WASSCE · Topics by subject
WASSCE Topics – All Subjects
The topics WAEC examines are the topics in the syllabus — 2,163 of them across 64 subjects. This page lists them by subject so you can see what your paper is set from.
There are no “confirmed” WASSCE topics
No one knows which syllabus topics a given paper will draw on before the paper is written, and nothing circulating as “confirmed topics”, “areas of concentration” or “expo” is genuine. WAEC sets each paper from the published syllabus. That syllabus is the only real answer to “what topics will come out”, and it is free — it is below.
Use it the way a teacher would: work through every topic in your subject, and treat any topic you cannot explain as the next thing to revise. A paper that draws from anywhere in the syllabus is only a problem if you have covered part of it.
Topics by subject
Each subject shows its first 6 topics and its full topic count. Open the subject for the complete list, the syllabus aims, how the papers are structured, and the official PDF.
Core Subjects 3 subjects
Civic Education 17 topics
- Values
- Citizenship and Nationalism
- Human Rights
- Law and Order
- Responsible Parenthood
- Traffic Regulations
English Language 16 topics
- ESSAY WRITING (50 marks)
- COMPREHENSION (40 marks)
- SUMMARY (30 marks)
- Lexis
- Idioms
- Structural Elements of English
Mathematics 49 topics
- Number bases
- Modular Arithmetic
- Fractions, Decimals and Approximations
- Indices
- Logarithms
- Sequence and Series
Sciences 10 subjects
Agricultural Science 69 topics
- Meaning and importance of agriculture
- Problems of agricultural development and possible solutions
- Meaning and differences between subsistence and commercial agriculture
- Roles of government in agricultural development
- Role of non-governmental organizations in agricultural development
- Agricultural laws and reforms
Biology 65 topics
- Classification
- Organization of life
- Forms in which living cells exist
- Cell
- The Cell and its environment
- Properties and functions of the living cell
Chemistry 15 topics
- Introduction to chemistry
- Structure of the atom
- Standard separation techniques for mixtures
- Periodic chemistry
- Chemical bonds
- Stoichiometry and chemical reactions
Computer Science 77 topics
- Computing Devices I (Pre-computing age- 19th century)
- Computing Devices II (20th century to date)
- Overview of Computing Systems
- Characteristics of Computers
- Differences between hardware and software
- Data and Information: Definition and examples of data and information
Data Processing 32 topics
- History of Computers
- Data and Information
- Classification of Computers
- Application of ICT in everyday life
- Components of Computers
- The art of Information processing
Digital Technology (ICT) 8 topics
- Introduction to basic ict concepts and computers
- Computer hardware
- Computer software
- Threats to computers and users
- Word processing
- Spreadsheet
Further Mathematics 30 topics
- Sets
- Surds
- Binary Operations
- Logical Reasoning
- Functions
- Polynomial Functions
Geography 74 topics
- Map work
- *Principles of elementary surveying compass, plotting of traverse, avoiding obstacles in the field.
- **Geographic Information System (GIS)
- Statistical maps and diagrams
- Elements of Physical Geography
- *Hydrosphere
Health Education 52 topics
- Meaning and setting for Health Education
- Notes
- Cells and tissues of the Human Body
- Sense Organs
- Systems of the Body
- Posture and Postural Defects
Physics 42 topics
- Concepts of matter
- Fundamental and derived quantities and units
- Position, distance and displacement
- Mass and weight
- Time
- Fluid at rest
Languages 7 subjects
Edo 11 topics
- Composition
- Sound System
- Grammar
- Oral Literature – Prose, Poetry, Drama
- Written Literature – Prose, Poetry, Drama
- Customs
Efịk 8 topics
- Composition/Letter Writing
- Oral Literature
- Written Literature
- Edu Uwem (customs)
- Nsionsio nka (Different Institutions)
- Culture
French 34 topics
- Section A: Comprehension
- Section B: Structure
- Section A
- Section B
- Listening Comprehension
- Reading
Hausa 35 topics
- Composition/Letter Writing
- Sound System (Tsarin Sauti)
- Grammar (Nahawu)
- Oral Literature
- Written Literature
- Greeting
Ibibio 12 topics
- Part 1: Essay/Letter writing
- Part 2: Sound system
- Tone and tone intonation
- Part 3: Grammar
- Part 1: Oral Literature
- Part 2: Written Literature
Igbo 15 topics
- Part I: Composition/ Letter Writing
- Part II: Sound system
- Part III: Grammar
- Part I: Oral Literature
- Part II: Written Literature
- Customs – Omenala
Yoruba 12 topics
- Composition
- Sound System
- Grammar
- Oral Literature – Prose, Poetry, Drama
- Written Literature – Prose, Poetry, Drama
- Customs
Arts & Humanities 8 subjects
Art 14 topics
- The Rationale for Visual Arts
- Basic Drawing Tools, Equipment and Materials
- Basic Design and Composition
- Printmaking/Printing
- Lettering
- Prehistoric Art
CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES 25 topics
- The Sovereignty of God
- Leadership roles
- Parental Responsibility
- Consequences of Saul’s disobedience
- Submission to the will of God
- Making Decisions
Government 32 topics
- Meaning and scope of the subject matter - government
- Basic concepts and principles of government
- Constitutions
- Types/forms of government
- Organs of government
- Citizenship
History 32 topics
- Historiography and Historical Skills
- Trans – Saharan Trade
- Islam in West Africa
- European Contact with West Africa
- Trans-Atlantic slave trade
- Christian Missionary Activities in West Africa
Islamic Studies 43 topics
- The Jahiliyyah: Arabia before Islam.
- The life of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)
- The Khulafᾱ’ur-Rᾱshidīn (The Rightly – guided Caliphs): Abu- Bakr Ibn Abī Quhhᾱfah, ‘Umar Ibn al-Khattᾱb, ‘Uthmᾱn Ibn ‘Affᾱn and ‘Ali Ibn Abī Tᾱlib.
- Islam in West Africa
- Revelation of the Qur’an
- Preservation of the Qur’an
Literature in English 20 topics
- African Prose
- Non-African Prose
- Shakespearean Text
- African Drama
- Non-African Drama
- African Poetry
Music 44 topics
- Rudiments of Music
- Elementary Harmony
- Composition
- Form and Analysis
- Prepared set works as recommended for each year
- Rhythmic Dictation
West African Traditional Religion 21 topics
- Introduction to the Study of West African Traditional Religion Nature
- Terms Used to Describe West African Traditional Religion
- Sources of West African Traditional Religion
- Approaches to the Study of West African Traditional Religion
- The Structure of West African Traditional Religion
- Worship in West African Traditional Religion
Business & Commercial 13 subjects
Book Keeping 53 topics
- Meaning of Book Keeping
- Assets and Liabilities
- Business Transactions
- Classification of Accounts
- Source Documents
- Definition, identification, and the differences between concepts and conventions.
Business Management 42 topics
- Meaning and Process of Management
- Forms of Business Organization
- Business and Society
- Planning and Decision Making
- Organizing
- Directing
Clerical Office Duties 63 topics
- Definition of an office
- Functions
- Sections
- Departments
- Office Personnel
- Professional Image of Office Staff
Commerce 21 topics
- Introduction
- Occupations
- Production
- Business units
- Business capital and profits
- Trade associations
Economics 25 topics
- Definition and scope of economics
- Factors of production
- Types and basic features of economic systems
- Basic tools of economic analysis
- Demand
- Supply
Financial Accounting 27 topics
- Introduction to Financial Accounting
- The Accounting Equation and Double Entry Principles
- Accounting Concepts
- The Final Accounts of a Sole Trader/proprietorship
- Provisions and Reserves
- Manufacturing Accounts
Insurance 48 topics
- Meaning
- Historical development
- Insurance contracts
- Risks
- Hazards
- Functions of Insurance
Marketing 21 topics
- Introduction to Marketing
- Marketing Concepts
- Marketing Mix and Marketing Environment
- Products
- Markets
- Consumer and Organizational Behaviour
Office Practice 56 topics
- Definition of the office
- Functions of the office
- Layout of the office
- Principles of office organization
- Office procedures
- Sections of the office
Shorthand 20 topics
- Business Matters
- Literary Matters
- Candidates must provide typewriters, shorthand notebooks, and other writing materials.
- The shorthand notes may be written with either pen or pencil. The shorthand notes must be attached to the transcripts.
- Specially marked typing papers will be supplied by the Council. No typing paper other than those supplied by the Council may be used.
- Candidates shall not be allowed to make any carbon copies.
Store Management 30 topics
- Store Management
- Functions of Management
- Factors to be considered in establishing a Store
- Retailing
- Wholesaling
- Warehousing
Tourism 25 topics
- Concepts
- Scope of tourism
- History of tourism
- Types of tourism
- Forms of tourism
- Components
Typewriting 13 topics
- Correspondence
- Manuscript
- Display work
- Facilities and schedule:
- Stationary - qty
- Typewriting For Senior Secondary School by Iris Kerry
Technical & Trade 23 subjects
Animal Husbandry (ALT A) 59 topics
- Meaning, scope and importance of animal husbandry
- Problems in animal production
- Quality and Safety standards of animal food products
- Classification of farm animals
- Meaning of the terms
- Digestive System
Animal Husbandry ALT B 30 topics
- Importance of farm animals
- Classification of farm animals
- Internal organs and their functions in farm animals
- Body systems and their functions in farm animals
- Reproduction in farm animals
- Meaning and classes of animal feeds
Auto Body Repairs 46 topics
- Definition of safety rules and regulations in auto body repairs and spray painting.
- List of rules and regulations and their importance.
- List of safety tools and equipment/machines for auto body repairs
- Auto body dressing code: personal protective equipment (nose mask, goggles, boots, ear defender, etc)
- Sources of accident (human factors, machinery/equipment and workshop keeping) and their preventions.
- Factory acts on safety rules and regulations: 1984 amended resource conservation recovery act, environmental protection agency regulations and hazardous waste collection and recycling (solvent recovery system).
Auto Electrical Work 23 topics
- Concept of Battery
- Uses of battery
- Types, Constructional details and ratings
- Charging
- Testing and Maintenance
- Purpose and components of starting system
Auto Mechanical Work 27 topics
- Workshop safety and regulations
- Tools and equipment
- Vehicle layout
- Automobile Engine
- Transmission system
- Suspension system
Auto Parts Merchandising 41 topics
- Safety in auto parts merchandising shop
- Engine parts
- Transmission system(clutch)
- Transmission system (gearbox)
- Transmission system (propeller shaft and rear axle assembly)
- Suspension system
Basic Electricity/ Applied Electricity 15 topics
- Direct current circuit theory
- Magnetic field and electromagnetism
- Measuring instruments
- Digital electronics
- Alternating current circuit theory
- Transformers
Basketry 21 topics
- Meaning And Scope Of Basketry
- Rationale For Studying Basketry
- History, Social, Cultural And Economic Importance
- Places, People And Basketry
- Competencies And Attitudes
- Preparation Of Materials.
Building Construction 35 topics
- Introduction to Building
- Building Construction and Construction Team
- Safety Practices
- Basic tools, equipment and machines
- Site clearing and levelling
- Site organization and layout
Catering 27 topics
- Hospitality industry/catering
- Types of catering establishments
- Culinary terms
- Safety precautions in catering
- Sanitation and Hygiene in catering
- Study of food commodities and principles of cooking methods
Ceramics 9 topics
- Ceramics as a vocation
- Raw materials (Clay, Glazes and Other Raw Materials)
- Tools and equipment
- Forming Techniques
- Establishment of a small-scale Ceramic Industry Site
- Exhibition
Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs 26 topics
- Mobile phones acronyms and terminologies
- Mobile phone bands and their uses
- Types of mobile phones
- Phone accessories and their functions
- Types of menus and sub-menus
- Service providers and their codes
Fisheries (Alternative B) 21 topics
- Introduction to Fisheries
- Importance of fisheries
- Capture fisheries
- Culture fisheries
- Fish ponds
- Systems of aquaculture
Foods and Nutrition 48 topics
- Introduction to Foods and Nutrition
- Careers associated with Foods and Nutrition
- Basic Food Nutrients
- Meal Management
- The kitchen
- Kitchen equipment and tools
Forestry 14 topics
- Introduction to forestry
- Forest estates
- Plantation establishment and, forest mensuration
- Harvesting and marketing of forest resources
- Forestry sector structures
- Income generation ventures
Home Management 41 topics
- Definition of Home Management
- Careers in Home Management
- The Management Process
- Application of Process to Specific Tasks
- Motivations for Home Management
- Family Resources
Mining 81 topics
- Meaning and branches of mining
- Terminology used in mining
- Classification and importance of minerals
- Distribution of minerals in Nigeria
- History of mining
- Mining activities in Nigeria
Painting And Decorating 32 topics
- Meaning of pictorial and decorative painting
- Differences between pictorial and decorative paintings
- Tools and equipment in decorative and pictorial paintings
- Elements and Principles of design
- Functions of pictorial and decorative painting
- Meaning of colour
Radio, Television and Electronics Works 49 topics
- Sources and Prevention of Hazards
- Safety Checks in Servicing Radio Receiver
- Safety Precautions in Television Workshop
- Structure of matter
- Conductors, insulators and semiconductors
- Current, Voltage and Resistance
Refrigeration And Air-Conditioning 80 topics
- Workshop rules and regulations
- Safety devices/equipment – helmet, goggles, safety boots, hand gloves, overall, apron sandbag, fire extinguishers, etc.
- Accident: causes and prevention techniques.
- First Aid – materials for First Aid, charts, posters and first aid box, etc
- Application of first aid materials
- Energy
Textiles 7 topics
- Introduction to Textiles
- Textile fibers and Yarns
- Fabric construction processes
- Fabric decoration and finishing techniques
- Sustainable development
- Portfolio and Exhibition
Welding 61 topics
- Introduction to fabrication and welding practice
- Safety precautions in welding and fabrication workshops
- Workshop layout (fabrication and welding)
- Standard welding codes and symbols
- First-Aid administration in the workshop
- Practical
Woodwork 22 topics
- The practical activities would require the use of
- Candidates will be required to work from dimensioned sketches, written descriptions or scaled drawings. They are expected to be able to construct the following joints:
- Candidates will also be expected to be able to perform the following operations:
- Workshop safety
- Tools
- Woodworking machines
Need the full syllabus document instead? Every subject’s official PDF is on the WAEC syllabus homepage, and the WASSCE syllabus hub lists the same subjects in SHS terms.