WASSCE 2019 Social Studies Questions and Answers: The A1 Study Guide

WASSCE 2019 Social Studies: The Quick Answer & A1 Strategy

If you are currently staring at a pile of past papers and feeling your heart rate spike every time you see a question about 'The Constitution' or 'Nationalism,' I need you to take a deep breath. I’ve been exactly where you are—sitting at a wooden desk at 2 AM, the hum of a fan above me, wondering if I'll actually make it into university or if I'm going to be the one student who has to explain a 'resit' to their parents. The wassce 2019 social studies questions and answers guide is more than just a list of facts; it’s your roadmap to bypassing that fear and securing your A1.

### 2019 Social Studies Quick Answer Guide

* Exam Structure: 50 Objective questions (Section A) and 2-3 Theory questions to be answered from Sections B and C. * Core Themes: The 2019 paper focused heavily on Socialization, Environmental Management, and the Political History of West Africa. * The A1 Rule: To score an A1, you cannot just list facts. The WAEC marking scheme requires 'explanation of points'—meaning for every point you list, you need 2-3 sentences of clarification. * Critical Warning: Avoid 'copy-paste' definitions. The 2019 examiners flagged students who used robotic definitions without applying them to the West African context.

This guide is designed to be your ultimate study buddy. We are going to dive straight into the objective answers first so you can check your progress, and then we will break down the theory logic that actually wins marks.

Section A: 50 Objective Questions and Answers (2019 Key)

Checking your work shouldn't feel like a chore. Below is the full key for the 2019 Objective section. Use this to grade your practice test. If you scored below 35/50, don't panic—it just means we need to focus on your 'Commonly Confused Terms' section later in this article.

When you review these, pay attention to the questions regarding 'Human Rights' and 'Nationalism.' In 2019, many students tripped up on the distinction between 'Civil Rights' and 'Economic Rights.' If you missed those, make a small note in your margin to look up the WAEC Ghana Official Syllabus Portal for specific definitions.

Section B Theory: Model Answers for the 2019 Essay Paper

In Section B, the 2019 examiners were looking for your ability to connect social concepts to real-world West African challenges. It’s not about memorization; it’s about application. Let's look at three model essay answers that frequently appear in the wassce 2019 social studies questions and answers archive.

Scenario 1: Highlighting the Importance of Socialization * Question: Outline four ways socialization contributes to national development. * Model Answer: 1. Value Acquisition (learning honesty/hard work). 2. Skill Development (education through agents like schools). 3. Social Cohesion (reducing ethnic conflict through shared culture). 4. Patriotic Commitment (loyalty to the state). Scenario 2: Environmental Problems in West Africa * Question: Identify four causes of land degradation in your country. * Model Answer: 1. Improper farming practices (shifting cultivation). 2. Illegal mining (Galamsey). 3. Deforestation for charcoal production. 4. Poor waste management and plastic pollution. Scenario 3: Problems of National Development * Question: Suggest four ways to curb rural-urban migration. * Model Answer: 1. Decentralization of industries to rural areas. 2. Provision of social amenities (clinics/electricity) in villages. 3. Modernization of agriculture to provide jobs for youth. 4. Improved rural education infrastructure.

The Psychology of the Marking Scheme: Moving Beyond Memorization

Why do so many students fail Social Studies even when they 'study hard'? It’s usually because they succumb to 'Definition Rigidity.' From a psychological perspective, under stress, your brain defaults to the easiest path—rote memorization. However, the Ghana Education Service Teaching Standards emphasize 'Critical Thinking' and 'Affective Learning.'

The 2019 marking scheme specifically rewarded students who could provide examples. For instance, if you are discussing 'national identity,' don't just say 'it is how we see ourselves.' Instead, say 'National identity is fostered through symbols like the national flag and the singing of the national anthem in schools, which creates a sense of belonging among diverse groups.'

By naming the pattern of your mistakes—perhaps you are over-simplifying or failing to explain the 'why'—you reclaim power over the exam. You aren't just a student; you are a social analyst. This mindset shift reduces performance anxiety because it turns a 'test' into a 'problem-solving mission.'

Avoid the Traps: Commonly Confused Terms in Social Studies

One of the biggest reasons students lost marks in 2019 was confusing terms that sound similar but mean totally different things to an examiner. Think of these as 'trap terms.' If you use 'Physical Environment' when the question asks for 'Social Environment,' you lose the mark immediately, even if the rest of your answer is brilliant.

Study this table carefully. The 2019 paper had multiple questions designed to test this specific clarity. According to the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), clear conceptual understanding is the primary indicator of student success in West African core subjects.

The WASSCE Exam-Day Protocol: How to Execute Under Pressure

Knowing the wassce 2019 social studies questions and answers is 70% of the battle. The other 30% is how you handle your brain on exam day. Imagine walking into that hall, the smell of fresh paper, and the sound of fifty pens clicking. Instead of panicking, you need a protocol.

Step 1: The 10-Minute Scan Read all theory questions first. Your subconscious brain will start working on the answers while you do the objectives. Step 2: Objective Strategy Do not spend more than 45 seconds on one objective question. If you don't know it, circle the number and move on. You can come back at the end. Step 3: The Keyword Anchor For every theory answer, underline your main point. This makes it easier for the tired examiner to give you marks quickly. They have thousands of scripts to mark; make their life easy, and they will make your grade better. Step 4: The 'So What?' Test After writing a point in an essay, ask yourself 'So what?'. If your answer explains the impact on society, you've done enough to earn the full 4 marks for that point.

FAQ

1. Is the 2019 social studies past paper still relevant for the upcoming WASSCE?

The wassce 2019 social studies questions and answers remain highly relevant because WAEC follows a cyclical syllabus. Many of the core concepts regarding citizenship, family systems, and national development are repeated or reframed every few years. Practicing the 2019 paper helps you identify the specific phrasing examiners prefer.

2. How can I score full marks in the Section B essay questions?

To pass the theory section, you must provide a clear point, followed by a detailed explanation and, where possible, a relevant example. The WAEC marking scheme usually awards 1 mark for the point and 2-3 marks for the depth of the explanation. Bullet points are acceptable, but they must be full sentences.

3. Where can I download the 2019 social studies past questions PDF?

Most 2019 social studies past questions PDF files can be found on educational resource portals like West African Past Questions or various SHS student telegram groups. However, ensure you are using a version that includes the verified marking scheme to avoid learning incorrect answers.

4. What were the most repeated social studies questions in the 2019 WASSCE?

The 2019 paper highlighted themes like 'The Role of the Individual in National Development,' 'Interpersonal Relationships,' and 'Environmental Sustainability.' These topics are frequently used by examiners to test a student's awareness of their social responsibilities.

5. What is the 2019 WASSCE social studies marking scheme?

The 2019 WASSCE social studies marking scheme is a structured guide used by examiners to ensure consistency. It lists the expected points for each question and specifies how many marks to award for 'Strength of Argument' and 'Clarity of Expression.' Understanding this scheme prevents you from writing 'too much' on a low-mark question.

6. How many questions are in Section A of the social studies exam?

Section A always consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. These questions cover the entire syllabus, meaning you cannot 'spot' or skip topics if you want a high score in this section. You typically have 50 minutes to complete this part.

7. Which topics in 'Socialization' were most prominent in the 2019 paper?

Socialization is a core topic in the 2019 paper. You should focus on the agents of socialization (family, school, media, peer group) and the difference between primary and secondary socialization. Examiners often ask how these agents shape a child's contribution to society.

8. What are the best points to include for a question on National Development?

For questions about national development, focus on human resource development, infrastructure, and the maintenance of peace and security. The 2019 paper specifically asked about the obstacles to development, such as corruption and high population growth rates.

9. How should remedial candidates use the 2019 questions differently?

Preparation for a remedial exam is identical to the regular WASSCE, but with more focus on past papers. Using the wassce 2019 social studies questions and answers is particularly helpful for remedial candidates as it provides a clear standard of what an A1 answer looks like compared to a failing one.

10. What should I do if I don't know the answer to a 2019 theory question?

If you are stuck on a theory question, try to break it down using the 'PEE' method: Point, Evidence, Explanation. Even if you aren't 100% sure of the technical term, explaining the concept in common-sense social terms can often earn you partial credit.

References

waecgh.org — WAEC Ghana Official Syllabus Portal

ges.gov.gh — Ghana Education Service Teaching Standards

adeanet.org — Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA)