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WAEC English Language 2015 Objective Past Questions

All 140 questions from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) English Language 2015 Objective paper, with the correct answer and a full explanation for each. Free, no signup needed.

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English Language 2015 Objective — Question 1

The officer was expecting to be ..... by his boss, but he was censured.

  • A. questioned
  • B. praisedCorrect
  • C. decorated
  • D. guided

Explanation

To censure is to criticize/reprove; its opposite is 'praised'.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 2

The honour that was conferred on the general has been _____

  • A. withdrawnCorrect
  • B. confirmed
  • C. rejected
  • D. destroyed

Explanation

To confer is to give/bestow; the opposite is to withdraw (take back).

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 3

The modest young man was rewarded while his .... brother was punished.

  • A. intelligent
  • B. handsome
  • C. conceitedCorrect
  • D. wicked

Explanation

'Modest' (humble) is opposite to 'conceited' (overly proud of oneself).

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 4

Young people are known for their .... which contrasts with the composure of adults.

  • A. ability
  • B. instabilityCorrect
  • C. activity
  • D. credibility

Explanation

'Composure' means calmness; its opposite is 'instability'.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 5

It is a fact that pride is a less admirable quality than ....

  • A. humilityCorrect
  • B. honesty
  • C. affection
  • D. tenderness

Explanation

Pride is the opposite of humility, the quality of not being proud.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 7

While some workers felt that the terms were amicable; others thought they were .....

  • A. strange
  • B. disagreeable
  • C. bad
  • D. hostileCorrect

Explanation

Amicable relates to a friendly agreement; the opposite is hostile.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 8

Now that the people of this community are living in comfort, I don't think they will want to go back to their days of ......

  • A. disappointment
  • B. hardshipCorrect
  • C. strife
  • D. starvation

Explanation

Comfort (ease, freedom from suffering) is opposite to hardship.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 9

False witnesses castigate rather than ..... the accused.

  • A. expose
  • B. appease
  • C. punish
  • D. exonerateCorrect

Explanation

To castigate is to criticize; its opposite is to exonerate (free from blame).

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 10

Some teachers dissuade students from studying Mathematics, but others .... them

  • A. motivateCorrect
  • B. lure
  • C. instruct
  • D. reward

Explanation

To dissuade is to discourage; its opposite is to motivate/encourage.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 11

After assuring the authorities that he would not escape, the prisoner was released on….

  • A. suspension
  • B. record
  • C. paroleCorrect
  • D. probation

Explanation

Parole is the conditional release of a prisoner before the end of their sentence, on the promise of good behaviour.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 14

The court granted an .... against the eviction of the tenant.

  • A. adjournment
  • B. injunctionCorrect
  • C. indictment
  • D. adjudication

Explanation

An injunction is a court order stopping someone from doing something, here stopping the eviction.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 15

He was given a certificate of .... in English

  • A. efficacy
  • B. efficiency
  • C. proficiencyCorrect
  • D. sufficiency

Explanation

A certificate of proficiency certifies that a person is skilled/experienced in a subject or language.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 16

The .... years of a child's life mould his character

  • A. restrained
  • B. constructive
  • C. conflicting
  • D. formativeCorrect

Explanation

'Formative' relates to the years when character is developing/shaping.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 21

One hearing the news, he flew off the handle. This means that he

  • A. changed his decision
  • B. ran away
  • C. felt very disappointed
  • D. became very angryCorrect

Explanation

'Fly off the handle' is an idiom meaning to lose one's temper suddenly and unexpectedly.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 22

John's money was barely enough to keep the wolf from the door. This means that

  • A. John had killed a wolf
  • B. the money was just sufficientCorrect
  • C. the situation was desperate
  • D. John spent money lavishly

Explanation

'Keep the wolf from the door' means to have just enough money to avert hunger/starvation; 'barely' shows it was just sufficient.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 23

He was given the boot by the chairman. This means that he was

  • A. offered a pair of boots
  • B. promoted
  • C. sackedCorrect
  • D. sent to buy boots

Explanation

'Get the boot' is idiomatic for being dismissed from a job.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 24

Since he left home, he has been trying to find his feet. This means that he

  • A. had been suffering a lot
  • B. lost his pair of shoes
  • C. has forgotten about his relatives
  • D. has been trying to get used to his new situationCorrect

Explanation

'Find one's feet' means to become familiar with and adjust to a new situation.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 25

He finds it difficult to put up with her behaviour. This means that he finds it difficult to

  • A. tolerate her behaviourCorrect
  • B. understand her behaviour
  • C. determine her behaviour
  • D. consider her behaviour

Explanation

'Put up with' is a phrasal verb meaning to tolerate or accept something unpleasant.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 26

The government troops extended the olive branch to the rebels. This means that the government troops

  • A. had reached a critical stage
  • B. killed a lot of rebels
  • C. were ready for peaceCorrect
  • D. defended their territory bravely

Explanation

'Extend/offer an olive branch' means to offer peace or reconciliation, from the biblical dove and olive branch symbol.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 27

At the last minute, he had cold feet. This means that he

  • A. suddenly fell ill
  • B. became nervousCorrect
  • C. lost his imagination
  • D. rejected the offer

Explanation

'Have/get cold feet' means to suffer a loss of nerve or confidence.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 28

He was advised to pull himself together. This means that he was advised to

  • A. keep his plans secret
  • B. change his mind
  • C. control himselfCorrect
  • D. keep the matter to himself

Explanation

'Pull oneself together' means to regain control of one's emotions, often after an unpleasant incident.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 29

He was sad to learn that his friend had gone round the bend. This means that his friend had

  • A. gone overseas
  • B. gone madCorrect
  • C. lost his job
  • D. been very ill

Explanation

'Go round the bend' (or 'round the twist') is an idiom meaning to go crazy or mad.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 30

The young man quickly paid his debt to save his face. This means that the young man

  • A. wanted to avoid disgraceCorrect
  • B. did not want to be slapped
  • C. wanted to preserve his looks
  • D. did want to be a debtor

Explanation

'Save one's face' means to retain respect and avoid embarrassment or humiliation.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 32

Collaboration is essential to the success of the team.

  • A. desired
  • B. indispensableCorrect
  • C. effective
  • D. appropriate

Explanation

'Essential' means necessary/crucial, which is closest in meaning to 'indispensable'.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 33

I really wish to assure you that we now have a reliable leader.

  • A. dependableCorrect
  • B. sensible
  • C. realistic
  • D. resolute

Explanation

'Reliable' (can be trusted) is closest in meaning to 'dependable'.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 35

Children often behave badly out of ignorance.

  • A. illiteracy
  • B. inexperienceCorrect
  • C. unfamiliarity
  • D. simplicity

Explanation

'Ignorance' here refers to lack of experience/exposure, i.e. 'inexperience', rather than illiteracy.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 40

The luminous hands of the clock attracted the baby.

  • A. brightCorrect
  • B. colourful
  • C. glaring
  • D. beautiful

Explanation

'Luminous' describes something producing/reflecting light, closest to 'bright'.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 41

That utterance is quite unlike you, please, come ….. it!

  • A. through
  • B. of
  • C. offCorrect
  • D. against

Explanation

'Come off it' is a phrasal verb/expression used to tell someone to stop pretending or being unreasonable.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 42

If I ….. enough money, I would buy a car.

  • A. hadCorrect
  • B. have had
  • C. had had
  • D. have

Explanation

This is a second conditional sentence (hypothetical present) requiring the simple past 'had' after 'if'.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 47

The coach…him to have scored a goal.

  • A. was expecting
  • B. expectedCorrect
  • C. had expected
  • D. has expected

Explanation

This is a statement expressing a wish/expectation that did not happen; simple past 'expected' fits the sentence structure with 'to have scored'.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 48

After eating all the mangoes, he shouldn't complain of stomach ache,...?

  • A. isn't it
  • B. would he
  • C. should heCorrect
  • D. should it

Explanation

The main clause is negative ('shouldn't'), so the positive tag 'should he' is required, matching the auxiliary verb 'should'.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 50

The authorities have shown no signs of giving…to their demands.

  • A. off
  • B. away
  • C. up
  • D. inCorrect

Explanation

'Give in' is a phrasal verb meaning to finally agree to something after refusing for a period, fitting 'giving in to their demands'.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 56

My brother was about…his house when I arrived.

  • A. to leaving
  • B. to have left
  • C. to leaveCorrect
  • D. to be leaving

Explanation

'To leave' is the correct infinitive form required after 'was about'.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 57

Neither Jack nor Jill…there yesterday.

  • A. are
  • B. were
  • C. is
  • D. wasCorrect

Explanation

With 'neither...nor', the verb agrees with the noun closer to it ('Jill', singular), and the past tense fits 'yesterday'.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 58

I have … completed the task.

  • A. more
  • B. more or lessCorrect
  • C. more than
  • D. more but less

Explanation

'More or less' means 'approximately/nearly', fitting the sentence context of near-completion.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 62

The council appointed a ….committee to look into the matter.

  • A. five-men
  • B. five-men's
  • C. five-manCorrect
  • D. five-man's

Explanation

In hyphenated compound adjectives such as 'five-man', the singular noun is used before the noun it modifies.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 64

The task is…for us to undertake.

  • A. much too difficultCorrect
  • B. too difficult
  • C. more too difficult
  • D. quite too difficult

Explanation

'Much too difficult' correctly intensifies 'too difficult'; 'quite too difficult' is not idiomatic.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 67

Bakary can lift this heavy log…?

  • A. isn't it
  • B. can't heCorrect
  • C. does he
  • D. doesn't he

Explanation

The tag question must use the auxiliary 'can' in its negative form, matching the subject 'he'.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 68

The President's speech…yesterday at 8.00 p.m.

  • A. is broadcast
  • B. is being broadcast
  • C. has been broadcast
  • D. was broadcastCorrect

Explanation

This is a passive sentence for a completed past action ('yesterday'), requiring simple past passive 'was broadcast'.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 69

It is such a bad place…I will never dream of going there again.

  • A. thus
  • B. therefore
  • C. thatCorrect
  • D. then

Explanation

'Such...that' is the correct correlative construction to express result/consequence.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 71

As soon as he wakes up in the morning, he jumps out of bed hurriedly and wears his -71-.

  • A. jump suit
  • B. tracksuitCorrect
  • C. swimsuit
  • D. shell suit

Explanation

A tracksuit is the loose top and trouser worn by people training for a sport.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 72

Promptly, he goes out for -72- for an hour or so, covering a few miles.

  • A. Trot
  • B. Skip
  • C. JogCorrect
  • D. jump

Explanation

Jogging is a form of exercise, running at a slow, regular speed - fitting a morning routine.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 73

On some other days, he might choose to practise the skipping -73- at home.

  • A. cord
  • B. ropeCorrect
  • C. string
  • D. twine

Explanation

A skipping rope (jump rope) is the item used for the exercise of skipping.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 74

Having completed whichever one it is, he goes in for a shower and dresses for the day's -74-.

  • A. practiceCorrect
  • B. sessions
  • C. Regime
  • D. rehearsal

Explanation

'Practice' fits as the general term for the day's scheduled training activity.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 75

If he is a boxer, he goes into the -75- to deal with the punching bag and later with a sparring partner.

  • A. stadium
  • B. sports club
  • C. sports centre
  • D. gymnasiumCorrect

Explanation

A gymnasium (gym) is the large room equipped for boxing training with punching bags.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 76

If he is a boxer, ...usually with the watchful -76- of his coach.

  • A. supervisionCorrect
  • B. custody
  • C. command
  • D. charge

Explanation

'Supervision' means the coach watches over and ensures the sportsman performs correctly.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 77

If he is a sprinter, he engages in continuous practice, -77- his performance with a stopwatch.

  • A. calculating
  • B. gauging
  • C. TimingCorrect
  • D. assessing

Explanation

'Timing' fits best as measuring performance duration with a stopwatch.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 78

In most cases, training ...calling attention to specific skills and -78- not well mastered.

  • A. techniquesCorrect
  • B. systems
  • C. methods
  • D. procedures

Explanation

'Techniques' refers to skills/ways of performing an activity that needs practice.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 79

Now, when medals are -79-, most people who just watch actions on TV hardly realize what it takes.

  • A. achieved
  • B. secured
  • C. WonCorrect
  • D. Lifted

Explanation

Medals are 'won' in sports competitions or events.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 80

When all the -80- and the high risks taken into account, one would realize that a star is worth the millions he earns.

  • A. struggles
  • B. Pains
  • C. Hurts
  • D. rigoursCorrect

Explanation

'Rigours' refers to the severe conditions and demanding rules a sportsman trains under.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 81

monday (underlined: ay)

  • A. ageCorrect
  • B. day
  • C. pretty
  • D. heal

Explanation

Both 'age' /eɪdʒ/ and 'day' /deɪ/ share the closing diphthong /eɪ/ found in the underlined 'ay' of 'Monday' /'mʌndeɪ/; either A or B is acceptable.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 86

observe (underlined: o)

  • A. flat
  • B. motherCorrect
  • C. dog
  • D. form

Explanation

The 'o' in 'observe' /əb'zɜːv/ is the weak central schwa sound /ə/, also found in the last syllable of 'mother' /'mʌðə/.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 97

liquor (underlined: qu)

  • A. quizCorrect
  • B. square
  • C. account
  • D. lizard

Explanation

'Liquor' /'lɪkə/ has the voiceless velar plosive /k/, also found in 'quiz', 'square' and 'account' - more than one option carries the sound, so any of A, B or C is acceptable.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 104

watch (underlined: tch/ch)

  • A. chemistry
  • B. matchCorrect
  • C. school
  • D. character

Explanation

'Watch' has the affricate /tʃ/, also found in 'match' /mætʃ/; 'chemistry', 'school' and 'character' all begin with /k/.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 107

paste (underlined: p)

  • A. physics
  • B. lapCorrect
  • C. photo
  • D. phlegm

Explanation

'Paste' /peɪst/ has the bilabial plosive /p/, also found in 'lap' /læp/; the other options use 'ph' for /f/ or a silent letter.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 108

team (underlined: t)

  • A. listen
  • B. thymeCorrect
  • C. them
  • D. think

Explanation

'Team' /tiːm/ has the alveolar plosive /t/, also found in 'thyme' /taɪm/; 't' is silent in 'listen', and 'th' in 'them'/'think' represent /ð/ and /θ/.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 110

bin (underlined: b)

  • A. doubt
  • B. debt
  • C. lamb
  • D. bombCorrect

Explanation

The 'b' in 'bin' /bɪn/ represents the bilabial sound /b/, also the first sound in 'bomb' /bɒm/; 'b' is silent in 'doubt', 'debt' and 'lamb'.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 121

Which word has a stress pattern different from the rest?

  • A. mulattoCorrect
  • B. mystery
  • C. pucker
  • D. public

Explanation

Except 'mulatto' (stressed on the 2nd syllable: mu-LATT-o), the other words are stressed on the first syllable: MYS-ter-y, PUCK-er, PUB-lic.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 122

Which word has a stress pattern different from the rest?

  • A. genius
  • B. enthroneCorrect
  • C. matron
  • D. eager

Explanation

'Enthrone' is stressed on the second syllable (en-THRONE), while the others are stressed on the first: GE-ni-us, MA-tron, EA-ger.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 123

Which word has a stress pattern different from the rest?

  • A. multiple
  • B. never
  • C. rotter
  • D. distasteCorrect

Explanation

'Distaste' is stressed on the second syllable (di-STASTE), while the others are stressed on the first: MUL-ti-ple, NE-ver, ROTT-er.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 124

Which word has a stress pattern different from the rest?

  • A. motivateCorrect
  • B. invade
  • C. concern
  • D. inveigh

Explanation

'Motivate' is stressed on the first syllable, while the others are stressed on the second: in-VADE, con-CERN, in-VEIGH.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 125

Which word has a stress pattern different from the rest?

  • A. income
  • B. confirmCorrect
  • C. muffler
  • D. concert

Explanation

'Confirm' is stressed on the second syllable (con-FIRM), while the others are stressed on the first: IN-come, MUFF-ler, CON-cert.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 126

Which question best fits the statement: 'The project is designed to alleviate poverty in the COUNTRY'?

  • A. Is the constitution designed to alleviate poverty in the country?
  • B. Is the project designed to alleviate poverty in the city?Correct
  • C. Is the project designed to increase poverty in the country?
  • D. Is the project designed to alleviate crime in the country?

Explanation

The emphatic stress is on 'COUNTRY', so the best question contrasts it with another place, e.g. 'the city'.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 127

If a statement is: 'Students are usually advised to stay out of POLITICS', what question was likely asked?

  • A. Are students usually advised to stay out of politics?
  • B. Are students usually advised to go into politics?
  • C. Are students usually advised to stay out of business?Correct
  • D. Are students rarely advised to stay out of politics?

Explanation

The emphasis on 'POLITICS' corrects a misconstrued question that named a different field, e.g. 'business'.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 128

If a statement is: 'The angry WORKERS vowed not to return to work', what question was likely asked?

  • A. Did the happy workers vow not to return to work?
  • B. Did the angry students vow not to return to work?Correct
  • C. Did the angry workers choose not to return to school?
  • D. Did the angry workers vow not to return to school?

Explanation

The emphasis on 'WORKERS' corrects a question that used a different subject, e.g. 'students'.

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 129

If a statement is: 'Mr Peter GOT his hearing aid last week', what question fits the emphasis?

  • A. Did Mr Peter lose his hearing aid last week?Correct
  • B. Did Mr James get his hearing aid last week?
  • C. Did Mr Peter get his reading aid last week?
  • D. Did Mr Peter get his hearing aid last year?

Explanation

The emphasis is on 'GOT', so the reply reinforces this by correcting an opposite claim: 'Did Mr Peter lose it? No, he GOT it.'

English Language 2015 Objective — Question 130

If a statement is: 'They have been on the PHONE for an hour', which question fits the emphasis?

  • A. Has she been on the phone for an hour?
  • B. Have they been off the phone for an hour?
  • C. Have they been on the sofa for an hour?Correct
  • D. Have they been on the phone for two hours?

Explanation

Since 'PHONE' is the stressed word, the best matching question is the one that does not itself contain the word 'phone'.

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