Literature-In-English Exam Past Questions and Answers | JAMB, WAEC and NECO

Literature in English is the study of works written in the English language. It includes all forms of writing, such as novels, plays, short stories, and poetry. This subject involves exploring and analyzing these texts to understand their themes and meanings.

• Question 1: These question are based on selected poems from Ker, D.et al (eds.)New poetry from Africa; Soyinka, (ed.): Poems of Black Africa; Senanu K.E. and Vincent, T.(eds.): A Selection of African poetry;Umukoro, M et al (eds.): Exam focus:Literature in English: Eruvbetine, A.E.et al (eds): Longman Examination Guide and Nwoga, D.I. (eds.): West African Verse.In Lawrence's Bat, the poet persona mistakes the bats for Options:
  A) swallows
  B) pipistrello
  C) sparrows
  D) owls
  Show Answer
  The correct answer is A .
• Question 2:

  This question is based on Literary Principles.

  'If we must die, let it not be like hogs

  Hunted and penned in an inglorious spot,

  While round us bark the mad and hungry dogs

  Making their mock at our accursed lot.'

  Claude Mickay, 'If We Must Die'

  The mood in the lines above is one of

  Options:
  A) disgust
  B) indignation
  C) fear
  D) sorrow
  Show Answer
  The correct answer is A .
• Question 3: These questions are based on selected poems from Ker,D. et al (eds.): New Poetry from Africa; Soyinka,(ed.): Poems of Black Africa; Selection of African Poetry; Umukoro, M et al (eds.): Exam Focus: Literature in English; Eruvbetine, A,E. et al (eds.): Longman Examination Guides and Nwoga, D.I. (eds.): West Africa Verse.Marvell, in To His Coy Mistress uses the imagery of death to Options:
  A) appreciates God's power
  B) condemn the lady
  C) scare the lady
  D) underscore life's transcience
  Show Answer
  The correct answer is C .
• Question 4: At the end of the poem 'pianos and Drums', the protagonist is best described as Options:
  A) an authentic African
  B) a cultural mulatto
  C) sophisticated African
  D) a cultured youth
  Show Answer
  The correct answer is B .
• Question 5:

  This question is based on selected poems from Ker, D. et al (eds.): New Poetry from Africa; Soyinka, W. (ed.): Poems of Black African; Senanu, K.E. and Vincent, T.(ds.): A Selection of African Poetry; Umukoro, M. et al (eds.); Exam Focus: Literature-in-English; Eruvbetine, A.E. et al (eds.) Longman Examination Guides and Nwoga, D.I. (ed.):West African Verse

  'And the name died before the man.'From the statement above in Houseman's To an Athlate Dying Young, what happens to the athlata?

  Options:
  A) He comes to a disgreaceful end
  B) He loses his medial to another
  C) He dies eventually
  D) He dies prematurely
  Show Answer
  The correct answer is A .
• Question 6: Based on William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, The major role of Mercutio in the play is to Options:
  A) serve as a contrast to Romeo
  B) aid and abet Romeo's passion
  C) annoy Tybalt
  D) accompany Romeo to Friar Lawrence
  Show Answer
  The correct answer is C .
• Question 7: In the poem 'Piano AND Drums' Okara uses the drums to symbolize Options:
  A) source of poetic inspiration
  B) traditional African ways of life
  C) the complex rhythms of human life
  D) festivals which are held annually
  E) the noisy pastimes of hunters.
  Show Answer
  The correct answer is B .
• Question 8:

  This question is based on Literary Appreciation'Careened,

  These oily tears

  Dripping down the tears on your depressed face,

  Will one day be staunched,

  I swear!

  Ibiwari Ikiriko, Oily Tears

  The tone of the poet is

  Options:
  A) optimistic
  B) supplicatory
  C) sympathetic
  D) piteous
  Show Answer
  The correct answer is A .
• Question 9:

  These questions are based on Literary AppreciationBut the towering earth was tired sitting in one position . She moved, suddenly, and the houses crumbled, the mountains heaved horribly, and the work of a million years was lost.

  The subject matter of the extract above IS.

  Options:
  A) sea waves
  B) house movement
  C) earthquake
  D) Storms
  Show Answer
  The correct answer is C .
• Question 10:

  This question is based on Literary Principles

  The expression 'The ripest is the saddest encounter' is an example of

  Options:
  A) euphemism
  B) paradox
  C) hyperbole
  D) metaphor
  Show Answer
  The correct answer is B .