In 2024, the new curriculum was used to assess the first batch of BECE candidates. The changes were impactful and affected the performance of candidates. The late release of sample questions barely a month before the BECE in 2024 worsened the issue. The changes that happened in the BECE Exam that made candidates struggle during the 2024 BECE have been explored in this post to help 2025 candidates and teachers polish their preparations ahead of the examination.
Old Format Question Paper Structure:
Paper 1: Objective Test (40 multiple-choice questions)
Paper 2: Essay Questions
New Format Question Paper Structure:
Paper 1: Objective Test with a focus on civic responsibilities and contemporary social issues.
Paper 2: Case studies and scenario-based questions assessing problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Example Change:
Old Format Question: Discuss the causes of rural-urban migration.
New Format Question: Given a case study of a community experiencing high youth migration to urban areas, propose actionable strategies to address this challenge, considering economic and social factors.
Analysis: The new approach encourages students to think critically about societal issues, analyse real-world scenarios, and develop feasible solutions, thereby enhancing their civic consciousness and problem-solving skills.
2024 OBJECTIVES PATTERN
The objective test questions used to assess candidates in 2024 were made up of the following set of questions. After each question type, we have indicated the number of questions under the type.
1. Questions starting with direct “Which” – 9 questions in this form were asked.
“Which of the following” – 7 questions in this form were asked.
Which one of the following – 1 question in this form – was asked.
Which Type – 1 question in this form was asked.
Questions with Preambles / Scenarios before the “which” – 10 questions in this form were asked.
2. Questions starting with Direct “What” – 5 questions in this form were asked.
What is the most (likely/common) – 2 questions in this form were asked.
What is the main – 1 question in this form tha was asked.
What is the best – 1 question in this formwase asked.
What type of – 1 question in this form was asked.
Questions with Preambles / Scenarios before the “What” – 6 questions in this form were asked.
3. Why – (preamble before) – 1 question in this form was asked.
READ: Why 2024 BECE English Was Tough: Key 2024 Changes That 2025 Candidates Must Watch
2024 ESSAY PATTERN
1. Scenario type : 3 (Write to/prepared a presentation/what four)
2. In what ways – 2 questions in this form were asked in the 2024 BECE.
3. Explain – 3 questions in this form were asked.
4. How would you explain 1 – A question in this form was asked
5. Suggest .. 1
6. Identify —- 1
7. List —— 1
8. Define —– 1
Changes: Emphasis on civic education, understanding of Ghana’s history and culture, and global awareness.