WAEC Past Questions

WAEC English 2018
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2018 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
Ready to test yourself? Take the full WAEC English 2018 CBT quiz — timed, just like the real exam.
Start Quiz
1
Question 1 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence: The manager's 'punctuality' is admired, but his assistant's tardiness is ____.

A. lateness
B. promptness
C. efficiency
D. reliability
Explanation

Punctuality means being on time; its opposite is lateness, meaning arriving after the expected time.

2
Question 2 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences: The forgotten fruit in the bowl began to ____ quickly.

A. ripen
B. decay
C. sweeten
D. harden
Explanation

Forgotten fruit typically decays, meaning it rots or spoils.

3
Question 3 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence: He addressed the crowd with remarkable poise. This means that he

A. was nervous and fidgety
B. spoke calmly and confidently
C. shouted loudly
D. avoided eye contact
Explanation

Poise means composure and grace under pressure, indicating calm confidence.

4
Question 4 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is *nearest* in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence: The artist's 'fervent' dedication inspired all who watched.

A. casual
B. passionate
C. reluctant
D. temporary
Explanation

Fervent means showing great intensity of feeling, synonymous with passionate.

5
Question 5 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences: The festival's lively atmosphere ________ the entire town.

A. dull
B. energized
C. quiet
D. subdued
Explanation

Lively means full of energy and activity, best completed by energetic.

6
Question 6 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is *opposite* in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence: The coach was 'tolerant' of minor errors, but intolerant of ____ mistakes.

A. deliberate
B. minor
C. occasional
D. unintentional
Explanation

Tolerant means allowing or permitting; its opposite here contrasts with deliberate errors.

7
Question 7 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences: The bridge required urgent ___________ to prevent collapse.

A. replacement
B. maintenance
C. expansion
D. inspection
Explanation

Maintenance means the process of keeping something in good condition, synonymous with upkeep.

8
Question 8 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is *opposite* in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence: Her 'eager' anticipation turned into ____ disappointment.

A. joyful
B. profound
C. mild
D. reluctant
Explanation

Eager means enthusiastic; opposite is profound disappointment, implying deep negativity.

9
Question 9 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence: The volunteers labored relentlessly through the night. This means that they

A. stopped often to rest
B. worked without pause
C. complained frequently
D. achieved little progress
Explanation

Relentlessly means in a persistent or unyielding manner, without stopping.

10
Question 10 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is *nearest* in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence: The puzzle presented a 'perplexing' challenge to the solvers.

A. easy
B. confusing
C. simple
D. familiar
Explanation

Perplexing means causing confusion or bewilderment, nearest to confusing.

11
Question 11 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is *opposite* in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence: What seemed a 'trivial' matter escalated into a major ____.

A. issue
B. concern
C. detail
D. benefit
Explanation

Trivial means of little importance; opposite is major issue.

12
Question 12 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences: Shareholders eagerly awaited their annual ____ from the company.

A. profits
B. wages
C. dividends
D. bonuses
Explanation

Dividends are payments made by a corporation to its shareholders.

13
Question 13 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence: He acts like he invented the wheel himself. This means that he

A. is truly innovative
B. is overly arrogant
C. needs more practice
D. is humble and kind
Explanation

The idiom implies excessive self-importance or arrogance.

14
Question 14 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is *nearest* in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence: The chef's 'ingenious' recipe wowed the diners.

A. simple
B. clever
C. traditional
D. basic
Explanation

Ingenious means showing cleverness or originality, nearest to clever.

15
Question 15 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences: The soup was so __________ that everyone asked for seconds.

A. bland
B. savory
C. bitter
D. spicy
Explanation

Savory means tasty or appetizing, synonymous with flavorful.

16
Question 16 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is *opposite* in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence: The 'lavish' party was followed by a ____ gathering.

A. modest
B. extravagant
C. grand
D. opulent
Explanation

Lavish means sumptuous or extravagant; opposite is modest, meaning simple.

17
Question 17 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences: The committee decided to ____ the proposal for further review.

A. adopt
B. table
C. endorse
D. implement
Explanation

To table means to postpone or set aside for later discussion.

18
Question 18 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is *opposite* in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence: After learning the 'basics', she advanced to ____ topics.

A. elementary
B. sophisticated
C. preliminary
D. introductory
Explanation

Basics are foundational; opposite is sophisticated, meaning complex.

19
Question 19 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence: You can never be too vigilant around strangers. This means that you

A. should relax completely
B. must always be cautious
C. can trust everyone
D. need to be more outgoing
Explanation

Never too vigilant emphasizes the need for constant caution.

20
Question 20 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is *nearest* in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence: The diplomat was known for his 'suave' demeanor.

A. awkward
B. charming
C. rude
D. nervous
Explanation

Suave means smoothly charming and polite, nearest to charming.

21
Question 21 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences: Neither the teacher nor the students ____ aware of the change.

A. was
B. were
C. is
D. are
Explanation

In 'neither...nor', the verb agrees with the nearer subject, which is plural 'students'.

22
Question 22 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is *opposite* in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence: The 'arrogant' leader contrasted with the ____ follower.

A. proud
B. humble
C. confident
D. bold
Explanation

Arrogant means having an exaggerated sense of superiority; opposite is humble.

23
Question 23 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence: She burned the midnight oil to finish the project. This means that she

A. lit candles for light
B. worked late into the night
C. gave up early
D. took a break
Explanation

Burn the midnight oil is an idiom for working or studying late at night.

24
Question 24 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is *nearest* in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence: The explorer felt an irresistible 'impulse' to venture deeper.

A. hesitation
B. urge
C. plan
D. fear
Explanation

Impulse means a sudden strong urge, nearest to urge.

25
Question 25 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences: She excels ____ mathematics and physics.

A. on
B. at
C. in
D. by
Explanation

Excel at is the correct preposition for skills or subjects.

26
Question 26 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is *opposite* in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence: Following his 'arrival', the family celebrated his ____.

A. departure
B. return
C. journey
D. absence
Explanation

Arrival means coming to a place; opposite is departure, but context fits return as celebration.

27
Question 27 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences: The spices must be ____ before adding to the stew.

A. grinded
B. ground
C. grinding
D. grinds
Explanation

The past participle 'ground' is needed in the imperative passive form.

28
Question 28 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence: If she had studied harder, she would have passed the test. This means that she

A. studied hard and passed
B. didn't study hard and passed
C. studied hard but failed
D. didn't study hard and failed
Explanation

This is a third conditional, indicating a hypothetical past situation that didn't happen.

29
Question 29 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is *nearest* in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence: The fog created a 'hazy' view of the horizon.

A. clear
B. blurry
C. sharp
D. bright
Explanation

Hazy means unclear or misty, nearest to blurry.

30
Question 30 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences: ____ of us knew the answer to the riddle.

A. None
B. Neither
C. Either
D. Both
Explanation

None is used for more than two items implying zero knowledge.

31
Question 31 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is *opposite* in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence: The 'meek' child was overshadowed by his ____ sibling.

A. timid
B. assertive
C. quiet
D. shy
Explanation

Meek means submissive; opposite is assertive, meaning confident.

32
Question 32 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences: The lawyer defended her client with ____ arguments.

A. flimsy
B. compelling
C. weak
D. vague
Explanation

Compelling means powerfully persuasive, fitting for effective defense.

33
Question 33 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

After each of the following sentences, a list of possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence: Spare me the sob story about your excuses. This means the speaker

A. wants emotional tales
B. disbelieves the excuses
C. enjoys hearing complaints
D. sympathizes deeply
Explanation

Sob story is an idiom for a sentimental tale intended to elicit sympathy, often insincere.

34
Question 34 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is *nearest* in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence: His 'opportune' arrival saved the day.

A. late
B. well-timed
C. unwanted
D. accidental
Explanation

Opportune means suitable or at a convenient time, nearest to well-timed.

35
Question 35 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences: The meeting was ____ with applause.

A. opened
B. closed
C. started
D. ended
Explanation

Ended with applause means concluded positively.

36
Question 36 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the words lettered A to D, choose the correct answer: Which word has the stress on the first syllable? A. 'record B. re'cord C. re'covery D. 'develop

A. 'record
B. re'cord
C. re'covery
D. 'develop
Explanation

'Record (noun) has stress on the first syllable.

37
Question 37 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the words lettered A to D, choose the correct answer: What sound does the letter 'C' make in the word (ocean)?

A. /k/
B. /s/
C. /ʃ/
D. /tʃ/
Explanation

In 'ocean', 'c' before 'ean' is pronounced as /ʃ/.

38
Question 38 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the words lettered A to D, choose the correct answer: Which of these words has a diphthong vowel sound?

A. book
B. boat
C. put
D. bed
Explanation

Boat contains the diphthong /əʊ/.

39
Question 39 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the words lettered A to D, choose the correct answer: The word 'photograph' has the primary stress on which syllable?

A. First
B. Second
C. Third
D. Fourth
Explanation

Photograph is stressed on the first syllable as PHO-to-graph.

40
Question 40 of 40
WAEC · English · 2018

From the words lettered A to D, choose the correct answer: Which word contains the /θ/ sound?

A. thin
B. then
C. tin
D. ten
Explanation

Thin has the voiceless dental fricative /θ/.

Now practice in exam mode

You've studied the answers — now test yourself under real exam conditions with the timer running.

Start WAEC English 2018 Quiz
Back to 2018 Start Page