NECO 2025 English Language Examination Questions and Answers

NECO 2025 English Language Examination Questions and Answers

SECTION A: Objective (Choose the correct option A–D)

Instructions: Answer all questions. Choose the option that best completes each sentence or answers the question.

Comprehension (Questions 1–10)

Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow it:

Passage:
Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing the world today. Its effects are far-reaching—melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and more frequent natural disasters. Human activities such as deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels have contributed significantly to the problem. It is imperative that governments and individuals act decisively to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment.

1. According to the passage, climate change is caused mainly by:
   A. The sun’s radiation
   B. Deforestation and burning of fuels
   C. Poor farming methods
   D. Sea level rise
   Answer: B

2. What is one effect of climate change mentioned in the passage?
   A. Deforestation
   B. Carbon storage
   C. Rising sea levels
   D. Population growth
   Answer: C

3. The word “pressing” as used in the passage means:
   A. Heavy
   B. Urgent
   C. Physical
   D. Large
   Answer: B

4. Which of these is suggested as a solution?
   A. Increased forest burning
   B. Government indifference
   C. Reducing carbon emissions
   D. Technological advancement
   Answer: C

5. The writer’s tone in the passage is:
   A. Indifferent
   B. Humorous
   C. Serious
   D. Sarcastic
   Answer: C

6. The phrase “far-reaching” in the passage means:
   A. Easy to reach
   B. Wide in scope
   C. Local
   D. Tall
   Answer: B

7. Melting glaciers are caused by:
   A. Population increase
   B. Human rights
   C. Temperature increase
   D. Air pressure
   Answer: C

8. Human activities mentioned include:
   A. Farming and irrigation
   B. Industrialization and science
   C. Burning fossil fuels
   D. Political unrest
   Answer: C

9. “Protect the environment” implies:
   A. Build more houses
   B. Plant more trees
   C. Use more cars
   D. Burn more fuels
   Answer: B

10. What is the main message of the passage?
    A. Climate change is natural
    B. Humans have no role in climate change
    C. Everyone must help tackle climate change
    D. Only governments can solve climate change
    Answer: C

SECTION B: Lexis and Structure (Questions 11–30)

Choose the word or group of words that best completes each sentence:

11. If he had studied harder, he ___ the exam.
    A. will pass
    B. would have passed
    C. can pass
    D. had passed
    Answer: B

12. Neither the teacher nor the students ___ in the hall.
    A. was
    B. were
    C. is
    D. has
    Answer: B

13. He is the boy ___ won the prize.
    A. whose
    B. which
    C. who
    D. whom
    Answer: C

14. They have been living here ___ five years.
    A. since
    B. for
    C. during
    D. over
    Answer: B

15. She prefers tea ___ coffee.
    A. than
    B. over
    C. to
    D. from
    Answer: C

Lexis and Structure (Continued)

31. The manager insisted that the report ___ before the meeting.
    A. is prepared
    B. was prepared
    C. be prepared
    D. must prepared
    Answer: C

32. The old man was accused ___ stealing the money.
    A. for
    B. of
    C. to
    D. on
    Answer: B

33. We are looking forward ___ our uncle next week.
    A. seeing
    B. see
    C. to see
    D. to seeing
    Answer: D

34. I’d rather you ___ earlier next time.
    A. arrive
    B. arrived
    C. had arrived
    D. will arrive
    Answer: B

35. Each of the boys ___ a prize.
    A. have received
    B. are receiving
    C. has received
    D. receive
    Answer: C

36. The car, as well as the bikes, ___ new.
    A. are
    B. were
    C. is
    D. be
    Answer: C

37. He is good ___ Mathematics.
    A. at
    B. in
    C. on
    D. with
    Answer: A

38. The exam was tough, but I managed to ___ through.
    A. get
    B. go
    C. pull
    D. scrape
    Answer: D

39. The girl sings as if she ___ a professional singer.
    A. is
    B. was
    C. has been
    D. were
    Answer: D

40. We had barely sat down ___ the lights went off.
    A. than
    B. that
    C. when
    D. as
    Answer: C

Vocabulary (Questions 41–50)

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word:

41. The thief was apprehended by the police.
    A. warned
    B. arrested
    C. praised
    D. monitored
    Answer: B

42. He is a versatile footballer.
    A. stubborn
    B. limited
    C. skillful in many areas
    D. lazy
    Answer: C

43. She gave a concise answer.
    A. lengthy
    B. brief
    C. vague
    D. polite
    Answer: B

44. The boy was reluctant to join the group.
    A. eager
    B. unwilling
    C. happy
    D. bold
    Answer: B

45. The doctor gave me a potent drug.
    A. mild
    B. harmful
    C. strong
    D. cheap
    Answer: C

46. The woman lamented her loss.
    A. denied
    B. celebrated
    C. cried over
    D. ignored
    Answer: C

47. We were told to desist from fighting.
    A. start
    B. continue
    C. stop
    D. enjoy
    Answer: C

48. His hostile behaviour surprised me.
    A. friendly
    B. kind
    C. aggressive
    D. helpful
    Answer: C

49. The workers were paid a meagre salary.
    A. large
    B. small
    C. reasonable
    D. regular
    Answer: B

50. She was frank with her response.
    A. clever
    B. rude
    C. honest
    D. secretive
    Answer: C

Structure & Usage (Questions 51–60)

Choose the most appropriate option to complete the sentences.

51. By this time next year, I ___ my degree.
    A. will have obtained
    B. will obtain
    C. would obtain
    D. would have obtained
    Answer: A

52. The teacher made the students ___ quiet.
    A. to keep
    B. keeping
    C. kept
    D. keep
    Answer: D

53. If I were you, I ___ to him.
    A. will listen
    B. would listen
    C. listen
    D. listens
    Answer: B

54. This is the house ___ was painted blue.
    A. which
    B. whom
    C. whose
    D. who
    Answer: A

55. They arrived at the airport ___ midnight.
    A. on
    B. by
    C. at
    D. in
    Answer: C

56. She is the best student ___ the school.
    A. in
    B. on
    C. of
    D. at
    Answer: A

57. He went to the market and bought ___ oranges.
    A. a
    B. any
    C. some
    D. many of
    Answer: C

58. We have never met before, ___ we?
    A. haven’t
    B. did
    C. have
    D. do
    Answer: C

59. The soldiers marched ___ the parade ground.
    A. across
    B. through
    C. along
    D. over
    Answer: C

60. You must submit your project ___ Friday.
    A. in
    B. by
    C. on
    D. before
    Answer: B

NECO 2025 English Language Examination Questions and Answers

Section B: Essay Writing

Instructions: Answer one question only from this section. Your answer should be between 450 and 500 words. Marks will be awarded for correct grammar, punctuation, organization, and clarity.

ESSAY TOPICS (Choose one)

1. Write a letter to your friend in another school, describing your new school and telling him or her about two major events that recently took place.

2. Write an article suitable for publication in a national newspaper on the topic: “The Dangers of Drug Abuse Among Nigerian Youths.”

3. Write a story that ends with the words: “… and that was how I learned never to judge anyone by appearance.”

4. Write a debate for or against the motion: “Social Media Has Done More Harm Than Good to Teenagers.”

5. Write a speech to be delivered on your school’s prize-giving day on the topic: “The Importance of Hard Work in Achieving Academic Excellence.”

Marking Scheme for Essay (50 marks)

Section C: Comprehension and Summary

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Passage (For Questions 1–7)

Modern technology has changed the way people live and work. In the past, communication took days or even weeks, but today, information travels across the globe in seconds. The introduction of mobile phones, computers, and the internet has made it easier for individuals and businesses to connect and grow. However, this convenience comes at a cost. Many people now spend more time on their screens than with their families. Cybercrime has also become more common. While technology has improved our lives in many ways, it is important to use it responsibly.

Comprehension Questions (Answer all)

1. In what two ways has technology changed communication?

2. Mention two benefits of modern technology mentioned in the passage.

3. What are two negative effects of modern technology according to the passage?

4. According to the passage, why is it important to use technology responsibly?

5. What is the writer’s attitude towards modern technology?

6. Find one word from the passage that means “ease or simplicity.”

7. Find one word from the passage that means “wrongful acts using computers.”

Summary Writing

Read the passage below and summarize the three major reasons why many students fail exams in not more than 100 words.

Passage for Summary (For Questions 8–10)

Examination failure among students is often caused by poor study habits. Many students wait until the last minute before they begin to prepare for exams. This leads to panic and poor performance. Another reason is distraction—students today are often distracted by social media, television, and other entertainment. Lastly, lack of understanding of the subject matter contributes to failure. Some students do not ask questions or seek help when they are confused. These problems, if not addressed, can lead to repeated failure and discouragement.

Summary Questions

8. In one sentence, state the first reason students fail exams.

9. What is the second reason mentioned in the passage?

10. What is the third reason? Write your answers in clear, concise sentences.

NECO 2025 English Language Examination Questions and Answers

SECTION B: ESSAY WRITING – Model Essay

Essay Option 2: Article Writing

Topic: The Dangers of Drug Abuse Among Nigerian Youths

Title: Drug Abuse: A Threat to the Future of Nigerian Youths

Drug abuse has become a growing menace among Nigerian youths. Every day, more young people fall into the trap of consuming hard substances such as marijuana, tramadol, codeine, cocaine, and others. These substances may offer momentary pleasure, but they destroy the body, mind, and future of the users.

One of the most common dangers of drug abuse is the damage it causes to the health of young people. Drug abuse can lead to mental illness, liver damage, heart failure, and in extreme cases, death. Many Nigerian youths who indulge in drug abuse end up in rehabilitation centres or psychiatric hospitals. This is not the kind of future we desire for the leaders of tomorrow.

Another major consequence is the increase in crime and violence. Drug abuse leads to irrational behaviour. Many youths, under the influence of drugs, engage in theft, rape, and armed robbery. They are often unable to control their actions, causing harm to themselves and others.

Additionally, drug abuse contributes to poor academic performance. Students who are addicted to drugs often skip classes, fail exams, or drop out entirely. Their concentration, memory, and ability to reason are greatly affected.

The government and society must act fast. Schools should organize regular sensitization programs. Parents should be more attentive to the behaviour of their children. Religious and community leaders should also play a role in preaching against drug abuse.

In conclusion, drug abuse is a dangerous path that leads to destruction. The youth must be guided and helped to avoid this trap. If we fail to act now, the future of Nigeria may be in jeopardy.

SECTION C: COMPREHENSION – Model Answers

Passage-Based Questions and Solutions

1. In what two ways has technology changed communication?
   – Communication is now faster, and information travels globally within seconds.

2. Mention two benefits of modern technology mentioned in the passage.
   – It makes it easier for individuals and businesses to connect.
   – It improves how people live and work.

3. What are two negative effects of modern technology according to the passage?
   – It reduces family time due to excessive screen use.
   – It increases cybercrime.

4. According to the passage, why is it important to use technology responsibly?
   – Because although it improves life, misuse can lead to negative consequences like cybercrime and weakened family bonds.

5. What is the writer’s attitude towards modern technology?
   – The writer appreciates its benefits but warns about its misuse.

6. Find one word from the passage that means “ease or simplicity.”
   – Convenience

7. Find one word from the passage that means “wrongful acts using computers.”
   – Cybercrime

NECO 2025 English Language Examination Questions and Answers

SUMMARY SECTION – Model Answers

Summary Passage Questions and Solutions

8. In one sentence, state the first reason students fail exams.
   – Students fail because they develop poor study habits and prepare late.

9. What is the second reason mentioned in the passage?
   – Students are often distracted by social media, television, and entertainment.

10. What is the third reason?
    – Some students do not understand the subject and fail to seek help when confused.

Full Sample Summary (in 100 words or fewer)

Many students fail their examinations due to poor study habits such as procrastinating until the last minute, which leads to panic. Distractions from social media and other forms of entertainment also prevent them from studying effectively. Furthermore, some students do not fully understand their subjects and fail to ask questions or seek help. These three major factors poor preparation, distractions, and lack of understanding contribute significantly to failure in examinations.