Preparing for the 2023 BECE English Language Paper: Mastering Essay-Type Questions
As candidates get ready for the 2023 BECE English Language paper.
It is important that they take careful consideration of the following Essay type questions and work towards them.
Understanding the Features of Various Essay Types
In preparing for these essays, it is recommended that candidates pay close attention to the following:
- Mastering the features of the various types of essays (By the features, we mean the organization of the essay type).
Candidates should familiarize themselves with the organizational structure and features of different essay types.
This includes knowing how to compose formal letters, whether they are addressed to high-ranking individuals such: as Members of Parliament, Company Owners, or Philanthropists, or to the editor of a newspaper or magazine.
Effective Brainstorming and Planning
- Candidates must learn how to brainstorm and plan their essays before they start writing.
Before beginning to write, candidates must learn how to brainstorm and plan their essays.
A well-organized and thoughtful essay can significantly improve their chances of scoring well in the BECE English Language paper.
2023 BECE Predicted English Language Essay Areas
The areas projected are in three categories. Most Likely, More Likely, and Likely
Most Likely Essay Topic: Formal Letters
Formal letters: Letters to persons in high positions e.g. Members of Parliament, Owners of Companies, and Philanthropists.
This also includes a letter to the editor of a newspaper or magazine.
Candidates can expect questions that require them to write formal letters to individuals in positions of authority or influence, such as Members of Parliament, Company Owners, or Philanthropists.
They may also encounter questions about writing letters to the editor of newspapers or magazines.
Preparing for the 2023 BECE English Language Paper:
Features of Formal Letters for BECE Candidates
- Sender’s Address: The candidate’s name, home address, city, and postal code should be placed at the top-right corner of the letter.
- Date: The complete date, including the day, month, and year (e.g., 5th July 2020), should be written below the sender’s address on the right-hand side.
- Receiver’s Address: Below the date on the left-hand side, include the recipient’s name, designation, organization or institution name, address, and city.
- Formal Salutation: Begin the letter with a formal salutation like “Dear Sir” or “Dear Madam,” or address the recipient by name, such as “Dear Mr. Smith” or “Dear Dr. Johnson.”
- Title of the Letter: The title should be written in capital letters, centered, and neatly underlined.
- Introduction: Start the letter with a formal introduction that clearly states the purpose and provides necessary background information.
- Body Paragraphs: Divide the body into paragraphs, each addressing a specific point or topic, using clear and concise language.
- Formal Tone: Maintain a professional and polite tone throughout the letter, avoiding informal language.
- Proper Language and Grammar: Ensure correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling, and proofread the letter before sending.
- Formal Closing: End the letter with a formal closing phrase like “Yours faithfully” or “Yours sincerely,” depending on whether the recipient’s name is known or unknown.
Signature and Name: Handwrite the signature, leaving space below for the full name, which should match the sender’s name mentioned at the beginning.
Argumentative Essays
Here are five argumentative essay questions that BECE candidates can consider:
- Should students be required to wear school uniforms? Argue for or against the implementation of school uniforms, considering factors such as discipline, equality, and self-expression.
- Is social media beneficial or harmful to teenagers? Present arguments for the positive and negative impacts of social media on teenagers.
- Should junk food be banned in schools? Discuss the implications of allowing or prohibiting junk food in school cafeterias, focusing on the effects on students’ health, academic performance, and lifestyle choices.
- Should mobile phones be allowed in classrooms? Argue for or against the use of mobile phones by students in educational settings, considering their potential benefits and drawbacks on learning, distraction, and communication.
- Is homework necessary for students’ academic success? Present arguments supporting or opposing the practice of assigning homework, taking into account its impact on students’ learning, time management, and overall well-being.
Tips for Excelling in Argumentative Essays
To excel in argumentative essays, candidates should:
- Provide background information and a clear thesis statement in the introduction.
- Acknowledge and address opposing viewpoints with logical reasoning and evidence.
- Organize their essays logically, using persuasive language and appropriate transition words.
- Strive for a balanced presentation by considering different perspectives.
- Summarize main points and restate the thesis in the conclusion.
- Edit and proofread for clarity and coherence.
Speech Writing
Here are five speech essay questions that BECE candidates can consider:
- Write a Speech on “How students can contribute to creating a clean environment.”
- Write a speech to be delivered at a community durbar on “The significance of community service (Communal Labour) and how it can benefit both individuals and communities.”
- Write a Speech to be delivered at your school’s graduation on “Challenges JHS 3 candidates face when preparing for the BECE.”
- Write a Speech to be read at the inauguration of your School’s ICT lab on the theme “The impact of technology on society.” Tips for this question: Talk about the positive and negative effects of technology on society, including areas such as communication, education, and employment.
- Write a speech to be delivered at the Human Rights Programme on “Types and Dangers of abuse suffered by girls in our society.”
- Write a Speech you will deliver at the upcoming youth summit on the theme “Dangers of Boy-Girl Relationships.”
Also, check: 2023 BECE Integrated Science Questions and Expert Mocks Available Now
Tips for Delivering Impactful Speeches
To deliver impactful speeches, candidates must:
- Begin with a clear and centered title in capital letters.
- Provide background information and a compelling introduction with the right vocative.
- Acknowledge opposing views and counter them with logical reasoning and evidence.
- Organize their speeches coherently, using persuasive language and appropriate transitions.
- Strive for a balanced presentation by considering different aspects of the topic.
- Summarize main points and restate the key message in the conclusion.
- Allocate time for editing and proofreading to ensure a polished and effective presentation.
By focusing on these essay areas and mastering the key features of each type, BECE candidates can enhance their chances of excelling in the English Language paper.
