How to Write a Perfect WAEC Narrative Essay
Are you preparing for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) English Language exam? If yes, one of the most popular essay questions you might face is the narrative essay that ends with the line:
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👉 “I never knew that such a thing could happen.”
In this blog post, you’ll learn:
- How to understand the WAEC narrative essay question
- The 5 Golden Rules for writing a powerful story
- What WAEC examiners look for when marking your essay
- A full sample story to guide you
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Understanding the Question
WAEC wants to see that you understand the assignment. When you’re asked to write a story that must end with a given sentence, it means:
- Your story should build toward that exact ending.
- The event or situation should feel surprising, emotional, or unusual.
- The ending should flow naturally from the rest of the story.
The 5 Golden Rules for WAEC Story Writing
1. Start Strong – Set the Scene
Your opening is crucial! It should grab attention immediately:
- Describe the place, time, and atmosphere.
- Use vivid words that paint a picture in the reader’s mind.
Example: “The wind howled through the empty streets as the first drops of cold rain hit Amina’s skin. In the distance, thunder rolled like drums of war.”
WAEC examiners love openings that create mood and suspense.
2. Create Tension – Introduce Mystery or Conflict
Every good story needs conflict or mystery:
- Introduce something unusual, dangerous, or emotional early on.
- Keep the reader curious: What will happen next?
Example: “Amina almost ran past the shadowy figure until she heard the weak, shivering voice asking for help. Her heart pounded. Should she stop?”
3. Use Dialogue and the Five Senses – Show, Don’t Just Tell
Bring your characters and scenes to life:
- Use dialogue to show emotions.
- Use the five senses: What do your characters see, hear, feel, smell, or taste?
Example: Instead of “Amina was scared,” write: “Her hands trembled as she whispered, ‘Who… who are you?’ The wind lashed against her skin like icy fingers.”
WAEC loves descriptive writing that creates a vivid picture.
4. End Powerfully – Tie Back to the Given Sentence
Your story must build up to the required ending. Make sure:
- The surprising event is believable.
- The final sentence fits naturally.
Example: “As the villagers gathered, one whispered, ‘He died ten years ago.’ Amina’s blood ran cold. The stranger had vanished. Only muddy footprints remained. She shivered: ‘I never knew that such a thing could happen.'”
5. Check Grammar and Spelling
Before submitting:
- Review for mistakes.
- Check verb tenses, punctuation, and spelling.
- Good language use can boost your marks significantly.
What WAEC Examiners Really Want
WAEC examiners are looking for essays that:
- Follow instructions and end with the required sentence.
- Have a clear structure: Beginning, Middle, and End.
- Use rich vocabulary and varied sentence structures.
- Show creativity and original ideas.
- Are neat, accurate, and well-organized.
Sample Story: “The Stranger in the Rain”
To help you understand how to put everything together, here is a complete sample story:
The Stranger in the Rain
The rain poured in sheets as Amina quickened her steps down the narrow, winding path. Her uniform clung to her skin, and the howling wind sent chills through her bones. The streetlights flickered and the night seemed darker than usual. She regretted staying so late after school.
Suddenly, through the curtain of rain, she spotted a figure hunched under a tree—a man, drenched, shivering, and barely visible in the storm’s fury. Fear gripped her heart, but something deeper—compassion—pushed her forward.
“Are you okay, sir?” she asked, her voice trembling.
The man looked up with tired eyes. “I—I can’t find my house. It’s been years… I need to find my family,” he murmured.
Without fully understanding why, Amina offered to help. They walked together, her umbrella barely shielding them from the downpour. The stranger’s quiet voice guided her through lanes she barely knew until they reached a familiar house at the end of her street.
She knocked. The door creaked open. An elderly woman stood frozen. Then she screamed and collapsed. Neighbors gathered as confusion filled the air. A voice whispered, “That man… he drowned in the river ten years ago.”
Amina turned sharply, but the stranger had vanished. Only fading footprints in the mud remained.
Her heart pounded in her chest as she whispered, “I never knew that such a thing could happen.”
Final Words:
Practice these tips. Plan your story. Proofread before submitting. With these tools, you can write essays that impress the West African Examinations Council and earn top marks.
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