WASSCE English Composition is one of the most important components of the WASSCE English Language exam. In order to pass the exam, you need to be able to express yourself coherently and communicate effectively in writing.
The composition section of the exam requires you to write a well-structured essay on a given topic or theme. Here are some tips on how to solve WASSCE English Composition questions.
Understand the question
The first step in solving WASSCE English Composition questions is to understand the question. Read the instructions carefully and make sure you understand what is required of you.
Identify the key words and phrases in the question, such as “discuss,” “explain,” “evaluate,” “contrast,” “compare,” and “critique.” These words will give you clues about how to structure your essay.
Choose a suitable topic
The next step is to choose a suitable topic for your essay. Your topic should be relevant to the question and interesting to you. Brainstorm ideas and write them down.
Select the best idea and develop it into a thesis statement. Your thesis statement should be a clear and concise summary of your argument.
Plan your essay
Before you start writing your essay, plan it out. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that your essay is well-structured. Make a list of the main points you want to make in your essay.
Then, arrange them in a logical order. This will help you to create a clear and coherent essay.
Write your introduction
The introduction is the first part of your essay. It should grab the reader’s attention and introduce the topic of your essay. Start with a hook, such as a quote or a statistic, to engage the reader.
Then, provide some background information on the topic. Finally, end your introduction with your thesis statement.
Write your body paragraphs
The body paragraphs of your essay should provide evidence to support your thesis statement. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea and provide evidence to support it.
Use examples, statistics, and quotes to support your argument. Make sure that your evidence is relevant to your thesis statement.
Write your conclusion
The conclusion is the final part of your essay. It should summarize your main points and restate your thesis statement. Do not introduce new ideas in your conclusion. Instead, provide a final thought or call to action. This will help to leave a lasting impression on the reader.
Proofread your essay
After you have finished writing your essay, proofread it carefully. Look for errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Make sure that your sentences are clear and concise. If possible, ask someone else to read your essay and provide feedback.
Example of WASSCE English Composition question
Write an essay on the topic “The Effects of Social Media on Society.”
Introduction: The use of social media has become widespread in today’s society. It has changed the way we communicate and interact with each other.
Body: The effects of social media on society can be both positive and negative. On the positive side, social media has made it easier to connect with people from different parts of the world.
It has also provided a platform for people to share their ideas and opinions. However, social media has also been blamed for causing addiction, cyberbullying, and the spread of fake news.
Conclusion: In conclusion, social media has had a significant impact on society. While it has many benefits, it is important to be aware of its negative effects and use it responsibly.
When it comes to the WASSCE English Composition, the body paragraphs should contain well-structured arguments that support your ideas.
You can use examples from personal experiences, books, or even current events to strengthen your arguments. It is important to ensure that each paragraph has a clear connection to the thesis statement and to the main idea of the essay.
A good way to ensure that your paragraphs are well-structured is to use the TEEL structure. This means that each paragraph should have a topic sentence, evidence, explanation, and a link back to the thesis statement.
The topic sentence introduces the main point of the paragraph, the evidence provides support for the point, the explanation elaborates on the evidence, and the link back to the thesis statement connects the paragraph to the main idea of the essay.
Example of a TEEL structure paragraph:
Topic sentence: The importance of education in modern society cannot be overstated.
Evidence: According to a recent study, countries with higher literacy rates have lower rates of poverty and higher levels of economic growth.
Explanation: This is because education provides individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to participate in the economy and make informed decisions.
Link back to the thesis: This shows that education is a vital component of modern society and should be prioritized by governments and individuals alike.
Conclusion
The conclusion is the final paragraph of your essay and should be used to summarize your arguments and restate your thesis statement in a clear and concise manner. It should not introduce any new information but should provide a sense of closure to the reader.
One effective way to end your essay is to provide a final thought or statement that encourages the reader to think about the topic in a broader context. This could be a call to action or a question that encourages the reader to continue thinking about the topic.
In conclusion, the ability to write a good essay is a valuable skill that can be learned and improved with practice. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can improve your chances of success in the WASSCE English Composition.
Remember to read the prompt carefully, plan your essay, develop your ideas with well-structured paragraphs, and conclude your essay with a clear and concise statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
In summary, passing the WASSCE English Composition requires adequate preparation and practice. It is important to read widely, pay attention to grammar and sentence structure, and follow the instructions carefully. With consistent practice and the application of the tips outlined in this guide, you can improve your chances of success in the WASSCE English Composition.
READ ALSO: Mastering Elective Mathematics: Tips for Passing with Flying Colors