The results of a systematic XPS study, under high controlled conditions, of different basic oxides of transition metals, alkali and alkaline-earth metals are presented; the XPS data of some hydroxides and peroxides are also reported. Variations of the O 1s binding energies are analysed and one point of interest is the large binding energy scale obtained for O 1s peaks all associated with a '2-' formal charge. Through extended Huckel theory-tight binding (EHT-TB) calculations, attempts are made to rationalize the observed variations. The results illustrate the significant differences between real charges on oxygen atoms in transition metal and alkaline-earth oxides.