WAEC Past Questions

WAEC English 2024
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2024 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

In each of the following sentences, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the word 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. Abdul's contribution at the meeting was seen by many as "invaluable" but the chairman said it was ...............

A. insincere
B. useless
C. impossible
D. preposterous
Explanation

"Invaluable" means extremely useful or valuable. The opposite is "useless," which fits the context of the chairman disagreeing with the positive assessment.

2
Question 2 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences. The incumbent chairman won the election by a ............ of twenty votes.

A. surplus
B. consensus
C. space
D. margin
Explanation

"Margin" refers to the difference in votes between the winner and the runner-up, making it the most appropriate term for an election victory by a specific number of votes.

3
Question 3 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

After each of the following sentences, a list of two possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence. He spoke with a heavy heart.

A. He was sad
B. He was angry
C. He was tired
D. He was happy
Explanation

The idiom "heavy heart" idiomatically means feeling deep sadness or sorrow, indicating an emotional burden.

4
Question 4 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

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 "diligent" student always completes her assignments on time.

A. lazy
B. hardworking
C. careless
D. slow
Explanation

"Diligent" means showing care and effort in one's work, which is synonymous with "hardworking," emphasizing consistent and thorough application.

5
Question 5 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

In each of the following sentences, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the word 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. The boy may be "culpable" but the other is surely ...............

A. innocent
B. ignorant
C. accountable
D. honest
Explanation

"Culpable" means deserving blame or guilty. The opposite is "innocent," which contrasts the potential guilt of one boy with the clear lack of blame for the other.

6
Question 6 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences. Since all items on the agenda had been discussed, the meeting was ...............

A. dismissed
B. suspended
C. adjourned
D. dissolved
Explanation

"Adjourned" means to suspend proceedings until a later time, which is the standard term used to end a meeting after completing its agenda.

7
Question 7 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

After each of the following sentences, a list of two possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence. The project was a drop in the ocean.

A. The project was very significant
B. The project was insignificant
C. The project was delayed
D. The project was costly
Explanation

The idiom "a drop in the ocean" means something very small or insignificant in comparison to what is needed or expected.

8
Question 8 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

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 "eloquent" speech impressed the audience.

A. boring
B. fluent
C. rude
D. short
Explanation

"Eloquent" means expressing ideas in a fluent and persuasive manner, closely synonymous with "fluent" in the context of effective speech.

9
Question 9 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

In each of the following sentences, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the word 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. Our class teacher used to be "rigid" in his opinions but he is now ............ of other people's views.

A. wary
B. critical
C. apprised
D. tolerant
Explanation

"Rigid" means inflexible or unyielding. The opposite is "tolerant," which implies openness and acceptance of differing views.

10
Question 10 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences. The police explained that all the aggrieved persons should seek ............... in the court of law.

A. redress
B. litigation
C. address
D. restoration
Explanation

"Redress" means the act of setting right a wrong, typically through legal means, fitting the context of seeking remedy in court.

11
Question 11 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

After each of the following sentences, a list of two possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence. She turned a deaf ear to his pleas.

A. She listened carefully
B. She ignored him
C. She was confused
D. She was amused
Explanation

The idiom "turn a deaf ear" means to deliberately ignore or refuse to listen to someone's requests or advice.

12
Question 12 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

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 "reluctant" boy refused to join the game.

A. eager
B. hesitant
C. happy
D. willing
Explanation

"Reluctant" means unwilling or hesitant to do something, directly synonymous with "hesitant" in this context of refusal.

13
Question 13 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

In each of the following sentences, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the word 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. Some workers were quite "affable" at the meeting but their leader was rather ...............

A. guarded
B. cautious
C. suspicious
D. antagonistic
Explanation

"Affable" means friendly and easy to talk to. The opposite is "antagonistic," implying hostility or opposition.

14
Question 14 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences. Our principal has a large ............... of cows.

A. gang
B. herd
C. skein
D. flock
Explanation

"Herd" is the collective noun specifically used for a group of cattle or cows.

15
Question 15 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

After each of the following sentences, a list of two possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence. The news hit him like a ton of bricks.

A. The news was light
B. The news was shocking
C. The news was expected
D. The news was quiet
Explanation

The idiom "hit like a ton of bricks" means to shock or surprise someone greatly and suddenly.

16
Question 16 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

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 "vibrant" colors of the painting caught everyone’s attention.

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

"Vibrant" means full of energy and life, synonymous with "bright" when describing vivid and lively colors.

17
Question 17 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

In each of the following sentences, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the word 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. The driver believed he would be "castigated" by all the passengers but he was ...............

A. encouraged
B. exonerated
C. commended
D. released
Explanation

"Castigated" means severely reprimanded. The opposite is "exonerated," meaning cleared of blame or accusation.

18
Question 18 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences. The first storey building in Nigeria stands as a historic ...............

A. effigy
B. artefact
C. monument
D. edifice
Explanation

"Edifice" refers to a large, imposing building, fitting the description of a historic first storey building.

19
Question 19 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

After each of the following sentences, a list of two possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence. He is a man of few words.

A. He talks a lot
B. He is quiet
C. He is loud
D. He is confused
Explanation

The phrase "a man of few words" means someone who speaks little and is reserved or taciturn.

20
Question 20 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

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. She showed "compassion" towards the homeless man.

A. cruelty
B. sympathy
C. anger
D. indifference
Explanation

"Compassion" means sympathetic pity and concern for the suffering of others, synonymous with "sympathy."

21
Question 21 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

In each of the following sentences, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the word 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. The manager was "eulogized" for his speech while his assistant was ...............

A. discouraged
B. criticized
C. appraised
D. denounced
Explanation

"Eulogized" means praised highly. The opposite is "criticized," indicating negative judgment.

22
Question 22 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences. I returned from the vacation refreshed and ...............

A. rejuvenated
B. revived
C. reloaded
D. remodelled
Explanation

"Rejuvenated" means restored to a younger or more vital condition, perfectly pairing with "refreshed" after a vacation.

23
Question 23 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

After each of the following sentences, a list of two possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence. The decision was a bitter pill to swallow.

A. The decision was easy to accept
B. The decision was hard to accept
C. The decision was quick
D. The decision was ignored
Explanation

The idiom "a bitter pill to swallow" means something unpleasant or difficult to accept, like bad news.

24
Question 24 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

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 "fragile" vase broke easily.

A. strong
B. delicate
C. heavy
D. sturdy
Explanation

"Fragile" means easily broken or delicate, directly synonymous with "delicate" in describing vulnerability.

25
Question 25 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

In each of the following sentences, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the word 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. Some people are "generous" towards strangers, while others are ............ towards them.

A. indifferent
B. sympathetic
C. nasty
D. mean
Explanation

"Generous" means willing to give freely. The opposite is "mean," implying stinginess or unwillingness to share.

26
Question 26 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences. She was advised to see a ............... because she had an unusual skin disease.

A. cardiologist
B. dermatologist
C. gynaecologist
D. ophthalmologist
Explanation

A "dermatologist" specializes in skin diseases, making it the appropriate medical expert for this condition.

27
Question 27 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

After each of the following sentences, a list of two possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence. She has a green thumb.

A. She is good at gardening
B. She is jealous
C. She is skilled
D. She is rich
Explanation

The idiom "green thumb" means having a natural talent for gardening or growing plants.

28
Question 28 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

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 "persistent" efforts paid off in the end.

A. occasional
B. continuous
C. lazy
D. weak
Explanation

"Persistent" means continuing firmly or steadily, synonymous with "continuous" in describing unrelenting efforts.

29
Question 29 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

In each of the following sentences, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the word 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. The baby who had all along been "calm" suddenly became ...............

A. restless
B. hungry
C. angry
D. cheerful
Explanation

"Calm" means peaceful and quiet. The opposite is "restless," indicating agitation or inability to stay still.

30
Question 30 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences. The doctor's ............... was that the patient was suffering from cancer.

A. diagnosis
B. prognosis
C. analysis
D. prescription
Explanation

"Diagnosis" is the identification of the nature of an illness by examination, fitting the doctor's determination of cancer.

31
Question 31 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

After each of the following sentences, a list of two possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence. He burned the midnight oil.

A. He slept early
B. He worked late
C. He was tired
D. He was lazy
Explanation

The idiom "burn the midnight oil" means to work or study late into the night.

32
Question 32 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

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 "benevolent" king helped the poor.

A. cruel
B. kind
C. selfish
D. greedy
Explanation

"Benevolent" means well-meaning and kindly, synonymous with "kind" in the context of helping the poor.

33
Question 33 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

In each of the following sentences, there is one underlined word and one gap. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the word 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. While Ade is ............, his wife is quite self-effacing.

A. aggressive
B. lousy
C. conceited
D. unfriendly
Explanation

"Self-effacing" means modest and reticent. The opposite is "conceited," implying excessive pride or vanity.

34
Question 34 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences. The team worked together with great ............... to finish the project.

A. effort
B. harmony
C. rivalry
D. tension
Explanation

"Harmony" means agreement or concord, describing cooperative and unified teamwork.

35
Question 35 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

After each of the following sentences, a list of two possible interpretations is given. Choose the interpretation that is most appropriate for each sentence. The plan fell through.

A. The plan succeeded
B. The plan failed
C. The plan changed
D. The plan grew
Explanation

The idiom "fall through" means to fail or not succeed as planned.

36
Question 36 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

From the words lettered A to D, choose the correct answer. Which syllable is stressed in the word "develop" as a verb? A. First (DE-velop) B. Second (de-VELOP) C. Third D. Fourth

A. First (DE-velop)
B. Second (de-VELOP)
C. Third
D. Fourth
Explanation

As a verb, "develop" is a two-syllable word with primary stress on the second syllable: de-VELOP, following the pattern for many two-syllable verbs.

37
Question 37 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

From the words lettered A to D, choose the correct answer. The word "promise" has its stress on the _________ syllable. A. First B. Second C. Third D. Fourth

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

"Promise" is stressed on the first syllable: PROM-ise, as is common for nouns derived from verbs in this pattern.

38
Question 38 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

From the words lettered A to D, choose the correct answer. Which of these words contains a fricative sound? A. Pin B. Thin C. Tin D. Run

A. Pin
B. Thin
C. Tin
D. Run
Explanation

A fricative sound is produced by forcing air through a narrow channel, like /θ/ in "thin," which is a voiceless dental fricative.

39
Question 39 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

From the words lettered A to D, choose the correct answer. In the word "comfortable," the stress is on the _________ syllable. A. First B. Second C. Third D. Fourth

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

"Comfortable" has four syllables with primary stress on the first: COM-for-ta-ble, typical in British English pronunciation used in WAEC contexts.

40
Question 40 of 40
WAEC · English · 2024

From the words lettered A to D, choose the correct answer. Which phonetic symbol represents a nasal sound? A. /s/ B. /m/ C. /f/ D. /t/

A. /s/
B. /m/
C. /f/
D. /t/
Explanation

/m/ is a bilabial nasal consonant, produced with air flowing through the nose, characteristic of nasal sounds.

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