Passing the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) or the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) goes beyond reading and grasping concepts. It demands that students entirely avoid twelve common errors that lead to failure. Our research has shown that over 60% of candidates can improve their grades if they avoid the errors discussed here. The top 10% of candidates who excel each year succeed because they implement positive study habits and avoid the pitfalls their peers fall into. Whether you read this article to the end or not, these tips will only help you if you make them a habit.
Students, candidates, and teachers must note that good learning habits and examination preparation skills must become second nature. These errors can negatively impact your performance regardless of how brilliant or ready you think you are.
Don’t copy down a whole passage or paragraph as answers: Some candidates pretend to be smart by lifting entire paragraphs for comprehension or summary questions in English, Ghanaian Language, or French. To score well, you must master the art of answering in your own words rather than "lifting."
Write so the examiner can read: If your script is incomprehensible or illegible, the examiner cannot award marks. Work on your handwriting and presentation.
Avoid giving two answers to one question: Providing two options for a single question is dangerous. If one is wrong, you often lose the full mark. Always provide only your best, single answer.
Skipping pages while answering questions: Some students number blank pages when they are unsure of a sub-question. Instead, choose the questions you know best first. There is no rule saying you must answer Question 1 before Question 4.
Work on poor spelling, faulty paragraphing, and punctuation: Misspelling and weak paragraphing can ruin an otherwise great script. Use the R.U.E.S. Method (Recall, Unpack, Exemplify, Synthesize) to ensure your paragraphs are structured and earn full marks for high-order thinking.
The New Question Answering Strategy
The key takeaway for 2026 candidates is the shift to high-order thinking (Application and Creating). Definitions alone will no longer give you full marks.
Section 1: The Ultimate "Wh-" Answering Strategy (The R.U.E.S. Method)
To move your points from simple knowledge (low marks) to Application/Creating (high marks), use the R.U.E.S. method when developing any "Point" into a "Paragraph":
R (Recall/State): Recall the correct concept/fact and State it clearly. This is the topic sentence of your paragraph. (Knowledge - 20%).
U (Unpack/Explain): Unpack what the statement means in simple language. Use key terminology correctly (e.g., using words like ecosystem, democracy, rite, verb). (Application – 40)
E (Exemplify/Support): Give a clear, relevant Example or statistic to Support your explanation. This proves you understand the real-world application. (Creating/Application - 40%).
S (Synthesize/Summarize): Synthesize your paragraph with a single linking sentence that connects it back to the question's core "wh-".
Let Us Look at This Question and One of the Answers: How can the government ensure that elections in the country are truly free and fair? Explain four ways.
First, the government must guarantee the absolute impartiality of the Electoral Commission (EC). This means ensuring the EC operates without any political interference or control by the ruling party, making all its processes neutral and reliable. In Ghana, this autonomy is protected by the Constitution, which allows the EC to set its own timetable for voter registration and polling day independently. When citizens trust that the EC is fair, they will accept the final election results peacefully, which promotes democratic stability.
Non-adherence to rubrics: Many candidates fail because they ignore the "laws" of the question paper. If a question asks you to "List," do not write an essay. If it says "In not more than 10 words," do not write 20. Failing to follow these specific instructions (rubrics) leads to immediate loss of marks, even if your facts are correct.
Deviation in answering questions: Candidates often write a lot of information that has nothing to do with the actual question asked. This happens when you don't take a minute to "break down" the question. For example, if a question asks for the causes of bushfires, providing the effects is a total deviation and will earn zero marks.
Wholesale lifting of sentences resulting in vague answers: This is common in Science and Social Studies. Instead of explaining a process in their own words, students copy the textbook definitions verbatim without context. This leads to vague answers that don't prove you actually understand the concept. Use the "Unpack" step of the R.U.E.S. method to avoid this.
Lack of mastery in Composition and Comprehension: Many candidates treat English Language papers with levity. They fail to identify the correct letter format (Formal vs. Informal) or fail to identify the "Summary" of a passage. You must practice the specific structures required for different types of writing to avoid being penalized for poor technique.
Failure to understand the question as a whole: Sometimes, candidates see a "keyword" and start writing without reading the full sentence. This leads to answering only half the question. You must read the entire question—usually twice—before your pen touches the paper to ensure you capture every requirement.
Poor vocabulary and expression: Many students struggle to express their brilliant ideas because they have a limited vocabulary. To fix this, you must read a wide variety of literature. Enriching your expression allows you to use precise terminology (e.g., using "inflation" instead of "prices going up"), which impresses examiners and attracts higher marks.
Wrong numbering of answers: It is heartbreaking to see a brilliant student lose marks because they answered Question 4 but labeled it as Question 5. If the examiner cannot match your answer to the correct question number on the marking scheme, they cannot award you the marks. Always cross-check your numbering before you submit.
The difference between a Grade 1 and a Grade 5 often comes down to the simple mistakes mentioned above. As a 2026 candidate, you have the advantage of knowing these pitfalls before you even step into the examination hall. Don't just read this list—apply it! Use the R.U.E.S. strategy in your next mock exam and see the difference it makes in your scores.
Readers' Comments
Is a step to the right direction
Is a step to the right direction
Sure, and when students are very careful with these, their performance will improve since they will be avoiding all the mentioned errors or most of them.
Questions and answers