WAEC has just released the 2023 BECE Science Chief Examiner Report, which can be a valuable resource and guide for teachers and students preparing for the 2025 BECE. The Ghana Education News portal has shared the detailed report in this post with emphasis on the weaknesses and recommendations offered.

Teachers and learners are to take these weaknesses and recommendations offered seriously and work on topics that gave 2023 BECE candidates problems while disregarding those that are no longer in the curriculum.

1. GENERAL COMMENTS

The standard of the paper compared favourably with those of previous years. The performance of candidates also improved fairly with many candidates doing exceptionally well in Biology and Agriculture related questions while performance in Physics and Chemistry related questions was not as impressive comparatively.

2. SUMMARY OF CANDIDATES STRENGTH

Candidates were able to:

(i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) (viii) (ix)

define aerobic respiration in terms of biochemical reactions;identify farm tools correctly;provide precise and accurate responses on the physical properties of soil;identify accurately areas of technology used for the benefit of humans;identify the major causes of teenage pregnancy;state the importance of mulching on the soil;state practices that destroy water bodies;provide methods of conservation of water bodies;identification of science-related businesses.

3. SUMMARY OF CANDIDATES WEAKNESSES

Candidates produced avoidable errors in some aspects of their responses and some are listed below:

(i) identification of electronic symbols, (ii) explanation of neutralization reaction, (iii) writing and balancing chemical equations,

(iv) food web diagrams were drawn without proper indication of energy flow (v) fundamental units and physical quantities,

(vi) wrongly listing HIV/AIDS as a common infectious disease that affects human reproductive systems,

(vii) differentiation between aerobic and anaerobic respiration,

(viii) difficulty in explaining the term Milky Way as well as failure to establish the relationship between stars and galaxies,

(ix) effects of soil erosion on the growth of plants,

(x) failure to infer and interpret laboratory results from written observations. (xi) wrong spelling of scientific terms,

(xii) identification of parts of the male and female reproductive systems.

5. SUGGESTED REMEDIES

The Chief Examiner suggested that candidates must be given further assistance to be able to:

(i)	spell scientific terms accurately because it was evident some candidates had ideas on the required solutions but were full of spelling errors;

(ii) understand basic electronic concepts and identify electronic symbols;

(iii)

provide appropriate formulae or expressions and leave answers in required units of measurements if any;

(iv) write chemical symbols, equations and balancing of these equations;

(v)	to understand the details required in defining and explaining scientific terminologies;

(vi) improve drawing and labelling skills.

5. DETAILED COMMENTS

Question 1

(a)	The diagrams below are illustrations of the male and female reproductive systems for humans.

Study them carefully and answer the questions that follow.

(i) (ii) (iii)	Name each of the parts labelled I, II, V, VI, VII and VIII.State the function of each of the parts labelled III, IV and VII.Name the labelled part where each of the following processes take place:
(α) (β) (γ)	fertilization;production of sperm;ovulation.
(iv)	Name two common infectious diseases that affect both the male and female reproductive system.

(b) The diagrams below are illustrations of different devices used in the farm.

Study them carefully and answer the questions that follow.

(i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v)

Give a common name for the devices illustrated.Name each of the devices labelled A, B and C.State one use of each of the devices named in (ii).State two effects of the use of the device C on the soil.State two ways of prolonging the usefulness of the device labelled A.

(c)

(i)	Draw the symbols for each of the following electronic components:
(α) (β) (γ) (δ)	Resistor;(p-n junction) diode;Cell;Light Emitting Diode / LED.

(ii)	Use the symbols drawn in (i) together with a switch to draw a circuit diagram to demonstrate forward biasing of a (p-n junction) diode and the light emitting diode.State the effect of the resistor on the (p-n junction) diode and the light emitting
(iii)

diode when the circuit is closed.

(d) The following activities were carried out in the laboratory.

Study them carefully and answer the questions that follow:

I.	10 g of iodated salt was added to 150 ml of water in a beaker. The mixture was stirred thoroughly.Vegetable oil was added to a quantity of water in a corked flask and shaken vigorously then allowed to stand for some time.Few grams of grinded charcoal was added to water in a beaker and stirred vigorously and then allowed to stand.
II.
III.
(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)	State what will be observed in each of the activities I, II and III.Suggest an aim for the experiment.State one difference between what is observed in I and III.State a method of separation for the activity carried out in II.

(a) Candidates were to answer questions on diagrams illustrating the male and female reproductive systems for humans. This sub-question was fairly well answered by most candidates.

(i) The majority of the candidates were able to name the parts labelled I, II, V, VI, VII and VIII but the spelling of these parts was difficult for some of them. The biggest challenge from the responses of candidates here was the use of plural words e.g. Testes instead of testis, ovaries instead of ovary.

(ii)	The function of the part labelled III (womb wall) was poorly answered.Candidates were expected to indicate that III (womb wall) protects the foetus, and

contracts/relaxes during childbirth. The functions of parts IV (vagina) and part VII (penis) were well answered.

(iii)

The parts where fertilization, production of sperm and ovulation occur were well answered by most candidates.

(iv) Some candidates were able to name two common infectious diseases that affect both the male and female reproductive systems correctly; however many candidates erroneously named diseases like HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Hepatitis B as one of the expected answers and a good number lost valuable marks due to wrong spelling of the names.

(b) Candidates were to answer questions on diagrams illustrating different devices used in the farm. The performance of candidates on this sub-question was commendable but for a few candidates who had a slight mishap as indicated below:

(i)	majority of candidates were able to give the common name for the devices correctly as farm/garden tools;

(ii) performance of candidates here was quite impressive as the majority of the candidates identified the devices labelled A, B and C correctly. Candidates were expected to indicate as follows: A – mattock, B – peg, and C – hand fork, surprisingly several candidates wrongly identified a peg as a ranging pole but generally, the performance of candidates was exceptional;

(iii) quite a considerable number of candidates could not correctly state one use of each of the devices. Expected responses: A: for stumping, for cutting off exposed plant roots; B: for making spots on land for correct spacing of plants; C: for stirring, for removing weeds on garden beds, for mixing fertilizers around plants;

(iv) the effects of the use of C were also poorly answered by most of the candidates. Candidates are to note the effects of the use of C as follows: improves soil aeration; improves water entry into soil; improves soil structure;

(v) ways of prolonging the usefulness of A were well answered by most of the candidates.

(i)	Candidates were to draw symbols for these electronic components: Resistor; (pn junction) diode; Cell; Light Emitting Diode/LED. The performance here was

very poor as the majority of the candidates could not draw the symbols correctly, especially for the Light Emitting Diode.

(ii)	Candidates were to use the symbols drawn in (i) together with a switch to draw a circuit diagram to demonstrate forward biasing of the (p-n junction) diode and the

light-emitting diode. The majority of the candidates could not draw the circuit diagram correctly.

(iv)	The effect of the resistor on the (p-n junction) diode and the light emitting diode when the circuit is closed was again very poorly stated. Candidates were expected

to state that the resistor limits current in the circuit and therefore protects the diode and LED from burning off.

(d) Candidates were to answer questions on activities I, II and III that were carried out in the laboratory. The performance of candidates in this sub-question was not good enough.

(i)	Candidates were expected to state their observations in each of the activities I, II and III.

For activity I, responses of candidates were impressive as most of the candidates were able to state correctly that the iodized salt dissolved in the water. For activity II, the performance was also good as quite a number of candidates were able to state correctly that the oil is suspended on the surface of the water.

Performance in activity III was poor as only a few candidates could correctly state that the charcoal does not dissolve in the water.

(ii) Candidates were expected to suggest an aim for the experiment, this was poorly

answered by the majority of candidates. Suggested aim: To demonstrate the method of preparation of mixtures/ To determine if the solute will dissolve or mix with water to form a mixture or solution.

(iii) The question demanded a difference between observations in I and III and many

of the responses provided by candidates were sub-par. Expected response: The mixture/solution in I is homogeneous whilst the mixture/solution in III is heterogeneous.

(iv)	Candidates could not state that the method of separation for the activity carried out in II is by the use of a separating funnel.

(v)	Though Question 1 was compulsory, only a few candidates attempted 1 (c) and 1 (d).

Question 2

(a)	(i) (ii) (i) (ii)	What is the importance of a fuse in an electrical appliance?State two household appliances that have fuse.What is teenage pregnancy?State two causes of teenage pregnancy
(b)
(c)	State three precautions against hazards.
(d)	(i) (ii)	State two practices that destroy water bodies.Give two methods of conserving water bodies.

(a) (i) Performance of candidates for this question here was commendable as the majority of the candidates were able to indicate that the importance of a fuse in an electrical appliance is to protect the electrical appliance from excessive current.

(ii) Candidates stated correctly two household appliances that have a fuse.

(b) (i) The explanation of teenage pregnancy was well answered.

(ii) Performance here was very good as the majority of the candidates stated correctly two causes of teenage pregnancy.

(c) This sub-question was poorly answered as quite a number of candidates were not able to state correctly three precautions against hazards but their responses were mainly focussed on the aspect of wearing protective clothing which they split into wearing boots, gloves, goggles etc.

(d) (i) Performance here was satisfactory as the majority of the candidates were able to state correctly two practices that destroy water bodies.

(ii)	It was fairly well answered as quite a number of candidates were able to state correctly two methods of conserving water bodies.

It is important for candidates to note that the following responses are incorrect:

▪ Avoid dumping of waste into water bodies;

▪ Avoid the use of chemicals for fishing do not score.

Accepted responses are as follows:

▪ Education on dumping of waste into water bodies;

▪ Use of appropriate methods of fishing.

Question 3

(a)	(i) (ii)	What is aerobic respiration?State the main difference between aerobic respiration and anaerobic respiration.Explain the term potential difference.The potential difference across the terminals of a 100 Ω resistor is 250 V. Calculate the current flowing through the resistorWhich crop is infected by the Swollen Shoot disease?State the causative organism of the disease.State the method of spread of the disease.Give two ways of preventing the spread of the disease.
(b)	(i) (ii)
(c)	(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)
(d)	Consider the given elements X and

(i) Write the electron configuration for Y;

(ii) State the possible ion that could be formed by X to make it more stable.

(a) (i) Performance here was fairly good. It is important for candidates to note that aerobic respiration is the breakdown/oxidation of organic food substance/glucose in the presence of oxygen to release large amounts of energy, water and carbon dioxide as by-products.

(ii) The main difference between aerobic respiration and anaerobic respiration was well-answered by the majority of the candidates.

(b) (i) The explanation of potential difference was poorly answered by the majority of the candidates who attempted the question. Expected response: Potential difference is the work done in moving a unit of positive charge from one point to another.

(ii) This part was well answered as many of the candidates were able to calculate correctly the current flowing through a resistor with given resistance and potential difference across the terminals.

(c) (i) Performance here was good as a good number of the candidates were able to state that the crop infected by the swollen shoot disease is cocoa.

(ii) Performance here was poor as few of the candidates were able to state correctly that the causative organism of swollen shoot disease is a virus.

(iii) This part requested candidates to state the method of spread of the swollen shoot disease. It was poorly answered. Expected response: The virus is transmitted by nymphs of mealy bugs from infected plants to healthy plants.

(iv)	Candidates were to give two ways of preventing the spread of swollen shoot disease. It was poorly answered.

Expected responses include the destruction of infected plants; using resistant varieties; regular inspection of planting materials; and barrier cropping.

(d) Candidates were given two elements X and Y, with their respective mass and atomic numbers.

(i)	Candidates were to write the electron configuration for Y. It was fairly well answered.

(ii)	This part requested candidates to state the possible ion that could be formed by X to make it more stable. It was poorly answered. Correct response: X+ or Li+

Question 4

(a) (b)	What is a neutralization reaction?State three physical properties of a soil.
(c)	(i) (ii)	Define the term power.If a machine hauls a packing case of mass 50 kg up a building that is 10 m high in 30 s, calculate the power of the machine.[g = 10 m s-2]
(d)	State four areas where technology is used for the benefit of humans.

(a) The explanation of neutralization reaction was fairly answered. Candidates were expected to explain neutralization reaction to score full marks as follows:

Reaction between an acid and a base to form salt and water only or Reaction between hydrogen ions and hydroxyl ions to form water.

(b) This sub-question was poorly answered. Candidates are to note that the physical properties of soil include: texture; structure; porosity; water-holding capacity; capillarity; nutrient content; colour and temperature.

(ii) This part which involved calculation of power of a machine was fairly well answered

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In this sub-question, candidates were to state four areas where technology is used for the benefit of humans. Responses provided were impressive.

Expected responses include:

• Communication industries;

• medicine/health; energy sector;

• food processing;

• transportation industry;

• electronic industry;

• educational.

Question 5

(a)	State three ways in which mulching restores soil resources.
(b)	(i) (ii)	Name the two elements that combine to form ammonia gasWrite a balanced chemical equation for the formation of ammonia from the
elements named in (i).The following information is on the feeding habits of some organisms:	(c)
(i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) (viii)	man feeds on grasscutter;toad feeds on grasshopper;snake feeds on toad;goat feeds on grass,man feeds on hawk;grasshopper feeds on grass;hawk feeds on snake;grasscutter feeds on grass.

Use all the information given above to construct a food web.

(d)

(i) (ii) (ii)

What is a galaxy?State the relationship between stars and galaxies.Explain briefly the term milky way.

(a) Candidates were to state three ways in which mulching restores soil resources. The

performance here was impressive as many candidates provided accurate responses. Responses expected from candidates include: adds organic matter to the soil; checks erosion; conserves soil nutrients; reduces loss of water through evaporation; improves the activities of soil organisms.

(b) (i) This part was well handled as many of the candidates who attempted it named hydrogen and ammonia as the two elements that combine to form ammonia gas.

(ii) Candidates were to write a balanced chemical equation for the formation of ammonia from hydrogen and nitrogen. It was poorly handled. Expected response: N2 + 3H2 → 2NH3

(c) Candidates were to use some information on the feeding habits of some organisms to construct a food web. Performance was very poor. It is important for candidates to note that in the construction of the individual food chains that make the food web, the arrow must point towards the organism obtaining the energy.

(d) (i) The explanation of galaxy was fairly handled. To score full marks candidates were expected to provide responses such as: A collection of billions of stars that show a common gravitational link; A system of stars, gases, dust held together in space.

(ii) This part which requested the relationship between stars and galaxies was well handled as most candidates were able to indicate correctly as follows: stars make up the galaxies; galaxies are made up of several billions of stars.

(iii) The explanation of Milky Way was fairly handled. Expected responses to score full marks: The galaxy that contains the solar system and the earth; A hazy band of light seen in the night sky formed from stars that cannot be individually distinguished by the naked eye.

Question 5 was not popular with candidates. The performance was not good enough

Question 6

(a)	(i) (ii) (i) (ii)	State three effects of soil erosion on the growth of crop plants.Mention one method of controlling soil erosion.Name two science related businesses.State the principles underlying the operation of each of the businesses named in (i).Explain how the female Anopheles mosquito transmits malaria to humans.State one chemical method of controlling mosquitoes.Name two fundamental units of measurement.State the physical quantity that one of the units named in (i) measures.
(b)
(c)	(i)
(ii) (i) (ii)
(d)

(a) (i) Candidates were to state three effects of soil erosion on the growth of crop plants. It was poorly handled. Expected responses include: poor yield; death of crop; poor growth; lodging of crop plants.

(ii) This part requested candidates to mention one method of controlling soil erosion. The majority of the candidates were at home with this question.

(b) (i) Performance here was very good as the majority of the candidates were able to name gari processing; soap making; salt production; kenkey production and blacksmithing as science-related businesses.

(ii) The principles underlying the operation of the businesses stated were well handled as most candidates were able to state correctly the corresponding principles such as fermentation in kenkey production; evaporation in salt making and saponification in soap making.

(c) (i) An explanation of how the female anopheles mosquito transmits malaria was poorly answered. Expected responses: The mosquito bites an infected person, and takes in blood infected with the malaria parasite; the parasite grows and matures in the mosquito’s gut, then travels to the salivary glands; when the mosquito bites another person, it releases the parasites into the victim’s body.

(ii) Chemical control of mosquitoes was fairly well answered by candidates

(d) (i) Candidates were to name two fundamental units of measurement. Performance here was not good. Expected responses: metre; second; kilogram; degree Celsius/Kelvin; mole; candela; ampere.

(ii) Candidates were to state the physical quantity that one of the units named in (i) measures. It was poorly answered. Expected responses: length; time; mass; temperature; amount of substance; luminous intensity; electric current