As Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates prepare for the 2025 exams, many students are struggling to adapt to the new question format introduced by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA). This guide aims to help candidates understand how to tackle these new types of questions, which require critical thinking, problem-solving, and the application of knowledge.
The introduction of the 2019 NaCCA Common Core Curriculum for junior high schools brought significant changes to the BECE question format. This new style focuses less on direct questions and more on assessing candidates’ ability to think critically and solve problems. Unfortunately, the Ministry of Education (MoE), Ghana Education Service (GES), WAEC, and NaCCA failed to fully prepare students and teachers for these changes. Sample questions were released as late as April 2025, just two months before the exams. This left limited time for effective preparation.
Adding to the challenge, the sample questions provided by WAEC and NaCCA did not include answers, further complicating students’ and teachers’ efforts to understand the format.
We have introduced critical thinking and problem-solving questions in its home and school mock examinations as early as January 2025. These mock exams were designed to familiarize candidates with the new format and improve their ability to answer such questions effectively. Despite these efforts, thousands of BECE candidates still find the new format challenging.
This article provides practical steps and strategies for candidates to succeed in answering these new types of questions.
Steps to Answer the New BECE Questions
1. Understanding the Question
The first and most critical step in answering any question is understanding it thoroughly.
Step 1: Read Carefully
Take your time to read the question. Look for the main idea or problem being presented. Identify key terms or concepts that need to be addressed.
Example Question from Social Studies:
In the Kamkam community, people are falling sick due to water pollution caused by dumping rubbish into the only source of drinking water. Identify the environmental problem and suggest four ways to prevent it.
In this case, the problem is water pollution. To answer effectively, candidates should explain what water pollution is, list some contaminants, and suggest realistic prevention methods.
Step 2: Highlight Keywords
Underline important words or phrases in the question, such as “explain,” “analyse,” or “identify.” This helps to focus on the specific demands of the question.
Example from Religious and Moral Education (RME):
Kojo, a 15-year-old, becomes a father due to poor choices. Identify a virtue that could have prevented this situation and explain its importance.
While the story might seem about teenage pregnancy, the focus is on virtues like chastity. Misinterpreting the question could lead to incorrect answers.
2. Organizing Your Thoughts
Before writing your answer, organize your ideas to ensure clarity and focus.
Step 3: Plan Your Answer
Spend a few minutes creating an outline of your answer. Jot down key points and examples.
Step 4: Break Down the Question
If a question has multiple parts, answer them one at a time. Start with the easier parts to build confidence before tackling the more challenging ones.
3. Answering the Question
Step 5: Apply Relevant Knowledge
Use information from your textbooks or real-life examples to support your answers. For example, if the question mentions names of people or places, include them in your response to make it specific.
Step 6: Be Specific
Avoid vague or general answers. Ensure that every point you make directly relates to the question.
4. Critical Thinking Questions
Step 7: Analyze the Information
For questions that require critical thinking, identify the underlying issues and analyze them based on what you’ve learned.
5. Problem-Solving Questions
Step 8: Understand the Problem
Read the problem carefully, and if necessary, restate it in your own words to clarify your understanding. Identify the actions required to solve the problem and provide clear, logical solutions.
6. Reviewing Your Answers
Step 9: Check Your Work
Always use the last few minutes to review your answers. Correct any mistakes, clarify unclear points, and ensure your responses are complete and well-organized.
Practical Examples to Practice
Example 1: Environmental Science
Ghana’s forests are being depleted due to excessive timber cutting for firewood.
(a) Describe five hazards associated with this environmental issue.
(b) Suggest three renewable energy sources to replace firewood.
(c) Explain why renewable energy is beneficial for Ghana.
Example 2: Integrated Science
During a drought, a community relies on contaminated water sources.
(a) Identify three health risks of drinking such water.
(b) Suggest five measures to prevent future water contamination.
The new BECE question format may seem intimidating, but with proper preparation and practice, candidates can excel. Focus on understanding questions, organizing your answers, and applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Remember to practice using sample questions regularly and seek help from teachers or mentors if you encounter difficulties.
By following these strategies, BECE candidates can approach the 2025 examination with confidence and perform at their best..
