As the BECE for the year draws nearer, candidates need useful resources such as the 2026 BECE English Language Questions to Watch and Marking Schemes. Take the information shared here seriously as a candidate and as a teacher.
These questions reflect the most likely areas WAEC will set the 202 BECE English Compositions questions from. The questions are numbered based on their likelihood of being in the final exam. Thus, question 1 is more likely than question 2,3,4 and in that order.
The 2026 BECE English Language Essay Questions To Watch
Question 1 – Formal Letters: These are WAEC’s favourites over the years, and this trend has continued under the new Common Core Curriculum. In 2024 and 2025, WAEC set similar questions. We have two questions under that for you.
Question A: Write a letter to the Minister of Education on the issue of hooliganism. In your letter, describe the current situation and suggest three ways to curb the situation in the second-cycle schools.
Question B: Write a letter to an NGO that wants to sponsor your education at the SHS and request financial assistance and permission to attend a boarding school. In your letter, give at least three compelling reasons why you prefer a boarding school to a day school.
Narrative Essays:
WAEC cannot do without these types of questions at the BECE. In 2024 and 2025, there were narrative essay questions.
QUESTION C: Write a story that ends with the sentence: ‘We were lucky that night.’”
There is a high possibility of this repeating; however, if WAEC does not set such a question for 2026, it may be replaced with a speech-writing-related question.
Article for Publication and Argumentative Essays/Debates
Question D: As a youth leader, you have been invited to a regional gathering to speak on the topic: ‘The Secret to Success for the Youth.’ Write your speech, highlighting at least three essential things the youth must do to succeed in life.
Questions E: Write your arguments for or against the motion: ‘It is more advantageous to attend a Vocational or Technical school than a Grammar School
BQUESTION F: Write your arguments for or against the motion: ‘It is more advantageous to travel on foot than by vehicle.
Let us look at the marking scheme for the above questions. They will serve as a guide in your revisions.
PAPER 2 [60 MARKS]
PART A – COMPOSITION [30 MARKS]
GENERAL PREAMBLE
- There are three parts– A, B, and C. Candidates are expected to answer three questions in all, ONE question from PART A and Questions 4 & 5. If a candidate attempts more than one question from PART A, mark BOTH and choose the better of the two.
- The required length of each composition is 250 words.
- Mark Allocation: Each composition is to be marked out of a total of 30 marks distributed as follows:
(a) CONTENT 10 MARKS
Ensure that the candidate presents a set of relevant points or details that are central to the theme or essay topic.
(b) ORGANIZATION 5 MARKS
The writing must be judged as whatever it is intended to be: an article, a speech, a letter, a debate, etc. Look for a suitable layout, a suitable opening, adequate development, good paragraphs, balance, coherence, and a suitable conclusion.
(c) EXPRESSION 10 MARKS
Look out for correct usage of language, variation of sentence structure and type, judicious use of figurative language, and skillful use of punctuation. In arriving at the mark for expression, do not be unduly influenced by mechanical errors.
(d) MECHANICAL ACCURACY 5 MARKS
Look out for undeniable errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
- If a candidate writes on a topic other than the one set, award zero (0) for Content and mark Expression out of 5. The allocations for organization and Mechanical Accuracy remain unchanged.
- Each ring should attract a deduction of half a mark (½). Formal features of letters should have two rings only, counted against Mechanical Accuracy. Subsequent errors in the formal features should be underlined only.
- In general, the principle of positive marking should be applied, i.e., give credit for what the candidate has done right and then penalize for errors. These penalties are not, in all cases, numerical deductions but often the reward of a lower mark than would have been earned if there were no blemishes.
- The candidate is expected to know the simple mechanics of the English Language. These include spelling, punctuation, subject-verb concord, noun-pronoun agreement, and the use of the capital letter. He or she should also be able to control the use of determiners, quantifiers, prepositions, etc.
- Penalize
(i) Each Grammatical Error: These include
– the omission of an essential sentence element – wrong tense;
– misuse or omission of the article;
– misuse of modal operators (may/might, etc)
– confusion or ambiguity in the use of pronouns; – misuse of countable and uncountable nouns;
(ii) The wrong amalgamation or breaking up of words e.g. “inspite” for in spite
“infront” for in front
“every where” for everywhere
“to day” for today
“every body” for everybody
“ofcourse’’ for of course
– wrong prepositions;
– misuse of relatives/subordinators/ conjunctions; – errors in concord;
– intransitive verbs for transitive and vice versa; – active for passive and vice versa;
– faulty construction.
“infact’’ for in fact
“never the less’’ for nevertheless
“how ever’’ for however
“more over’’ for moreover
“now a days’’ for nowadays,
etc.
(iii) Wrong Spelling – the wrong spelling of the same word should be penalized only once. American spelling, if consistent, should be accepted.
(iv) Punctuation Error and the Wrong Use of the Capital Letter.
– Each full stop, question mark, or exclamation mark omitted or wrongly used; the misuse or omission of quotation marks. Both single and double quotation marks are accepted, but consistency is to be demanded. – The insertion of a comma between subject and verb, subject and object, verb and complement, in simple structures only, i.e., where phrases or clauses do not intervene.
– The insertion of a comma between an adjective and a noun, or a verb and an adverb; the omission of a comma used to separate items in a list of words, phrases, or clauses.
– The use of a small letter for the pronoun `I’; the use of a small letter at the beginning of a proper noun or sentence.
MOCK – ENGLISH SCHEME
– Where a proper noun consists of more than one element, each of which is expected to begin with a capital letter, e.g., Electricity Company of Ghana, there should be only one penalty for the group.
– Initials in abbreviations with or without a full stop should be accepted, eg G.C.B or GCB, W.A.E.C or WAEC. First and last letters: both forms should be accepted, e.g., Dr. and Dr., Mrs. and Mrs.
NB: This list is not exhaustive. It is merely to indicate the type of undeniable errors to be penalized.]
Each of these errors should be ringed and half a mark (½) deducted up to a total of 5 marks 10.
ASSESSMENT GUIDE
| Excellent | Very Good | Good | Average | Below Average | Illiterate | |
| Content | 9 – 10 | 7 – 8 | 6 | 5 | 3 – 4 | 0 – 2½ |
| Organization | 5 | 4 – 4½ | 3 – 3½ | 1½ – 2 | 1 – 1½ | 0 – 1 |
| Expression | 9 – 10 | 7 – 8 | 6 | 5 | 3 – 4 | 0 – 2½ |
Number of words
5 words on a line = 50 lines 6 words on a line = 42 lines 7 words on a line = 36 lines 8 words on a line = 31 lines 9 words on a line = 28 lines 10 words on a line = 25 lines 11 words on a line = 23 lines 12 words on a line = 21 lines 13 words on a line = 19 lines
Number of Words Mechanical Accuracy 250 words = 5
225 words = 4½
200 words = 4
175 words = 3½
150 words = 3
100 words = 2
75 words = 1½
50 words = 1
25 words = ½
golearnershub.com
QUESTION 1
CONTENT-10 MARKS
The candidate is to give three compelling reasons for choosing to attend a boarding school and request assistance. For example, inculcating self-discipline, time management, easily accessing academic assistance, changing the environment, learning to be independent from parents, and learning useful lessons for life elsewhere. Each reason should be explained. A good presentation of three such points should score not less than 6 marks. Two points should not score more than 6 marks. One point should not score more than 3 points.
ORGANIZATION – 5 MARKS
This is a formal letter, so the following formal features must be present:
- Writer’s address
- Date
- Recipient’s designation and full address
- Salutation (Dear Sir)
- Heading / Title
- Introduction
- Main Content
- Conclusion
- Subscription (Yours faithfully)
- Writer’s signature
- Writer’s full name
- Writer’s designation or position
The candidate should show a good introduction and a good conclusion. Each paragraph should be internally developed properly. Paragraphs should be linked properly.
EXPRESSION – 10 MARKS
The language should be formal. The candidate should avoid slang, contracted forms, colloquialisms, and conversational language. He or she is expected to use register and idioms appropriately. The candidate should vary sentence patterns and masterfully use punctuation.
MECHANICAL ACCURACY – 5 MARKS
The candidate must get the spellings of all the words used and all the punctuation used right. The candidate must avoid grammatical mistakes and use capitalization accurately.
The candidate is expected to avoid other mistakes such as wrong breaking of and amalgamation of words, dangling pronouns and sentences, and inconsistency in punctuating initials or abbreviations.
QUESTION 2
MOCK – ENGLISH SCHEME
CONTENT- 10 MARKS
Three such things must be mentioned, described, or explained by the candidate. For example, discipline, education, planning, association with good people, good behaviour/attitude/habit/speech, and fear of God. A good presentation of three such points should score not less than 6 marks. Two points should not score more than 6 marks. One point should not score more than 3 points.
ORGANIZATION- 5 MARKS
This is a speech (to a gathering at the regional level). The candidate should show these main features: Introduction, Main Content, and Conclusion. The introduction should include appropriate vocatives (for example, Mr. Chairman, Special Guests, Regional Minister, Regional Education Officer, Heads of School, Fellow Youth, … Ladies and Gentlemen). The introduction and conclusion should be suitable. Each paragraph should be well-developed. Paragraphs should be linked properly. Speech techniques such as attention getters (eg, occasional referring to the audience) and sustainers (eg.
rhetorical questions), inclusive terms (ie, you and I, all of us, and none of us), must be present. EXPRESSION – 10 MARKS
The language should be formal. Diction should be appropriate. The candidate is expected to use appropriate register and idioms or figurative expressions. Other techniques that must be present include imagery, symbolism, occasional referring to the audience, persuasive terms, exaggeration and hyperbole, repetition, rhetorical questions, and picturesque words. The candidate should vary sentence patterns and masterfully use punctuation.
MECHANICAL ACCURACY – 5 MARKS
As for Question 1
QUESTION 3
CONTENT
The candidate is to present an argument for or against the motion: It is more advantageous to travel on foot than by vehicle. golearnershub.com
The candidate should advance three strong points that support the stance that he or she has taken to earn a good mark of 6 or more. Two points should score not more than 6 marks. One point should score not more than 3 marks. ORGANIZATION – 5 MARKS
This is an argument. The candidate has to take a stance; that is, clearly state whether he supports or opposes the motion. An argument without a clearly stated stance should have the mark reduced to 3 under Organization, so that the candidate should get some mark out of 3.
EXPRESSION – 10 MARKS
The language should be formal. Register and diction should reflect the situation. The candidate is expected to use long and short sentences. The candidate should use appropriate style and other relevant devices and techniques.
MECHANICAL ACCURACY – 5 MARKS
As for question 1
PART B – COMPREHENSION
2026 BECE English Language Comprehension Passage and Questions To Watch And Marking Schemes
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
In many parts of the world, democracy is the preferred system of governance. This is because, in a true democracy, it is the ordinary people who hold real and true power. They have the unique privilege to determine who becomes their leader and the power to decide how their collective affairs and welfare are managed. The most common way this power is exercised is through the simple act of merely voting to choose a leader.
However, many people have a strange idea that democracy is solely about the rule of the majority. To them, the majority can do as they like without taking into account the feelings of others. A classic example occurred in a local social club where smoking had become the order of the day. When a few non-smokers complained about the health risks, the smokers, who were in the majority, refused to listen. They believed that because they were more numerous, they should always have their way.
The situation reached a point that would blow your mind. The non-smokers, encouraged by the fact that true democracy involves respecting the rights of every individual, finally brought an action against the club’s leadership. They argued that the majority had no right to impose unhealthy conditions on the minority.
The court’s ruling served as a reminder that democracy is not just about numbers; it is about respecting the rights of others. Following the court’s decision, new regulations were passed to protect all members. The club was compelled to create a safe environment for everyone, proving that even the smallest voice deserves to be heard.
QUESTIONS
4. (a) State two reasons why the author believes ordinary people have true power in a democracy. [4 marks]
(b) According to the passage, how do people usually exercise their power in a democratic system? [4 marks]
(c) Why did the smokers in the social club refuse to stop smoking despite the complaints? [3 marks]
(d) What is the common misconception people have about the “majority” in a democracy? [3 marks]
(e) What was the main lesson learned from the court’s ruling? [4 marks]
(f) For each of the following expressions, give another word or phrase that means the same and can fit into the passage:
(i) the order of the day
(ii) blow your mind
(iii) have their way
(iv) taking into account
(v) brought an action against [5 marks]
(g) For each of the following words, give another word or phrase that means the same and can fit into the passage:
(i) preferred
(ii) merely
(iii) strange
(iv) encouraged
(v) idea
(vi) regulations
(vii) compelled [7 marks]
Quick Tips for your Students:
Vocabulary Substitution: Remind them that for question (g), the word they choose must be able to replace the original word in the sentence without changing the grammar.
Contextual Meaning: For question (f), expressions like “blow your mind” are informal, but the replacement must fit the formal tone of the passage.
Accuracy: In Part B, marks are easily lost for grammatical errors. Tell them to keep their answers short and direct!
PENALTIES FOR QUESTION
In addition to the 2026 BECE English Language Essay Questions To Watch And Marking Schemes, we have shared with you a comprehension passage and answers as well.
PASSAGE
(a) Deduct half a mark for any grammatical/expression error(s) at each scoring point.
(b) Where a candidate gives two answers to a question and one of them is wrong, award zero. If, however, both answers are correct, award full marks.
(c) Where words /expressions are expected to be given to replace words /expressions in the passage, they must fit in perfectly. Otherwise, award zero.
(d) Answers need not be written in sentences, unless otherwise stipulated.
(e) An answer, taken as a whole, must make sense before any part of it may be accepted for scoring.
QUESTION 4 COMPREHENSION [30 MARKS]
(a) – It is the ordinary people who have real and true power.
– They have the privilege to determine who becomes their leader.
– It is the people who decide how their affairs and welfare are managed
Any 2 correct for 2 marks each =[4 marks]
(b) voting to choose a leader. [4 marks] (c) The smokers were in the majority. /The smokers were more than the non-smokers. [3 marks] (d) They think that the majority can do as they like. / The majority does not listen to the views of the minority’ [3 marks]
(e) Democracy is about respecting the rights of others [4 marks] (f) (i) the order of the day – common / the practice. [1 mark] (ii) blow your mind – surprise you/ make you wonder/ be worrying/ be disturbing. [1 mark]
MOCK – ENGLISH SCHEME
(iii) have their way – do as they like/take final decision / determine what they want. [1 mark] (iv) taking into account – caring about / considering/showing concern for [1 mark] (v) brought an action against – challenged in court / took court action against / sued [1 mark]
(g) (i) preferred – favourite, ideal, widely accepted, widely practiced [1 mark] (ii) merely – simply, just, only [1 mark] (iii) strange– surprising, uncommon, weird, crooked, overstretched [1 mark] (iv) encouraged– motivated, strengthened, emboldened, inspired, buoyed up [1 mark] (v) idea– view, belief, perception, thought, understanding, conviction, interpretation [1 mark] (vi) regulations– rules, laws, orders, instructions, statutes [1 mark] (vii) compelled – forced, made, impressed upon, coerced [1 mark]
PART C – Literature: The Cockcrow [10 marks]
PENALTIES FOR QUESTION 5
(a) Deduct half a mark for any grammatical/expression error(s) at each scoring point.
(b) Where a candidate gives two answers to a question and one of them is wrong, award zero (o). If, however, both answers are correct, award full marks.
(c) An answer, taken as a whole, must make sense before any part of it may be accepted for scoring. (d) Award zero if a candidate spells a name, a literary device, etc., wrongly.
Question 5
(a) Honour / Dignify the family or To live a life of honour/dignity. [1 mark] (b) Hatred / He hated him [1 mark] (c) His father spoke angrily to him. / His father walked angrily towards him. / His father was about to
force him to take the money / His father walked angrily towards him. [1 mark] golearnershub.com
(d) Dislike / Reservations / Disinterest
(e) Parents should teach their children the good things that they do /Parents should prepare their children for life/Parents should prepare their children to take over from them. /Parents should involve their children in the good things that they do [1 mark]
(f) Encouragement/comfort / not to worry / not worrying [1 mark] (g) Litotes/ double negation [1 mark] (h) They disagreed. / The people rejected the Gyaasehene’s decision [1 mark] (i) Surprise/shock / frustration [1 mark] (j) Teach his wife his culture 1 mark]
Make the best out of the 2026 BECE English Language Questions and answers shared here.