Mock Exams – SS3 Computer Hardware & GSM Repair Lesson Note (Third Term)

A mock exam is a full practice run before the main WAEC or NECO examination. Studying past questions shows you the patterns examiners use, because some ICT topics are repeated. This note explains the paper structure, the topics that appear most often, the technical and GSM questions, and how to write answers that earn marks.

Subject: Computer Hardware and GSM Repair
Class: SS3
Topic: Review of Past WAEC/NECO ICT-Related Papers

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• describe the three parts of a typical WAEC or NECO ICT paper;
• list the hardware, networking, and data processing topics that are asked most often;
• name the tools and safety symbols that appear in technical and GSM questions;
• give possible causes of a phone that charges but whose battery percentage does not rise;
• write exam answers that are specific, use keywords, and use neat diagrams and bullet points.

Why should you study past questions?

Treat the mock exam as a “Full Dress Rehearsal” before the main WAEC or NECO exam. By studying past questions, you learn the patterns of the examiners as well as the answers.

Examiners often repeat concepts because some topics are the “pillars” of ICT. If you master these patterns, you will not be surprised when you open your question paper on exam day. The mock exam is also your chance to make mistakes now so that you do not make them in the final WAEC/NECO.

How is the WAEC or NECO paper structured?

WAEC and NECO usually divide the paper into three main parts. You must manage your time across all three:

• Section A (Objectives): 40 to 50 multiple-choice questions. These test your speed and basic knowledge of definitions and symbols.
• Section B (Theory/Essay): This requires you to explain “How” and “Why”. You must use technical terms correctly here.
• Section C (Practical/Alternative to Practical): Here you may be asked to identify tools, troubleshoot a circuit, or write a simple piece of code or formula.

Which topics appear most often?

Based on the last 10 years of past papers, these topics appear almost every year.

Computer hardware and maintenance

• Input/Output Devices: Be ready to distinguish between a “Scanning” device and a “Pointing” device.
• Storage Units: Understand the difference between Primary (RAM) and Secondary (Hard Drive/SSD) storage.
• Internal Components: You must be able to identify the CPU, Motherboard, and CMOS battery.

Networking and the internet

• Network Topologies: Draw and explain Star, Bus, and Ring networks.
• IP Addressing: Know what an IP address looks like (for example, 192.168.1.1).
• Protocols: Know what HTTP, FTP, and SMTP stand for: HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol, used for the web), FTP (File Transfer Protocol, used for transferring files), and SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol, used for email).

Data processing and software

• Spreadsheets (Excel): You will almost certainly be asked to write a formula (for example, =SUM(A1:A10) or =AVERAGE(B2:B5)).
• Database (Access): Understand “Primary Keys” (the unique ID for a record).
• Word Processing: Know the shortcut keys (Ctrl+S, Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V).

What do GSM and technical vocational questions ask?

For students taking technical electives, the examiners focus on your “hands-on” logic:

• Tools Identification: You may be shown a picture of a Multimeter, a Soldering Iron, or a Blower (Hot Air Station) and asked what it does.
• Safety Symbols: Identify the signs for “High Voltage”, “Anti-static zone”, or “Flammable Material”.
• Fault Diagnosis: A common question is: “A phone is charging but the percentage is not increasing. List three possible causes.” (Answer: bad battery, faulty charging IC, or a fake charging cable.)

How should you answer exam questions?

Sometimes a student knows the answer but writes it in a way that loses marks. Follow these exam tips:

1. Be Specific: Instead of saying “The computer broke,” say “The Operating System failed to boot due to a corrupted registry.”
2. Use Diagrams: If a question asks you to describe a network, draw it. Even if the question does not ask for a drawing, a neat diagram makes a good impression on the marker.
3. Use Bullet Points: In the theory section, do not write long stories. Set out your points like this:
   1. Step 1: Open the system unit.
   2. Step 2: Locate the RAM slots.
   3. Step 3: Press the clips to release the RAM.
4. Keyword Focus: Markers look for “keywords”. If the question is about security, make sure you use words like encryption, firewall, or antivirus.
5. Read the Instructions: Take every question seriously and read the instructions twice before you start writing.

Evaluation

Before you walk into the hall, make sure you can answer these classic questions from past papers:

1. Define a Computer Virus and list two ways to prevent it.
2. What is the difference between System Software (Windows) and Application Software (WhatsApp)?
3. Explain the term “Electronic Mail” (E-mail) and list two advantages over traditional post.
4. Convert the decimal number 10 into Binary. (Answer: 1010)

Assignment

1. Open a past ICT paper. Pick one “Theory” question and try to answer it using only bullet points and one diagram.
2. Why do examiners ask you to define a “Primary Key” in a database?
3. Practise converting your age from a decimal number into a binary number.
4. If a question asks you to “List 4 types of Printers,” can you name them and explain which one is the fastest?