WAEC Past Questions

WAEC English 2017
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2017 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the one that is *most nearly opposite in meaning* to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence: Michael is *stingy* but his brother is ____.

A. generous
B. kind
C. humane
D. hospitable
Explanation

Generous is the direct antonym of stingy in the context of giving or spending money willingly.

2
Question 2 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes the sentence: He tried to ____ the house mistress by entering the hostel through the back door.

A. reject
B. repel
C. evade
D. deflect
Explanation

Evade means to avoid or escape someone, which fits the context of sneaking past the house mistress.

3
Question 3 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for the sentence: She hit the nail on the head. This means that she ____.

A. missed the target
B. was very accurate
C. caused damage
D. avoided the issue
Explanation

The idiom 'hit the nail on the head' means to be exactly right or very accurate.

4
Question 4 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that is *nearest in meaning* to the underlined word: His *eloquent* speech moved the audience.

A. loud
B. persuasive
C. quiet
D. brief
Explanation

Eloquent means fluent and persuasive in speaking.

5
Question 5 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the one that is *most nearly opposite in meaning* to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap: The leader was *strict* but his deputy was ____.

A. lenient
B. harsh
C. firm
D. rigid
Explanation

Lenient is the opposite of strict; it means tolerant or not severe.

6
Question 6 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes the sentence: The spectators had to endure the heat ____.

A. as they could
B. as best as they could
C. as best they could
D. as they could best
Explanation

The correct idiomatic expression is 'as best they could'.

7
Question 7 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes the sentence: The teacher explained the topic ____ the students could understand.

A. so that
B. because
C. although
D. unless
Explanation

'So that' introduces a purpose clause: explained in order that they could understand.

8
Question 8 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for the sentence: He is burning the midnight oil. This means that he ____.

A. is using too much energy
B. is working late
C. is cooking dinner
D. is resting
Explanation

The idiom means working or studying late into the night.

9
Question 9 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the one that is *most nearly opposite in meaning* to the underlined word and that will correctly fill the gap: Buba was *purposeful* in his search for a job but Bala was rather ____ about his.

A. patient
B. slow
C. lazy
D. casual
Explanation

Casual (not serious or purposeful) is the opposite of purposeful.

10
Question 10 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes the sentence: My sympathies are ____ the victims of the flood.

A. on
B. to
C. with
D. about
Explanation

The correct preposition is 'with': sympathies are with someone.

11
Question 11 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that is *nearest in meaning* to the underlined word: The *vibrant* colors of the painting caught everyone’s eye.

A. dull
B. bright
C. faded
D. dark
Explanation

Vibrant means bright, striking, and full of energy.

12
Question 12 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes the sentence: She ____ the book before the exam.

A. read
B. wrote
C. lost
D. tore
Explanation

The only logical completion is 'read' (past tense of read).

13
Question 13 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for the sentence: The early bird catches the worm. This means that ____.

A. waking up late is beneficial
B. early effort leads to success
C. birds are always hungry
D. worms are easy to catch
Explanation

The proverb means that those who act early gain an advantage.

14
Question 14 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the one that is *most nearly opposite in meaning* to the underlined word and that will correctly fill the gap: The decision was *final* but the committee allowed ____.

A. changes
B. approval
C. confirmation
D. rejection
Explanation

Changes are the opposite of finality in this context.

15
Question 15 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes the sentence: Despite the rain, they ____ to the event.

A. went
B. stayed
C. postponed
D. canceled
Explanation

Despite the rain (adverse condition), they still attended → went.

16
Question 16 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the one that is *most nearly opposite in meaning* to the underlined word and that will correctly fill the gap: Giraffes are *attractive* animals but snakes are ____.

A. repulsive
B. ugly
C. poisonous
D. offensive
Explanation

Repulsive is the direct opposite of attractive.

17
Question 17 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes the sentence: The felling of trees contributes to environmental ____.

A. pollution
B. damage
C. degradation
D. destruction
Explanation

The standard term is 'environmental degradation' caused by deforestation.

18
Question 18 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes the sentence: I had to put up my house as ____ for the bank loan.

A. pledge
B. agreement
C. collateral
D. surety
Explanation

Collateral is property offered as security for a loan.

19
Question 19 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for the sentence: Our mother always warns us against washing our dirty linen in public. This means that she warns us ____.

A. not to discuss private matters in public
B. to fetch enough water for washing
C. not to soil our clothes
D. to keep our mouths shut
Explanation

The idiom means not to reveal private or embarrassing family matters publicly.

20
Question 20 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that is *nearest in meaning* to the underlined word: The Chume’s house caught fire because their little girl had turned on the gas *inadvertently*

A. automatically
B. hurriedly
C. carelessly
D. unintentionally
Explanation

Inadvertently means unintentionally or accidentally.

21
Question 21 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes the sentence: Hardly a day passes by ____ his thinking of her.

A. that
B. without
C. while
D. when
Explanation

The correct expression is 'without + noun/gerund' after 'hardly a day passes'.

22
Question 22 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the one that is *most nearly opposite in meaning* to the underlined word and that will correctly fill the gap: The once *unknown* musician became ____ in a very short time.

A. popular
B. accepted
C. respected
D. admirable
Explanation

Popular (well-known and liked) is the clearest opposite of unknown.

23
Question 23 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes the sentence: The place was quite neat except for ____ on the floor.

A. dirt
B. a dirt
C. dirtiness
D. some dirt
Explanation

Dirt is an uncountable noun; 'some dirt' is the correct form here.

24
Question 24 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for the sentence: Peter and Paul get along like a house on fire. This means that they ____.

A. have a very good relationship
B. are not on speaking terms
C. avoid each other always
D. pretend to like each other
Explanation

The idiom means they get along extremely well.

25
Question 25 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes the sentence: The students’ week was rounded ____ with a dance.

A. off
B. up
C. out
D. down
Explanation

Round off means to complete or finish something pleasantly.

26
Question 26 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes the sentence: She is not the right candidate for the job ____.

A. is she
B. is it
C. was she
D. isn’t it
Explanation

Positive question tag after negative statement: isn’t she → is she.

27
Question 27 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes the sentence: Two boys in the art class were doing self-portraits by looking at ____ in the mirror.

A. oneself
B. each other
C. one another
D. themselves
Explanation

Each boy looks at himself → reflexive pronoun 'themselves'.

28
Question 28 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes the sentence: The task ____ to them was very difficult.

A. giving
B. given
C. give
D. gave
Explanation

Reduced relative clause: The task (that was) given to them.

29
Question 29 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes the sentence: If you don’t get off my property, I’ll set the dog ____ you.

A. off
B. on
C. unto
D. into
Explanation

Set the dog on someone means to order the dog to attack.

30
Question 30 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes the sentence: He would rather resign ____ part in such a dishonest deal.

A. instead of taking
B. than taking
C. than takes
D. than take
Explanation

Prefer/rather + bare infinitive after 'than': would rather resign than take.

31
Question 31 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that is *nearest in meaning* to the underlined word: The accused was asked to retract his *statement.

A. recall
B. withdraw
C. make
D. rewrite
Explanation

Retract means to take back or withdraw a statement.

32
Question 32 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes the sentence: The farmer with his sons ____ millet.

A. grows
B. grow
C. were growing
D. have been growing
Explanation

Subject is singular 'the farmer' (with his sons is a prepositional phrase) → grows.

33
Question 33 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes the sentence: My mother ____ to my leaving the dishes unwashed last night.

A. did not take kind
B. does not take kind
C. did not take kindly
D. does not take kindly
Explanation

Take kindly to something (past event) → did not take kindly.

34
Question 34 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes the sentence: One of the muggers who snatched the handbag ____ been arrested by the police.

A. have
B. was
C. is
D. has
Explanation

'One of the muggers' is singular → has.

35
Question 35 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes the sentence: Each time he opens his mouth, he ____ something foolish.

A. says
B. said
C. saying
D. say
Explanation

Adverbial clause of time (each time, whenever) + present simple.

36
Question 36 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the stress on the first syllable.

A. re'port (verb)
B. de'velop
C. 'record (noun)
D. pre'pare
Explanation

Only 'record (noun) has primary stress on the first syllable.

37
Question 37 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the correct vowel sound in the word cat

A. /eɪ/
B. /æ/
C. /ɑː/
D. /ɪ/
Explanation

The vowel in 'cat' is the short front vowel /æ/.

38
Question 38 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has a schwa sound /ə/ in the second syllable.

A. banana
B. about
C. below
D. apple
Explanation

a'bout → second syllable has /ə/ (schwa).

39
Question 39 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that has the stress on the second syllable.

A. 'present (noun)
B. pre'sent (verb)
C. 'object (noun)
D. ob'ject (verb)
Explanation

pre'sent (verb) and ob'ject (verb) have stress on the second syllable; B and D both do, but B is listed first.

40
Question 40 of 40
WAEC · English · 2017

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes the sentence: Your submission is ____ here nor there.

A. neither
B. either here or there
C. either there nor here
D. neither here nor there
Explanation

The fixed idiom is 'neither here nor there' meaning irrelevant.

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