WASSCE Past Questions

How to Prepare for WASSCE 2025 Practical Exams: Insights from Chief Examiner Reports

2nd July 2025

Prepare effectively for WASSCE practicals with guidance from WAEC Chief Examiner Reports. Learn top tips, common pitfalls, and exam-day best practices for science, ICT, and art subjects in 2025.

1.  Know the Syllabus Thoroughly

Chief Examiners across science subjects emphasize familiarizing yourself with the WAEC syllabus. Ensure you:

Understand key practical topics (e.g., titrations in Chemistry, electricity/mechanics in Physics)

Review the theory behind each practical to handle viva questions confidently

2. Regular Hands-On Practice

Consistent practical experience is essential. Chief Examiners recommend:

Frequent lab sessions supervised by teachers

Demonstrations of procedures before students attempt them

For instance, in Chemistry:

Practice titrations, labeling reagents (NaHCO₃, HCl, copper/glucose mixture)

Focus on precise measurements and correct apparatus use

3. Perfect Graph and Table Skills

Physics practicals often involve plotting graphs and interpreting data:

Ensure tables are well-labeled

Read values correctly from instruments

Understand the relationship between variables, such as voltage, current, and resistance

4. Hone Your Biological Drawings & Identifications

Biology practical preparation tips include:

Practice accurate diagrams with proper labeling (e.g., cockroaches, palm fronds)

Understand function and structure

Be able to identify organisms (rats, sweep nets, etc.)

5. Know Your Equipment Inside-Out

Identify and use equipment confidently:

Chemistry: burette, pipette, filter paper, indicators, Bunsen burners

Physics: pendulum, voltmeter, metre rule, stopwatch ✔

Biology: thermometer, quills, sweep nets

6. Prepare for the Viva

Chief Examiner reports stress the importance of the viva voice-over:

Expect follow-up questions on theory, principles, and error sources

Study activity concepts, not just manual steps

7. Emphasize Lab Safety

WAEC warns about chemical and electrical hazards. You must:

Handle acids and reagents carefully

Wear basic PPE (goggles, gloves)

Report accidents immediately

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8. Avoid Common Errors

Chief Examiners highlight pitfalls:

Not reading instructions properly

Inaccuracies in titration or measurement

Careless biological drawings

9. Review Principal Examiner Feedback

Common advice across subjects:

Read questions slowly and thoroughly

Practice organic chemistry and biological drawing

Group study helps identify common mistakes

10. Use Past Practical Papers

Past WAEC practicals and examiners’ reports are goldmines:

Understand question patterns and marking schemes

Learn to interpret specimen lists (chemistry reagents, biology samples)

✅ Final Preparation Checklist

Action Purpose

Revise syllabus & topics Stay focused on key areas

Practice procedures in labs Build confidence and fluency

Labelling & plotting Ensure clarity and accuracy

Viva practice Prepare for questioning

Safety checks Prevent accidents

Past papers Familiarize with exam style

📢 Final Word

Effective preparation for WASSCE practical exams depends on consistent hands-on practice, clear understanding of theory, and adherence to WAEC standards. Parents and teachers are encouraged to support students by: