As candidates prepare for the 2026 BECE, Education-News Consult has released its projected 2026 BECE English language composition areas for schools and candidates.
We used the released areas to set all our 2025 BECE mock examinations, which are still ongoing for schools and homes.
Before we delve into the areas, let us take a look at the English language question structure for 2025 BECE per the Common Core Curriculum, as well as the NaCCA and WAEC sample questions released in April 2024.
According to the WAEC sample questions, candidates will be asked 40 objective test questions.
Candidates will answer one essay question from the three questions provided.
All candidates will answer comprehension and summary questions.
Summary: This is one of the newly introduced sections at the Junior High School in accordance with the new curriculum.
Candidates are more likely to find the literature section as part of the objective test or as part of section B questions in the above structure.
WAEC often repeats formal or informal letter questions if the previous year’s candidates do not do well. For instance, if WAEC realizes that candidates are not doing so well with writing informal letters, it will keep asking similar questions over a given period.
READ: Get our Mocks for better revision, preparation, and success: How to Answer the New BECE Questions By WAEC and NaCCA
Throughout the 2025 BECE, both for schools and individual candidates at home, it has become evident that candidates find it challenging to respond to formal letter-type questions in the English language, and some even get confused by mixing the features of formal and informal letters.
Projected 2025 BECE English Language Composition/Essay Areas
Let’s examine the formal and informal letter trends from WAEC from 2010 to 2025.
| 2025 / 2024 2023 2022 2021 | Informal / Informal Formal informal Informal |
| 2020 | Formal |
| 2019 | Formal |
| 2018 | Formal |
| 2017 | Informal |
| 2016 | Informal |
| 2015 | Informal |
| 2014 | Formal |
| 2013 | Informal |
| 2012 | Formal/informal |
| 2011 | Formal |
| 2010 | Informal |
The analysis of BECE’s formal and informal letters is underway.
- The formal letters are 2025, 2023, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2014, 2012 (both), and 2011.
- Informal letters: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2012 (both), 2010
Based on the aforementioned pattern, Education-News Consult observed the following:
- The WAEC frequently alternates between formal and informal letter questions.
- Two-year informal streaks: Occasionally, there is a two-year streak of informal letters (2021–2022, 2015–2016).
- In 2012, we requested both formal and informal letters.
Prediction for 2026
A careful look at the alternation pattern from WAEC’s 2010–2025 questions as well as the recent occurrences of informal letter questions shows that WAEC has been alternating between formal and informal letters.
Given that 2023 and 2025 featured a formal letter and 2024 featured an informal letter based on the two-year informal streak. WAEC is most likely to have both formal and informal letter questions for the first time in many years. However, a formal letter looks the most likely.
Given these trends, it is reasonable to predict that WAEC may set an informal letter question for 2024.
| 2026 Letter Writing Topic Predictions and Opportunities | ||
| Formal letter | Semi-formal | Informal |
| 90% Chance | 50% Chance | 50% |
Predicted Topics: Formal Letter Questions for 2026
If a formal letter appears, it is highly likely to fall under one of these three high-probability themes:
| Topic Type | Subject Matter |
| School Advocacy | A letter to your Headteacher suggesting the introduction of a specific club (e.g., Robotics, Debate, or Agriculture) to improve learning. |
| Community Issue | A letter to the District Assembly/Member of Parliament complaining about a specific problem (e.g., poor sanitation, lack of a library, or security) and suggesting solutions. |
| Application | A letter to a Sponsor/NGO requesting a scholarship or support for your senior high school education. |
These topics represent potential themes for the 2026 BECE. Students and teachers should work on these areas for the English language paper. The bolded are the most likely predictions.
- An informal or formal letter
- Article
- Story writing (narrative or descriptive)
Let us look at some sample questions for the various types of compositions.
READ: Answering BECE and WASSCE Summary Questions: Secretes
Informal letter
- Write a letter to your friend in another country explaining three reasons why you want to study a particular subject at the SHS.
- Your friend has invited you to her birthday party, but you do not intend to attend. Write a letter to explain the reasons.
- Write a letter to your class prefect, suggesting three ways he can earn the class’s respect.
- Write a letter to your pen pal in another country and explain three reasons why he or she should visit Ghana.
Formal Letters
- Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper on the dangers of Galamsey to Ghanaians’ environment.
- Write an argumentative essay on “ICT has done more harm than good.”
- Write a letter of apology to your headmaster after you were caught breaking school rules. Explain two reformed behaviours you will put up with and why.
We hope these sample questions and predictions guide your preparation for the examination.
Leave a Reply