This post will show you what WAEC always looks out for in a WASSCE candidate’s WASSCE CRS essay.
Do you really want to obtain a grade A, B or at least C in your WAEC Christian Religious Studies test? Then there is something important you need to do. And here it is.
As you begin to write your essays, you will need to bear in mind the features of a good WASSCE CRS essay I’m about to share with you.
1. Display thorough knowledge of the topic.
You must adequately display your knowledge and understanding of the content of each topic or theme on which the question is based.
Write in a way as to convince the examiner that you actually read and studied the contents of the set items in the syllabus.
Topics in the Bible such as the following need your close study and understanding.
- Leadership role of Joseph,
- Joshua’s farewell message at Shechem,
- the significance of the Jerusalem Temple and so on.
2. Place the biblical story within its proper context.
You must show your appreciation of the significance of each story or topic. Be it religious, cultural, social, historical or economic.
For example, show what led to the Jerusalem Council Meeting. Say something about the background to the testing of the faith and courage of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Similarly, mention the thinking behind the arrest and trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate – if this happens to be your question.
3. Cite specific details
Make sure to do so accurately.
Demonstrate adequately that you are familiar with the important details of every Bible text related to the topic or story as specified in the syllabus.
For instance, it is best to say Jeroboam the son of Nebat or Amos, the shepherd from Tekoa. In the miracle story about the healing of the Gerasene Demoniac, for example, one detail you need to specify is the term, Legion, and its meaning.
4. Do not forget the moral lessons part of the question.
Unless the question does not specifically ask you to do so, make enough time available to write properly about the lessons to be derived from the event.
Remember that for you to present a quality WASSCE CRS essay, you must be able to draw relevant moral values or lessons from each topic, account or story whenever the question asks for this.
From the two accounts of creation to the teachings in the Epistles of James and Peter, it is crucial to not forget this equally important aspect of the WASSCE CRS essay.
You must be able to show how the topic/story can be applied to today’s daily life or circumstances. It could be in such areas as politics, the church, gender, environmental preservation, education, leadership etc.
Here are some highly probable areas for you to consider
- Following a question on the role of the prophetess Deborah, you may have to answer a second question on the role of women in today’s society.
- A WASSCE Christian Religious Studies essay question on the birth narratives of Jesus could end with one asking you to state a certain number of the rights of the child. Or the duties parents owe their children.
- Expect a follow-up question on environmental conservation after a question on the story of creation.
- How can corruption be contained in society today? This is a likely question after a first one on the message of the prophet Amos.
- Do not be surprised to come face to face with a question asking you to mention the importance of a constitution, coming on the heels of a question on the Sinai Covenant.
- State three ways of minimizing the breakdown of marriages today. This can follow a question of the Jesus’ Teaching on Marriage and Divorce.
Bonus tip:
The WASSCE CRS essay questions are usually arranged in the same order the topics/themes in the WAEC C.R.S. syllabus are presented.
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