WAEC Agricultural Science Practical Specimens for 2025/2026: Comprehensive Guide for Candidates and Educators

WAEC Agricultural Science Practical Specimens for 2025/2026: Comprehensive Guide for Candidates and Educators

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Agricultural Science practical examination is a critical component of the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). It assesses the candidate’s ability to identify, describe, and analyze agricultural tools, materials, and organisms, as well as their knowledge of basic laboratory and field techniques. This guide presents the officially released specimen list for the 2025/2026 WAEC Agricultural Science practical exam, along with in-depth explanations and preparation strategies.

Understanding WAEC Agricultural Practical Specimens

WAEC practical specimens are tangible items or their representations (such as diagrams or labeled photographs) provided to candidates during the practical examination. These specimens are meant to test:

1. Observation and identification skills

2. Application of agricultural principles

3. Knowledge of farm tools, fertilizers, crops, pests, animal products, and soil types

4. Comparative analysis and classification

To succeed, students must have physical contact with these specimens during their preparatory classes and must learn the correct terminologies for describing and analyzing them.

Full List of WAEC Agricultural Science Practical Specimens for 2025/2026

The WAEC board typically organizes specimens into categories. For the 2025/2026 examination year, the specimens fall under six main categories:

1. Soils and Organic Materials

1. Specimen C: Loamy Soil

2. Specimen D: Sandy Soil

3. Specimen M: Sawdust

4. Specimen N: Wood Shavings

Educational Purpose:
These specimens are used to test students’ understanding of different soil textures, organic amendments, and physical soil characteristics. Loamy soil, being ideal for crop growth, is contrasted with sandy soil to demonstrate properties like water retention, aeration, and nutrient-holding capacity. Sawdust and wood shavings are organic residues that play roles in composting and soil conditioning.

Likely Tasks:

1. Describe texture and color

2. Compare water-holding capacity

3. Identify uses in agriculture (e.g., composting or mulching)

4. State advantages and disadvantages

2. Farm Tools and Equipment

1. Specimen E: Water Trough

2. Specimen F: Feed Trough

3. Specimen G: Egg Candler (real object, diagram, or image)

4. Specimen H: Scoop Net

Educational Purpose:
These tools are essential for livestock and aquaculture operations. Students should recognize each item, describe its structure, and state its functions.

Likely Tasks:

1. Identify the specimen

2. Describe materials used to make each item

3. State uses and maintenance requirements

4. Classify tools based on area of agricultural use (e.g., poultry, fisheries)

3. Fertilizers and Organic Manures

1. Specimen A: Ammonium Sulphate (labeled)

2. Specimen B: Muriate of Potash (labeled)

3. Specimen C: Cow Dung

4. Specimen D: Compost (labeled)

Educational Purpose:
Students must understand nutrient types, sources of plant nutrients, and the differences between organic and inorganic inputs. Ammonium sulphate provides nitrogen, while muriate of potash supplies potassium. Cow dung and compost are organic manures used for soil fertility improvement.

Likely Tasks:

1. Identify each specimen and state its major nutrient

2. Compare organic and inorganic fertilizers

3. Discuss the environmental effects of each

4. Describe methods of application

4. Crop and Animal Products

1. Specimen I: Sugarcane (whole stalk)

2. Specimen J: Pineapple Fruit (whole)

3. Specimen K: Ginger (whole)

4. Specimen L: Honey (labeled container)

Educational Purpose:
These specimens are used to evaluate students’ knowledge of crop types, classification, and uses. Honey, as an animal product, connects crop and livestock studies.

Likely Tasks:

1. Identify and classify crops (monocot or dicot, annual or perennial)

2. State economic importance

3. Describe propagation methods

4. Identify primary consumers or market products derived from them

5. Insect Pests and Harmful Organisms

1. Specimen H: Maize Weevil

2. Specimen I: Bean Beetle

3. Specimen J: Grasshopper

4. Specimen K: Cotton Stainer

Educational Purpose:
Students should recognize these insects, understand their life cycles, the type of damage they cause, and control methods. This group directly relates to pest management in agricultural production.

Likely Tasks:

1. Identify the stage of life (e.g., adult or larva)

2. State crops attacked by each pest

3. Describe damage symptoms

4. Suggest control methods (cultural, chemical, or biological)

WAEC Agricultural Science Practical Specimens for 2025/2026: Comprehensive Guide for Candidates and Educators

6. Animal Anatomy and Products

1. Specimen L: Tilapia (Whole and Fresh)

2. Specimen M: Hay

3. Specimen N: Fish Meal

Educational Purpose:
This group focuses on aquaculture and animal nutrition. Students must be able to classify feeds, understand the significance of animal proteins, and describe preservation methods such as drying hay.

Likely Tasks:

1. Classify feeds into sources: protein, carbohydrate, roughage

2. State feeding value of fish meal and hay

3. Identify body parts of fish and explain adaptive features

4. Discuss importance of animal products in human diets

Sample Mock Questions Based on 2025 Specimens

1. With reference to Specimens A and B (Ammonium Sulphate and Muriate of Potash):

   1. State one major plant nutrient supplied by each.

   2. Describe one advantage and one disadvantage of using each fertilizer.

   3. Outline two methods of applying fertilizers in the field.

2. Using Specimens C and D (Loamy and Sandy soils):

   1. Identify the type of soil.

   2. Compare their texture, water retention, and suitability for maize cultivation.

   3. List one crop suitable for each soil type.

3. Using Specimens I and J (Sugarcane and Pineapple):

   1. Identify and classify both crops.

   2. State the method of propagation for each.

   3. Mention three uses of each crop.

4. With reference to Specimen H (Maize Weevil):

   1. Identify the pest and the crop it attacks.

   2. Describe the type of damage caused.

   3. State one cultural and one chemical control method.

Preparation Guidelines for Students

1. Get Hands-On Experience:
   Practical learning is essential. Physically handle and observe each specimen under supervision.

2. Master Identification Skills:
   Practice recognizing specimens both in physical form and in image or diagram form.

3. Understand Agricultural Applications:
   Go beyond memorization. Learn the real-life applications and environmental impact of each specimen.

4. Use Labeled Diagrams:
   Develop drawing skills for tools, insects, crops, and animal parts. Practice labeling correctly.

5. Revise Past Questions:
   Analyze WAEC past practical exams to understand common questions and marking schemes.

Recommendations for Teachers and Schools

1. Ensure all specimens are available in the school laboratory or agriculture room ahead of time.

2. Conduct regular mock practical sessions using real or preserved specimens.

3. Create identification cards with names, uses, and characteristics of each specimen.

4. Teach students to make observations systematically, using agricultural terminology.

Conclusion

The 2025/2026 WAEC Agricultural Science practical examination requires a solid understanding of farming tools, soils, fertilizers, crops, pests, and animal products. Students must be able to observe, analyze, and describe these specimens accurately. Through consistent practice, exposure to real materials, and guided instruction, candidates can approach the exam with confidence and competence.