WAEC Past Questions

WAEC Commerce 2022
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2022 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

What is the main objective of commerce?

A. To produce goods
B. To facilitate trade
C. To store raw materials
D. To consume services
Explanation

Commerce encompasses all the activities involved in the buying and selling of goods and services, aiming to bridge the gap between producers and consumers, thereby facilitating efficient trade and exchange.

2
Question 2 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

Which of the following is a characteristic of a sole proprietorship?

A. Limited liability
B. Ownership by one person
C. Public ownership
D. Separate legal entity
Explanation

A sole proprietorship is a business owned and operated by a single individual who bears full responsibility for profits and losses, with no legal distinction between the owner and the business.

3
Question 3 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

The document that certifies the formation of a company is called?

A. Articles of Association
B. Memorandum of Association
C. Certificate of Incorporation
D. Partnership Agreement
Explanation

The Certificate of Incorporation is issued by the registrar of companies upon successful registration, serving as legal proof that the company has been formally created and can commence business.

4
Question 4 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

Which of the following is a source of finance for a public limited company?

A. Trade credit
B. Share capital
C. Bank overdraft
D. Hire purchase
Explanation

Share capital is raised by issuing shares to the public through stock exchanges or initial public offerings, providing long-term funding unique to public limited companies.

5
Question 5 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

The process of creating awareness about a product is known as?

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

Promotion is a key element of the marketing mix, involving advertising, sales promotions, public relations, and other activities to inform and persuade potential customers about the product.

6
Question 6 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

Which of the following is a function of a central bank?

A. Accepting deposits from customers
B. Controlling monetary policy
C. Providing personal loans
D. Financing retail businesses
Explanation

The central bank manages the nation's monetary policy by controlling money supply, interest rates, and inflation to ensure economic stability, a role not performed by commercial banks.

7
Question 7 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

A document issued to request a price list from a supplier is called?

A. Invoice
B. Quotation
C. Inquiry
D. Receipt
Explanation

An inquiry is a formal request sent by a buyer to a supplier seeking information such as prices, terms, and availability of goods before placing an order.

8
Question 8 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

Which market structure is characterized by few sellers controlling the market?

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

Oligopoly features a small number of large firms dominating the market, often leading to interdependent pricing and strategic behavior among competitors.

9
Question 9 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

The term “EXW” in international trade stands for?

A. Export Without Charges
B. Ex Works
C. Extra Warehouse
D. Export With Charges
Explanation

Ex Works (EXW) is an Incoterm where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer assumes all risks and costs of transport from that point.

10
Question 10 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

Which of the following is a role of a retailer?

A. Financing wholesalers
B. Selling in small quantities
C. Producing goods
D. Bulk buying
Explanation

Retailers break the bulk by purchasing in larger quantities from wholesalers and selling in smaller units to individual consumers, providing convenience and variety.

11
Question 11 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

A business owned by members for mutual benefit is called?

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

A cooperative society is voluntarily formed by individuals to meet common economic, social, and cultural needs through jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprises.

12
Question 12 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

Which of the following is a disadvantage of advertising?

A. Increases product awareness
B. Encourages competition
C. High cost
D. Improves product quality
Explanation

Advertising can be very expensive, particularly for small businesses, as it requires significant investment in media, creative development, and distribution channels.

13
Question 13 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

The body responsible for regulating company activities in Nigeria is?

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

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is responsible for the registration, regulation, and supervision of companies and business names in Nigeria under the Companies and Allied Matters Act.

14
Question 14 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

Which of the following is a feature of a savings account?

A. Allows unlimited withdrawals
B. Earns interest
C. Provides credit facilities
D. Requires collateral
Explanation

Savings accounts are designed for accumulating funds and earn interest on the deposited amount, though they may have withdrawal limits to encourage saving.

15
Question 15 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

The process of moving goods from producers to consumers is called?

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

Distribution involves the physical movement and handling of goods through channels from producers to intermediaries and ultimately to end consumers.

16
Question 16 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

Which of the following is a type of fire insurance?

A. Consequential loss insurance
B. Life assurance
C. Marine insurance
D. Motor insurance
Explanation

Consequential loss insurance covers the financial losses resulting from business interruption due to fire, complementing standard fire insurance policies.

17
Question 17 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

The agreement that outlines the terms of a partnership is called?

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

The Partnership Deed is a written agreement detailing the partners' rights, duties, profit-sharing ratios, and other terms to avoid future disputes.

18
Question 18 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

Which of the following is a feature of a public corporation?

A. Profit maximization
B. Government ownership
C. Limited liability for shareholders
D. Restricted share transfer
Explanation

Public corporations are statutory bodies owned and controlled by the government to provide essential services, often with a focus on public welfare rather than profit.

19
Question 19 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

Goods purchased for personal use are referred to as?

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

Consumer goods are final products bought by individuals for personal or household use, such as food, clothing, and appliances.

20
Question 20 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

A document that serves as a contract of carriage for goods by sea is?

A. Bill of lading
B. Invoice
C. Receipt
D. Waybill
Explanation

The Bill of Lading is a legal document issued by the carrier to the shipper, acting as a receipt for goods, evidence of the contract of carriage, and document of title.

21
Question 21 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

The main aim of a manufacturers’ association is to?

A. Regulate prices
B. Promote members’ interests
C. Issue shares
D. Provide loans
Explanation

Manufacturers' associations, as trade groups, work to protect and advance the collective interests of members through lobbying, standard-setting, and information sharing.

22
Question 22 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

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

A. Sells a variety of goods
B. Operates under centralized management
C. Offers personal services
D. Sells in bulk
Explanation

Multiple shops, or chain stores, are managed centrally with standardized policies, pricing, and operations across multiple locations for efficiency and brand consistency.

23
Question 23 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

A document issued to confirm payment has been made is called?

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

A receipt is proof of payment provided by the seller to the buyer, acknowledging that the transaction amount has been received.

24
Question 24 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

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

A. Trading in securities
B. Providing short-term funds
C. Issuing shares
D. Accepting long-term deposits
Explanation

The money market facilitates the borrowing and lending of short-term funds (up to one year) through instruments like treasury bills and commercial paper.

25
Question 25 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

The term “product differentiation” refers to?

A. Making a product unique
B. Setting a product price
C. Distributing a product
D. Packaging a product
Explanation

Product differentiation involves creating real or perceived differences in products to make them stand out from competitors, often through features, branding, or quality.

26
Question 26 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

Which of the following is a type of speculative risk?

A. Fire outbreak
B. Price fluctuation
C. Equipment breakdown
D. Employee injury
Explanation

Speculative risks involve the possibility of gain or loss, such as price fluctuations in commodities or stocks, unlike pure risks which only result in loss or no loss.

27
Question 27 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

A market where financial instruments are traded is called?

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

The capital market is a financial market for trading long-term debt or equity-backed securities, such as stocks and bonds, to raise capital for businesses.

28
Question 28 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

Which of the following is a function of a port authority?

A. Regulating road transport
B. Managing seaports
C. Issuing driver’s licenses
D. Controlling air traffic
Explanation

Port authorities oversee the operation, maintenance, and regulation of seaports, including cargo handling, security, and infrastructure development.

29
Question 29 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

The term “carriage outwards” refers to?

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

Carriage outwards is the expense incurred by the seller to transport goods to the buyer, treated as a selling expense in accounting.

30
Question 30 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

Which of the following is a feature of a mail-order business?

A. Sells through physical stores
B. Operates via catalogs
C. Offers bulk purchases
D. Requires face-to-face selling
Explanation

Mail-order businesses sell products through printed or online catalogs, with orders placed by mail, phone, or internet, and delivery directly to customers.

31
Question 31 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

A document that authorizes the release of goods from a port is?

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

The Bill of Entry is a customs document used by importers to declare goods for clearance, authorizing their release upon payment of duties.

32
Question 32 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

Which of the following is a disadvantage of a public limited company?

A. Limited liability
B. Access to large capital
C. Loss of privacy
D. Quick decision-making
Explanation

Public limited companies must disclose financial statements and operations publicly, leading to a loss of privacy compared to private businesses.

33
Question 33 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

The term used to describe goods returned to a supplier is?

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

Returns outward refer to goods returned by the buyer to the supplier due to defects or errors, recorded as a reduction in purchases.

34
Question 34 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

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

A. Regulating exports
B. Ensuring product quality
C. Collecting import duties
D. Promoting tourism
Explanation

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) develops and enforces standards for products to ensure quality, safety, and consumer protection.

35
Question 35 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

A business that manufactures goods is part of the?

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

The secondary industry involves the processing and manufacturing of raw materials into finished goods, such as in factories and assembly lines.

36
Question 36 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

Which of the following is a type of direct marketing?

A. Telemarketing
B. Sales discount
C. Public relations
D. Advertising
Explanation

Telemarketing is a direct marketing method where sales representatives contact potential customers via telephone to promote products or services.

37
Question 37 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

The term “fixed capital” refers to?

A. Money used for daily operations
B. Assets used repeatedly in production
C. Total revenue
D. Total expenses
Explanation

Fixed capital consists of long-term assets like machinery, buildings, and equipment that are used repeatedly in the production process over multiple periods.

38
Question 38 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

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

A. Profit maximization
B. Democratic management
C. Unlimited liability
D. Public share issuance
Explanation

Cooperative societies operate on democratic principles, with each member having one vote regardless of their investment, ensuring equal participation in decision-making.

39
Question 39 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

A document used to notify a buyer of goods dispatched is called?

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

An advice note informs the buyer that goods have been dispatched, including details like quantity and expected delivery, separate from the invoice.

40
Question 40 of 40
WAEC · Commerce · 2022

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

A. Recruiting staff
B. Managing funds
C. Promoting products
D. Producing goods
Explanation

The finance department handles financial planning, budgeting, cash flow management, investment decisions, and reporting to ensure the organization's financial health.

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