable.
Concept: In two-syllable words, stress can fall on the first syllable (e.g. TAble) or the second (e.g. beGIN). Nouns and adjectives often take first-syllable stress, while many words with prefixes like con-, re-, de- take second-syllable stress.
Step-by-step solution:
A. public → PUB-lic (stress on the 1st syllable)
B. concern → con-CERN (stress on the 2nd syllable)
C. centre → CEN-tre (stress on the 1st syllable)
D. people → PEO-ple (stress on the 1st syllable)
Three words (public, centre, people) are stressed on the first syllable. Only concern is stressed on the second syllable.
Answer: B. concern
Tip: For two-syllable words that begin with a prefix such as con-, de-, re-, ex- or com- (e.g. concern, consent, repeat, decide), the stress usually falls on the second syllable. Words that end in an unstressed -le, -re or -ic sound, like people, centre and public, are usually stressed on the first syllable. In the exam, say each word aloud quietly and listen for the louder syllable.
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45.
curriculum
1. A.CUR-ric-u-lum
2. B.cur-RIC-u-lum
3. C.cur-ric-U-lum
4. D.cur-ric-u-LUM
Show answer
Answer: B. cur-RIC-u-lum
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