By Favour Adeaga,Peris Walubengo,Samuel Obour
Copyright yen
Once a student completes three years of junior high school in Ghana, they take the national Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), and those who pass join Senior High Schools and Technical Institutes. Candidates preparing for these exams are advised to thoroughly revise BECE questions, answers, and notes.
Key takeaways
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) administers the annual BECE exams. Students should revise JSS3 BECE past questions and answers to familiarize themselves with the question pattern because some questions may be repeated in the upcoming exams.Thought revision also helps a student to understand the exam’s format, identify common topics, improve time management, and build confidence.Going through JSS3 past questions and answers can thereby enhance a student’s preparation and increase their chances of success in the actual BECE exams.
BECE questions, answers and notes from past papers
Your BECE results are based on Continuous Assessment (CA) and the external exam. The external exam forms 70%, while the CA forms 30% of the total assessment. The subjects candidates sit for include:
Mandatory subjects:
English LanguageMathematicsIntegrated ScienceSocial StudiesReligious and Moral EducationFrench
Optional subjects:
Ghanaian language (any Ghanaian language offered at the candidate’s school)Career TechnologyComputingCreative Arts and DesignArabic (Optional)
Each subject has two papers. The first paper has an objective test (40 questions), and the second has an essay test (40 items). Check out samples of BECE examination questions for different subjects below:
BECE questions and answers for English
The BECE English exam comprises two papers. Paper 1 has 32 lexis & structure questions and literature questions, while paper 2 consists of essay writing and comprehension. Some of the 2025 BECE English questions and answers:
Paper 1: Lexis and structure (Part A)
Candidates must choose the most appropriate option when completing the sentences below.
1. Which of these sounds contains the sound /u:/ as in “shoot”?
C. blue (correct)
2. Which one of these words contains the sound /Ↄ:/ as in “wrought”?
B. cord (correct)
3. Which one of these words does not contain the sound /Ә:/ as in “search”?
C. shut (correct)
4. Every one of the students _______ to be excited about the excursion.
A. seems (correct)
B. is seeming
D. was seeming
5. We should assist the poor, _______?
A. shall we
B. shouldn’t we (correct)
C. isn’t it
D. we shouldn’t
Paper 1: Literature (Part B)
OLIVER TWIST: CHARLES DICKENS
“The boy is yours for five pounds!” said Mr. Bumble. Oliver gathered all his belongings, which were so few in number that they all fit into a paper bag. He went with Mr. Bumble to the undertaker’s house, crying the entire way. “Stop crying!” shouted Mr. Bumble, “Be thankful that you’re going to have a home because of the undertaker. Oliver’s sobs subsided into hiccups.
6. What incident led to the selling out of Oliver Twist?
A. He was so rude
B. He was too old to be adopted
C. He asked for more food from the cook (correct)
D. He fought at the parish
7. The undertaker in the passage is who…..
A. Mr. Limbkins
B. Mr. Sowerberry (correct)
C. Mr. Gamfield
D. Mr. Brownlow
8. What is the work of an undertaker?
A. Taking notes of someone’s properties
B. He looks for children to buy.
C. He is a wrestler
D. He takes dead people and buries them (correct)
THE DILEMMA OF A GHOST
Speaker X: Ah, well, I don’t know the difference, and I don’t care. Coconut palms and palm-palms aren’t all the same? And anyway, why should I not go to see your folks?
Speaker Y: You may not be impressed
9. Who is represented as speaker X…….?
A. First woman (correct)
10. Where was the setting of the extract?
C. A village (correct)
D. Ato’s family house
The Dawn’s Awake
A flash of smoldering flames and fire Ignites the East. Then, higher, O’er all the sky so gray, forlorn, The torch of gold is borne. The dawn of a thousand dreams and thrills. And music singing in the hills. A tribute of eternal spring Voices the new awakening.
11. What is the rhyme scheme of the above stanzas of the extract?
A. Aabcdcbd
B. Ababccdd (correct)
C. Abbccadd
D. Aabbccdd
12. “The dawn of a thousand dreams and thrills.” What literary device has been used here?
A. Hyperbole (correct)
B. Oxymoron
C. Alliteration
Paper 2: Comprehension questions
Here are samples of BECE English Comprehension questions:
Okonkwo had just blown out the palm oil lamp and stretched himself on his bamboo bed when he heard the ogene of the town-crier piercing the still night air. Gome, gome, gome, gomes boomed the hollow metal. Then the crier gave his message and beat an instrument again at the end.
And this was the message. Every man of Umuofia was asked to gather at the marketplace tomorrow morning. Okonkwo wondered what was amiss. He had discerned an apparent overture of tragedy in the crier’s voice, and even now, he could still hear it as it grew dimmer and dimmer in the distance.
Adapted from Things Fall Apart.
1. According to the passage, “ogene” was used to
A. assemble people
B. draw attention to a message about to be passed
C. echo the voice of the town-crier (correct)
D. lure people to sleep
E. produce music
2. The expression “… gome, gome” in the passage is an example of
B. metaphor
C. onomatopoeia (correct)
D. personification
3. Every man of Umuofia was to gather at the marketplace so that they would
A. attend a community meeting (correct)
B. be informed of how their daughter was murdered (correct)
C. chant a war slogan (correct)
D. listen to Ezeugo, the village orator (correct)
E. sympathize with Ogbuefi Udo (correct)
BECE questions and answers for Social Studies
Paper 1 has an objective test, while Paper 2 is an essay test. Questions cover environmental, social, and economic development, governance, moral upbringing, politics, and stability. Check out some likely Social Studies BECE questions and answers below:
Paper 1: Objective test
1. Some Ghanaians mishandle the Cedi Notes by
A. burning it
B. crumpling it (correct)
C. saving it
D. spending it
2. A major way of spreading HIV and AIDS is through
A. eating in public places
B. indiscriminate sexual relations (correct)
C. mosquito bites
D. shaking hands with infected persons.
3. Adolescent abstinence from sexual-related activity is
A. chastity (correct)
C. paternity
D. sincerity
4. The set of guidelines for governing a nation is provided by the
A. constitution (correct)
B. council of state
C. judiciary
D. legislature
5. What a person is obliged to perform as a duty in the society constitutes their
A. achievements
C. responsibility (correct)
Paper 2: Essay
(a) Differentiate between a map and a sketch.
(b) List the four main cardinal points that are used in showing direction.
Answer: North, south, east and west
(c) State the two main seasons and the periods in which they occur in Ghana.
The wet season and the dry seasonThe wet season is from March to OctoberThe dry season is from November to February
(d) Describe how cyclonic rainfall occurs.
Two air masses (one warm, the other cold) meet and form a front.The warmer air rises over the colder air since it is lighter /has a lower densityAs the warm air continues to rise, it cools and condenses to form cumulus clouds as the temperature falls within the troposphere.As the cooling continues, the clouds condense further and fall as rain
(a) List any two major relief features in Ghana.
Mountain Afadjato,Akwapim-Togo rangeMampong scarp,Gambaga escarpment, etc.
(b) List four oceans of the world.
Answers: Arctic, Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and the Antarctic / Southern oceans
(c) Outline four ways in which forest vegetation in Ghana can be preserved.
Creating forest reserves – forests that are kept from human exploitationPreventing overgrazing by cattle and other animalsPreventing bushfires by public education and other measuresPlanting trees on farms for various reasons – (Agroforestry)
BECE Math past questions
Mathematics questions cover topics like algebra, geometry, and more. Paper 1 has an objective test, while Paper 2 is an essay test. Here are some past JSS3 BECE mathematics past questions and answers (for Math Paper 1) that will strengthen you in the upcoming exams.
1. Which of the following is the set of prime factors of 12?
A. {2, 3} (correct)
B. {1, 2, 3}
C. {1, 2, 4, 6}
D. {2, 3, 4, 6}
2. Expand 3a (a – 4b)
A. 3a – 12ab
B. 3a2 – 12ab (correct)
C. 3a2 – 12b
D. 3a2 – 12a
3. Express 5 as a percentage of 4
A. 125% (correct)
4. The ratio of mangoes to oranges in a basket is 3:2. If there are 36 mangoes, how many oranges are in the basket?
C. 24 (correct)
5. An article that cost GH¢ 25.00 was sold for GH¢ 35.00. Find the percentage profit made.
C. 40% (correct)
BECE questions and answers for Science
BECE Integrated Science BECE exams cover different areas, including systems, diversity of matters, and cycles. Paper 1 contains objective questions, while Paper 2 contains essays. Below are samples of JSS3 past questions and answers for Integrated Science Paper 1: Objective questions:
1. Which of the following human activities contributes to the proliferation of greenhouse gases?
A. Cooking of food
B. Deforestation (correct)
C. Afforestation
D. Shifting cultivation
2. The economy that aims at reducing environmental risk is known as …
A. blue economy
B. flattened economy
C. green economy (correct)
D. developed economy
3. Which of the following rocks is rich in calcium?
A. Schist rock
B. Limestone (correct)
C. Marble rock
D. Pumice rock
4. The IUPAC name for FeO is ….
A. Ferrous Oxide
B. Iron Oxide
C. Iron (II) Oxide (correct)
D. Trinitrate(v) acid
5. All the following elements exist as molecules except…
A. Fluorine
B. Chlorine
C. Carbon (correct)
BECE Religion and Moral Education questions
Paper 1 has objective questions, while Paper 2 has essay, religion, moral, and social life sections. Questions include family, being a good citizen, and religious practices. Below are a few religious and moral education questions:
Paper 1: Objective test
1. The Omniscience of God portrays Him as
A. all-knowing (correct)
B. very gracious
C. all forgiving
D. ever-present
2. Jacob’s children went to Egypt because
A. there was a great famine (correct)
B. Joseph was a governor
C. there was good pasture for cattle
D. people were losing their lives
3. The aboakyir festival is celebrated by the
D. Efutu (correct)
4. The Janazah prayer is performed
A. when a Muslim is traveling
B. during Friday worship
C. after a Ramadan fast
D. when a Muslim dies (correct)
5. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Christians occurred during the
A. Ascension
B. Passover
C. Pentecost (correct)
D. Resurrection
Paper 2: essay, religion, moral, and social life questions
6. State four ways by which God’s creation can be protected
Reforestation – planting more trees to replace those cut downAfforestation – planting more trees to create a forestEncouraging miners, farmers, fishermen, etc., to use appropriate methodsPublic education on the protection of the environmentEnsuring proper disposal of sewage and industrial waste
7. Outline five contributions of Caliph Abu Bakr to Islam
Out of compassion for enslaved people, he deliberately purchased enslaved people and freed them.He gave the first public address inviting people to convert to IslamTogether with the Prophet Muhammad, he led the flight to MedinaHe bought land for the construction of a mosque in MedinaHe helped to construct a mosque in Medina
8. State two lessons that can be learnt from the life of Caliph Abu Bakr
Compassion – we must be compassionateKindness –we must be kind and willing to give to othersCommitment – we must show commitment in everything we doPerseverance – we must persevere in doing good things and never give up
BECE Basic Design and Technology questions
The BECE BDT questions for papers 1 and 2 usually cover topics like designing and constructing minor machines for ease of everyday tasks. Below are some questions and their answers:
1. The basic stitch which starts all crocheted articles is
A. Chain (correct)
2. Which of the following is inexpensive to use in a rural area?
A. Coal pot (correct)
B. Electric cooker
C. Gas cooker
D. Kerosene stove
3. In drawing, objects nearer the viewer are in the
A. Background
B. Foreground (correct)
D. Middle ground
4. Rhythm, balance, and emphasis are
A. Design processes
B. Elements of art
C. Idea developments
D. Principles of design (correct)
5. The final stage of the design process is the
A. Evaluation (correct)
B. Possible solutions
C. Specification
D. Working drawings
BECE ICT questions
The BECE ICT questions cover topics ranging from identifying computer parts and differentiating between hardware and software. So, prepare for your Paper 1 (objective questions) or Paper 2 (essay) well. You should expect questions like these in Paper 1:
1. The brain of the computer is the
B. System software
C. Read-only memory
D. Central processing unit (correct)
2. One byte is equal to
A. Two bits
B. Eight bits (correct)
C. Sixteen bits
D. One thousand bits
3. A folder within another folder is called
B. Subfolder (correct)
C. Inside folder
D. Innermost folder
4. The copyright laws protect the works of an author for a period of his life and
A. 40 years after his death
B. 50 years after his death
C. 60 years after his death
D. 70 years after his death (correct)
5. The following devices can be found in the system unit except
C. Motherboard
D. Scroll wheel (correct)
BECE French questions
The French BECE questions are divided into sections. Paper 1 (objective questions) has sections on listening comprehension, written comprehension, and vocabulary. Paper 2 is for written expression, while Paper 3 is for oral expression sections. Here are samples of Paper 1 objective questions:
1. Est-ce que tu ………la vérité?
B. Dis (correct)
2. ……pays est en Afrique de l’Ouest.
B. Notre (correct)
3. A l’âge de deux ans, ……….append à parler.
B. On (correct)
4. Mon pantalon est bleu mais ………de Pauline est noir
B. Celui (correct)
C. Celle-ci
D. Celui-ci
5. La plupart ………enfants aiment s’amuser.
D. Des (correct)
Comprehension passage
Deux amis malheureux
C’est le mois d’août, les vacances commencent déjà et toutes les écoles sont fermées. Ahmed et son ami Jones veulent passer leurs vacances à Huni-Valley. Ils vont prendre le train à Kumasi. Quand ils arrivent à la gare, le train le leur destination est déjà là. Il doit partir dans un quart d’heure. Les deux amis achètent leurs billets et attendant le départ.
Naturellement, ils vont regarder les magasins et les restaurants à côté de la gare. On y trouve des gâteaux, des beignets et des boissons de toutes sortes. Ils commencent à avoir faim. Ils entrent alors dans le restaurant “Akwaaba.”
Assis devant deux assiettes de riz au poulet, les deux amis mangent et bavardent quand le départ du train est annoncé. Ils n’entendent rien du tout. Après un bon repas, ils se lèvent pour aller prendre le train; mais c’est déjà parti. Le train est déjà parti. Quelle d’hommage!
Comme les deux écoliers n’ont pas assez d’argent, ils décident de prendre un camion à Asafo. Pauvre Ahmed! Pauvre Jones!
6. Les deux amis ont l’intention de voyager par ……
A. La route
C. Le chemin de fer (correct)
7. A la fin du passage, les deux amis sont ………
A. Contents
B. Déçus (correct)
C. Satisfaits
8. Qu’est-ce qu’ils prennent au restaurant?
A. Des gâteaux
B. Du boisson
C. Des beignets
D. Du riz (correct)
9. Pourquoi entrent-ils dans le restaurant? – Pour………
A. Regarder le train
B. Manger quelque chose (correct)
C. Prendre le train
D. Acheter des billets
10. La destination des deux amis est …………
A. Huni-Valley (correct)
BECE questions for the Ghanaian language
The Ghanaian Languages (Asante Twi, Akuapim Twi, and Fante) exams are about culture and language. Paper 1 has objective questions, while Paper 2 has composition, comprehension, language, and usage sections. Below are some Fante objective questions:
1. Ntafo h4n amona w4fr1 no d1n?
D. Nyankomago
2. Nhwehw1mu a akanfo y1 ansaana egya ekebisa awar ama ne ba banyan ………………..
A. Mpaekyir
B. Abowmub4dze
C. Tambobaa
D. Ehyiadze
3. Eb1n Akan ebusau na h4n ahy1nsew nye seb4?
4. Iyinom mu woana na oyi mpaa ansaana woato 4hen fofor dzin?
B. Gyaasehen
C. Annk4beahen
D. Nkonguahen
5. Eb1n kasafua anaa akyer1wamba na ibotum dze as4w d1m kasafua yi do ma oedi mu anaa ntseasee aba mu ri……………?
What type of test is a BECE?
The Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) is an annual national examination students take in their final year of junior secondary school. It determines which students can transition from JSS 3 to senior secondary school.
What are the BECE Pre-Vocational Studies?
Pre-Vocational Studies are offered to pupils in Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) at the basic education level to prepare them for future vocational training or the job market. Subjects typically taught in this program include areas like:
Basic design and technology: This can cover various aspects, such as ceramics and other creative, practical applications.
Business education: Some of the subjects offered in this category include commerce, shorthand, and type-writing.
Home economics: Involves practical skills related to household management and personal development.
Agricultural science: Focuses on skills relevant to food production, farming, and related activities.
Technical subjects: Introduces students to the principles of design and engineering in a practical way. These subjects include:
Technical Drawing Applied Electricity Auto Mechanics Metalwork Woodwork
Other Practical Skills: Depending on the institution, this can extend to other hands-on skills relevant to the productive sectors of the economy. Some of these subjects include:
Leatherwork Sculpture Graphic Design Basketry Food and Nutrition Management in Living
Where can you get BECE past papers?
Various websites and mobile apps post JSS3 BECE past questions and answers PDF, free to download.
Apps offer free PDFs of BECE questions, answers, and notes for 2026 candidates include:
BECE Hub BECE practice app for JHS studentsBECE NECOBECE TestDrillerBECE QuestionsBECE InsideEnglish BECE Pasco for JHSBECE past questions and answers for Android
The websites that offer free BECE past questions PDFs include:
educationnewsconsult.comscribd.commingycomputersgh.wordpress.comicanmakeits.wordpress.com
You can also obtain BECE past questions and answers on Pre-Vocational Studies from various sources, including mobile apps like TestDriller, online platforms such as Passco.com.gh.
How do schools register for BECE?
The District Director of Education oversees the registration of all candidates in their district.
Who sets BECE exams?
BECE examiners are knowledgeable persons, experts, or professionals specializing in different subjects. They were commissioned by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to set BECE examination questions for 2025 candidates.
There have been commissioned examiners in the past setting questions for candidates from previous years, too, since BECE was first introduced in Ghana in 1986, when the JSS system was established.
How can one become a BECE examiner?
To be a WASSCE, GBCE, or ABCE examiner, one must have a university degree in the subject they want to examine and have taught it for at least three years. The minimum academic qualification for a BECE examiner is the Post-Secondary Teachers’ Certificate.
Interested persons with these qualifications must apply for the appointment. The application forms can be obtained from the WAEC council’s website.
Appointment as an examiner depends on vacancies for the position in the subject area of the applicant’s choice. Qualified applicants not appointed in a particular year may be considered in subsequent years if there are vacancies.
How are BECE questions set?
BECE examiners who are not JSS teachers are selected to set the questions. Each person sets questions, and all examiners’ questions are reviewed. Some questions are chosen to create a paper students will sit for.
Can one re-sit BECE exams?
A candidate can re-sit the BECE exams by registering as a private candidate. You can register on the WAEC council’s website. Remember to capture your fingerprints at an internet café and send the data with your application. Without fingerprints, your registration is null and void.
Does WAEC upgrade BECE results?
WAEC does not upgrade BECE results. Nonetheless, a candidate can re-sit the BECE exams by registering as a private candidate. Universities and other institutions in Ghana will only register you after verifying your results from WAEC. So, be careful of fraudsters who promise to change candidates’ results for a fee.
What is the 2025 BECE timetable?
The 2025 BECE exams commenced on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, and concluded on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The timetable did not indicate any additional or special sessions.
If you are committed to passing your forthcoming examination, revise the BECE questions, answers, and notes to improve your understanding. Also, these papers can help you familiarize yourself with the basic instructions that WAEC usually repeats on every paper.
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The list includes schools like the Academy of Christ the King in Cape Coast, Adankwaman Senior High School, and Awutu Winton.
Source: YEN.com.gh
