WAEC Literature in English Past Questions and Answers

What is the general term for the central message of a literary work?

• A Elegy
• B Theme
• C 5
• D 3

Choose the correct definition of 'Elegy'.

• A A poem of mourning, usually written for someone who has died
• B A long narrative poem celebrating the deeds of a heroic figure
• C A rhythmic phrase or song, often repeated, used in ritual, work, or performance
• D An account of imaginary or real events

Select the option that correctly explains the term 'Epic'.

• A A short story, often featuring animal characters, that teaches a moral lesson
• B A long narrative poem celebrating the deeds of a heroic figure
• C A larger-than-life hero of noble birth who performs great deeds in an epic
• D Literature written and published specifically for young readers

Choose the correct definition of 'Science fiction'.

• A When a writer directly states a character's traits or qualities
• B An introduction to a book, usually explaining its purpose or origin
• C Conversation between two or more characters in a literary work
• D Fiction based on imagined future scientific or technological developments

Which statement does NOT correctly describe drama?

• A It shapes the emotional distance between reader and characters
• B It includes stage directions for actors
• C It relies heavily on dialogue between characters
• D It is brought to life through actors, costumes, and setting

As used in literary appreciation, 'Major character' refers to:

• A A character who plays a central role in a story
• B A published collection of literary works, such as poems, stories, or essays, by various writers
• C An account of imaginary or real events
• D A type of drama that deals with serious themes and usually ends in disaster for the hero

A student described a literary concept as follows: 'A figure of speech that presents something as less important than it really is' What is this concept called?

• A Protagonist
• B Conflict
• C Tone
• D Understatement

Which one of these options is associated with an effective narrator?

• A It influences the reader's trust in the narrator
• B It is spoken by a character alone on stage
• C It relies on humour and wit to entertain
• D Influences how much the reader trusts the account given