2026 WAEC GCE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ANSWER


COMPREHENSION PART

(6a)
Their needs prompt them. Where there are many languages, people choose to speak one or more of them depending on what they need the languages for.

(6b)
The influence of the speakers. The language of the most influential people, the 'shakers and movers' of the society, is usually raised to official status.

(6ci)
it is the language of upward mobility.

(6cii)
it is the language of international communication.

(6d)
The foreign language is rated higher because it is used in the most important areas of the society. It is also the language of wider communication, and it is more widely used in the outside world than the local language.

(6e)
It is dangerous because youths who consider their mother tongue unfashionable will begin to borrow foreign words into it. They may eventually abandon it completely. When all its speakers die off, the language dies with them.

(6f)
The author is in favour of preserving indigenous languages. He is against letting them die out, as shown by 'This should not be allowed to happen!'

(6g)
Personification.

(6hi)
It is an adjectival (relative) clause.

(6hii)
It qualifies (describes) the noun 'monolinguals', telling us which people use the local language.

(6j)
(i) veritable: genuine
(ii) influential: powerful
(iii) guise: pretence
(iv) fashionable: trendy
(v) looming: impending

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SUMMARY PART

(7a)
-Fashion is a silent form of communication that reveals a person's personality, background and style, and influences how others treat that person.
-Although fashion covers accessories and attitude, it is mostly about clothing, which may be required by certain professions, linked to ethnic groups, or favoured at a particular time and place.
-Fashion, once reserved for royalty and the wealthy, is now open to ordinary people, especially youths, who are driven by celebrities and social media influencers.
-Fashion keeps changing and spreading across the world, and it can also reflect a people's cultural heritage.
-Fashion harms the youth when they become obsessed with it, neglect their studies and imitate celebrities blindly.

(7b)
The youth should strike a balance between being fashionable and remaining decent, without desperately trying to impress anyone.


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ESSAY PART

(1)
THE IMPORTANCE OF AN EFFICIENT RAIL SYSTEM IN NIGERIA

The Need for an Efficient Rail System in Nigeria

An efficient rail system is one of the most important means of transportation in any developing country. In Nigeria, where transportation plays a vital role in economic development, an efficient railway system is necessary for the movement of people and goods from one part of the country to another. The government should therefore invest more resources in the development and maintenance of railway transportation.

Firstly, an efficient rail system promotes economic development. It enables farmers, traders and manufacturers to transport their goods from production centres to markets at a relatively low cost. This helps to increase business activities, improve productivity and encourage economic growth in the country.

Secondly, it reduces the pressure on roads. Nigeria's roads are often congested, especially in major cities such as Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. When more people use trains, the number of vehicles on the roads will decrease. This will reduce traffic congestion and make transportation easier and faster.

Thirdly, an efficient railway system helps to reduce road accidents. Trains can transport a large number of passengers at a time, thereby reducing the number of private cars and commercial vehicles on the highways. Since railway transportation is generally safer than road transportation, it can help to reduce the rate of accidents and loss of lives.

Furthermore, an efficient rail system creates employment opportunities for citizens. People can be employed as train drivers, engineers, technicians, security officers, ticket inspectors and railway administrators. The construction of railway lines and stations also provides jobs for construction workers and other professionals. This will help to reduce unemployment in the country.

In addition, railway transportation promotes national integration. It connects different towns, cities and regions, allowing people from different ethnic groups and cultural backgrounds to interact freely. This encourages unity, cooperation and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

Another important benefit is that it encourages industrial development. Industries require reliable and affordable transportation to move raw materials to factories and finished products to consumers. An efficient railway system can meet these needs and encourage investors to establish more industries in the country.

Moreover, rail transportation can help to reduce the cost of transporting goods and passengers. Trains can carry heavy loads and many passengers in a single journey. This makes transportation more economical and can help to reduce the prices of goods and services.

An efficient rail system also promotes tourism. Tourists can travel conveniently to different parts of the country to visit historical sites, cultural festivals, national parks and other attractions. This will increase government revenue, create employment and improve the country's image.

In addition, railway transportation can reduce environmental pollution. Trains, particularly electric trains, can produce fewer emissions per passenger or tonne of goods than many road vehicles. This can help to protect the environment and improve the quality of life of citizens.

Finally, an efficient rail system promotes rural development. Railway lines connecting rural communities with urban centres will enable farmers to sell their produce easily, while rural dwellers will have better access to schools, hospitals and other social amenities.

In conclusion, an efficient rail system is essential for Nigeria's economic growth and national development. The government should construct more railway lines, maintain existing tracks, provide modern trains and ensure adequate security at railway stations. If these measures are properly implemented, railway transportation will contribute significantly to the progress and prosperity of Nigeria.

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(2)
12, Abiola Street,
Lagos State, Nigeria.
17th October, 2026.

Dear Chidi,

ADVICE ON YOUR UNSUCCESSFUL SCHOLARSHIP INTERVIEW

How are you and the rest of your family? I hope you are all doing well. I received the news that you were unsuccessful in your recent scholarship interview, and I felt very sorry for you. I know how much effort you put into preparing for the interview and how important the scholarship was to you. However, I want you to understand that failure is not the end of life. Instead, it should serve as a lesson that will help you perform better in future interviews.

First and foremost, one of the mistakes you might have made was inadequate preparation. It is possible that you did not research enough about the organisation offering the scholarship, its aims and objectives, and the requirements for the award. Interviewers usually expect candidates to have sufficient knowledge of the scholarship they are applying for. Therefore, I advise you to gather relevant information about the organisation and practise answering possible interview questions before attending another interview.

Secondly, you might have demonstrated poor communication skills during the interview. Perhaps you spoke too quietly, stammered unnecessarily or failed to express your ideas clearly. Good communication is essential because it helps interviewers understand your abilities, confidence and ambitions. To improve in this area, you should practise speaking English regularly, participate in debates and engage in discussions with your teachers and classmates. You should also learn to answer questions clearly and directly.

Thirdly, you might have dressed improperly for the interview. Appearance creates a first impression, and interviewers often expect candidates to dress neatly and formally. Wearing dirty, casual or unsuitable clothes may give the impression that a candidate is not serious about the opportunity. In future, ensure that you wear clean, properly ironed and appropriate clothes. You should also maintain good personal hygiene and present yourself in a respectable manner.

Another possible mistake is lack of confidence. You may have appeared nervous, avoided eye contact or allowed fear to prevent you from giving suitable answers. Confidence helps candidates present their qualifications and achievements effectively. Therefore, you should practise mock interviews with your friends, teachers or family members. This will help you overcome nervousness and develop the courage to face interviewers.

Furthermore, you might have given poor answers to some of the questions asked. Perhaps you provided irrelevant information, gave incomplete answers or failed to support your statements with convincing examples. To avoid this, listen carefully to every question before answering. Think briefly about your response and provide clear, honest and relevant answers. Never pretend to know something you do not know.

Finally, you might have arrived late for the interview or failed to organise your documents properly. Punctuality and proper organisation show responsibility and seriousness. In future, plan your journey ahead of time and arrange all necessary documents, such as certificates, identification cards and application forms, in a file before leaving home.

In conclusion, my dear friend, do not allow this disappointment to discourage you from pursuing your dreams. Many successful people experienced failure before achieving their goals. Learn from your mistakes, work harder and prepare better for the next opportunity. I strongly believe that you will succeed if you remain determined and focused.

Please extend my greetings to your parents. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours sincerely,
John Gidi.


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(3)
12, Abiola Street,
Port Harcourt, Rivers State,
Nigeria,
17th October, 2026.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Dear Sir,

LETTER ON THE OUTBREAK OF A NEW POULTRY DISEASE IN MY LOCALITY

I wish to draw your attention to the outbreak of a new poultry disease in my locality, which has caused serious concern among poultry farmers and residents. The disease has spread rapidly among chickens in several poultry farms, resulting in the death of many birds and heavy financial losses. I am writing to inform you of the situation, explain its effects and appeal to your office for urgent intervention to prevent further damage.

First and foremost, one of the major effects of the disease is the death of a large number of poultry birds. Many farmers have reported that their chickens suddenly become weak, lose their appetite and die within a short period. This has reduced the number of birds available for sale and production. If the disease is not brought under control immediately, it may spread to neighbouring farms and cause even greater losses. Therefore, I appeal to your ministry to send veterinary doctors to examine the affected birds, identify the disease and recommend appropriate treatment and preventive measures.

Secondly, the outbreak has resulted in serious financial losses for poultry farmers. Many farmers have invested substantial amounts of money in purchasing chicks, poultry feed, vaccines and other equipment. Unfortunately, the sudden death of their birds has caused some of them to lose their capital. Others are unable to repay loans obtained from banks and cooperative societies. If this situation continues, some poultry farmers may be forced to close their businesses, thereby increasing unemployment and poverty in the community. I therefore request that the government provide emergency financial assistance or affordable loans to affected farmers to enable them to recover from their losses.

Thirdly, the disease has caused a shortage and increase in the prices of poultry products, particularly eggs and chicken meat. Poultry products are important sources of protein for many families. As the number of healthy birds decreases, the supply of eggs and meat also declines. Consequently, their prices may rise beyond the reach of low-income earners. This could worsen the nutritional problems of people in the locality. I urge your ministry to work with veterinary experts to control the outbreak and restore normal poultry production as quickly as possible.

In addition to these effects, the outbreak has created fear and uncertainty among poultry farmers, who are worried that their remaining birds may also become infected. There is therefore an urgent need for public enlightenment on poultry hygiene, disease prevention and the safe disposal of dead birds. Farmers should be educated on the importance of disinfecting poultry houses, restricting unnecessary movement of birds and reporting unusual deaths to veterinary authorities immediately.

In view of the seriousness of this situation, I respectfully appeal to your office to send a team of veterinary experts to investigate the outbreak without delay. I also request that appropriate vaccines, medicines and disinfectants be supplied where necessary. Furthermore, the ministry should organise an emergency meeting with poultry farmers to educate them on effective disease-control measures.

I strongly believe that prompt intervention by your ministry will prevent the disease from spreading further and protect the livelihoods of poultry farmers in our locality. I hope that this appeal will receive your urgent and favourable consideration.

Thank you for your anticipated assistance.

Yours faithfully,
John Gidi.

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(4)
DON'T COUNT YOUR CHICKENS BEFORE THEY ARE HATCHED

Arthur sat at his dusty workbench, staring at the glossy flyer for the annual Tri-County Woodworking Exhibition. The grand prize was ten thousand dollars, a sum that felt like a fortune to a modest, self-employed carpenter. For weeks, Arthur had been meticulously crafting a walnut dining table. It was, by all accounts, a masterpiece. The wood had a deep, swirling grain that shone like liquid amber under the workshop lights, and the joinery was completely flawless. He had spent countless late nights sanding the surface until it felt as smooth as glass.

As the deadline approached, Arthur's confidence swelled into absolute certainty. He looked at his creation and convinced himself that there was simply no way anyone else in the county could produce something of this caliber. He began to envision the golden trophy sitting on his fireplace mantelpiece and, more importantly, the prize money resting comfortably in his bank account.

That evening, over dinner, Arthur leaned across the table and smiled warmly at his wife, Martha. 'Pack your bags, my dear,' he declared grandly. 'As soon as the judges announce the results this coming Saturday, we are booking that two-week luxury cruise to the Caribbean you've always dreamed about.' Martha laughed gently, assuming he was just being playful, but Arthur was entirely serious. He could already feel the warm island breeze.

The next morning, his sense of certainty only deepened. He walked into the local machinery store and placed a hefty, non-refundable deposit on a high-end, computerized lathe machine that he had eyed for years. It cost five thousand dollars. When the shop owner asked if he was absolutely sure he could afford the remaining balance by Monday, Arthur chuckled confidently. 'Don't worry, Bill. I have a major windfall coming my way this weekend. Just hold it for me.'

Later that afternoon, Arthur ran into his neighbor, Tom, at the town diner. Feeling incredibly generous and wealthy in advance, Arthur insisted on paying for Tom's lunch and even covered the meals of two strangers sitting at the counter. He openly bragged about his upcoming victory, describing the walnut table in vivid detail and explaining how the prize money would revitalize his small business. Tom offered a polite but cautious nod. 'It sounds wonderful, Arthur, but shouldn't you wait until the judges actually look at the pieces?' Arthur waved his hand dismissively. 'Talent is talent, Tom. The competition is just a formality at this point.'

Saturday arrived, bright and clear. The community center was packed with spectators and eager participants. Arthur walked into the hall with his chest puffed out, confidently scanning the room. He barely glanced at the other entries as he made his way to his assigned display spot. He stood proudly beside his walnut table, waiting for the adoration he felt he rightly deserved.

Finally, the head judge took the microphone at the front of the stage. Arthur adjusted his collar and took a half-step forward, fully ready to walk up and claim his reward. 'And the grand prize goes to...' the judge paused for dramatic effect, '...Eleanor Vance, for her reclaimed barnwood rocking chair!'

The room erupted into loud applause. Arthur froze in place. His heart dropped instantly into his stomach. He blinked rapidly, looking around the room as if there had been a terrible mistake. He walked over to Eleanor's display. Her rocking chair was an absolute marvel of engineering and artistry - fluid, ergonomic, and breathtakingly unique, made entirely from historic timber rescued from an old local landmark. It had a story, character, and soul that made his technically perfect dining table look ordinary and uninspired by comparison.

Arthur walked out of the community center in a silent daze, the heavy weight of his premature decisions crashing down on him. The Caribbean cruise was now a complete impossibility. The expensive lathe machine was an unbearable financial anchor around his neck, and he would lose his hefty deposit because he could not pay the remaining balance. Worst of all, he would have to face Tom and the other townsfolk to whom he had so loudly and foolishly boasted.

As he sat alone in his quiet workshop that evening, looking at his beautiful but unrewarded table, Arthur finally understood the profound wisdom behind the old saying. He had counted his chickens long before the first shell had even cracked, and now he was left with nothing but an empty wallet and a very painful lesson in humility.

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(5)
DEBATE: DISCIPLINE IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS

I am speaking FOR the motion.

Mr Chairman, the panel of judges, the timekeeper, the co-debaters, ladies and gentlemen, good day.

I stand before you today to strongly support the motion which states that discipline is the key to success. I firmly believe that discipline is an essential quality that every individual must possess to achieve success in life. Without discipline, talent, intelligence and opportunities may be wasted. Therefore, I will like to convince you with some important reasons why discipline is the key to success.

First and foremost, discipline promotes hard work and dedication. Every successful person must be willing to work hard and remain committed to achieving their goals. A disciplined student, for example, attends classes regularly, completes assignments and studies hard for examinations. Such a student is more likely to obtain good results than one who spends all their time playing and neglecting schoolwork. This clearly shows that discipline helps people to remain focused on their responsibilities.

Secondly, discipline helps people to manage their time effectively. Time is a valuable resource that cannot be recovered once it is wasted. A disciplined person plans their daily activities and ensures that important tasks are completed at the appropriate time. For instance, a student who follows a proper timetable will have enough time for reading, resting and carrying out other activities. On the other hand, an undisciplined student may spend too much time on social media and eventually perform poorly in examinations.

Thirdly, discipline encourages obedience to rules and regulations. In schools, workplaces and society, rules are established to maintain order and promote peaceful coexistence. Students who obey school rules are more likely to enjoy a peaceful learning environment. Similarly, workers who follow the rules of their organisations are more likely to earn the respect of their employers and colleagues. Therefore, discipline promotes responsibility and good behaviour, which are important ingredients for success.

Furthermore, discipline helps individuals to overcome challenges and temptations. Success does not come easily, and people often face difficulties on their way to achieving their goals. A disciplined person does not give up easily when faced with obstacles. Instead, such a person remains determined and continues working towards the desired result. For example, a successful athlete must follow a strict training programme, maintain a healthy diet and avoid habits that could affect performance.

In addition, discipline promotes financial responsibility. A disciplined person knows how to save money, control unnecessary spending and plan for the future. Such a person is less likely to waste money on things that are not important. Through proper financial management, individuals can establish businesses, acquire property and improve their standard of living.

Moreover, discipline promotes good leadership. A disciplined leader leads by example, respects others and makes responsible decisions. Such a leader is more likely to gain the trust and cooperation of the people. This is why discipline is important in government, business, education and other areas of human activity.

Finally, discipline helps to build good character. It teaches honesty, patience, self-control and respect for others. These qualities enable individuals to maintain good relationships and earn the respect of society.

Mr Chairman, distinguished judges, ladies and gentlemen, from the points I have presented, it is clear that discipline plays a major role in achieving success. Although talent, intelligence and opportunities are important, they cannot produce lasting results without discipline and commitment.

In conclusion, I strongly affirm that discipline is indeed the key to success. Every student, parent, teacher, worker and leader should cultivate the habit of discipline in their daily lives. If we want to succeed as individuals and develop our nation, we must learn to be disciplined in our thoughts, words and actions.

With these few points, I hope I have been able to convince you that discipline is the key to success.

Thank you.


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SECTION B: COMPREHENSION — ANSWERS

(a) Shorebirds have dark-coloured backs and lighter-coloured bellies.

(b)
(i) Flocking in large groups protects birds from predators because the large number of watchful eyes makes it easier to detect danger in time.

(ii) A solitary bird is more vulnerable to attacks by predators.

(c) It means that watching hundreds or thousands of birds flying together in coordinated movements is a beautiful and impressive sight.

(d) A single bird usually initiates the movement, which quickly spreads to the other birds.

(e) A shorebird needs to prepare for a long flight over an ocean because it cannot swim or rest on the water and must carry enough energy to complete the journey.

(f) The birds' internal organs shrink to make room for the excess fat stored in their bodies as fuel for long-distance migration.

(g) The word elderly means old or aged.

(h) The figure of speech is hyperbole (exaggeration).

(i)
(i) The grammatical name is an adjectival clause (relative clause).

(ii) Its function is to qualify or describe the noun movement.

(j)
(i) Plentiful — Abundant
(ii) Execute — Perform
(iii) Practically — Almost
(iv) Needed — Required
(v) Monitored — Tracked