Are you struggling to figure out how to pass Use of English in NECO? You’re not alone. Failing this exam can mean losing an entire year of academic progress. But mastering how to pass Use of English NECO isn’t just possible, it’s easier than you think with the right tools and strategies.

The ExcelMind App is the number one tool that helps students prepare for NECO English the right way. It covers everything you need to know about English, offers practice tests and breaks down how to answer questions step by step. Let me show you how this powerful app works and reveal 12 essential tips that will help you pass Use of English NECO with confidence and ease.

Also: 15 Smart Strategies to Pass The NECO Exam and Succeed

Why Do Students Fail Use of English in NECO?

Q: How can I pass English?

To pass English in NECO or any exam: Understand the Syllabus: Study all areas including essay writing, comprehension, summary, grammar, lexis, and oral English. Master Essay Writing: Learn the proper structure for formal letters, informal letters, articles, and speeches. Stick to the word count and organize your points clearly. Practice Comprehension and Summary: Read carefully, identify key points, and avoid copying the text directly. Practice summarizing with past questions. Improve Grammar and Vocabulary: Focus on tenses, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms, and spelling. Use study aids like the ExcelMind App for grammar drills. Practice with Past Questions: Familiarize yourself with question patterns and practice under timed conditions. Time Management: Allocate time for each section—essay, comprehension, and summary. Leave time to review your answers. Use Study Tools: The ExcelMind App provides comprehensive lessons, past questions, and personalized practice tests for English preparation. Consistent Practice: Create a daily study schedule and stick to it for gradual improvement. Stay Calm on Exam Day: Read instructions carefully, answer questions step by step, and double-check your work. Join a Study Group: Collaborate with peers to discuss challenging topics and share ideas. Proper preparation, regular practice, and the right tools will help you pass English with ease.

Q: How to pass the English proficiency test?

To pass an English proficiency test, follow these steps: Understand the Test Format: Familiarize yourself with the specific structure of the test you're taking (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo). Learn about sections like reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Expand Vocabulary: Build a strong vocabulary base. Learn common words, synonyms, antonyms, and phrases used in everyday and formal contexts. Practice Reading Comprehension: Work on understanding passages by summarizing key points, identifying the main idea, and answering questions accurately. Improve Grammar and Sentence Structure: Master tenses, punctuation, sentence construction, and word order. Avoid common grammatical errors. Enhance Listening Skills: Practice listening to English podcasts, news broadcasts, and audiobooks. Focus on understanding different accents and note-taking techniques. Work on Writing Skills: Practice writing essays, reports, and letters. Focus on clarity, coherence, proper structure, and staying within the word count. Refine Speaking Skills: Engage in conversations with fluent speakers, join language exchange groups, and practice speaking on various topics with clear pronunciation. Take Practice Tests: Regularly attempt full-length practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the real exam experience. Time Management: Learn to manage your time effectively, especially in timed sections like reading and writing. Use Reliable Study Tools: Leverage platforms like the ExcelMind App , which provides practice tests, grammar drills, and personalized feedback. With consistent practice, the right tools, and a focused mindset, you can pass your English proficiency test successfully.

Q: What is the pass mark in NECO?

The pass mark in NECO (National Examinations Council) is generally considered to be a grade of C6 or higher . Here's a breakdown of the NECO grading system: A1 – Excellent (75% - 100%) B2 – Very Good (70% - 74%) B3 – Good (65% - 69%) C4 – Credit (60% - 64%) C5 – Credit (55% - 59%) C6 – Credit (50% - 54%) D7 – Pass (45% - 49%) E8 – Pass (40% - 44%) F9 – Fail (0% - 39%) To officially pass a subject in NECO, a candidate must score at least C6 (50%). Scoring D7 or E8 is considered a marginal pass but may not be accepted for competitive admissions, while F9 indicates a fail. For university admissions, most institutions require at least 5 credits , including English and Mathematics.

Q: What is a good NECO score?

A good NECO score is typically a grade of B3 (Good) or higher. Here's a breakdown of the grading system and what is considered a strong performance: A1 (Excellent) – 75% to 100% B2 (Very Good) – 70% to 74% B3 (Good) – 65% to 69% C4 (Credit) – 60% to 64% C5 (Credit) – 55% to 59% C6 (Credit) – 50% to 54% A good NECO score for competitive purposes, such as university admission, would be between A1 and B3 , as these grades demonstrate strong academic performance.

Before discussing how to pass, let’s understand why so many students fail this important subject:

Lack of Preparation: Many students wait until the last minute to study, leaving them with limited time to cover important topics.
Poor Understanding of the Syllabus: Some students focus on the wrong topics or don’t know the full scope of what NECO tests.
Over-Reliance on Malpractice: Some students rely on cheating methods that fail when it matters most.
Inability to Manage Time: Many students struggle with balancing time during the exam.
Weak Writing Skills: Many students struggle with essay writing, comprehension, and summary skills.

These problems can be avoided with the right tools and strategies, starting with ExcelMind App.

How to Pass Use of English in NECO

1. Use the ExcelMind App for Complete Preparation

The ExcelMind App is the best tool for passing Use of English NECO. Here’s why it works so well:

The ExcelMind Logo

Covers the Entire NECO Syllabus: The app provides lessons on essay writing, comprehension, summary, lexis and structure, and oral English. Every topic you need is included, so you won’t miss out on any area.
Practice Tests: ExcelMind gives you access to real NECO past questions and answers with explanations, so you can understand why an answer is correct.
Step-by-Step Learning: Difficult topics are broken down into easy steps with detailed examples, making complex concepts easier to understand.
Performance Tracking: You can check your scores after every test to see your progress, identify weak areas, and improve on them.
Offline Access: Study anywhere, even without internet access, so you’re not limited by location or data availability.
AI-Powered Learning: The app uses AI to predict the types of questions you are likely to see in your exam and tailors your practice accordingly.

By using the ExcelMind App, you’ll be fully prepared and confident for the NECO English exam.

2. Understand the NECO Use of English Syllabus in Detail

Many students fail because they don’t know what to study. The NECO English syllabus includes multiple sections, and understanding them fully will give you an advantage:

Essay Writing: This involves writing formal and informal letters, articles, speeches, reports, and more. Each has a unique structure and scoring method.
Comprehension and Summary Writing: You’ll be tested on your ability to read and understand passages, highlight key points, and summarize them effectively.
Lexis and Structure: This section covers grammar rules, word meanings, synonyms, antonyms, sentence construction, and vocabulary use.
Oral English: Tests your knowledge of pronunciation, stress patterns, and intonation.

The ExcelMind App provides full lessons and practice tests for all these sections, ensuring you cover the entire syllabus.

3. Master Essay Writing Techniques with Practice

Essay writing carries a lot of marks in Use of English NECO, so mastering it can greatly improve your score. Here’s how to write a high-scoring essay:

Understand the Essay Types: Essays can be narrative, descriptive, argumentative, or expository. Each has a unique structure. The ExcelMind App teaches you the format for each one.
Follow the Required Word Count: NECO often requires a minimum of 450 words for essays. Writing too little or too much can affect your score.
Use Proper Paragraphing: Each point should have its own paragraph with a clear topic sentence.
Have a Strong Introduction: Start your essay with a captivating opening that clearly states your point of view.
Use Examples: Support your points with examples to make your essay stronger.
End with a Conclusion: Summarize your key points in the last paragraph.

The ExcelMind App provides model essays and practice exercises to help you build strong writing skills.

4. Improve Your Comprehension and Summary Skills

Comprehension and summary writing test how well you understand a written passage and how you can extract key points. To improve in this section:

Read the Passage Carefully: Skim through the questions first, then read the passage slowly and attentively.
Identify Key Points: Highlight the main ideas in the passage as you read.
Avoid Copying Sentences Directly: Write answers in your own words while keeping the original meaning.
Practice with Real NECO Passages: The ExcelMind App provides multiple comprehension and summary passages for practice, complete with explanations for every answer.

5. Strengthen Your Grammar and Vocabulary Knowledge

Grammar and vocabulary are crucial for both objective and theory sections. Here’s how to prepare:

Master Tenses: Understand past, present, and future tenses with practical examples.
Focus on Synonyms and Antonyms: Expand your vocabulary by learning common word pairs.
Practice Sentence Construction: Ensure sentences have proper structure and flow.

The ExcelMind App includes quizzes and grammar exercises that test your understanding of each concept and provide instant feedback.

6. Time Management Strategies for Exam Day

Managing your time during the exam is critical. Follow these strategies:

Allocate Time Per Section: Spend no more than 30 minutes on essay writing, 20 minutes on comprehension, and 20 minutes on summary writing.
Practice with Timed Tests: The ExcelMind App provides timed practice tests to help you work within exam time limits and improve speed and accuracy.

7. Develop Consistent Study Habits

A strong study habit ensures you cover every topic before the exam. Tips include:

Create a Study Schedule: Plan out daily study times and stick to them.
Use the ExcelMind App for Regular Practice: The app sends reminders and tracks your daily progress.

8. Review and Correct Past Mistakes

Mistakes are valuable learning tools. Regularly:

Review Incorrect Answers: Understand why your answer was wrong.
Practice Frequently Missed Questions: Use the ExcelMind App’s question bank.

9. Stay Calm and Focused During the Exam

Anxiety can affect performance. To stay calm:

Practice Breathing Techniques: Stay relaxed under pressure.
Trust Your Preparation: Recall your practice sessions using the ExcelMind App.

10. Focus on Common Mistakes

Identify and learn from common mistakes students make in NECO English. The ExcelMind App provides error analysis tools to help you avoid these mistakes.

11. Maintain a Positive Mindset

Believe in your ability to succeed. Confidence can greatly influence your performance. The ExcelMind App includes motivational resources and progress tracking to keep you encouraged.

12. Prepare Mentally and Physically for Exam Day

Rest well the night before, stay hydrated, and ensure you have all necessary materials for the exam. Confidence and preparation go hand in hand.

Read: How to Pass NECO in One Sitting: Your Guide to Exam Success

If you want to pass the Use of English NECO with ease and score A1, the ExcelMind App is your best companion. It provides everything you need from lessons, practice tests, and expert tips, all in one place. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Download the ExcelMind App today and start preparing for your A1 success.

FAQs

How to pass NECO in one sitting?

To pass NECO in one sitting, start preparing early with a structured study plan. Understand the full NECO syllabus and focus on all subjects equally. Use resources like the ExcelMind App for comprehensive lessons, past questions, and mock exams. Practice time management by timing yourself during practice tests. Focus on essay writing, comprehension, and objective questions. Avoid exam malpractice and rely on your preparation. Join study groups for motivation and clarity on difficult topics. Ensure proper rest before the exam day and stay calm during the exam. Consistency, discipline, and effective resources are key to success.

Which is harder, WAEC or NECO?

WAEC and NECO are both standardized exams in Nigeria, but their difficulty can vary based on individual preparation and perception.
WAEC (West African Examinations Council) is often considered slightly more challenging because it is a regional exam covering multiple West African countries, with stricter marking standards and broader syllabuses.
NECO (National Examinations Council) focuses only on Nigeria, making the syllabus more localized and sometimes perceived as more straightforward compared to WAEC. However, NECO also maintains high standards and tests similar subjects comprehensively.

How can I pass English?

To pass English in NECO or any exam:
Understand the Syllabus: Study all areas including essay writing, comprehension, summary, grammar, lexis, and oral English.
Master Essay Writing: Learn the proper structure for formal letters, informal letters, articles, and speeches. Stick to the word count and organize your points clearly.
Practice Comprehension and Summary: Read carefully, identify key points, and avoid copying the text directly. Practice summarizing with past questions.
Improve Grammar and Vocabulary: Focus on tenses, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms, and spelling. Use study aids like the ExcelMind App for grammar drills.
Practice with Past Questions: Familiarize yourself with question patterns and practice under timed conditions.
Time Management: Allocate time for each section—essay, comprehension, and summary. Leave time to review your answers.
Use Study Tools: The ExcelMind App provides comprehensive lessons, past questions, and personalized practice tests for English preparation.
Consistent Practice: Create a daily study schedule and stick to it for gradual improvement.
Stay Calm on Exam Day: Read instructions carefully, answer questions step by step, and double-check your work.
Join a Study Group: Collaborate with peers to discuss challenging topics and share ideas.
Proper preparation, regular practice, and the right tools will help you pass English with ease.

How to pass the English proficiency test?

To pass an English proficiency test, follow these steps:
Understand the Test Format: Familiarize yourself with the specific structure of the test you’re taking (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo). Learn about sections like reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Expand Vocabulary: Build a strong vocabulary base. Learn common words, synonyms, antonyms, and phrases used in everyday and formal contexts.
Practice Reading Comprehension: Work on understanding passages by summarizing key points, identifying the main idea, and answering questions accurately.
Improve Grammar and Sentence Structure: Master tenses, punctuation, sentence construction, and word order. Avoid common grammatical errors.
Enhance Listening Skills: Practice listening to English podcasts, news broadcasts, and audiobooks. Focus on understanding different accents and note-taking techniques.
Work on Writing Skills: Practice writing essays, reports, and letters. Focus on clarity, coherence, proper structure, and staying within the word count.
Refine Speaking Skills: Engage in conversations with fluent speakers, join language exchange groups, and practice speaking on various topics with clear pronunciation.
Take Practice Tests: Regularly attempt full-length practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the real exam experience.
Time Management: Learn to manage your time effectively, especially in timed sections like reading and writing.
Use Reliable Study Tools: Leverage platforms like the ExcelMind App, which provides practice tests, grammar drills, and personalized feedback.

With consistent practice, the right tools, and a focused mindset, you can pass your English proficiency test successfully.

What is the pass mark in NECO?

The pass mark in NECO (National Examinations Council) is generally considered to be a grade of C6 or higher. Here’s a breakdown of the NECO grading system:
A1 – Excellent (75% – 100%)
B2 – Very Good (70% – 74%)
B3 – Good (65% – 69%)
C4 – Credit (60% – 64%)
C5 – Credit (55% – 59%)
C6 – Credit (50% – 54%)
D7 – Pass (45% – 49%)
E8 – Pass (40% – 44%)
F9 – Fail (0% – 39%)
To officially pass a subject in NECO, a candidate must score at least C6 (50%). Scoring D7 or E8 is considered a marginal pass but may not be accepted for competitive admissions, while F9 indicates a fail. For university admissions, most institutions require at least 5 credits, including English and Mathematics.

What is a good NECO score?

A good NECO score is typically a grade of B3 (Good) or higher. Here’s a breakdown of the grading system and what is considered a strong performance:
A1 (Excellent) – 75% to 100%
B2 (Very Good) – 70% to 74%
B3 (Good) – 65% to 69%
C4 (Credit) – 60% to 64%
C5 (Credit) – 55% to 59%
C6 (Credit) – 50% to 54%
A good NECO score for competitive purposes, such as university admission, would be between A1 and B3, as these grades demonstrate strong academic performance.