English Language is one of the most important and compulsory subjects in the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) conducted by NECO. Whether you’re a science, commercial, or arts student, passing English is crucial for gaining admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. This guide highlights the most frequently asked topicsand provides sample past questions to help you excel in the 2025/2026 NECO English Exam.
Why Study Repeated Topics and Past Questions?
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Focuses your revision on tested areas
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Improves confidence and speed
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Enhances understanding of question patterns
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Prepares you for high performance
Highly Repeated Topics in NECO English Language
NECO English is divided into three main sections:
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Paper I: Objective Questions
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Paper II: Essay and Comprehension
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Paper III: Test of Orals (Oral English)
1. Essay Writing
Essay writing is always featured and carries a lot of marks. Common types include:
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Formal and informal letters
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Narrative essays
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Descriptive essays
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Argumentative essays
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Article writing
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Speech writing
Sample Question:
Write a letter to your state governor suggesting ways to improve the quality of education in your state.
2. Comprehension Passage
Always present in Paper II, it tests understanding, interpretation, and vocabulary usage.
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Reading for meaning
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Drawing inferences
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Explaining expressions in context
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Synonyms and antonyms
Sample Question:
From the passage, explain the phrase “a blessing in disguise.”
3. Summary Writing
You will be asked to summarize a passage in your own words. Skills tested:
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Identifying main points
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Writing concisely
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Avoiding repetition and unnecessary details
Sample Question:
Summarize in 5 sentences the reasons why young people migrate to urban areas.
4. Lexis and Structure (Objective)
Found in Paper I, this tests vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure.
Common focus areas:
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Synonyms and antonyms
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Idiomatic expressions
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Collocations
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Fill-in-the-blank (cloze passages)
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Sentence corrections
Sample Question:
Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word:
The teacher was lenient with the students.
A. harsh
B. kind
C. patient
D. strict
Answer: A
5. Oral English (Paper III)
This tests pronunciation, stress patterns, and phonetic understanding.
Common features:
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Vowel and consonant sounds
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Minimal pairs (e.g., sheep/ship)
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Syllable stress
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Intonation and rhythm
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Consonant clusters
Sample Question:
Choose the word that has a different sound:
A. Chin
B. Church
C. Chef
D. Chair
Answer: C (Chef has a /ʃ/ sound while the others use /ʧ/).
Sample NECO English Objective Questions
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The man was accused of taking what does not belong to him. He was a ______.
A. robber
B. thief
C. criminal
D. fraudster
Answer: B -
Choose the correctly punctuated sentence:
A. She said "I am going home"
B. She said, "I am going home."
C. She said, "I am going home
D. She said "I am going home."
Answer: B -
Replace the underlined word with a suitable synonym:
He was furious when he heard the news.
A. happy
B. surprised
C. angry
D. worried
Answer: C -
Identify the stressed syllable in the word: Education
A. ed-u-CA-tion
B. ED-u-ca-tion
C. ed-U-ca-tion
D. ed-u-ca-TION
Answer: D
Top Tips to Excel in NECO English Exam
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Practice essay writing weekly
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Read newspapers and novels to build vocabulary
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Use past questions to master objective sections
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Watch/listen to English news or podcasts to improve oral skills
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Time yourself during mock tests
FAQs About NECO English Exam 2025/2026
Q1: How many papers are in NECO English Language?
There are three papers:
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Paper I: Objective
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Paper II: Essay, comprehension, and summary
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Paper III: Oral English
Q2: Is summary writing compulsory?
Yes. It is a required section of Paper II and contributes significantly to your total score.
Q3: How can I improve my essay writing?
Practice writing different types of essays weekly. Use bullet outlines, avoid spelling/grammar errors, and read model essays for structure.
Q4: Is Oral English difficult?
Not if you practice sounds, stress, and intonation regularly. Use audio resources or phonetic charts to guide you.
Q5: Are comprehension answers supposed to be in full sentences?
Yes. Always write your answers in complete and correct grammatical sentences.
Conclusion
To pass the NECO English Exam 2025/2026 with flying colors, focus your study on repeated topics, practice past questions, and polish your grammar and writing skills. This guide offers a solid foundation for you to succeed. Consistency and dedication will make the difference—start now and stay ahead!
