6
Topics
2
Papers (Language + Literature)
1.2×
Weight
Topic Breakdown
Based on BECE past paper frequency analysis (2010–2024)
- Reading for main idea and supporting details
- Inference and implied meaning
- Vocabulary in context
- Tone and purpose of a passage
- Answering in complete sentences
- Summarising passage content
Exam tip: Always answer in your OWN words unless asked to quote. Copy-paste answers score zero.
- Argumentative essays (for/against structure)
- Narrative essays (storytelling with time sequence)
- Descriptive essays (sensory details)
- Letter writing (formal & informal format)
- Speech writing (address, body, closing)
- Report writing
Exam tip: Plan your essay for 5 minutes before writing. A well-structured 3-paragraph essay scores higher than a long disorganised one.
- Identifying the main idea
- Selecting key supporting points
- Eliminating irrelevant detail
- Writing concisely (usually in a fixed number of points or words)
- Correct paragraph structure
Exam tip: The number of points asked for is the number of marks available. Never write more — extra points are ignored but they waste your time.
- Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, word families)
- Grammar (tenses, subject-verb agreement, articles, prepositions)
- Sentence structure (active/passive voice, direct/indirect speech)
- Figurative language (similes, metaphors, idioms, proverbs)
- Punctuation and spelling
Exam tip: Idiomatic expressions and proverbs appear regularly. Learn 20–30 common ones and understand their exact meanings.
- Elements of prose (plot, character, theme, setting)
- Elements of poetry (rhyme, rhythm, imagery, mood)
- Elements of drama (dialogue, stage directions, conflict)
- Identifying literary devices
- Set texts (varies by year — confirm with your teacher)
Exam tip: Even if you haven't read the set text, literary device questions can still be answered with general knowledge.
- Word stress and syllabification
- Rhyming words
- Silent letters
- Phonemic symbols (basic)
- Intonation (rising/falling)
- Minimal pairs
Exam tip: This section is often rushed. Allocate 10 minutes and do it carefully — it's the easiest marks on the paper.
Exam Strategy
How to approach the English paper
-
1
Read instructions carefully for each section — marks are lost for not following them
-
2
Spend 5 minutes planning essays and summaries before writing
-
3
In comprehension, locate the answer in the passage before writing — don't guess from memory
-
4
Check grammar and spelling in the last 5 minutes
-
5
Write legibly — unclear handwriting can cost marks
YouTube Resources
Curated free video resources for BECE English Language
BBC Learning English
youtube.com/@bbclearningenglish
World's best free English learning channel. Excellent for grammar, vocabulary, and idioms. Episodes are short (5–15 mins) and focused.
Watch on YouTube →
BECE English Past Questions
YouTube Search
Ghanaian tutors solving actual BECE English papers. Great for understanding how answers are marked.
Watch on YouTube →
Essay Writing for BECE
YouTube Search
Structured essay writing guidance targeted at BECE candidates in Ghana.
Watch on YouTube →
Comprehension Techniques
YouTube Search
How to approach and answer comprehension questions systematically.
Watch on YouTube →
Summary Writing BECE
YouTube Search
Step-by-step summary writing with actual BECE examples.
Watch on YouTube →
Lexis & Structure
YouTube Search
Grammar, vocabulary, and idioms for the BECE lexis & structure section.
Watch on YouTube →
Other Subject Guides
Explore topic breakdowns for other BECE subjects
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