The Use of English is one of the most important subjects in the WAEC and GCE exams. Whether you're preparing for university admission or simply want to boost your overall result, getting a high grade in English is crucial. In 2025, the exam will test candidates’ grammar, comprehension, writing, and oral skills.
This blog provides the official 2025 WAEC & GCE syllabus for Use of English, exam structure, major topics, and powerful exam tips to help you prepare effectively.
Objectives of the Use of English Exam
The Use of English paper aims to assess the candidate’s ability to:
- Understand and interpret written and spoken English
- Communicate ideas effectively in writing
- Apply correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation
- Summarize lengthy passages concisely
- Recognize and produce accurate oral sounds (WAEC only)
WAEC & GCE English Exam Structure (2025)
The exam is divided into three sections:
Paper 1: Objective Test
- 100 multiple-choice questions
- Covers grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and oral English
- Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Paper 2: Theory (Essay, Comprehension & Summary)
- Section A (Essay): One essay from a set of options
- Section B (Comprehension): One prose passage with questions
- Section C (Summary): One passage to summarize in points
- Time: 2 hours
Paper 3: Oral English (WAEC Only)
- Taped test with listening and pronunciation tasks
- Tests vowel/consonant sounds, stress, rhymes, and intonation
- Time: 45 minutes
WAEC & GCE 2025 Syllabus for Use of English
Here’s a breakdown of the topics covered:
1. Essay Writing
- Narrative, descriptive, expository, and argumentative essays
- Formal and informal letter writing
- Speech writing, article writing, report writing
- Organization: introduction, body, conclusion
- Grammar and coherence are essential
2. Comprehension
- Interpreting main ideas
- Inferring meaning
- Identifying grammatical functions
- Answering direct and inferential questions
3. Summary Writing
- Extracting main points from passages
- Using clear and concise sentences
- Avoiding repetition and irrelevant content
- Proper paragraphing
4. Lexis and Structure
- Vocabulary: synonyms, antonyms, idioms
- Grammar: tenses, parts of speech, sentence types
- Sentence transformation: active/passive, direct/indirect speech
- Use of connectives and punctuation
5. Oral English (WAEC Only)
- Vowel and consonant sounds
- Word and sentence stress
- Intonation patterns
- Minimal pairs and rhymes
- Correct pronunciation of English words
Recommended Textbooks
- Countdown to English by Evans
- Exam Focus: English Language
- WAEC/GCE Past Questions & Answers
- New Oxford Secondary English Course
WAEC & GCE 2025 Exam Tips for Use of English
1. Master Essay Writing
- Always plan your essay before writing
- Stick to one idea per paragraph
- Avoid grammar mistakes and informal language
- Practice writing past WAEC essay questions
2. Read Comprehension Passages Carefully
- Skim for the main idea, then scan for answers
- Don’t lift answers word-for-word—use your own words
- Check spelling and grammar in your responses
3. Build Your Vocabulary
- Learn 5–10 new words daily
- Practice with flashcards or vocabulary apps
- Use words in sentences to retain meaning
4. Study Past Questions Regularly
- Focus on areas where you struggle
- Time yourself when practicing full papers
- Review correct answers to understand mistakes
5. Practice Oral English (For WAEC)
- Watch BBC/CNN news or English documentaries
- Use pronunciation apps or phonetics guides
- Practice differentiating similar sounds and stress patterns
6. Revise Grammar Rules
- Focus on verb tenses, concord, punctuation, and modifiers
- Review basic grammar with helpful YouTube tutorials
- Practice correcting wrong sentences
7. Practice Summary Writing
- Focus only on the points that directly answer the question
- Use clear and short sentences
- Avoid explanations, examples, and repetition
8. Manage Time Effectively
- Allocate time per section during the exam
- Start with your strongest section
- Keep time to review and correct mistakes
FAQs: WAEC & GCE Use of English 2025
Q1: Is Oral English part of the exam for both WAEC and GCE?
A: Oral English is compulsory for WAEC candidates but may not be included in GCE, depending on your center.
Q2: How many essays do I need to write?
A: You are required to write one essay out of several options.
Q3: Can I use bullet points in summary writing?
A: No. Use complete sentences and proper paragraphing as instructed in the question.
Q4: Is past question practice necessary?
A: Yes. It helps you understand the exam structure, question patterns, and time management.
Q5: What is the pass mark for Use of English?
A: WAEC does not publish a specific pass mark, but scoring at least 50% increases your chances of getting credit (C6 and above).
Conclusion
Success in the 2025 WAEC & GCE Use of English exam starts with understanding the syllabus and practicing intentionally. Focus on essay writing, grammar, comprehension, and summary skills. If you're writing WAEC, also work on your oral English. Use the recommended materials, solve past questions, and follow the exam tips in this guide to prepare effectively.
With consistent effort, you can achieve the result you desire. Start now and aim for distinction!
