How to Answer BECE Questions

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How to Answer BECE Questions

BECE questions come in two key formats:

Multiple choice questions

Essay type questions

Furthermore, the questions may be framed in three different ways:

Direct questions - Usually this type of question requires one to state a fact or describe a phenomenon e.g. "What is photosynthesis?

Inferential/Deductive - this type of question is not direct. It requires some bit of thinking to deduce the answer. For example, "Why are leaves of photosynthetic plants green in colour?

Application questions - this type of question requires you to apply the concepts learnt to solving practical real life problems. For example, "A maize farm was planted in the backyard of a house connected to the national grid. At harvest time, the owner of the maize farm noticed that its maize farm had failed to produce any maize crop, but instead have grown rather very tall compared to the maize farm in the backyard of neighbours whose houses were not connected to the national grid. As a top scientist, explain to the unhappy farmer what has and is happening to his maize farm and suggest solutions to the problem"

How to Prepare for BECE

To successfully answer BECE questions, please follow these key steps:

1. Read, read and read the question. Read each question three times to make sure you have really understood it.

2. Underline keywords in the questions.

3. Using the keywords as guide, ask which topic does this question fall under.

4. Jot down points to answer the question.

5. Think through the points, whilst properly arranging them in your mind.

6. Go ahead and pen down your answer. Be mindful of your grammar and spelling.

Please note that the above pointers are applicable to any subject. All the best!

Below are some sample questions and answers regarding: how to answer BECE Social Studies questions and how to answer BECE science questions

. The answers are in red. So let's begin:

How to Answer BECE Social Studies Questions

Using questions in BECE 2017 Social Studies Paper 2 as example, below is an example of how to answer BECE Social Studies questions [See if you can spot the format type of the questions being asked. Is it a direct, inferential or application question?]

1. (a) (i) Define the term superstition. [3 marks]

It is a belief that is not based on reason of fact and usually instils fear in people.

It is a belief that is not scientifically proven and usually instils fear in people.

(ii) List two examples of superstitious beliefs in Ghana. [2 marks]

(Mention any two of the following)

Belief in :

taboos / ghosts / wizards (or witches) / juju / curses / deities / myths / magic

(b) Outline five effects of superstitious beliefs in Ghana. [15 marks]

(Write an essay of at least five paragraphs to state and explain, with examples, any five of these points)

(i) creates extreme / irrational fear

(ii) slows / retards progess

(iii) prevents scientific growth and development

(iv) allows human rights abuse

(v) brings conflict among family members.

(vi) brings conflict within the society

(vii) creates mistrust/hatred among individuals in a community

(viii) creates tension in the society

(ix) discourages one from seeking appropriate solutions to problems

(x) retards development initiatives

(xi) encourages rest (from work)

(xii) helps maintain law and order

(xiii) promotes environmental conservation and protection (xiv) controls the spread of communicable/contagious diseases (xv) prevents people from being wicked to others.

(xvi) lots of money/resources is spent on purification rites and sacrifices

(xvii) prevents crime

(xviii) does not lead to critical / scientific thinking

(xix) promotes outmoded cultural practices

How to Answer BECE Science Questions

Here we will use some questions from the past paper BECE 2017 Integrated Science Paper 2 as an example to explain how to answer BECE science questions [can spot the format type of the questions being asked. Are they direct, inferential or application questions?]

1. (a) (i) Explain why an object at the bottom of a pond appears closer to the surface than it actually is. [3 marks]

Rays from the object at the bottom are bent away from the normal as they come out of the water. In a straight line, these rays appear to come from a point above the bottom.

2. (a) An atom Y has atomic number 12. It loses two electrons in order to be stable. (i) State the proton number of the atom before it loses electrons. [1 mark]

(ii) State the electron number of the atom: [2 marks]

(α) before it loses electrons.

(β) after losing electrons.

(iii) Name the type of ion formed by the atom when it loses two electrons.

[1 mark]

Cation / positively charged ion

(b) Name four farming systems used in crop production. [4 marks]