Why 2024 BECE English Was Tough: Key 2024 Changes That 2025 Candidates Must Watch

In this post, we take a careful look at the overview of changes that were introduced in the 2024 BECE. This will be followed by the changes in the English language paper. The changes that happened in the BECE English Language Exam that made candidates struggle in the 2024 exam, shared here, will help 2025 BECE learners get ready for the English language. The 2024 BECE was the first exam to be administered by WAEC based on the new curriculum.

In 2024, the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in Ghana underwent significant changes that posed challenges for many candidates.

Key Changes and Context Observed in the 2024 BECE

Focus on the Common Core Programme (CCP):

CCP emphasises:

Competency-based learning: The focus is on developing core competencies, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and communication.

Application of knowledge: Similar to the U.S. Common Core, there’s a strong emphasis on students being able to apply what they’ve learned to real-world situations.

In 2024, the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in Ghana underwent notable changes in its assessment process, primarily due to the introduction of the new Common Core Programme (CCP) curriculum.

The structure and content of the examinations were adjusted to align with the new curriculum’s objectives. Below is a comparison of the old and new exam formats for key subjects, highlighting specific changes with illustrative examples.

New Format:

• Paper 1: Maintains the objective test with a focus on language structure and usage.
• Paper 2: Incorporates tasks that assess critical thinking and practical language application, such as situational essays and functional writing.

CHANGES

Increased emphasis on comprehension, critical analysis of texts, and effective communication. Expect questions that require students to analyze and interpret information, not just recall it.

Example Change:

Old format: “Define a noun.”

• Old Format Question: Write an essay on “The Importance of Education.”
• New Format Question: You are the secretary of your school’s Environmental Club. Write a report to the headteacher on a recent tree-planting exercise, highlighting its impact on the school community.

ENGLISH Analysis:

The new format emphasises real-world applications of language skills, requiring students to engage in tasks they are likely to encounter outside the classroom. This approach fosters practical communication abilities and critical thinking and applications of language skills, requiring students to engage in tasks they are likely to encounter outside the classroom. This approach fosters practical communication abilities and critical thinking.

READ: No Cut-Off Point for 2025 BECE School Placement?

The new format emphasizes real-world applications, requiring students to engage in situational writing that mirrors actual tasks they might encounter, thereby enhancing practical communication skills.

OBSERVED CHANGES IN PAPER 2

2023                                                                                                        2024

Write a letter                                                                            Scenario before ‘write a letter’

Narrate an interesting story                                                   Scenario before “write a report’

Write an article for publication                                               Scenario before ‘write an article’

OBJECTIVES

Section E

Indicate missing words / filling the gaps for  a given passage

SECTION F

ORALS (CONSONATS /VOWELS)