Are you writing English Language in your NECO (SSCE or GCE) exam this year? The NECO English Language syllabus helps you know where all your NECO English Language questions will be asked from.
You will see the NECO English Language exam structure, full list of syllabus topics, areas of concentration, and study tips on English Language in the NECO exam this year.
- ALSO SEE: HOW TO PASS NECO ENGLISH LANGUAGE EXAM
Let’s begin..
NECO English Language Exam Structure
There will be two papers — Paper 1 and Paper 2 — both of which must be taken.
Paper 1
- 50 multiple-choice questions
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total of 50 marks
- Drawn from the common areas of the syllabus
Paper 2
- It will consist of thirteen essay questions in two sections – Sections A and B
- To be answered in 2½ hours
- 100 marks
- Candidates will be required to answer ten questions in all.
Section A will consist of five compulsory questions, carrying a total of 40 marks. The questions will be drawn from the common areas of the syllabus
Section B will consist of eight questions of greater length and difficulty. The questions will include a maximum of two drawn from parts of the syllabus that may not be specific to candidates’ home countries. Candidates will be expected to answer five questions for a total of 60 marks
See NECO English Language Syllabus
Here are the English Language topics and areas of concentration under each topic, which you must study according to the official NECO syllabus.
1. Lexis
- Idioms
- Structured Element
- Figurative Usage
2. Structure
- The patterns of changes in word-forms which indicate number, tense, degree, etc;
- The patterns in which different categories of words regularly combine to form groups and these groups in turn combine to form sentences;
- The use of structural words e.g. conjunctions, determiners, prepositions, etc.
Section A
3. Essay writing
- Letter
- Speech
- Narration
- Description
- Argument/debate
- Report
- Article
- Exposition
- Creative writing
Section B
4. Comprehension
The questions will test candidates’ ability to:
- Find appropriate equivalents for selected words or phrases
- Understand the factual content
- Make inferences from the content of the passage
- Understand the use of English expressions that reveal/reflect
- sentiments emotions/attitudes
- Identify and label basic grammatical structures, words, phrases or clauses and explain their functions as they appear in the context
- Identify and explain basic literary terms and expressions
- Recast phrases or sentences into grammatical alternatives.
Section C
5. Summary
Candidates will be required to spend 40 minutes on this section. It will consist of one prose passage of about 500 words and will test the candidates’ ability to:
- Extract relevant information
- Summarize the points demanded in clear concise English, avoiding repetition and redundancy
- Present a summary of specific aspects or portions of the passage.
The passage will be selected from a wide range of suitable sources, including excerpts from narratives, dialogues, and expositions on social, cultural, economic, and political issues from any part of the world.
Paper 3
6. Oral English
This section will consist of sixty multiple-choice objective questions on consonants, consonant clusters, vowels, diphthongs, stress and intonation patterns, as well as dialogues and narratives.
Section 1: This will test word-final voiced and voiceless consonants, primarily in isolated words, although other features such as consonant clusters may also be tested.
Section 2: This will test vowel quality in isolated words.
Section 3: This will test vowel quality and consonant contrasts in isolated words.
Section 4: One of the three options below will be used in different years:
- Test of vowel and/or consonant contrasts in sentence contexts
- Test of vowel and consonant contrasts in isolated words- to be selected from a list of at least four-word contrasts
- Test of vowel and consonant contrasts through rhymes.
Section 5: Test of rhymes
Section 6: Test of comprehension of emphatic stress
Section 7: Test of understanding of the content of longer dialogues and narratives.
Smart Study Tips for NECO English Language
To excel in the NECO English Language exam, follow these smart study tips:
- Create a Study Plan: Break down the syllabus into weekly topics and stick to your schedule.
- Group Similar Topics: Studying related topics together (e.g., comprehension and summary) makes them easier to understand.
- Master Definitions and Concepts: Pay close attention to grammar rules, essay formats, and literary terms.
- Practice Regularly: Solve past NECO questions often to get used to the exam style.
- Use the Syllabus: Match each topic you study with the official NECO syllabus to stay focused.
- Time Yourself: When practicing questions, use a timer to build speed and accuracy.
With consistent practice and focus, you can make English Language one of your easiest subjects.
FAQs
Q: Is the NECO English Language syllabus the same as WAEC?
A: They are similar but not the same. Always use the NECO version when preparing for NECO exams.
Q: Where can I download the syllabus PDF?
A: You can get it from syllabus.ng or ask your school to print a copy.
Summary on NECO English Language Syllabus
English Language is a bonus subject if you follow the NECO syllabus and prepare smartly. Use this post as your study guide, cover every topic, and tackle past questions consistently.
Good luck with your preparation!
Leave a Reply