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:

  Much madness is divinest sense

  To a discerning eye;

  Much sense is starkest madness.

  'This the majority

  In this, as all, prevails.

  Assent, and you are sane;

  Demur,-you're straightway dangerous,

  And handled with a chain.

  This poem reflects the

  Options:
  A) tyranny of the majority
  B) approval of the majority factor
  C) unhappiness that might is right
  D) great love for mad poeple.
  Show Answer
  The correct answer is A .
• Question 2:

  This question is based on Mariama Ba's So Long a Letter

  ''A wife must understand once and for all, and must forgive; she must not worry herself about 'betrayals of the flesh. The important thing is what there is in the heart.''

  These words are spoken by

  Options:
  A) Tamsir in breaking the news of Modou's second marriage to Ramatoulaye
  B) Modou in support of his relationship with Binetou
  C) Aunty Nabou in trying to convince Mawdo to marry her niece
  D) Mawdo Ba to justify his marrying Nabou out of a sense of duty
  Show Answer
  The correct answer is D .
• Question 3:

  This question is based on Camara Laye's The African Child.

  The setting of The African Child is a kingdom with

  Options:
  A) Islamic and modern traditions
  B) pre-Islamic and Islamic traditions
  C) pre-Islamic traditions
  D) pre-Islamic and modern traditions
  Show Answer
  The correct answer is A .
• Question 4:

  This question is based on Literary Appreciation.

  'Thomas Gradgrind, sir. A man who proceeds upon the principle that two is not to be talked into allowing for anything over.'

  Charles Dickens, Hard Times

  From the passage above, Thomas Gradgrind is

  Options:
  A) dogmatic
  B) hostile
  C) theoretical
  D) eloguent
  Show Answer
  The correct answer is C .
• Question 5:

  Fatalism is crucial element in_________

  Options:
  A) melodrama
  B) tragi-comedy
  C) tragedy
  D) comedy
  Show Answer
  The correct answer is C .
• Question 6: This question is based on General Literary Principles
  The part of a play when climax approaches is known as Options:
  A) epitasis
  B) protasis
  C) catharsis
  D) catastasis
  Show Answer
  The correct answer is C .
• Question 7:

  This question is based on J.P Clark's The Wives' Revolt

  The tradition of Erhuwaren endorses

  Options:
  A) polyarchy
  B) anarchy
  C) matriarchy
  D) patriarchy
  Show Answer
  The correct answer is D .
• Question 8:

  This question is based on Literary Principles.

  'In the arena

  They began to sing my song,

  We could hear it faintly

  Passing through the air'

  Okot p'Bitek, 'Song of Lawino'

  What is the figure of speech used in the passage above?

  Options:
  A) Metaphor
  B) Irony
  C) Personification
  D) Simile
  Show Answer
  The correct answer is C .
• Question 9: This question is based on Wole Soyinka's The Lion and the Jewel.A savage custom, barbaric, out-dated Rejected, denounced, accursed Excommunicated, archaic, degrading Humiliating, unspeakable, redundant, Retrogressive, remarkable, unpalatable what custom does Lakunle refer to in the above excerpt? Options:
  A) The seduction of a maiden
  B) Wrestling contests as an exercise
  C) The practic of polygamy
  D) The payment of bride price
  Show Answer
  The correct answer is D .
• Question 10:

  THIS QUESTIONS ARE BASED ON WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S ROMEO AND JULIET.'You talk here in the public haunt of men.

  Either withdraw unto some private place,

  Or reason coldly of your grievances,

  Or else depart. Here all eyes gaze on us'.

  This appeal is made by

  Options:
  A) Romeo to Mercutio
  B) Benvolio to Tybalt
  C) Benvolio to both Tybalt and Mercutio
  D) Romeo to both Mercutio and Tybalt.
  Show Answer
  The correct answer is D .