A Question from the WAEC GCE 2023 English paper, Second Series: YOUR SISTER IS COMING BACK FROM ABROAD. WRITE A LETTER TO HER TELLING HER ABOUT THE HARDSHIP/PROBLEMS OR LATEST STORIES IN THE COUNTRY.
Points to Note
1. This is an informal letter, therefore, the rules of writing informal letters will apply.
2. The minimum word count for a WAEC essay or letter is 450 words. One side of an answer sheet accommodates about 150 words for an average handwriting, so you need to write up to 3 sides to achieve the minimum word count.
3. Pay attention to punctuation. If you are going to use punctuation in the address endeavor to apply to all; don’t jump one line and continue with the next.
4. Remember the important aspects of your writing; you must start with an introduction, the middle part (body which will contain the points you are making), and a conclusion. This is very important!
An Example of a Letter to Your Sister
YOUR SISTER IS COMING BACK FROM ABROAD. WRITE A LETTER TO HER TELLING HER ABOUT THE HARDSHIP/PROBLEMS OR LATEST STORIES IN THE COUNTRY.
No. 2 St. Flairs Street
Accra Crescent
Zone 2
Abuja
22/10/2023
Dear Sister Julie,
I hope my letter finds you well and that Canada is not too cold given that it is the winter season now. I received with mixed feelings, the news of your intended return to the country. While I am looking forward to seeing my big sister who left the shores of the country 8 years ago when I was in Primary 5, I am worried that so much has changed, and not for the better, that you will not be happy with us.
Negative Change
Sis. Julie, you left the country 8 years ago when the citizens were about to elect a president to oversee the affairs of the nation. I was not old enough to vote but I heard our parents discussing with their friends about using that particular election cycle to bring about positive change. Even my teachers at school were not left out of the dream and hope of a better nation. Unfortunately, the elections came and went but instead of positive change, the country quickly went downhill. Insecurity became worse with brazen kidnappings and brutal murders. People still wonder if the administration made any gains at all.
Rising Cost of Living
Since then, the country has experienced and is continuing to experience astronomical rises in food prices. One bag of rice that sold for eight thousand naira eight years ago, is now seventy-five thousand naira!! And yet, salaries have not been increased. I wonder how Dad and Mom would have managed without the stipends you often send home. We know you deny yourself to do this because you only just completed schooling and you are preparing to get married. We are extremely grateful for the help you continue to give.
Latest Stories in the Country
On a positive note, we won an international trophy in basketball, and for the first time in ten years, we came close to winning AFCON23. Our movie industry is also flourishing, with many productions making millions of naira in sales. One, A Tribe Called Judah, even surpassed one billion naira in earnings!
Conclusion
Sis. Julie, I am looking forward very much to seeing you in person again! I hope you will not forget to buy the laptop you promised to give me. It will help me in my quest to learn coding and animation. My computer teacher asked all her students to learn a technology skill that can help us in the job market.
I advise you not to let anyone know of your travel arrangements. And when you get to the country, please keep a low profile. I look forward to seeing you soon!!!
Best regards.
Your brother,
Henry.
NOTE: Please do not separate your paragraphs with headings.This is done here to give you an idea of the sections your writing should have.
Important Takeaways From the Above Letter to Your Sister (WAEC 2023 English Question)
In the letter above, you will notice that it has:
1. an informal greeting asking about his sister (the receiver’s) well-being. This is suitable for an informal letter.
2. three paragraphs with each mentioning one hardship or story as required by the question.
3. a conclusion, where he (the writer) summarizes by reminding his sister of the gift she should buy for him and expressing his desire to see her soon, etc.
4. an informal tone; it sounds friendly, not official.
5. no signature because informal letters should not have signatures.
You can read other past WAEC letters and essays to familiarize more with WAEC-type questions.
Don’t forget to also study examples of narrative essay questions and answers from previous WAEC examinations.
You may be interested in learning how to answer the WAEC 2023 Second Series English objective questions.