Prepare for NECO English Language 2025 with the complete syllabus, exam structure, and study tips. Download the syllabus PDF and get expert guidance to pass easily.
In Nigeria, English Language is a subject that every student must write in O’level exams. To gain admission into a university, you must pass this subject. If you fail, no matter how well you do in other subjects, you will not be admitted. This is why you need to prepare well.
To help students know what to study, NECO has shared the official English Language syllabus. This syllabus shows the important topics for the exam. It helps students avoid reading topics that are not needed.
If you do not have the NECO English Language syllabus yet, do not worry. You can check it here and also download it to your device for future use.
NECO English Language Exam Structure and Marking Guide 2025
This is how the NECO English Language exam is organized. Check the details below:
| Paper | Details | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | This part has multiple-choice questions. It tests your knowledge and understanding. | 40 |
| 2 | This part has three sections: | |
| – An essay where you choose one topic from five options. | ||
| – A comprehension passage with at least 350 words. You must answer all questions based on it. | ||
| – A summary passage with about 500 words. You will summarize a part of the text. | 100 | |
| 3 | This part tests oral skills. It has 60 multiple-choice questions. You have 45 minutes to complete this section. Each correct answer adds to your final score. | 30 |
NECO English Language Syllabus 2025
Follow this syllabus carefully to improve your chances of passing the exam.
Section: Lexis
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Vocabulary Development | Words related to different areas like farming, fishing, health, sports, travel, government, science, law, culture, advertising, and the human body. |
| Idioms | Understanding and using common idiomatic expressions. |
| Structured Elements | Learning how to arrange words correctly in sentences. |
| Figurative Usage | Using similes, metaphors, and personification in writing. |
Section: Structure
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Grammar & Sentence Formation | – Learning how words change in number, tense, and degree. |
| – Understanding sentence structure. | |
| – Using important words like conjunctions, prepositions, and determiners correctly. |
Section A: Essay Writing
Students will write essays in different formats, including:
- Letters
- Speeches
- Narratives
- Descriptions
- Debates/Arguments
- Reports
- Articles
- Expositions
- Creative Writing
Section B: Comprehension
Students will answer questions based on a passage. Questions will check:
- Meaning of words and phrases
- Understanding of facts
- Hidden meanings in the text
- Feelings, emotions, and attitudes in the passage
- Grammar and sentence structure
- Literary terms
- Sentence rearrangement
Section C: Summary Writing
Students will summarize a 500-word passage by:
- Picking out the main points
- Writing the summary in a simple way without repeating words
- Explaining only the required information
Paper 3: Oral English
This part includes multiple-choice questions on:
- Pronunciation of vowels, consonants, and diphthongs
- Stress and intonation in words
- Identifying voiced and voiceless sounds
- Words that sound similar (rhyming words)
- Emphasis on certain words in sentences
- Understanding spoken words in conversations and stories
Tips to Pass NECO English Language Exam
Here are some simple tips to help you do well in your English exam:
- Focus on Important Areas – Pay more attention to grammar, comprehension, and essay writing. These are the main parts of the NECO English exam.
- Solve Past Questions – Download and practice past NECO English questions. This helps you understand how the exam is set and the topics that appear often. You can find past questions online or in study materials.
- Practice with Time Limit – Answer questions within the given time. This will help you complete your exam on time without rushing.
- Improve Your Vocabulary – Read books, newspapers, and articles to learn new words and understand how sentences are formed.
- Write Essays Regularly – Practice writing essays on topics that usually appear in NECO exams. Make sure your writing is well-structured, clear, and has correct grammar.
Do you find these tips useful? Let us know in the comments. Also, share this with your friends who might need it. Good luck with your NECO exam!
FAQs
- Where can I find the NECO syllabus for English Language?
- You can download it online or get it from study materials.
- What are the main components of the English Language syllabus?
- It includes grammar, comprehension, essay writing, lexis, structure, summary, and oral English.
- How can I prepare effectively for the English Language exam?
- Study grammar, practice essay writing, solve past questions, and improve vocabulary.
- Are there recommended textbooks for the English Language syllabus?
- Yes, you can use NECO-approved textbooks and English grammar books.
- Does the exam include oral assessments?
- Yes, there is a section for Oral English with multiple-choice questions.
- Can I access past NECO English Language questions?
- Yes, past questions are available online, in books, or through educational apps.
