WAEC GCE English Language Syllabus 2025/2026
The 2025/2026 WAEC GCE English Language syllabus is designed to assess candidates’ proficiency in written and spoken English, comprehension, grammar, and literary appreciation. It includes essay writing, objective grammar questions, and oral English components.
This syllabus applies to private candidates sitting for the WAEC General Certificate Examination (GCE). It reflects the senior secondary school curriculum and prepares students for academic and professional communication.
Syllabus Structure
The English Language syllabus is divided into four major components:
1. Essay Writing
- Types: Narrative, Descriptive, Argumentative, Expository, Formal/Informal Letters
- Focus: Coherence, grammar, creativity, structure, and relevance
- Word count: Usually between 450–500 words
2. Comprehension and Summary
- Passages drawn from fiction, non-fiction, and current affairs
- Questions test understanding, inference, vocabulary, and expression
- Summary tasks require concise and clear writing
3. Lexis and Structure
- Grammar: Tenses, concord, sentence types, punctuation
- Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, idioms, phrasal verbs
- Sentence completion and error identification
4. Oral English (Paper 3)
- Phonetics: Vowel and consonant sounds, stress, intonation
- Word transcription and pronunciation
- Listening comprehension (for candidates in selected centers)
Question Format
WAEC GCE English Language includes:
- Paper 1: Objectives – Lexis and structure (multiple choice)
- Paper 2: Essay and Comprehension – Two essays, one comprehension passage, one summary passage
- Paper 3: Oral English – Audio-based questions (where applicable)
Sample Questions & Answers
Essay Example:
Write a letter to your friend in another school, describing your new school and how you are adjusting to life there.
Answer Tip: Use informal tone, vivid descriptions, and personal reflections. Include details about classes, teachers, friends, and challenges.
Comprehension Example:
Read the passage and answer the following:
“The rain fell in torrents, flooding the streets and halting all movement.”
Question: What effect did the rain have on the city?
Answer: It caused flooding and stopped movement.
Summary Example:
Read the passage and summarize in two paragraphs the causes and effects of teenage drug abuse.
Answer Tip: Identify key points, avoid repetition, and write in your own words.
Lexis & Structure Example:
Choose the correct option:
“Neither the teacher nor the students ___ present.”
- was
- were
- is
- are
Answer: A. was
Oral English Example:
Which word has the same vowel sound as “seat”?
- sit
- beat
- set
- bit
Answer: B. beat
How to Prepare
- Practice essay writing weekly
- Read newspapers, novels, and articles to improve comprehension
- Use WAEC past questions for grammar drills
- Record and listen to your speech for oral English practice
- Study with WAEC-approved textbooks and syllabi