Many smart students fail to get the grades they want, not because they don't know the subject, but because they don't know how to answer questions correctly. Knowing how WAEC marks your BECE and WASSCE papers is a big advantage. You should stop answering questions blindly and learn what examiners are looking for.
How Objective Tests (Paper 1) are Marked
Your objective exams are not marked by people. They are graded by machines called OMR scanners. These machines use light to find the dark pencil marks on your answer sheet. Because of this, if you use a very light pencil, the machine will not see your answer and will give you a zero.
You must use a dark pencil, like an HB or 2B. If you make a mistake and erase it, make sure you erase it completely. If there are smudges, the machine might think you chose two answers and reject the whole question. Shade neatly inside the boxes.
Theory Papers: Use Points, Not Stories
Paper 2 (Theory and Essay) is marked by teachers called Assistant Examiners. These examiners must follow a strict guide called a Marking Scheme. This guide tells them exactly what facts are needed for a student to get full marks.
WAEC does not give marks for long "stories." If a question asks you to "State three functions of the liver" for 3 marks, you should just give three clear points. Writing a long essay will only waste your time and not give you extra marks. Give the examiner exactly the facts they are looking for.
Rules for Mathematics
In Mathematics, getting the final answer right is not enough for full marks. WAEC gives marks for the steps you take to solve the problem. Most of the marks are "Method Marks." If your final answer is wrong because of a simple addition mistake, but your steps were correct, you will still get most of the marks. This is why you must show all your working clearly.
Handwriting and How to Cancel Mistakes
Examiners have to mark thousands of papers quickly. If your handwriting is hard to read, they cannot give you marks for what you wrote. Try to keep your writing clear and well-spaced.
Also, when you make a mistake, do not scribble over it until the paper is messy. Simply draw one neat line through the wrong word or sentence. A neat paper makes it easier for the examiner to give you the grades you deserve. Follow these rules and your aggregate score will improve. Start your journey to success on AnyStudents Mock Exams now.