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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Waec Marking Scheme For Mathematics: What To Expect
Every year, thousands of WAEC candidates sit for Mathematics — and many are left confused after the results are released. The truth? It's not just about solving the questions. It's about knowing how WAEC marks them.
If you understand the marking scheme, you can score high even without getting every answer perfectly right.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
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How WAEC marks General Mathematics
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How many marks each question carries
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What examiners look for in workings and answers
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Tips to earn full marks — even if you make small errors
Format of the WAEC Mathematics Exam
WAEC Mathematics (General) usually has two papers:
| Paper | Type | Duration | Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Objective (Multiple Choice) | 1 hour 30 mins | 50 questions |
| Paper 2 | Theory (Essay/Structured) | 2 hours 30 mins | 10 questions (Answer 5) |
Paper 1 – WAEC Marking Scheme for Objective Questions
Each of the 50 multiple-choice questions carries 1 mark.
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No workings needed
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No negative marking
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Answer all 50 for full 50 marks
Total for Paper 1: 50 marks
Paper 2 – WAEC Marking Scheme for Theory/Essay
Paper 2 is more detailed. You’ll answer 5 out of 10 questions.
Each question in Paper 2 usually carries 20 marks, and here’s how those marks are awarded:
| What’s Marked | Typical Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct final answer | 2 – 4 marks |
| Method/working steps | 10 – 14 marks |
| Correct units | 1 mark |
| Clear logical structure | 1 – 2 marks |
| Proper rounding (if required) | 1 mark |
What WAEC Examiners Are Looking For
| Criteria | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Method Marks | Even if your final answer is wrong, showing correct steps earns you marks |
| Presentation | Label diagrams, draw graphs neatly, state what you're solving |
| Units & Labels | Always include units (e.g., cm², kg, N, %) when needed |
| Accuracy | Follow rounding instructions carefully |
| Mathematical Notation | Use correct formulas, symbols, and notations (e.g., ≠, π, √, etc.) |
How WAEC Grades Mathematics Overall
WAEC uses Continuous Assessment + Exam Score, and grades are awarded as:
| Grade | Mark Range (%) | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 75 – 100 | Excellent |
| B2 | 70 – 74 | Very Good |
| B3 | 65 – 69 | Good |
| C4 – C6 | 50 – 64 | Credit Pass |
| D7 – E8 | 40 – 49 | Pass |
| F9 | 0 – 39 | Fail |
Tips to Score High Based on the Marking Scheme
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Don’t skip steps – Even if you know the answer, show the method
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Write neatly – Avoid canceling out or squeezing solutions
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State what you’re solving for – WAEC values clarity
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Practice WAEC-style questions – Use past papers under timed conditions
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Memorize key formulas – Know things like area of a sector, Pythagoras, gradient formula, etc.
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Label graphs properly – Axes, scale, units, and correct plotting are key
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Review marking guides – Past WAEC marking schemes show what gets rewarded
Sample Breakdown of Marks – WAEC Math Question
Question Example: Solve: A cylinder has a radius of 7 cm and height 10 cm. Find its volume.
| Step | Marks Awarded |
|---|---|
| Correct formula: πr²h | 2 marks |
| Substitution: π × 7² × 10 | 2 marks |
| Final calculation (1540 cm³) | 2 marks |
| Unit (cm³) and final box answer | 1 mark |
| Total | 7 marks |
Even if you miss the final calculation but show correct formula and substitution, you can still score 4–5 marks!
WAEC Marking Scheme for Further Mathematics
For students offering Further Mathematics, the same marking logic applies:
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Method marks matter
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Clarity, structure, and units earn marks
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Complex diagrams or vectors must be labeled clearly
Paper format:
| Paper | Type | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Objective | 50 MCQs from pure & applied maths |
| Paper 2 | Theory | Answer 6 out of 10 structured questions |
FAQs About WAEC Mathematics Marking
Q: Will WAEC give me marks if my final answer is wrong?
Yes, if your steps/method are correct, you’ll still earn partial marks.
Q: Can I pass WAEC Mathematics without solving all questions?
Absolutely. Focus on getting full marks in 5 theory questions and 50 objective questions.
Q: Do examiners mark handwriting and neatness?
Not directly, but messy work may be skipped or misunderstood — costing you marks.
Q: Can I use calculator in WAEC Maths?
Yes, scientific calculators are allowed. Use them smartly.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how WAEC Mathematics is marked gives you a powerful edge. Even if you're not a math genius, you can still pass or even get an A1 just by:
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Writing your steps clearly
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Practicing WAEC-style questions
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Avoiding careless mistakes
Show your work. Stay neat. Know the method. WAEC will reward you.
