WAEC Past Questions

WAEC Commerce 2020
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2020 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

What is the primary focus of commercial activities?

A. Manufacturing products
B. Enabling exchange of goods and services
C. Storing raw materials
D. Consuming resources
Explanation

Commercial activities primarily involve the exchange, distribution, and facilitation of trade in goods and services between producers and consumers, distinguishing commerce from production (manufacturing) or consumption.

2
Question 2 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

Which feature best describes a sole trader’s business?

A. Shared ownership
B. Complete control by one person
C. Limited liability
D. Public share offerings
Explanation

A sole trader, or sole proprietorship, is owned and managed by one individual who has complete control over decision-making, bears all risks and profits, unlike shared ownership in partnerships or limited liability in companies.

3
Question 3 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

The document that legally establishes a company’s existence is called?

A. Deed of Partnership
B. Certificate of Incorporation
C. Company Bylaws
D. Share Prospectus
Explanation

The Certificate of Incorporation is issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) upon registration, serving as legal proof that the company exists as a separate legal entity under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA).

4
Question 4 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

Which of the following is a source of finance for a small business?

A. Sale of debentures
B. Personal savings
C. Public share issuance
D. Government bonds
Explanation

Personal savings, or owner's equity, is a common internal source of finance for small businesses due to its accessibility without interest or external approvals, unlike debentures, shares, or bonds which suit larger entities.

5
Question 5 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

The process of attracting customers through product promotion is called?

A. Pricing
B. Advertising
C. Distribution
D. Production
Explanation

Advertising is a promotional tool in the marketing mix that communicates product benefits to potential customers via media to create awareness, stimulate demand, and influence purchasing decisions.

6
Question 6 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

Which of the following is a service provided by commercial banks?

A. Issuing currency notes
B. Granting overdrafts
C. Regulating trade policies
D. Printing cheques
Explanation

Commercial banks provide short-term credit facilities like overdrafts, allowing account holders to withdraw beyond their balance up to a limit, as part of their lending services; issuing currency is a central bank function.

7
Question 7 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

A document listing goods supplied and their prices is known as?

A. Receipt
B. Invoice
C. Waybill
D. Order form
Explanation

An invoice is a commercial document issued by the seller to the buyer, detailing the goods or services supplied, quantities, prices, and total amount due for payment. (Option B was originally 'Proforma invoice', which is a preliminary quote, not for supplied goods; replaced for validity.)

8
Question 8 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

Which market structure features differentiated products?

A. Perfect competition
B. Monopoly
C. Monopolistic competition
D. Oligopoly
Explanation

Monopolistic competition involves many sellers offering similar but differentiated products (e.g., via branding), allowing some price control, unlike perfect competition's homogeneous products or monopoly's single seller.

9
Question 9 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

The term “CPT” in international trade stands for?

A. Carriage Paid To
B. Cost Paid Transfer
C. Carriage and Port Tax
D. Cost and Port Tariff
Explanation

CPT is an Incoterm (International Commercial Terms) where the seller pays for carriage to the named destination, but risk transfers to the buyer once goods are handed to the carrier.

10
Question 10 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

Which of the following is a function of a retailer?

A. Financing wholesalers
B. Selling to final consumers
C. Manufacturing goods
D. Bulk purchasing
Explanation

Retailers break bulk from wholesalers and sell in small quantities directly to end consumers for personal use, bridging the gap in the distribution channel.

11
Question 11 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

A business established to provide services to its members is called?

A. Sole proprietorship
B. Cooperative society
C. Public corporation
D. Partnership
Explanation

A cooperative society is member-owned and operated to provide goods/services at cost, promoting mutual benefit, unlike profit-driven sole proprietorships or partnerships.

12
Question 12 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

Which of the following is a benefit of effective advertising?

A. Reduces product demand
B. Builds customer loyalty
C. Increases production costs
D. Limits market competition
Explanation

Effective advertising fosters brand recognition and trust, encouraging repeat purchases and long-term customer loyalty, enhancing market share over time.

13
Question 13 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

The body responsible for overseeing banking activities in Nigeria is?

A. SEC
B. CBN
C. CAC
D. NAFDAC
Explanation

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) regulates and supervises banks to ensure financial stability, monetary policy implementation, and consumer protection in the banking sector.

14
Question 14 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

Which of the following is a feature of a debit card?

A. Offers interest-free credit
B. Deducts directly from account
C. Requires collateral
D. Allows unlimited borrowing
Explanation

A debit card links directly to the user's bank account, deducting funds immediately upon transaction, unlike credit cards which extend credit.

15
Question 15 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

The process of keeping goods safe until needed is called?

A. Transportation
B. Warehousing
C. Marketing
D. Production
Explanation

Warehousing involves storing goods in safe facilities to protect them from damage, theft, or spoilage until demand requires distribution, aiding inventory management.

16
Question 16 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

Which of the following is a type of property insurance?

A. Life assurance
B. Building insurance
C. Marine insurance
D. Health insurance
Explanation

Building insurance covers physical structures against perils like fire or collapse, as a form of property insurance; marine covers transit risks, life/health are personal.

17
Question 17 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

The legal document that outlines a partnership’s terms is called?

A. Certificate of Incorporation
B. Deed of Partnership
C. Company Bylaws
D. Memorandum of Association
Explanation

The Deed of Partnership is a written agreement detailing partners' rights, duties, profit-sharing, and dissolution terms, legally binding under partnership law.

18
Question 18 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

Which of the following is a feature of a private company?

A. Unlimited shareholders
B. Restricted share transfer
C. Public share issuance
D. Government control
Explanation

Private companies limit share transfers to maintain control among founders/shareholders, with no public invitation to subscribe shares, unlike public companies.

19
Question 19 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

Goods used in the manufacturing process are known as?

A. Consumer goods
B. Commercial goods
C. Industrial goods
D. Durable goods
Explanation

Industrial goods are raw materials, components, or machinery used by manufacturers in production, distinct from consumer goods bought for personal use.

20
Question 20 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

A document that confirms the transport of goods by sea is called?

A. Airway bill
B. Bill of lading
C. Proforma invoice
D. Consignment note
Explanation

The Bill of Lading serves as a receipt, contract of carriage, and title document for sea shipments, issued by the carrier to the shipper.

21
Question 21 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

The main goal of a manufacturers’ association is to?

A. Control consumer prices
B. Promote industry interests
C. Issue public shares
D. Provide consumer loans
Explanation

Manufacturers' associations lobby for favorable policies, standardize practices, and advocate for industry growth, protecting collective interests against external threats.

22
Question 22 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

Which of the following is a characteristic of a supermarket?

A. Sells specialized products
B. Offers self-service
C. Operates in small spaces
D. Provides bulk sales only
Explanation

Supermarkets feature self-service where customers select goods from open shelves, reducing staff costs and enabling wide variety in large spaces.

23
Question 23 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

A document that confirms payment for goods is called?

A. Invoice
B. Receipt
C. Order form
D. Delivery note
Explanation

A receipt is issued by the seller upon payment, acknowledging the transaction and serving as proof for the buyer, unlike an invoice which requests payment.

24
Question 24 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

Which of the following is a function of the capital market?

A. Providing short-term loans
B. Facilitating share trading
C. Issuing currency
D. Accepting deposits
Explanation

The capital market enables long-term financing through trading of shares, bonds, and securities on exchanges like the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

25
Question 25 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

The term “after-sales service” refers to?

A. Promoting a product
B. Providing support post-purchase
C. Setting product prices
D. Distributing goods
Explanation

After-sales service includes warranties, repairs, and customer support to enhance satisfaction, build loyalty, and encourage future purchases post-transaction.

26
Question 26 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

Which of the following is a type of business risk?

A. Natural disaster
B. Market competition
C. Consumer preferences
D. Employee performance
Explanation

Natural disasters represent insurable physical risks that can disrupt operations, damage assets, or halt production, a key category in business risk management. (All options are risks, but A exemplifies a common external peril.)

27
Question 27 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

A market where shares and bonds are traded is called?

A. Commodity market
B. Capital market
C. Retail market
D. Money market
Explanation

The capital market deals in long-term securities like shares and bonds for investment and corporate financing, contrasting with the money market's short-term instruments.

28
Question 28 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

Which of the following is a role of a customs service?

A. Issuing currency
B. Collecting import duties
C. Regulating stock markets
D. Providing loans
Explanation

Customs services enforce border controls, collect tariffs and duties on imports/exports, and facilitate legitimate trade while preventing smuggling.

29
Question 29 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

The term “carriage inwards” refers to?

A. Cost of transporting goods sold
B. Cost of transporting goods purchased
C. Cost of storing goods
D. Cost of promoting goods
Explanation

Carriage inwards is the transportation cost borne by the buyer to receive purchased goods, added to the cost of goods sold in accounting.

30
Question 30 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

Which of the following is a feature of a multiple shop?

A. Sells one product type
B. Operates under one brand
C. Offers personal services
D. Sells in bulk only
Explanation

Multiple shops, or chain stores, operate branches under a unified brand for consistency, economies of scale, and centralized management (e.g., Shoprite).

31
Question 31 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

A document that proves goods are stored in a warehouse is?

A. Bill of entry
B. Warehouse warrant
C. Bill of lading
D. Consignment note
Explanation

A warehouse warrant is a document issued by the warehouseman certifying ownership and storage of goods, often used as collateral for loans.

32
Question 32 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

Which of the following is an advantage of a public limited company?

A. Quick decision-making
B. Access to large capital
C. Complete privacy
D. Unlimited liability
Explanation

Public limited companies can raise substantial capital through public share issues on stock exchanges, enabling expansion, unlike private entities with limited funding sources.

33
Question 33 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

The term used to describe goods sent back to a supplier is?

A. Returns inward
B. Returns outward
C. Carriage forward
D. Carriage paid
Explanation

Returns outward are goods returned by the buyer to the supplier due to defects or excess, reducing the buyer's purchase cost in accounting records.

34
Question 34 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

Which of the following is a role of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria?

A. Promoting exports
B. Ensuring product quality
C. Collecting taxes
D. Issuing currency
Explanation

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) sets and enforces quality standards for products to protect consumers, promote fair trade, and enhance competitiveness.

35
Question 35 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

A business that extracts raw materials from nature is part of the?

A. Primary industry
B. Secondary industry
C. Tertiary industry
D. Commercial industry
Explanation

Primary industries involve extraction and production of raw materials (e.g., mining, agriculture), forming the base of the economic chain before processing.

36
Question 36 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

Which of the following is a form of sales promotion?

A. Public relations
B. Buy-one-get-one-free offer
C. Personal selling
D. Advertising
Explanation

Sales promotions like buy-one-get-one-free are short-term incentives to boost immediate sales and clear inventory, part of the promotional mix distinct from advertising or PR.

37
Question 37 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

The term “liquid capital” refers to?

A. Long-term assets
B. Cash and easily convertible assets
C. Total revenue
D. Total expenses
Explanation

Liquid capital, or liquidity, includes cash and assets quickly convertible to cash (e.g., marketable securities) to meet short-term obligations without loss.

38
Question 38 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

Which of the following is a feature of a cooperative society?

A. Profit maximization
B. Member ownership
C. Unlimited liability
D. Public share issuance
Explanation

Cooperatives are democratically owned and controlled by members who share profits based on participation, focusing on service rather than profit maximization.

39
Question 39 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

A document used to confirm goods dispatched is called?

A. Invoice
B. Advice note
C. Quotation
D. Receipt
Explanation

An advice note (or dispatch note) informs the buyer of goods shipped, including details for verification upon receipt, preceding the invoice.

40
Question 40 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2020

Which of the following is a function of the marketing department?

A. Managing finances
B. Conducting market research
C. Recruiting staff
D. Producing goods
Explanation

The marketing department researches consumer needs, analyzes market trends, and develops strategies to identify opportunities and target audiences effectively.

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