WAEC Syllabus For English Language 2026/2027 PDF Download

The official WAEC Syllabus for English Language for the 2026/2027 SSCE & GCE is out. This syllabus is a document that contains all you need to know about the WAEC English Language subject and the key topics to focus on while preparing for the WASSCE 2026 in May/June.

In this article, you will read comprehensively on the WAEC English Language Syllabus 2026 and also get the PDF document saved into your smartphone or personal computer (PC). Let’s get started with the main content right away.

What Is WAEC English Labguage Syllabus?

The WAEC English Language syllabus is the proper name for the WAEC Curriculum for the English Language subject, and it is a document that contains the topics, focus areas and recommended textbooks WASSCE candidates should make use of for preparing for the upcoming exam.

WAEC English Language Examination Structure

1. The WAEC English Language examination comprises three papers, all of which are compulsory.

• Paper 1: This is an Objective (Multiple Choice) paper consisting of 50 questions, to be answered in 1 hour. It carries 50 marks.
• Paper 2: This is the Essay and Comprehension paper. It lasts 2 hours and carries 100 marks.
• It is divided into three sections:
• Section A: Essay Writing (candidates answer 1 question from a list of options)
• Section B: Comprehension
• Section C: Summary Writing

2. Candidates are required to answer all questions in Sections B and C and one question in Section A.

Paper 3: This is the Test of Orals (Listening and Speaking). It is conducted as a school-based assessment and carries 50 marks. It tests candidates’ ability in listening comprehension, speech sounds, stress, and intonation.

WAEC English Language Objectives 2026

WAEC English Language Objectives

The objectives of the WAEC English Language examination are to:

• Test candidates’ ability to communicate effectively in English
• Assess understanding of written and spoken English
• Evaluate correct usage of grammar, vocabulary, and structure
• Measure writing skills in essays, letters, and summaries
• Examine pronunciation, stress, and intonation in spoken English

WAEC expects candidates to demonstrate clear expression, logical thinking, and accuracy in both written and oral English.

WAEC Syllabus For English Language 2026

Paper	Area	Topic	Detailed Content
Paper 1 Objective Test	Grammar	Parts of Speech	Nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, interjections
	Grammar	Tenses and Aspect	Present, past, future tenses, perfect forms, continuous forms
	Grammar	Concord	Subject verb agreement, agreement in number and person
	Grammar	Sentence Structure	Simple, compound, complex sentences, sentence transformation
	Grammar	Direct and Indirect Speech	Reported speech, question tags, commands
	Vocabulary	Word Meaning	Synonyms, antonyms, contextual meanings
	Vocabulary	Idiomatic Expressions	Idioms, phrasal verbs, collocations
	Vocabulary	Word Formation	Prefixes, suffixes, root words
	Comprehension	Reading Skills	Main ideas, inference, interpretation, author’s intent
	Register	Functional English	Language use in professions, situations, and social contexts
	Figures of Speech	Literary Devices	Metaphor, simile, personification, irony, euphemism, oxymoron
	Mechanical Accuracy	Spelling & Punctuation	Capitalization, punctuation marks, commonly confused words
Paper 2 Essay, Comprehension & Summary	Essay Writing	Narrative Essay	Storytelling with logical sequence, clarity, and creativity
		Descriptive Essay	Describing people, places, events, and objects vividly
		Argumentative Essay	Presenting and defending viewpoints logically
		Expository Essay	Explaining processes, ideas, and concepts clearly
		Reflective Essay	Personal thoughts and life experiences
		Creative Writing	Imaginative and original expression
	Letter Writing	Formal Letters	Applications, official complaints, requests
		Informal Letters	Personal communication with friends and relatives
		Semi-formal Letters	Letters to acquaintances or institutions
		Features	Layout, tone, register, address, salutation, conclusion
	Comprehension	Prose Passage	Literal, inferential, and evaluative questions
		Vocabulary in Context	Meaning of words as used in passages
		Structural Analysis	Grammatical functions of expressions
	Summary Writing	Identification of Key Points	Extracting relevant ideas
		Concise Expression	Writing summaries in clear and correct English
Paper 3 Test of Orals	Phonetics	Pure Vowels	/iː/, /ɪ/, /e/, /æ/, /ɑː/, /ʌ/, /ɒ/, /ɔː/, /ʊ/, /uː/, /ɜː/, /ə/
	Phonetics	Diphthongs	/eɪ/, /aɪ/, /ɔɪ/, /aʊ/, /əʊ/, /ɪə/, /eə/, /ʊə/
	Phonetics	Consonant Sounds	Plosives, fricatives, affricates, nasals, laterals, approximants
	Pronunciation	Minimal Pairs	Sound contrast and distinction
	Stress	Word Stress	Correct syllable emphasis
	Stress	Sentence Stress	Content vs function words
	Intonation	Tone Patterns	Rising, falling, fall-rise tones
	Listening Skills	Comprehension	Understanding spoken passages
	Speech	Clarity	Fluency, articulation, audibility
	Oral Communication	Meaning in Speech	Using speech to convey intention and emotion

Recommended Textbooks for WAEC English Language 2026

S/N	Author(s)	Year	Title of Book	Place of Publication	Publisher
1	Attah, M. O.	2013	Practice in Spoken English for Intermediate and Advanced Learners	Maiduguri	University of Maiduguri Press
2	Bamgbose, A.	2002	English Lexis and Structure for Senior Secondary Schools and Colleges (Revised Edition)	Ibadan	Heinemann
3	Banjo, A. et al.	2004	New Oxford Secondary English Course Book Six for Senior Secondary Schools	Ibadan	UP Plc
4	Caesar, O. J.	2003	Essential Oral English for Schools and Colleges	Lagos	Tonad Publishers Limited
5	Jones, D.	2011	Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary	Cambridge	Cambridge University Press
6	Egbe, D. I.	1996	Mastering English Usage and Communication Skills	Lagos	Tisons
7	Elugbe, B.	2000	Oral English for Schools and Colleges	Ibadan	Heinemann
8	Grant, N. J. H., Nnamonu, S., & Jowitt, D.	1998	Senior English Project 3 (New Edition)	Harlow	Longman
9	Idowu, O. O. et al.	1998	Round-up English: A Complete Guide	Lagos	Longman
10	Idris, U.	2001	Oral English at Your Fingertips for Schools and Colleges	Lagos	M. Youngbrain Publishers
11	Igiligi, E. C. & Ogenyi, S. O.	2010	Grammar and Composition in the G.S.M. Age	Enugu	Joe Hills Production Services
12	Jauro, L. B.	2013	Oral English for Schools and Colleges: A Teaching and Learning Approach	Yola	Paraclete Publishers
13	Nnamonu, S. & Jowitt, D.	1989	Common Errors in English	Lagos	Longman
14	Obinna, M. F.	2001	University Matriculation Use of English (Fourth Edition)	Port Harcourt	Sunray Books Limited
15	Ogunsanwo, O. et al.	2005	Countdown English Language (Revised Edition)	Ibadan	Evans
16	Olatoye, S.	2006	The Silent Teacher	Ado-Ekiti	Segun and Sons Enterprises
17	Oluikpe, B. O. A. et al.	1998	Intensive English for Senior Secondary School 3	Onitsha	Africana – FIRST Publisher
18	Tomori, S. H. O.	2000	Objective Tests for School Certificate English: Practice in Lexis, Structure and Idiom	Ibadan	Heinemann
19	Ukwuegbu, C. et al.	2002	Catch-up English for SSCE/UME	Ibadan	Heinemann

How to Study the WAEC English Language Syllabus Effectively

To succeed in WAEC English Language, students should:

• Study the syllabus topic by topic and track progress
• Practice essay writing regularly and seek corrections
• Read comprehension passages daily to improve speed and understanding
• Learn new words and practice using them in sentences
• Practice oral English sounds using audio resources
• Revise grammar rules consistently and apply them in writing

Consistency and regular practice are key to mastering the subject.

Essay Writing Tips for WAEC English Language 2026

To score high marks in essay writing:

• Understand the question before writing
• Plan your essay with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion
• Use simple, correct English
• Avoid spelling and grammatical errors
• Write within the word limit
• Use appropriate tone and format, especially for letters

Clarity, organization, and correctness are more important than using complex words.

Common Reasons Students Fail WAEC English Language

Many students fail WAEC English Language due to:

• Poor grammar and spelling
• Weak essay organization
• Inadequate preparation
• Poor comprehension skills
• Ignoring oral English
• Failure to follow instructions

Avoiding these mistakes significantly improves the chances of success.

How To Pass with A1 in WAEC English Language 2026/2027

To achieve an A1 grade in WAEC 2026 English Language:

• Master essay and letter writing formats
• Practice oral English sounds regularly
• Read widely to improve vocabulary and comprehension
• Revise grammar rules and apply them correctly
• Attempt all questions and manage time properly

Discipline, practice, and confidence are essential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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