As the 2026 BECE approaches, English Language remains one of the most critical subjects for every candidate. Under the Common Core Programme (CCP), the exam focuses not just on your ability to memorize rules, but on how effectively you can use the language in real-life scenarios.
To help you stay ahead, we have analyzed the latest syllabus trends to bring you these projected key topics. Master these, and you will be well on your way to securing an “A” in your English paper.
Section A: Grammar and Language Usage
The objective and part of the written section will heavily test your technical grasp of the language. Focus on these areas:
Tenses: Ensure you can identify and correctly use the present, past, and future tenses in complex sentences.
Conditional Sentences: Practice “If” clauses and their various forms (e.g., If I were you, I would…).
Question and Answer Tags: Master the “isn’t it?” and “don’t they?” rules. Remember: a positive statement takes a negative tag.
Vocabulary Building: With the CCP emphasis, you must understand how to use words in context and identify different word forms.
Idioms, Synonyms, and Antonyms: These are essential for the objective test and for making your essays more sophisticated.
Section B: Essay Writing and Composition (Creativity)
This is where many students lose marks. To excel, you must follow the correct formats for:
Letter Writing: Be perfect in both semi-formal and informal formats.
Narrative and Descriptive Essays: Focus on developing a clear plot, logical structure, and using descriptive vocabulary to “show” rather than just “tell”.
Speech and Article Writing: Know how to address an audience in a speech and how to headline and sign off an article
Note that when it comes to punctuation, correct use of capital letters and commas is implicit—you lose marks for every mistake in written expression.
Section C: Comprehension and Critical Thinking
The new curriculum places a heavy weight on Critical Thinking. You are no longer just looking for answers in the passage; you must analyze them.
Fluency and Critical Response: Your reading comprehension must show that you understand the “why” behind the text.
Real-life Application: Expect tasks that require you to apply language to real-life situations, testing your ability to solve problems through text.
READ: BECE 2026 School Mocks & Timetable | Education-News Consult
1. Essay Plan: Formal Letter
Best for writing to a District Director of Education or the Headteacher.
Addresses:
Writer’s Address: Top right corner with the date.
Recipient’s Address: On the left, starting below the writer’s address.
Salutation: Use “Dear Sir” or “Dear Madam”.
The Heading (Subject): A clear, underlined title in capital letters (e.g., REQUEST FOR NEW DESKS).
Introduction: State the purpose of your letter clearly (e.g., “I am writing to formally request…”).
Body Paragraph 1 (The Problem): Describe the current situation in detail—this is where students often lose marks by being too brief.
Body Paragraph 2 (The Impact): Explain how the problem affects students or the school (e.g., poor concentration due to lack of desks).
Body Paragraph 3 (The Request/Suggestion): Clearly state what you want the recipient to do.
Conclusion: A polite closing sentence (e.g., “I look forward to a favorable response”).
Subscription: “Yours faithfully,” followed by your signature and full name.
2. Essay Plan: Letter to the Editor
Best for discussing national issues like the impact of digital gadgets on studies.
Addresses: Follow the same “Two-Address” rule as the formal letter.
The Recipient: Start with “The Editor, [Name of Newspaper], [Address]”.
Heading: A bold, catchy title (e.g., THE MENACE OF POOR SANITATION IN OUR CITIES).
Introduction: Reference a previous article or state why you are writing to the public through the newspaper.
Body Paragraph 1 (Current State): Provide facts and observations about the issue in society today.
Body Paragraph 2 (Consequences): Discuss the negative effects on the community or country.
Body Paragraph 3 (Solutions): Offer 2–3 practical suggestions for the authorities or the public to follow.
Conclusion: A call to action or a summary of your main point.
Subscription: “Yours faithfully,” followed by your signature and name.
Common Errors to Avoid
Slang: Never use informal language or contractions (like “don’t” or “can’t”) in these letters.
Paragraphing: Ensure each main point has its own clear paragraph.
Punctuation: Pay close attention to commas in the addresses and the salutation.
Question 1: Formal Letter (Administrative Focus)
Your school is currently facing a severe shortage of modern learning materials required for the new Common Core Programme (CCP). Write a letter to the District Director of Education requesting the supply of essential textbooks and digital tools. Discuss three specific ways the lack of these materials is affecting your academic performance and the teachers’ ability to deliver lessons effectively.
Why this is challenging:
Contextual Knowledge: Students must demonstrate they understand what the CCP requires (e.g., learner-centered materials).
Specific Impacts: It moves beyond “we don’t have books” to explaining the impact on pedagogy and student outcomes.
Question 2: Letter to the Editor (National Interest Focus)
Many students in your community have become overly dependent on digital gadgets, leading to poor study habits and falling grades. Write a letter to the Editor of a national newspaper discussing this trend. Highlight the dangers of this addiction and suggest three practical ways parents and school authorities can collaborate to ensure students use technology for educational purposes rather than distractions.
Why this is challenging:
The “National” Tone: It requires a broader, more persuasive voice compared to a standard school-based letter.
Balance: Students must acknowledge the benefit of gadgets (education) while arguing against the distraction (addiction).
Marking Reminder for Students
Remind your students that these questions are marked out of 30 marks based on the official WAEC/GES criteria:
Content (10 Marks): Did they address all parts of the prompt?
Organization (5 Marks): Is the address, salutation, heading, and subscription perfect?
Expression (10 Marks): Is the vocabulary sophisticated and formal?
Mechanical Accuracy (5 Marks): Are there errors in spelling, grammar, or punctuation?
Sample Essay Plan: Descriptive Essay for 2026 BECE English Language
A descriptive essay requires you to paint a picture with words. Below is a high-scoring plan for a common topic: “Describe a festival in your community.”
1. Introduction (The Foundation)
The Hook: Start with a catchy sentence about the atmosphere.
Definition: Name the festival (e.g., Homowo, Aboakyer) and its significance.
The “What & Where”: Briefly state when and where it takes place.
2. Body Paragraph 1 (Preparations)
Visuals: Describe the cleaning of the streets or painting of houses.
Auditory: Mention the sounds of rehearsals or traditional drums.
Mood: Describe the growing excitement in the town.
3. Body Paragraph 2 (The Main Event)
Action: Describe the arrival of the chiefs or the specific ritual being performed.
Clothing: Use adjectives to describe the vibrant colors of kente or traditional regalia.
Smell: Mention the aroma of traditional dishes being prepared (e.g., Kpokpoi).
4. Body Paragraph 3 (The Crowd & Atmosphere)
Sensory Details: Describe the sweating dancers, the cheering crowd, and the heat of the sun.
Emotion: Discuss how people feel—joy, unity, or reverence.
5. Conclusion (The Impression)
Summary: Briefly restate the importance of the festival to you.
Final Thought: End with a strong statement on why cultural heritage must be preserved.
Pro-Tips for 2026 BECE Success
Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of saying “The place was noisy,” say “The deafening throb of the fontomfrom drums echoed through the narrow streets”.
Stick to the Format: Remember, a descriptive essay is not a narrative; focus on the “now” and the “senses” rather than a chronological story.
Punctuation Matters: Use commas correctly to list your adjectives—e.g., “The bright, colorful, silk cloth.”