In the theory section, you’ll be given five topics including essays and letters. Before choosing one, read through the topics to see which one will be the easiest to write. Essays and letters have different structures and you should never write an essay like a letter!These are some factors you should look out for below.
The Types of Essays/Letter
- Narrative essays: Set primarily in the past, using past tense verbs. Exceptions include direct speech or verbs following ‘to’ or modal verbs. Example: “The Day I Won the School Competition”
- Expository essays: Usually employ present tense. Example: “How Food Shortages Affect the Economy”
- Argumentative essays: Present arguments for or against a position without greetings. Example: “Should Social Media Be Regulated?”
- Debates: Similar to argumentative essays but include greetings and acknowledgments. Example: “The motion for today’s debate is: This House believes that homework should be abolished.”
- Speeches: Set up like a live presentation, including acknowledgment of dignitaries. Example: “The Importance of Youth Empowerment in Nation Building”
Headings and Titles
Unless writing an informal letter, headings are mandatory for all essays. This includes narrative, expository, argumentative essays, debates, and speeches. Formal letters also require a title, placed after the salutation.
Important: The examiner’s question is not your title. Generate a title based on your essay’s theme.
Question Comprehension
After selecting a question, read it thoroughly. Understand exactly what the examiners want. For multi-part questions (e.g., causes and effects), address all parts. Tailor your writing to the question’s requirements. Misinterpreting the question is a critical error, potentially resulting in zero marks!
Planning Your Essay
Before writing, create an outline. Jot down main points for each paragraph. Use this plan throughout your writing process.
Crafting Your Introduction
Keep your intro brief, typically three paragraphs. Declare your essay’s goal or intention in the introduction.
Developing the Essay Body
Write clear, effective paragraphs linked with conjunctions like “firstly,” “secondly,” “also,” “moreover,” “however,” and “in conclusion.” Each paragraph should discuss one point or aspect, explaining it with appropriate examples. Include a topic sentence (usually at the beginning) stating the key point, followed by supporting sentences.
Concluding Your Essay
Like the introduction, keep the conclusion concise. Summarize your main points. For argumentative essays, emphasize your stance. If you’ve identified problems, offer potential solutions.
Language and Style
Use simple, correct English, even when employing literary or colorful expressions. Be cautious of grammatical and structural errors. The markers will penalize language mistakes so proofread your essay carefully before submission to catch and correct any errors or omissions.
Follow these detailed guidelines and examples, and remember, clear communication, proper structure, and attention to detail are key to success in the WAEC English essay section.
