Introduction
Many students read books and memorize definitions without preparing for theory questions and as a result, lose marks in theory questions during exams such as WAEC and NECO. This isn’t always the problem when it comes to an exam. It is not always a lack of knowledge, it is sometimes a lack of understanding on how the examiner actually gives a mark.
However WAEC and NECO marking is actually method and structured. It emphasizes a lot on the key words, logical steps, presentation and accuracy of expression. A student may be able to recall the correct answer in his/her head, and not present it the way the marking rubric expects, resulting in the loss of marks.
This should clear up the mystery of how marks are awarded with the examiner, so that students can move beyond the “just knowing the topic” phase and begin to earn A1 grades.
The aim is to unpick effective marking practices and provide examples of how this is seen in various subjects, such as English, Biology and Economics, to enable students to see what is worth the full mark.
Students should be aware of the WAEC and NECO marking scheme
Students should know the WAEC and NECO marking scheme.Students should know the WAEC and NECO marking scheme.
The marking scheme adopted for the WAEC/NECO is not randomly selected, but is carefully prepared to ensure fairness and uniformity in marking. Examiners receive an extensive marking guide called the “marking scheme” which specifies which answers to expect, acceptable alternatives and the precise marks available for each of the answers.
The questions are divided into specific mark points, so students do not have to write long essays to get full marks. Rather they are supposed to provide the precise points needed by the examiner. For example, in Biology, one question might be worth 5 marks and be answered by giving five separate facts, each of which would be 1 mark.
Three correct points – 3 marks, irrespective of the explanation’s length or quality. This system is one that encourages accuracy and correct form, not length. If this is understood, students will not fall into the trap of writing too much superfluous information and neglect the important information that is worth scoring.
How Examiners Award Marks in WAEC and NECO
The principles on which marks are awarded do not vary by examiner and are known to every student and should be understood by them to enable them to achieve their highest potential. The first is the principle of the keyword, students will be encouraged to put key words that correspond to the marking scheme. It is these words that examiners will be searching for, when determining if a point is scored.
The second principle is that of marking by points; each correct idea receives one mark. This involves having answers marked rather than as a whole, but instead is divided into markable points.
The third is method marking, particularly in subjects such as Economics and Mathematics where the student may be able to get marks if they show the correct steps but get the answer wrong. This is not about the result, it’s about the process.
The fourth is presentation and clarity – answers are more likely to get full marks because they are well structured. Finally, relevance is important—the examiner will not award marks for any explanation that is not relevant.
A student may miss a mark even if they are right, but if they fail to organise their answer in a manner that follows these principles. After students are familiar with this structure, they can now tackle any question in a strategic way, instead of just writing what they know about a topic, they can write what the examiner is looking for.
Example of how keywords and structure earn marks in the English language
For the English Language theory paper in WAEC, the marks are given according to grammar correctness, use of key words, grammatical structure, relevance to the instruction given and others. Correct ideas are not all that is required; the examiner’s mind is interested in the clarity of them.
For instance, in the question, “Explain the role of communication in society,” you might find the marking scheme “promotes understanding,” “promotes reduction of conflict,” “enhances cooperation,” and “facilitates development. A mark is given for each of these points.
The student who writes: “Communication helps people understand one another, it minimizes misunderstandings, it promotes cooperation, and helps society grow and develop” will most likely earn the maximum amount of points since each idea is listed and corresponds to the marking points.
But, if a student produces a long paragraph without any breaks for ideas or explanations, even if the explanation is correct he/she may lose marks. Examiners like answers that are clearly arranged into points – even numbered points for clarity.
It is not about writing long essays, it’s about being able to present each idea clearly in the manner that is expected in the marking scheme.
Biology Example: Stepwise answers and scientific accuracy
Marking in Biology relies very heavily on scientific keywords, step-by-step explanations. Examiners are interested in particular biological vocabulary and logical order of processes, not lengthy description.
If, for instance, a question requires: ‘Describe the process of photosynthesis’, the marking scheme will call for, say, the absorption of light by chlorophyll, the transformation of light energy into chemical energy, the uptake of carbon dioxide and water, and the formation of glucose and oxygen. The marks are given for each of these steps.
A good response would be: “The chlorophyll in the leaves absorbs sunlight, the light energy is stored as chemical energy, carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil are used, food is produced (glucose) and oxygen is released as a by-product. This is a kind of answer that is in clear and logical steps and thus fits the marking scheme.
Diagrams are also very important in Biology. Rewarded marks can be gained for a well labelled diagram even if the written explanation is incomplete. Labels can however be poorly labelled or omitted, resulting in loss of marks.
This indicates that in Biology, being accurate, using correct scientific terminology, and using a logical manner of expressing biology is more important than lengthy explanations.
Economics problem solving techniques
The questions on Economics theory are marked according to understanding, application and logic. Each question must be answered with some clarity of economic concepts, and in the process should be explained in a structured format, not merely a point-by-point answer.
For instance, the question, “Explain the causes of inflation” might need answers like excess money supply, rise in the production costs, demand-pull effects, government deficit spending. These are all points which are awarded a mark each when explained correctly.
Possible answers are: “Excess money supply in the economy (too much money chasing too few goods); high production costs, which cause producers to increase prices; demand-pull inflation, when demand for goods is greater than the supply; government deficit financing can increase the money supply, which can cause inflation.”
In Economics there are also marks awarded for method as well – so if a student shows the correct reasoning but there are slightly incorrect numbers or there is an incomplete conclusion then a student might get some marks for the method but not for the content. It is important to remember to always give logical steps in answers and not go from one conclusion to the other without giving reason.
The role presentation, diagrams and structures
In marking WAEC and NECO scripts, one of the major considerations of the examiner is the presentation of the scripts since he or she must read and mark hundreds of scripts, and it is quite obvious that the examiner will prefer to read and mark scripts that are easy to understand and follow. Good headings, spacing between points and logical numbers can make a huge difference in marks being awarded.
Diagrams are not an optional extra in subjects such as Biology and Geography – they are a required part of the course and can earn marks if properly drawn and labelled. For structured answers, whether in English or Economics, the markers can easily spot major points to mark when presented in bullet points or numbered lists.
At the same time, if the response is not well structured, it can be unclear to the examiner and may result in partial or complete loss of marks even if the information is correct. Good presentation is not artistic handwriting, it is simply clarity, order and conforming to the marking scheme.
Students who can present well tend to do better because it is easy for Examiners to give full marks if they can do this.
Students’ common mistakes in theory exams
Too much unwarranted information is one of the most frequent errors made by students. Many students seem to think that the more extended the better, but there is no benefit to answering more than what is required in the marking scheme. Marks are awarded only according to relevant marking points and not length.
Another key error is neglecting keywords found in questions. Students can lose marks for not following the instructions, as with the above example, if they say “state” and explain. This demonstrates the significance of being able to decode command words in exams.
Another problem is poor structure, where pupils write everything in a single paragraph making it harder for the examiner to identify marking points. Even if correct, answers may not be logically structured and this can lead to the missing of correct points.
In Biology, it is a common feature of diagrams where labels are omitted resulting in loss of marks. Students in the Economics course may often fail to give a logical explanation in writing providing only a definition of a term with no elaboration of ideas.
The mistakes demonstrate that knowledge and understanding of examination techniques and the ability to tailor answers to meet marking criteria are as important as intelligence for success in theory tests.
Conclusion
One needs to think strategically and not only about memorizing the answers to theory questions in order to achieve high marks. Always read the questions carefully and look out for key words like “state”, “explain”, “describe” or “outline” as they ask for a different sort of answer.
The answers need to be separated into clear points according to the pattern of marking they are expected to have. This will benefit examiners in identifying the ideas they want to mark without leaving them out. The use of keywords that are consistent with the standard definition of the subject and ideas should also be used consistently.
A good habit to form is also to practice old questions frequently, so as to be able to understand the structure of marking schemes for various subjects. This will enable students to develop familiarity with the type of answers that are expected from them by the examiners. Where diagrams are required they must always be included and properly labelled to gain extra marks; e.g. biology.
Exams also require good time management skills, all questions should be answered fully and neatly within the allotted time. Finally, WAEC and NECO success is not just about studying hard but also smart and knowing how the examiners think in awarding marks. If students apply these strategies, they can enhance their grades and will be more confident and clearer in their approach to theory questions.
