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WASSCE practice questions

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Question 1Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE English Language paper, which of the following sentences contains a correctly used relative clause?

  1. The boy whom won the prize is my cousin.
  2. The boy who won the prize is my cousin. Correct answer.
  3. The boy what won the prize is my cousin.
  4. The boy which won the prize is my cousin.

Explanation

A relative clause that refers to a person uses the relative pronoun 'who' as the subject of the clause. 'Whom' is used for objects, 'which' for things, and 'what' cannot serve as a relative pronoun of this kind.

Question 2Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

A WASSCE candidate writes: 'Neither the prefect nor the students ___ arrived.' Which verb form correctly completes the sentence?

  1. has
  2. was
  3. is
  4. have Correct answer.

Explanation

With 'neither...nor', the verb agrees with the subject nearest to it. The nearest subject is 'students', which is plural, so the plural form 'have' is required.

Question 3Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Mathematics paper, a trader buys an article for GH¢80 and sells it for GH¢100. What is the percentage profit?

  1. 25% Correct answer.
  2. 80%
  3. 20%
  4. 125%

Explanation

Profit is selling price minus cost price, which is GH¢20. Percentage profit is expressed on the cost price, so 20/80 × 100% = 25%.

Question 4Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Biology paper, which structure in a flowering plant is the main site of photosynthesis?

  1. The sepal
  2. The root hair
  3. The palisade mesophyll Correct answer.
  4. The xylem vessel

Explanation

Photosynthesis occurs mainly in the chloroplast-rich palisade mesophyll cells of the leaf, where light is absorbed efficiently. Root hairs absorb water and minerals, xylem vessels transport water, and sepals protect the flower bud.

Question 5Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

A WASSCE Integrated Science candidate heats a solid and observes that it changes directly into a gas without becoming liquid. What is this change of state called?

  1. Melting
  2. Evaporation
  3. Sublimation Correct answer.
  4. Condensation

Explanation

Sublimation is the direct change of a solid to a gas without passing through the liquid state. Condensation is gas to liquid, evaporation is liquid to gas, and melting is solid to liquid.

Question 6Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Geography paper, which of the following is a major cause of coastal erosion along the Ghanaian coastline?

  1. Action of strong waves Correct answer.
  2. Deposition of silt
  3. Formation of sand bars
  4. Growth of mangrove roots

Explanation

Coastal erosion is driven mainly by the energy of waves, tides and currents striking the shore. Deposition, mangrove growth and sand-bar formation are constructive processes that build up rather than wear away the coast.

Question 7Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Government paper, which of the following best describes the principle of separation of powers?

  1. The executive makes laws and also interprets them.
  2. All state power is concentrated in a single body.
  3. The judiciary controls all appointments in the state.
  4. The legislature, executive and judiciary exercise distinct functions. Correct answer.

Explanation

Separation of powers means that legislative, executive and judicial functions are assigned to distinct organs that check one another. Concentrating law-making and interpretation in one body is precisely what the principle opposes.

Question 8Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

A WASSCE Economics candidate notes that a government increases tax on imported rice. Which outcome is most likely in the short run?

  1. Imported rice becomes more expensive. Correct answer.
  2. Domestic rice becomes relatively cheaper.
  3. Government revenue from the tax falls to zero.
  4. The quantity of imports rises sharply.

Explanation

A tax on imports raises the price of the imported good in the domestic market. This normally discourages consumption of imports and makes locally produced substitutes relatively cheaper.

Question 9Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE English Language paper, choose the option that best explains the meaning of the idiom in this sentence: 'The headmaster's decision to close the school early was a blessing in disguise.'

  1. It was something that seemed bad but turned out to be beneficial. Correct answer.
  2. It was a decision taken secretly without consultation.
  3. It was a decision that caused unexpected harm.
  4. It was a decision that was later reversed.

Explanation

'A blessing in disguise' describes something that appears unfortunate at first but proves advantageous later. The phrase concerns hidden benefit, not secrecy or reversal.

Question 10Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

A WASSCE English Language candidate is asked to replace the underlined word with the option nearest in meaning: 'The chairman's remarks were ambiguous.' Which option is nearest in meaning?

  1. Lengthy
  2. Clear
  3. Rude
  4. Open to more than one interpretation Correct answer.

Explanation

'Ambiguous' describes a statement that can be understood in more than one way. It is the opposite of clear and has no necessary connection with rudeness or length.

Question 11Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Mathematics paper, solve for x in the equation 3x - 7 = 2x + 5.

  1. 6
  2. 2
  3. 12 Correct answer.
  4. -12

Explanation

Subtracting 2x from both sides gives x - 7 = 5. Adding 7 to both sides then gives x = 12.

Question 12Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

A WASSCE Mathematics candidate is told that the angles of a triangle are in the ratio 2:3:4. What is the size of the largest angle?

  1. 90°
  2. 80° Correct answer.
  3. 60°
  4. 40°

Explanation

The angles sum to 180°, and the ratio parts total 9. Each part is therefore 180°/9 = 20°, so the largest share is 4 × 20° = 80°.

Question 13Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Chemistry paper, which of the following pairs consists of isotopes of the same element?

  1. Atoms with the same number of electrons but different charges
  2. Atoms with the same number of neutrons but different numbers of protons
  3. Atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons Correct answer.
  4. Atoms with the same mass number but different symbols

Explanation

Isotopes are atoms of the same element, so they have the same atomic number (number of protons) but different numbers of neutrons and hence different mass numbers.

Question 14Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Physics paper, a body moves with uniform acceleration of 2 m/s² from rest. What distance does it cover in 5 seconds?

  1. 10 m
  2. 25 m Correct answer.
  3. 50 m
  4. 20 m

Explanation

Using s = ut + ½at² with u = 0, a = 2 m/s² and t = 5 s gives s = ½ × 2 × 25 = 25 m.

Question 15Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Biology paper, which blood vessel carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart?

  1. Pulmonary artery
  2. Vena cava
  3. Aorta
  4. Pulmonary vein Correct answer.

Explanation

The pulmonary vein returns oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium. The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs, while the vena cava and aorta serve the systemic circulation.

Question 16Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Geography paper, which type of rainfall occurs when moist air is forced to rise over a mountain barrier?

  1. Frontal rainfall
  2. Relief rainfall Correct answer.
  3. Cyclonic rainfall
  4. Convectional rainfall

Explanation

Relief (or orographic) rainfall results when moist air is forced upwards by high ground, cools, and condenses on the windward slope. Convectional and frontal rainfall arise from heating and from air-mass boundaries respectively.

Question 17Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Government paper, a constitution that can be amended by a simple majority of the legislature is best described as

  1. federal
  2. written
  3. flexible Correct answer.
  4. rigid

Explanation

A flexible constitution is one whose provisions can be changed by the ordinary law-making process, such as a simple majority. A rigid constitution requires a special, more demanding amendment procedure.

Question 18Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Economics paper, the demand for a good is said to be elastic when

  1. a change in price causes no change in quantity demanded
  2. a change in price causes a proportionately larger change in quantity demanded Correct answer.
  3. the good is a basic necessity with no substitutes
  4. quantity demanded is fixed regardless of income

Explanation

Price elasticity of demand measures the responsiveness of quantity demanded to a price change. Demand is elastic when the percentage change in quantity demanded exceeds the percentage change in price.

Question 19Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Literature-in-English paper, a play in which the main character is brought to ruin largely through a personal flaw is best described as

  1. a comedy
  2. a tragedy Correct answer.
  3. a farce
  4. a satire

Explanation

Tragedy centres on a protagonist whose downfall is brought about by fate, circumstance and a personal flaw such as hubris. Comedy, farce and satire aim primarily at amusement or correction of folly.

Question 20Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE English Language paper, which option best completes the sentence? 'Hardly had the bell rung ___ the students rushed out.'

  1. then
  2. when Correct answer.
  3. than
  4. that

Explanation

The correlative structure 'hardly...when' is used with the past perfect to show that one event followed immediately after another. 'Than' pairs with 'no sooner', not with 'hardly'.

Question 21Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

A WASSCE Mathematics candidate is given the set A = {1, 2, 3, 4} and B = {3, 4, 5}. What is A ∩ B?

  1. { }
  2. {1, 2, 5}
  3. {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}
  4. {3, 4} Correct answer.

Explanation

The intersection A ∩ B contains the elements common to both sets. Only 3 and 4 appear in both A and B.

Question 22Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Chemistry paper, 0.5 mole of a gas occupies 12 dm³ at room temperature and pressure. What is the molar volume of the gas under these conditions?

  1. 48 dm³/mol
  2. 6 dm³/mol
  3. 12 dm³/mol
  4. 24 dm³/mol Correct answer.

Explanation

Molar volume is the volume occupied by one mole, found by dividing volume by number of moles. Thus 12 dm³ ÷ 0.5 mol = 24 dm³/mol.

Question 23Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Physics paper, two resistors of 6 Ω and 3 Ω are connected in parallel. What is their combined resistance?

  1. 18 Ω
  2. 2 Ω Correct answer.
  3. 4.5 Ω
  4. 9 Ω

Explanation

For two resistors in parallel, 1/R = 1/6 + 1/3 = 1/2, so R = 2 Ω. The combined resistance of a parallel network is always less than the smallest individual resistance.

Question 24Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

A WASSCE Economics candidate reads that a country's central bank raises the cash reserve ratio of commercial banks. Which effect is most likely?

  1. Commercial banks will have more funds available for lending.
  2. The exchange rate will be fixed by the central bank.
  3. The volume of credit creation by commercial banks will fall. Correct answer.
  4. The general price level will rise immediately.

Explanation

A higher cash reserve ratio obliges banks to hold a larger proportion of deposits as reserves, reducing the funds available for lending. This contracts credit creation and is a restrictive monetary measure.

Question 25Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Biology paper, a cross is made between two heterozygous tall pea plants (Tt × Tt). What is the expected ratio of tall to short offspring?

  1. 3:1 Correct answer.
  2. 1:2:1
  3. 1:1
  4. 9:3:3:1

Explanation

A Tt × Tt cross gives genotypes TT, Tt, Tt and tt in equal proportions. Since T is dominant, three of the four offspring are tall and one is short, giving a phenotypic ratio of 3:1.

Question 26Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Biology paper, which structure in the nephron is chiefly responsible for the reabsorption of glucose from the filtrate?

  1. The collecting duct
  2. The loop of Henle
  3. The glomerular capsule
  4. The proximal convoluted tubule Correct answer.

Explanation

Selective reabsorption of glucose, amino acids and most salts occurs in the proximal convoluted tubule, whose cells have many mitochondria and microvilli. The loop of Henle concentrates urine by water and salt exchange, while the capsule only filters.

Question 27Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Chemistry paper, which of the following changes is a chemical change rather than a physical change?

  1. Dissolving of common salt in water
  2. Melting of candle wax when heated
  3. Rusting of an iron nail left in moist air Correct answer.
  4. Condensation of steam on a cold surface

Explanation

A chemical change produces a new substance and is normally difficult to reverse, so the formation of hydrated iron(III) oxide on a nail qualifies. The other options alter only the state or dispersion of the same substance.

Question 28Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Government paper, which of the following is a feature of a federal system of government?

  1. Constituent units exist only for administrative convenience
  2. The head of state is also the head of government in all cases
  3. Powers are shared between a central government and component states Correct answer.
  4. All legislative power is concentrated in a single national parliament

Explanation

Federalism divides sovereign powers constitutionally between a central authority and regional units, each exercising its own defined functions. A unitary system concentrates power centrally, and administrative units lack constitutional autonomy.

Question 29Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Physics paper, which quantity is measured by the kilowatt-hour used on domestic electricity bills?

  1. Electric current
  2. Potential difference
  3. Electrical energy Correct answer.
  4. Electric power

Explanation

A kilowatt-hour is the energy consumed by a one-kilowatt appliance running for one hour, so it measures energy. Power in kilowatts must be multiplied by time to give this unit.

Question 30Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE English Language paper, choose the option that best completes the sentence: 'Neither the teacher nor the students ___ aware of the change in timetable.'

  1. has been
  2. is
  3. was
  4. were Correct answer.

Explanation

With 'neither ... nor', the verb agrees with the subject nearer to it, which here is the plural 'students', so the plural past form 'were' is required. The past tense also suits the reported situation.

Question 31Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

A WASSCE Mathematics candidate is told that a trader bought an article for GH¢80 and sold it for GH¢100. What is the percentage profit on the cost price?

  1. 80%
  2. 25% Correct answer.
  3. 125%
  4. 20%

Explanation

Profit is GH¢20 on a cost of GH¢80, so percentage profit is (20/80) × 100 = 25%. Profit percentage is always expressed on the cost price unless stated otherwise.

Question 32Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Geography paper, which of the following best explains why the equatorial regions record high temperatures throughout the year?

  1. Warm ocean currents flow through the region
  2. Prevailing winds there blow from the interior
  3. The sun's rays strike the surface almost vertically there Correct answer.
  4. The region lies at a high altitude above sea level

Explanation

Near the equator the sun is almost overhead all year, so solar energy is concentrated on a small surface area and passes through a shorter column of atmosphere. This produces consistently high temperatures.

Question 33Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Economics paper, which of the following is a factor of production that earns rent as its reward?

  1. Labour
  2. Capital
  3. Entrepreneurship
  4. Land Correct answer.

Explanation

In economics, land covers all free gifts of nature, and its reward is rent. Labour earns wages, capital earns interest and the entrepreneur earns profit.

Question 34Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Biology paper, a student examines a cell and finds a rigid cellulose wall, a large central vacuole and chloroplasts. The cell is most likely from

  1. the liver of a mammal
  2. a leaf of a flowering plant Correct answer.
  3. a bacterium in pond water
  4. the root tip of a cassava plant

Explanation

A cellulose wall, a large permanent vacuole and chloroplasts together identify a photosynthetic plant cell, such as one from a leaf. Chloroplasts are absent from animal cells and from non-photosynthetic root cells.

Question 35Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Chemistry paper, 25 cm³ of 0.1 mol/dm³ sodium hydroxide is exactly neutralised by 20 cm³ of dilute hydrochloric acid. What is the concentration of the acid?

  1. 0.080 mol/dm³
  2. 0.250 mol/dm³
  3. 0.100 mol/dm³
  4. 0.125 mol/dm³ Correct answer.

Explanation

For a 1:1 reaction, moles of acid equal moles of alkali: 0.1 × 25/1000 = 0.0025 mol. Dividing by the acid volume, 0.0025 ÷ 0.020 dm³ gives 0.125 mol/dm³.

Question 36Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Physics paper, a wave of frequency 50 Hz travels with a speed of 340 m/s. What is its wavelength?

  1. 0.68 m
  2. 0.15 m
  3. 6.8 m Correct answer.
  4. 17 000 m

Explanation

Using v = fλ, wavelength λ = v/f = 340/50 = 6.8 m. The frequency must divide the speed, not multiply it.

Question 37Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Government paper, a member of parliament who resigns from the party on whose ticket he was elected and seeks re-election under a new party is said to have crossed the floor, which is significant because

  1. it automatically dissolves the legislature
  2. it requires the approval of the judiciary before taking effect
  3. it may alter the numerical strength of parties in the legislature Correct answer.
  4. it removes the member's right to vote in the house

Explanation

Crossing the floor shifts party numbers and can affect control of the legislature and government business. In some constitutions it may also force a by-election, but its core significance is the change in party strength.

Question 38Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE English Language paper, which option best expresses the meaning of the underlined phrasal verb? 'The committee decided to shelve the proposal until funds were available.'

  1. publish
  2. postpone Correct answer.
  3. approve
  4. reject

Explanation

To shelve a plan is to set it aside for later consideration, that is, to postpone it. The word does not imply approval or final rejection.

Question 39Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

A WASSCE Mathematics candidate is told that the probability of a student passing an examination is 0.7. What is the probability that the student fails?

  1. 1.7
  2. 0.3 Correct answer.
  3. 0.35
  4. 0.7

Explanation

Passing and failing are complementary events, so their probabilities sum to 1. The probability of failing is therefore 1 − 0.7 = 0.3.

Question 40Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Geography paper, a settlement that develops at a point where a road crosses a river is best described as a

  1. bridge-point settlement Correct answer.
  2. conurbation
  3. linear settlement
  4. dispersed settlement

Explanation

Bridge-point settlements grow where a bridging point makes the river crossing a focus for trade and movement. Linear settlements follow a single route, while conurbations are merged urban areas.

Question 41Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Economics paper, a firm's total fixed cost is GH¢200 and its total variable cost at 10 units of output is GH¢300. What is the average total cost at that output?

  1. GH¢30
  2. GH¢50 Correct answer.
  3. GH¢20
  4. GH¢500

Explanation

Total cost is fixed plus variable cost, GH¢200 + GH¢300 = GH¢500. Average total cost is GH¢500 ÷ 10 units = GH¢50 per unit.

Question 42Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Biology paper, which of the following best explains why a person suffering from a severe deficiency of vitamin C develops bleeding gums?

  1. Calcium absorption from the gut is reduced
  2. Collagen formation in connective tissue is impaired Correct answer.
  3. The blood fails to clot because platelets are destroyed
  4. Haemoglobin cannot combine with oxygen

Explanation

Vitamin C is needed for the synthesis of collagen, the protein that strengthens gums, skin and blood-vessel walls. Without it, connective tissues weaken and gums bleed easily, a condition called scurvy.

Question 43Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Chemistry paper, which of the following explains why the boiling point of ethanol is higher than that of ethane?

  1. Ethane contains a carbon-carbon double bond
  2. Ethanol molecules form hydrogen bonds with one another Correct answer.
  3. Ethanol has a larger molar mass than ethane
  4. Ethanol is an ionic compound

Explanation

The hydroxyl group of ethanol allows hydrogen bonding between molecules, so more energy is needed to separate them. Ethane has only weak van der Waals forces between its molecules.

Question 44Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Physics paper, a ray of light passes from air into a glass block of refractive index 1.5. Which statement about the ray is correct?

  1. It continues in a straight line without deviation
  2. It bends away from the normal and travels faster in the glass
  3. It is totally internally reflected at the first surface
  4. It bends towards the normal and travels more slowly in the glass Correct answer.

Explanation

Entering a denser medium, light slows down and refracts towards the normal, as described by Snell's law. Total internal reflection occurs only when light travels from denser to less dense medium beyond the critical angle.

Question 45Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE English Language paper, identify the function of the underlined clause in this sentence: 'The candidate who scored highest was awarded a scholarship.'

  1. an adverbial clause of condition
  2. a noun clause acting as object
  3. a relative clause modifying the subject Correct answer.
  4. an adverbial clause of time

Explanation

The clause 'who scored highest' begins with a relative pronoun and describes the noun 'candidate', so it is a relative (adjectival) clause. It does not express time, condition or serve as an object.

Question 46Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

A WASSCE Mathematics candidate is given that the sum of the first n terms of an arithmetic progression is 3n² + 2n. What is the 5th term of the progression?

  1. 29 Correct answer.
  2. 22
  3. 25
  4. 85

Explanation

The nth term equals S(n) − S(n−1). S(5) = 3(25) + 10 = 85 and S(4) = 3(16) + 8 = 56, so the 5th term is 85 − 56 = 29.

Question 47Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Geography paper, a river flowing across a gently sloping plain begins to deposit materials in wide loops before reaching the sea. The landform most likely produced is a

  1. gorge
  2. meander with point bars Correct answer.
  3. waterfall
  4. delta

Explanation

On a low-gradient plain, lateral erosion and deposition on the inner banks produce meanders with point bars. Deltas form at a river mouth where deposition builds new land into standing water.

Question 48Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Government paper, a written constitution differs from an unwritten one chiefly because a written constitution

  1. is contained in a single document or a set of documents and is usually rigid Correct answer.
  2. is used only in countries with a presidential system
  3. cannot be amended under any circumstances
  4. does not require a judiciary to interpret it

Explanation

A written constitution is codified in a formal document, which makes its provisions definite and usually harder to amend than ordinary law. Unwritten constitutions rest largely on conventions and scattered statutes.

Question 49Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Economics paper, a government reduces the subsidy on petrol. Which combination of effects is most likely in the short run?

  1. Pump price is unchanged and demand becomes perfectly elastic
  2. Pump price rises and quantity demanded falls slightly Correct answer.
  3. Pump price falls and supply shifts to the left
  4. Pump price falls and quantity demanded rises sharply

Explanation

Removing a subsidy raises producers' costs, shifting supply to the left and raising the equilibrium price. Because petrol demand is price-inelastic in the short run, the fall in quantity demanded is small.

Question 50Subject-based assessment (official subject domain weights not published in the source)

In the WASSCE Biology paper, two organisms live together, one obtaining nutrients from the other while causing it harm. This relationship is best described as

  1. parasitism Correct answer.
  2. mutualism
  3. saprophytism
  4. commensalism

Explanation

Parasitism is a relationship in which one organism benefits at the expense of the host, which is harmed. Mutualism benefits both partners, while commensalism benefits one without affecting the other.