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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Neco Marking Scheme For English Language: What To Expect (2025/2026 Guide)
English Language is one of the most important subjects in the NECO Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE). It is compulsory for all candidates, and a good grade in English is essential for gaining university admission in Nigeria.
The secret to scoring high in NECO English? Understand the marking scheme.
In this 2025/2026 guide, you’ll discover:
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NECO English paper structure
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How marks are awarded in essay, comprehension, and summary
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What to expect in oral English
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NECO grading system
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Tips to pass with distinction
Structure of NECO English Language Exam
NECO English Language is divided into three main papers:
| Paper | Section | Content | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Objective | 100 multiple-choice questions | 100 marks |
| Paper 2 | Essay & Comprehension | Letter writing, essay, summary, comprehension | 100 marks |
| Paper 3 | Oral English (Listening Test) | Phonetics, intonation, rhymes, stress | 100 marks |
Paper 1 – Objective Questions (100 Marks)
This paper tests your grammar, vocabulary, lexis and structure, and comprehension skills.
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100 questions
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Each correct answer = 1 mark
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No negative marking, so attempt all questions
Tip: Focus on antonyms, synonyms, idioms, correct tenses, and punctuation usage.
Paper 2 – Essay and Comprehension (100 Marks)
This section is where candidates either gain or lose a lot of marks. It’s made up of three major parts:
Section A: Essay Writing (50 Marks)
You will write one composition out of several options (letter, article, speech, story, or debate).
| Marking Breakdown | Marks |
|---|---|
| Content (relevance, logic) | 10 marks |
| Organization (paragraphing, coherence) | 10 marks |
| Expression (grammar, vocabulary, style) | 20 marks |
| Mechanical Accuracy (spelling, punctuation) | 10 marks |
| Total | 50 marks |
Use correct formats. For example, informal and formal letters must follow different formats.
Section B: Comprehension (20 Marks)
Based on a short passage, you’ll answer 5–6 questions.
| What NECO Looks For | Marks |
|---|---|
| Clear understanding of text | 4 marks per question |
| Answers in candidate’s own words | Extra credit |
| Accurate reference to text | +1 mark if relevant |
Don’t lift answers word-for-word from the passage. Use your own words.
Section C: Summary Writing (30 Marks)
You’ll be asked to summarize a longer passage in your own words.
| Assessment Area | Marks |
|---|---|
| Identification of points | 10 marks (5 × 2) |
| Clarity and grammar | 10 marks |
| Use of own words (paraphrasing) | 10 marks |
| Total | 30 marks |
Use short, simple sentences. Avoid repetition and unnecessary details.
Paper 3 – Oral English (100 Marks)
This is the listening test, often recorded and played during the exam.
Key Areas Covered:
| Focus | Test Type |
|---|---|
| Vowel and Consonant Sounds | Identify correct/odd sounds in words |
| Rhymes | Choose rhyming pairs |
| Word Stress | Identify primary stress in given words |
| Intonation | Rising and falling tones in sentences |
Tip: Practice with WAEC/NECO past oral English recordings or apps that help you recognize sounds.
NECO Grading System
Here’s how NECO grades your overall English performance:
| Grade | Score (%) | Remark |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 75 – 100 | Excellent |
| B2 | 70 – 74 | Very Good |
| B3 | 65 – 69 | Good |
| C4 – C6 | 50 – 64 | Credit |
| D7 – E8 | 40 – 49 | Pass |
| F9 | Below 40 | Fail |
Each paper (1, 2, and 3) contributes 100 marks. The average is calculated and used for your final grade.
Smart Tips to Pass NECO English in 2025/2026
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Master essay formats – especially letter writing, speeches, and articles
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Practice summary writing – focus on reducing long passages into clear points
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Expand your vocabulary – for better comprehension and expression
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Use punctuation correctly – especially in essay and summary
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Don’t skip the oral practice – use YouTube, radio, or oral English CDs
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Read comprehension passages aloud – helps with understanding
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Solve 10+ years of past questions – patterns repeat often
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I get full marks in NECO essay writing?
Yes, if your content is relevant, well-organized, grammatically correct, and neatly written.
Q: Are spelling and punctuation important in NECO English?
Very important! Spelling and punctuation affect Mechanical Accuracy scores.
Q: Can I lift lines directly from the passage in summary or comprehension?
No. Always rewrite the idea in your own words for full marks.
Q: Is oral English compulsory in NECO?
Yes. It is part of the full English Language paper and contributes to your total score.
Final Thoughts
NECO English Language is not hard — if you understand how it’s marked. Instead of memorizing long grammar rules, focus on what the examiners actually reward.
Structure your answers well. Use correct grammar. Be clear. Be accurate.
By following the NECO English marking scheme, you can confidently walk into the exam hall and walk out with a distinction.
