Uncover the latest details on WAEC Literature in English free Questions and Answers to help you succeed. If you are looking for WAEC expo/runs in Literature in English, the details on Objectives and theory Literature in English WAEC Questions and Answers provided for you here is the best.
The West African Examination Council (WAEC) Literature in English paper 1 and 11 (Objectives and Essay) schedule is available in the official WAEC Timetable. All the necessary materials will be provided by the management board for the smooth running of the exams. To pass WAEC Literature in English with A1, keep reading fore latest news on correct WAEC Literature answers on African Drama, Non African Drama, African Prose, Non African Prose, African Poetry, Non African Poetry, etc.
WASSCE Literature in English past Questions papers has been provided here to help you get ready for the questions that will be presented to you. Likely Literature in English expo questions and Answers and how to answer the questions without wasting time are equally provided.
Latest Literature in English Answers to Objectives Questions
There are free Sample WAEC Literature in English Past Questions and Answers for you. Take your time and make good use of it while waiting for the latest update on Likely WAEC Literature in English expo.
1.Resolution in a literary work is also referred to as
- A. events that increase action
- B. final outcome
- C. the complication
- D. event that increases tension
Answer: B (final outcome)
2. Seven metrical feet in a line of a stanza is
- A. hexametre
- B. heptametre
- C. septet
- D. triolet
Answer: B (heptametre)
3. A short poem lamenting the death of someone is
- A. an ode
- B. a threnody
- C. a sonnet
- D. an epic
Answer: B (a threnody)
Read the extract below and answer the following question:
(In the Town Hall)
Jonsey: (By himself, centre right, looking sulky) How does anyone keep faith with himself In such an ill-made place?
Bassy, Ba-a-ssy!
Bassy: Here. Anything the matter?
Jonsey: (Moves front stage centre right) Your mayoral hopeful.
4.Bassy is a ____ in the play.
- A. narrator
- B. director
- C. producer
- D. character
Answer: D (character)
5.In the Town hall is the
- A. setting
- B. location
- C. atmosphere
- D. stage
Answer: A (setting)
6.Jonsey’s speech Your mayoral hopeful is addressed to
- A. the audience
- B. Bassey
- C. no one
- D. himself
Answer: B (Bassey)
7. A character that is built around a single idea or quality is a _______ character.
- A. sound
- B. flat
- C. choral
- D. heroic
Answer: B (flat)
8. A fable is also known as
- A. an apologue
- B. an epigram
- C. a farce
- D. a parody
Answer:A (an apologue)
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Read the extract below and answer the question:
Where I have come, great clerks have purposed
To greet me with premeditated welcomes;
Where I have seen them shiver and look pale,
Make periods in the midst of sentences,
Throttle their practised accent I their fears,
And in conclusion, dumbly have broken off,
Not paying me a welcome..
9.The speaker and the addressee are
- A. Lysander and Helena
- B. Hermia and Lysander
- C. Demetrius and Hermia
- D. Demetrius and Lysander
Answer: C (Demetrius and Hermia)
10. At the end of the speech,
- A. the ladies settle down
- B. Philostrate announces the prologue
- C. Hippolyta storms out of the place
- D. the curtain is drawn
Answer: B (Philostrate announces the prologue)
11. Earlier the addressee has accused the speaker of
- A. theft
- B. infidelity
- C. murder
- D. disloyalty
Answer: C (murder)
12.WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Read the extract below and answer the question:
And in the wood, when often you and I
Upon faint primrose-beds were women lie,
Emptying our bosoms of their counsel sweet,
There, my Lysander and myself shall meet,
And these from Athens turn away our eyes
To see new friends and stranger companies
Farewell, sweet playfellow;…
Farewell, sweet playfellow refers to
- A. Demetrius
- B. Hermia
- C. Helena
- D. Lysander
Answer: C (Helena)
13.…you and I in the first line refers to
- A. Demetrius and Helena
- B. Hermia and Helena
- C. Hippolyta and Lysander
- D. Oberon and Titania
Answer: B (Hermia and Helena)
14.The underlined expression means being
- A. careful
- B. faithful
- C. flirtatious
- D. reckless
Answer: B (faithful)
15.The couple are going to the wood because
- A. it is their favourite spot
- B. they are running away from the Athenian law
- C. they want to have their peace
- D. the wood is romantic
Answer: B (they are running away from the Athenian law)
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Read the extract below and answer the question:
The wildest hath not such a heart as you
Run when you will, the story shall be change;
Apollo flies, and Daphne holds the chase;
The dove pursues the griffin, the mild hind
Makes speed to catch the tiger, bootless speed,
When cowardice pursues, and valour flies.
16.The speech is intended to ____ the addressee.
- A. confuse
- B. pacify
- C. provoke
- D. reclaim
Answer: C (provoke)
17.Another character present at the scene is
- A. Egeus
- B. Lysander
- C. Oberon
- D. Theseus
Answer: C (Oberon)
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Read the extract below and answer the question:
The wildest hath not such a heart as you
Run when you will, the story shall be change;
Apollo flies, and Daphne holds the chase;
The dove pursues the griffin, the mild hind
Makes speed to catch the tiger, bootless speed,
When cowardice pursues, and valour flies.
18.The wildest refers to
- A. good people
- B. the least cruel man
- C. wild beasts
- D. the most deceptive
Answer: C (wild beasts)
19.The addressee is
- A. Demetrius
- B. Hermia
- C. Oberon
- D. Puck
Answer: A (Demetrius)
20.The speaker is
- A. Egeus
- B. Helena
- C. Lysander
- D. Titania
Answer: B (Helena)
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Read the extract below and answer the question:
So should the murdered look, and so should I,
Pierced through the heart with your stern cruelty;
Yes you the murdered look so bright in clear
As yonder, Venus in her, glimmering sphere
21.The setting of the extract is
- A. another part of the wood
- B. Helena’s place
- C. the wood
- D. Theseus’ palace
Answer: A (another part of the wood)
22.The underlined lines portray the addressee as a
- A. coward
- B. hunter
- C. painter
- D. traitor
Answer: B (hunter)
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Read the extract below and answer the question:
Where I have come, great clerks have purposed
To greet me with premeditated welcomes;
Where I have seen them shiver and look pale,
Make periods in the midst of sentences,
Throttle their practised accent I their fears,
And in conclusion, dumbly have broken off,
Not paying me a welcome…
23.In turn, the speaker accuses the addressee of
- A. cruelty
- B. discrimination
- C. deceit
- D. indiscretion
Answer: A (cruelty)
24.Earlier the addressee has accused the speaker of
- A. disloyalty
- B. infidelity
- C. murder
- D. theft
Answer: C (murder)
25.The speaker and the addressee are
- A. Demetrius and Lysander
- B. Hermia and Lysander
- C. Demetrius and Hermia
- D. Lysander and Helena
Answer: C (Demetrius and Hermia)
26.At the end of the speech,
- A. Hippolyta storms out of the place
- B. Philostrate announces the prologue
- C. the ladies settle down
- D. the curtain is drawn
Answer: B (Philostrate announces the prologue)
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Read the extract below and answer the question:
Where I have come, great clerks have purposed
To greet me with premeditated welcomes;
Where I have seen them shiver and look pale,
Make periods in the midst of sentences,
Throttle their practised accent I their fears,
And in conclusion, dumbly have broken off,
Not paying me a welcome…
27.The speech is in reaction to
- A. Hippolyta’s rejection of the burden the poor bear
- B. Philostrate’s rejection of the play-within-the play
- C. the address of the chorus
- D. the arrival of the players
Answer: D (the arrival of the players)
28.The speaker is addressing
- A. Hippolyta
- B. Lysander
- C. Philostrate
- D. Quince
Answer: A (Hippolyta)
29.The speaker is
- A. Helena
- B. Hermia
- C. Philostrate
- D. Theseus
Answer: D (Theseus)
See also: WAEC Timetable
UNSEEN POETRY
Read the poem and answer the question
My heart was in fearful flight
Pursued by Cupid, arrow poised
Waiting for my flight’s end
When I’d turn about
Or I’d fall supine
My fleeing heart to pierce
Enslave or enthrall and ravish hopeless
So, I’m pining and pining away
For you high up there have perched
Out of reach of my now yearning
Which was why my heart’d been fleeing
From cupid’s poised arrow
30.In the poem, cupid is
- A. an allusion
- B. a metonymy
- C. the persona’s mistress
- D. the persona’s rival
Answer: A (an allusion)
31.The dominant image is one of
- A. beginning
- B. flying
- C. running
- D. waiting
Answer: B (flying)
32.The poem is a
- A. haiku
- B. kenning
- C. limerick
- D. lyric
Answer: D (lyric)
33.The lines that provide evidence for what the poem is about are _____
- A. 2 and 3
- B. 7 and 8
- C. 9 and 10
- D. 11 and 12
Answer: B (7 and 8)
34.The poem is about
- A. unforgettable
- B. sacrificial
- C. unrequited
- D. selfish
Answer: C (unrequited)
UNSEEN PROSE
Read the passage and answer the following question
The message was unambiguous: her John was on his way back. For how long had he been gone? Jenny wondered.
She wrung her hands in silent expectation. She stood, turned about, and sat, motionless. She was listening in the silence of the room and looking into the gloom of the unlit room.
She seemed to pull herself together as she rose to her full height, switched on the light and turned on the TV, to no station in particular, selecting no programme at all. She sat in front of the TV, not watching. Her heart was pounding, slowly, she hoisted herself from the armchair and moved towards the kitchen, like one sleepwalking.
She must get some food ready for the sojourner. Her rapid heartbeat did not show in her slow-motion actions. Her cooking done, Jenny was carrying the dish on a tray to the dining table when the doorbell rang. Jenny dropped the tray.
35.The passage is about
- A. a meeting place
- B. jenny’s expert cooking
- C. the disappointment of love
- D. the passion of love
Answer: D (the passion of love)
36.The figure of speech used in she was listening to the silence of the room is
- A. conceit
- B. irony
- C. oxymoron
- D. zeugma
Answer: C (oxymoron)
37.The technique of narration is
- A. First person
- B. Second person
- C. Third person
- D. stream of consciousness
Answer: D (stream of consciousness)
38.In _____ and moved inwards the kitchen, like one sleepwalking, the simile portrays one who is
- A. absent minded
- B. disappointed
- C. passion driven
- D. morose
Answer: A (absent minded)
Read the lines below and answer the question:
The curl of my lips, the swing of my waist, the
The ride of my breast, the stride of my steps, the
Flash of my tech and the palm of my hand
39.Characters in a play that the author uses as a vehicle for commentary is
- A. chorus
- B. dancers
- C. drummers
- D. singers
Answer: A (chorus)
40.The image created in the line appeals to the sense of
- A. sight
- B. taste
- C. smell
- D. touch
Answer: A (sight)
41.The line is an example of
- A. euphemism
- B. parallelism
- C. personification
- D. synecdoche
Answer: B (parallelism)
42.Read the lines below and answer the question:
The closing of the day
Is the beginning of the day
The lines
- A. are alliterated
- B. are repeated
- C. end stop
- D. run on
Answer: D (run on)
43.One of the important means available to a writer of a literary work is
- A. diction
- B. fiction
- C. stage
- D. stanza
Answer: A (diction)
WAEC Essay Literature Questions
Below are Past WAEC Literature Area of Concentration and Theory Past Questions and Answers:
SECTION A: AFRICAN PROSE
Q1. How is conflict in marriage portrayed in the novel?
Answer:
Portrayal of Conflict in Marriage in Second Class Citizen
Buchi Emecheta’s Second Class Citizen vividly portrays the struggles of marriage, particularly within the context of gender roles, cultural expectations, and immigrant experiences. The protagonist, Adah Obi, faces multiple conflicts in her marriage to Francis Obi, which highlight issues of oppression, financial dependence, and domestic abuse.
Adah’s marriage to Francis is rooted in patriarchal traditions, where the husband is seen as the head of the household while the wife is expected to be submissive. Despite Adah being ambitious and hardworking, Francis insists on controlling her life, including her finances and career decisions. This creates ongoing friction, as Adah resists conforming to the role of a passive wife.
Conflict in marriage is also portrayed through the family’s financial struggles and Francis’ dependence on Adah. Adah is the primary breadwinner, yet Francis refuses to acknowledge her contributions. Instead, he wastes money and demands total financial control. He believes that as a man, he should be the one in charge, even though he refuses to work. This economic imbalance fuels conflict, as Adah becomes increasingly resentful of his irresponsibility.
Also, Francis resorts to physical violence and emotional manipulation to assert his authority. He beats Adah for disobeying him, such as when she tries to pursue her education or when she asserts her independence. The abuse symbolizes not just a personal conflict but also the broader struggles of many women in oppressive marriages.
As immigrants in London, Adah and Francis experience racial discrimination and societal alienation, which further strain their marriage. Instead of facing these challenges together, Francis uses them as an excuse for his failures, blaming Adah for their struggles. The novel suggests that cultural displacement can either strengthen or break relationships, depending on how couples navigate their difficulties.
A key conflict in the novel is Adah’s desire for self-improvement versus Francis’ stagnation. While Adah aspires to become a writer and give her children a better life, Francis is content with mediocrity and actively discourages her ambitions. This ideological clash ultimately leads to the breakdown of their marriage.
In Second Class Citizen, marriage is portrayed as a battleground of power, control and survival, especially for a woman determined to defy societal norms. Through Adah’s journey, Emecheta critiques the patriarchal structures that oppress women and highlights the resilience needed to break free from a toxic relationship. Ultimately, Adah’s decision to leave Francis symbolizes self-liberation and the pursuit of dignity over societal expectations.
Q2. Examine the relationship between Adah and Bill.
Answer:
The Relationship Between Adah and Bill
In Buchi Emecheta’s Second Class Citizen, Adah’s relationship with Bill is significant as it represents a contrast to her marriage with Francis and highlights themes of friendship, respect and cultural differences. Unlike Francis, who belittles and abuses Adah, Bill treats her with respect and kindness. He does not try to control her but instead listens to her opinions. This respectful treatment is a new experience for Adah, reinforcing her realization that she deserves better than Francis’ oppression.
Bill plays a pivotal role in Adah’s intellectual awakening. He introduces her to the works of Black authors like James Baldwin, a revelation for Adah. Through these encounters, Adah starts to appreciate her own heritage and dismantle the internalized racism she has grappled with. Bill’s encouragement sparks a fire within Adah, igniting her passion for writing and self-expression. He becomes a mentor, pushing her to explore her voice and develop her literary talents.
Bill’s unwavering belief in Adah’s writing is a critical turning point in her journey. When she hesitantly shares her manuscript, The Bride Price”,
Bill recognises its potential. He calls it her “brainchild” and urges her to publish it. This validation from someone she respects deeply gives Adah the confidence to pursue her dreams. Bill’s enthusiastic support empowers Adah to break free from self-doubt and embrace her identity as a writer.
Their friendship goes beyond mere support. There is a sense of mutual respect and understanding. Bill, as a Canadian immigrant, can empathise with Adah’s struggles with displacement and navigating a foreign society. He does not patronise or fetishise her but rather treats her as an equal. This shared experience creates a bond that transcends cultural differences.
Bill’s influence extends beyond the literary realm. He challenges Adah’s submissive demeanour towards Francis. By demonstrating kindness and
respect, Bill provides Adah with a model for healthier relationships. This, along with her newfound confidence, empowers Adah to stand up for herself and demand respect from her husband.
While their friendship is immensely valuable, it is important to acknowledge its limitations. Bill does not fully understand the complexities of Adah’s
experience as a Nigerian woman. He can empathise with her immigrant struggles but may not grasp the specific cultural and gender dynamics she faces. Additionally, Bill’s presence should not diminish the importance of Adah’s own strength and resilience.
Despite the limitations, Bill’s impact on Adah is undeniable. He serves as a beacon of support and encouragement during a crucial period in her life. His friendship validates her experiences, ignites her creativity, and ultimately empowers her to claim her voice. Even after Bill exits the narrative, his influence remains, shaping Adah into a more confident and self-assured woman
In conclusion. Adah and Bill’s relationship is a testament to the transformative power of genuine connection. In a world that often rejects her, Bill
offers Adah friendship, acceptance, and most importantly, the belief in her potential. He becomes a catalyst for her personal and artistic growth.
Q3. Discuss the meeting between Nii Tackie and Tally O
Answer: Try it yourself
Q4. Examine Nii’s rejection of Linda’s advances
Answer: Try it yourself
SECTION B: NON-AFRICAN PROSE
Q1.How is the epilogue significant to the structure of the novel?
Answer:
Q2. Comment on the use of blindness as a metaphor.
Answer:
Q3. Why does Heathcliff hate Hindley?
Answer:
Q4. How does the death of Mr Earnshaw affect the fortunes of Heathcliff?
Answer:
The death of Mr. Earnshaw in Wuthering Heights significantly alters Heathcliff’s fortunes, marking the beginning of his downfall and mistreatment under Hindley’s rule. Before Mr. Earnshaw’s death, Heathcliff enjoys a privileged position in the household, despite being an orphan. However, after his benefactor dies, Hindley takes control of Wuthering Heights and enacts severe changes that drastically affect Heathcliff’s status and prospects.
While Mr. Earnshaw was alive, he treated Heathcliff almost as his own son, often favouring him over Hindley. This favouritism allowed Heathcliff to enjoy privileges such as education, a comfortable living, and a close relationship with Catherine. However, once Mr. Earnshaw dies, Hindley, who has always resented Heathcliff, immediately reduces him to the status of a servant. He strips Heathcliff of his position in the family, forbids him from receiving an education, and forces him to work in the fields.
Hindley seizes control of Wuthering Heights and takes full advantage of his new power. He uses his authority to degrade Heathcliff, treating him as little more than a labourer. This drastic shift in social standing is deeply humiliating for Heathcliff, who was once treated as an equal to Hindley and Catherine. The injustice of this treatment plants the seeds of resentment and a desire for revenge.
One of the most profound effects of Mr. Earnshaw’s death is how it influences Heathcliff’s relationship with Catherine. As Hindley lowers Heathcliff’s status, Catherine, though still emotionally attached to Heathcliff, begins to see the practical difficulties of being with him. This class difference becomes even more apparent when Catherine spends time with the Lintons at Thrushcross Grange and eventually chooses to marry Edgar Linton, someone of higher social standing. The loss of Catherine as a potential partner devastates Heathcliff and fuels his determination to seek revenge.
Heathcliff’s mistreatment following Mr. Earnshaw’s death plays a crucial role in his decision to leave Wuthering Heights. Feeling powerless and heartbroken after overhearing Catherine say it would degrade her to marry him, he disappears for three years. During this time, he amasses wealth and returns with the intent to reclaim his dignity and exact revenge on Hindley.
Mr. Earnshaw’s death is a turning point in Heathcliff’s life. It leads to his downfall under Hindley’s tyranny, affects his relationship with Catherine, and ultimately sets him on a path of vengeance. Without Mr. Earnshaw’s protection, Heathcliff loses everything—his status, education, and hope for a future with Catherine—driving him to seek retribution against those who wronged him.
How to pass WAEC Literature exams
It’s important to make your West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination a huge success. The following ways are beneficial to candidates that wish to pass WAEC with flying colors:
1. Make adequate Preparation: By preparing very well for the WAEC Literature in English Objectives and theory exams, candidates will be able to write the exams confidently.
2. Attending Extra moral Classes: The school teachers might not be able to complete the curriculum on time. On that note, it is advisable for students to attend tutorials that will enlightened the more on the right topics under The syllables.
3. Make good use of Past Questions: The West African Examination Council, WAEC has a pattern of setting questions. Students that make good use of the WAEC Literature in English past Questions and Answers will surely perform well in the exams. Try and practice the questions set on previous years.
4. Use WAEC Literature in English Syllabus: The WAEC Literature in English Syllabus has a list of topics to be treated for years. Candidates should ensures that they use the syllabus while studying and preparing for their exams.
Steps to Answer Questions
The following steps are crucial while trying to answer WAEC Literature in English questions:
- Candidates are advised to always begin with the simplest questions.
- Adherence to the WAEC exams instructions are very important.
- All the required details should be carefully written or entered on the WAEC Answer booklet.
- Candidate’s handwriting should be very readable.
- It’s important to attempt the required number of questions.
- Candidates should cross check their answers before final submission.
Conclusion
Passing the WAEC Literature in English exams is very easy. All that is required is to do the needful. Prepare on time, attend tutorials, use past Questions and syllabus and many more.
Those that want to know more about the WAEC Literature in English questions and Answers should use the comments box hereunder.
Related Post
- WAEC Literature in English Questions and Answers
- WAEC Government Questions and Answers
- WAEC Chemistry Questions and Answers
- WAEC Chemistry practical Questions and Answers
- WAEC Physics Questions and Answers
- WAEC Economics Questions and Answers
- WAEC Agric Science Questions and Answers
- WAEC CRK/CRS Questions and Answers
- WAEC Physics Practical Questions and Answers
- WAEC Data Processing Questions and Answers
- WAEC Civic Education Questions and Answers
- WAEC Mathematics Questions and Answers
- WAEC Marketing Questions and Answers
- WAEC Registration Form
- WAEC Biology Practical Questions and Answers
okay thank you