Finding Explicit Details
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Lesson overview
Locating details the passage states directly.
Go to lesson quiz →Exam guidance · WAEC WASSCE Paper 1 + Paper 2 Lens
Core idea (Evidence-Based Reading, Tone & Logical Inference): Every valid inference must be directly anchored in passage text — eliminate options with extreme quantifiers ('always', 'never') or out-of-scope leaps.
Pacing
Objective speed on Paper 1 + structured step-by-step method marks on Paper 2 Theory/Practical.
How WAEC marks this
Examiners award method marks (M1) for stating the formula/definition and accuracy marks (A1) ONLY when SI units are written.
Watch out for
Writing bare numbers without working or omitting SI units loses up to 50% of Paper 2 marks even when the final value is right.
Lesson content
Overview — Finding Explicit Details
Locating details the passage states directly. This lesson is at the beginner level — by the end, you'll be able to recognise this question type, apply a reliable method, and avoid the traps that cost marks.
Key Concept
Detail questions ask about facts the passage states directly — the answer is always findable by locating a specific sentence, not by inferring or guessing.
Why It's Tested This Way
WAEC tests explicit-detail questions to confirm basic reading accuracy before testing harder skills like inference — everyone should be able to answer these correctly if they've actually read the passage carefully.
Method
Scan back through the passage for the exact word or phrase used in the question, then read the sentence around it carefully — the answer is usually right there.
Worked Example
Worked example: Asked 'according to the passage, how many years did the project take?', scan for the specific number mentioned and quote it directly — don't calculate or estimate.
Second Worked Example
Second worked example: Asked 'what did the author say caused the delay?', find the sentence that specifically mentions a cause, rather than assuming a plausible-sounding reason that isn't actually stated.
Common Traps
Common trap: choosing an answer that seems logical or true in general, but isn't actually stated in THIS particular passage.
Lesson Summary
Remember: (1) identify what is being asked, (2) apply the WAEC strategy, (3) check against the traps. Complete the 10-question quiz below to unlock the next lesson — you need at least 60% to pass.
Mastery Check · Lesson Quiz · pass 60%
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