Ferdinand | EducationGhana | July 06 |WASSCE English Tips for SHS 2025: Proven Study and Exam Strategies
Ace your 2025 WASSCE English exam with these expert tips for SHS students. Master essays, summary, grammar, and comprehension with practical strategies.
Understanding the Structure of WASSCE English Paper
WASSCE English Language is made up of three distinct papers, each testing a different aspect of language proficiency:
Overview of Paper 1 (Objective)
80 multiple-choice questions
Covers grammar, idioms, spelling, and comprehension
1 hour 30 minutes
Overview of Paper 2 (Essay Writing)
2 structured essay questions
Choose from various types: narrative, argumentative, descriptive, formal/informal letters
1 hour 30 minutes
Overview of Paper 3 (Comprehension and Summary)
Includes 1 passage for comprehension
1 passage for summary (requires picking out 5–6 points)
1 hour
Importance of English Language in WASSCE and Beyond
English as a Core Requirement for University Admissions
A credit pass in English is mandatory for admission into most tertiary institutions in Ghana and West Africa.
Career Opportunities Tied to English Proficiency
Strong English skills are required in:
Journalism
Law
Banking
International business
Top 10 Study Tips for WASSCE English 2025
1. Master the WAEC English Syllabus
Download the updated WAEC syllabus from the WAEC Ghana website to know exactly what topics to focus on.
2. Practice Grammar and Vocabulary Daily
Use apps like Quizlet or write one sentence per new word daily.
3. Learn the Different Types of Essay Writing
Understand the format for:
Argumentative
Narrative
Descriptive
Expository
Formal and Informal Letters
4. Summarize Passages to Improve Precision
Practice picking main points only using old summary passages.
5. Read English Newspapers and Novels
This improves vocabulary, sentence structure, and awareness of tone.
6. Solve Objective Past Questions Regularly
Target at least 3 full sets per week from past years.
7. Improve Listening and Speaking Skills
Watch interviews or debates. Practice speaking with classmates in English.
8. Time Yourself During Essay Practice
Use a timer: 45 minutes per essay question for efficiency.
9. Review Marking Schemes from WAEC
Understand what examiners expect by studying examiner reports.
10. Avoid Memorized Essays or Introductions
Examiners penalize cliché openings. Be original and relevant.
Essay Writing Section: How to Score High Marks
Understand Each Essay Type
Know the language, tone, and purpose of each type. For example:
Argumentative = Persuasion
Descriptive = Vivid detail
Structure: Introduction, Body, Conclusion
Use clear transitions and maintain paragraphing.
Practice With WAEC Essay Questions
Work on at least two different types weekly and have them marked.
Summary and Comprehension: Tips to Sharpen Skills
How to Pick Relevant Points Quickly
Underline keywords while reading the passage. Look for supporting details, not examples or explanations.
Summarizing Techniques
Rephrase into shorter, complete, simple sentences. Avoid using examples and idioms.
Practice Punctuation and Tenses
Ensure all summary points are:
In the same tense (usually present)
Grammatically correct
Grammar and Objective Section: Avoiding Tricky Questions
Spotting Common Grammatical Errors
Focus on:
Tenses
Sentence fragments
Double negatives
How to Eliminate Incorrect Options
Use logic and substitution method in fill-in-the-blanks.
Subject-Verb Agreement and Idioms
Common WAEC traps:
“Neither… nor” = singular
“Each of the boys has…” not “have”
Common Mistakes SHS Students Make in WASSCE English
Using Informal Language in Formal Essays
Avoid:
“Gonna,” “wanna,” “LOL,” etc.
Missing Out Required Number of Points in Summary
Stick to the exact number (e.g., 5 points = 5 clear sentences).
Poor Spelling and Punctuation
Proofread. Even strong essays lose marks over careless errors.
Teacher-Approved WASSCE English Tips for SHS 2025
SHS English Teacher Recommendations
“Read your essays aloud. You’ll spot most of your grammar errors easily.” – Ms. Serwaa, SHS English Teacher
Real Advice from Past WASSCE English Examiners
“Originality and clarity stand out. Avoid ‘memorized answers’ that sound too rehearsed.” – WAEC Examiner, 2022
Sample Weekly Revision Plan for English Language
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Monday | Grammar worksheet + Vocabulary practice |
| Tuesday | Practice Summary + 2 Objective Sections |
| Wednesday | Write 1 Essay (Descriptive) |
| Thursday | Comprehension passage + review |
| Friday | Objective questions + Spellings |
| Saturday | Essay practice (Argumentative) |
| Sunday | Rest or review weak areas |
Internal Links to SHS & WASSCE English Resources
External Links to WAEC and Language Tools
FAQs on WASSCE English Tips for SHS 2025
Q1: How many essays should I practice before WASSCE?
At least 15–20 across different types.
Q2: Can I use idioms in essays?
Yes—but only in narrative or informal essays.
Q3: What’s the best way to revise vocabulary?
Use flashcards and apply new words in your own sentences.
Q4: Are WAEC questions repeated?
Not exactly—but formats and topics are often similar.
Q5: Should I write my essay in cursive or print?
Use clear, legible handwriting—print is generally preferred.
Q6: Can I combine essay types in one answer?
No. Stick to the required structure and format.
Conclusion: Prepare Smartly to Master WASSCE English
Excelling in WASSCE English 2025 is all about preparation, understanding expectations, and consistent practice. Focus on grammar, develop your essay skills, and read widely. If you follow these expert tips, you’re on your way to scoring that A1 in English.
Subscribe to our newsletter for expert insights on Ghana’s education system: educationghana.org/subscribe 📩 For partnerships and research support, contact: Ellisferdinand@ymail.com or Education.ghana@yahoo.com
OTHER IMPORTANT STORIES
- 5 Transformative Plans by Prof. Mawutor: UPSA’s Visionary Vice Chancellor Takes Charge
Apply Now: UPSA Distance Learning Programmes 2024/25 Academic Year – Flexible Online Education
UPSA Announces Availability of Professional Programmes for 2024/25 Academic Year: Apply Now
UPSA Announces Postgraduate Programmes for the 2024/2025 Academic Year
Undergraduate Programmes Offered at UPSA for the 2024/2025 Academic Year
WAEC Receives GH₵35 Million Boost for WASSCE 2024 Results Processing Amid Challenges
How to write and address any form of Letter to the Ghana Education Service HERE
How to write and address an Application for Car Maintenance Allowance as a Teacher HERE
Check This Out: Top 10 Steps to Register and Write Exams in KATon Computing Training Workshop
Check the SHS Grading System HERE
Download the 2022 basic and SHS Academic Calendar HERECheck This Out:JUST IN: Coalition of Concerned Teachers sacks acting President King Ali Awudu
SEND US YOUR STORIES FOR PUBLICATION VIA WHATSAPP NUMBER0206361048
Get theNaCCA/GES Standard-Based Lesson Plans HERE
Get the Ghana Education ServiceNew Standard–Based Scheme of Learning (SOL)HERE
Get the Ghana Education Service New Standard–Based Curriculum HERE
Get the WAECBECE, WASSCE, NTC Licensure Exam, and Teachers’ Promotion Exam Past Questions HERE
Download the Teachers Guide on SBCand CCP Curriculums HERE
♥Copyright Notice: Content on This Website is Copyright Protected. No Part of this Content should be reproduced without the Consent of the Author(s) or Recognition of the source of the content. © 2025 Ellis Multimedia: EducationGhana.org: All Rights Reserved
Discover more from EducationGhana
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
