Many students know their subject well but still lose marks in WAEC theory papers. Often the problem is how they answer, not what they know. These tips will help you show what you know and earn the marks.
Read the instructions first
Before you start, check how many questions you must answer and from which sections. Answering the wrong number of questions wastes time you can’t get back.
Let the marks guide you
The marks beside a question tell you how much to write. A question worth 2 marks usually needs a short, direct answer. A question worth more needs more points or more steps. Share out your time in the same way.
Watch the question word
Define: give the exact meaning.
State: give a short, clear point. You don’t need to explain it.
Explain: give the point, then say how or why.
Compare: show how two things are alike and how they differ.
Calculate: show your steps and give the final answer with its unit.
Show your working
In calculation questions, write every step and include the units. If your final answer is wrong, clear working may still earn you some of the marks.
Keep your answers easy to mark
Number your answers the way the question paper does, and use short paragraphs. Make one point at a time. When a question asks for a diagram, draw it neatly and label it clearly.
Practise against model answers
After you answer a practice question, compare your answer with a model answer point by point. Notice what you missed, then try again. This is one of the quickest ways to learn what a good answer looks like.
Leave time to check
Aim to finish a few minutes early. Use that time to check that you have answered every part of each question and to correct any slips.
How GRO Academy can help
On GRO Academy you can practise WAEC objective and theory questions with model answers. The Complete plan adds revision notes class by class and practice papers with an estimated grade. You can try 2 free topics in every subject for 7 days. Explore WAEC SSCE.