2026 WAEC Literature-In-English 1 (Objective) and Literature-In-English 2 (Prose) Questions and Answers

2026 WAEC Literature-In-English 1 (Objective) and Literature-In-English 2 (Prose) Questions and Answers

PAPER 1

OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS (1–60)

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General Literary Appreciation

1.

A novel is a literary work written in

A. verse
B. prose
C. drama
D. dialogue

Answer: B

2.

The main character in a literary work is called

A. foil
B. antagonist
C. protagonist
D. narrator

Answer: C

3.

A struggle between opposing forces in literature is known as

A. irony
B. conflict
C. climax
D. suspense

Answer: B

4.

The turning point of a story is called

A. exposition
B. denouement
C. climax
D. setting

Answer: C

5.

A literary work intended for stage performance is

A. prose
B. poetry
C. drama
D. satire

Answer: C

6.

The time and place of a story constitute its

A. plot
B. setting
C. theme
D. mood

Answer: B

7.

A poem that mourns the dead is

A. sonnet
B. ode
C. elegy
D. lyric

Answer: C

8.

The repetition of consonant sounds is called

A. alliteration
B. metaphor
C. pun
D. irony

Answer: A

9.

A comparison using “like” or “as” is

A. metaphor
B. simile
C. irony
D. euphemism

Answer: B

10.

A figure of speech that gives human qualities to non-living things is

A. satire
B. hyperbole
C. personification
D. paradox

Answer: C

11.

A narrative poem that tells a story is

A. ballad
B. ode
C. sonnet
D. lyric

Answer: A

12.

The central idea of a literary work is

A. theme
B. climax
C. setting
D. style

Answer: A

2026 WAEC Literature-In-English 1 (Objective) and Literature-In-English 2 (Prose) Questions and Answers

13.

The opposite of protagonist is

A. narrator
B. antagonist
C. foil
D. author

Answer: B

14.

A fourteen-line poem is

A. ode
B. sonnet
C. lyric
D. elegy

Answer: B

15.

The author of a book is known as the

A. speaker
B. dramatist
C. writer
D. narrator

Answer: C

Questions on Shakespeare: Antony and Cleopatra

16.

Antony was one of the rulers of

A. Egypt
B. Rome
C. Greece
D. Persia

Answer: B

17.

Cleopatra was the Queen of

A. Ethiopia
B. Egypt
C. Rome
D. Carthage

Answer: B

18.

The play mainly explores

A. science and religion
B. love and political power
C. education and poverty
D. slavery and trade

Answer: B

19.

Antony’s rival in Rome was

A. Caesar Octavius
B. Enobarbus
C. Lepidus
D. Pompey

Answer: A

20.

Cleopatra is portrayed as

A. weak and timid
B. proud and charismatic
C. silent and passive
D. foolish and careless

Answer: B

21.

The author of So the Path Does Not Die is

A. Elma Shaw
B. Pede Hollist
C. Harper Lee
D. Chinua Achebe

Answer: B

22.

One major theme in So the Path Does Not Die is

A. migration and identity
B. space exploration
C. warfare only
D. industrialization

Answer: A

23.

The author of Redemption Road is

A. Elma Shaw
B. Buchi Emecheta
C. Ama Ata Aidoo
D. Zaynab Alkali

Answer: A

24.

Redemption Road focuses largely on

A. post-war recovery and survival
B. ancient kingdoms
C. scientific inventions
D. colonial taxation

Answer: A

25.

A recurring concern in both African prose texts is

A. human resilience
B. astronomy
C. mathematics
D. engineering

Answer: A

26.

The author of To Kill a Mockingbird is

A. Susanne Bellefeuille
B. Harper Lee
C. Jane Austen
D. Emily Bronte

Answer: B

27.

The novel addresses the issue of

A. racial injustice
B. space travel
C. warfare only
D. agriculture

Answer: A

28.

Scout Finch serves as the

A. antagonist
B. narrator
C. villain
D. foil

Answer: B

29.

Atticus Finch is portrayed as

A. corrupt
B. unjust
C. principled and courageous
D. selfish

Answer: C

2026 WAEC Literature-In-English 1 (Objective) and Literature-In-English 2 (Prose) Questions and Answers

30.

Path of Lucas: The Journey He Endured is written by

A. Susanne Bellefeuille
B. Harper Lee
C. Dickens
D. Orwell

Answer: A

31.

“Time is a thief” is an example of

A. simile
B. metaphor
C. irony
D. alliteration

Answer: B

32.

Excessive exaggeration for effect is

A. hyperbole
B. pun
C. climax
D. paradox

Answer: A

33.

A contrast between appearance and reality is

A. irony
B. rhyme
C. rhythm
D. refrain

Answer: A

34.

Words that imitate natural sounds are

A. euphemism
B. onomatopoeia
C. allusion
D. metaphor

Answer: B

35.

Reference to another literary work is

A. allusion
B. climax
C. pun
D. satire

Answer: A

36.

The Marriage of Anansewa was written by

A. Efua Sutherland
B. Soyinka
C. Clark
D. Rotimi

Answer: A

37.

Ananse is best known for

A. honesty
B. wisdom and cunning
C. military power
D. wealth alone

Answer: B

38.

Once Upon an Elephant was written by

A. Bosede Ademilua-Afolayan
B. Soyinka
C. Clark
D. Shakespeare

Answer: A

39.

Dialogue is most associated with

A. poetry
B. prose
C. drama
D. biography

Answer: C

40.

A speech delivered by one actor alone is

A. monologue
B. refrain
C. stanza
D. irony

Answer: A

41.

The speaker in a poem is called the

A. author
B. persona
C. novelist
D. critic

Answer: B

42.

Not My Business was written by

A. Niyi Osundare
B. Okara
C. Kamara
D. Byron

Answer: A

43.

Once Upon a Time was written by

A. Gabriel Okara
B. Soyinka
C. Shakespeare
D. Byron

Answer: A

44.

Still I Rise was written by

A. Maya Angelou
B. Sylvia Plath
C. Kamara
D. Adcock

Answer: A

45.

Digging was written by

A. Seamus Heaney
B. Byron
C. Shakespeare
D. Eliot

Answer: A

46.

The repetition of a line in a poem is

A. refrain
B. irony
C. pun
D. climax

Answer: A

47.

A stanza is

A. chapter in a novel
B. paragraph in poetry
C. speech in drama
D. scene in drama

Answer: B

48.

Rhyme contributes mainly to

A. sound effect
B. plot
C. characterization
D. setting

Answer: A

49.

Mood refers to

A. atmosphere created in a work
B. author biography
C. plot summary
D. theme only

Answer: A

2026 WAEC Literature-In-English 1 (Objective) and Literature-In-English 2 (Prose) Questions and Answers

50.

Satire aims at

A. entertainment only
B. criticism through humour
C. narration only
D. description only

Answer: B

Advanced Literary Knowledge

51.

The sequence of events in a story is called

A. style
B. plot
C. diction
D. setting

Answer: B

52.

The choice of words by a writer is

A. diction
B. plot
C. climax
D. irony

Answer: A

53.

A character who contrasts with another is

A. foil
B. persona
C. narrator
D. hero

Answer: A

54.

The final resolution of a story is

A. climax
B. exposition
C. denouement
D. suspense

Answer: C

55.

A tragic hero usually possesses

A. perfection
B. a tragic flaw
C. immortality
D. supernatural powers

Answer: B

56.

The audience’s emotional release in tragedy is

A. catharsis
B. satire
C. irony
D. imagery

Answer: A

57.

Imagery appeals primarily to the

A. senses
B. government
C. economy
D. audience size

Answer: A

58.

The study of literature develops

A. critical thinking
B. farming skills only
C. engineering skills only
D. medical skills only

Answer: A

59.

A novel dealing with social issues is often called

A. social novel
B. lyric
C. elegy
D. sonnet

Answer: A

60.

Literature primarily reflects

A. human experiences and society
B. machines only
C. politics only
D. science only

Answer: A

PAPER 2

PROSE ESSAY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

SECTION A: AFRICAN PROSE

Question 1

Discuss the theme of migration and identity in So the Path Does Not Die.

Answer

Migration and identity constitute the central thematic concerns of the novel. Hollist examines the experiences of Africans who leave their homeland in search of better opportunities abroad. The novel portrays the difficulties migrants encounter, including cultural dislocation, discrimination, loneliness and the struggle to preserve their roots.

The author demonstrates that migration does not automatically guarantee success. Characters face emotional and psychological challenges as they attempt to adapt to foreign environments. Their experiences reveal the tension between maintaining traditional values and embracing new cultures.

Identity becomes a recurring concern because the characters constantly negotiate who they are. They are neither completely accepted abroad nor entirely detached from their homeland. Through these experiences, Hollist emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage and personal resilience.

The novel ultimately suggests that true identity is not lost through migration but can be strengthened through self-awareness, perseverance and connection to one’s roots.

Question 2

Examine the significance of hope and resilience in Redemption Road.

Answer

Hope and resilience are major themes in Redemption Road. Set against the background of post-conflict challenges, the novel explores how individuals rebuild their lives after experiencing trauma, suffering and loss.

The characters encounter numerous hardships, including poverty, emotional pain and social instability. Despite these difficulties, they continue striving for a better future. Their determination illustrates the strength of the human spirit.

The title itself symbolizes a journey toward healing and restoration. The road to redemption is not easy, but persistence enables the characters to overcome obstacles. Through their experiences, Elma Shaw demonstrates that recovery is possible even after devastating circumstances.

The novel therefore serves as a powerful statement about human endurance, forgiveness and the possibility of renewal.

2026 WAEC Literature-In-English 1 (Objective) and Literature-In-English 2 (Prose) Questions and Answers

SECTION B: NON-AFRICAN PROSE

Question 3

Discuss racial prejudice as portrayed in To Kill a Mockingbird.

Answer

Racial prejudice is the dominant theme of the novel. Harper Lee exposes the deep racial inequalities existing in the American South. Through the trial of Tom Robinson, the author demonstrates how racial bias can influence justice and social relations.

Tom Robinson is falsely accused despite evidence suggesting his innocence. The case reveals how prejudice often overrides truth and fairness. The legal system, which should uphold justice, becomes influenced by racial discrimination.

Atticus Finch stands as a symbol of integrity and moral courage. He defends Robinson despite criticism and hostility from members of the community. Through Atticus, Harper Lee advocates equality, fairness and respect for human dignity.

The novel condemns racial injustice and encourages readers to challenge discrimination and prejudice wherever they occur.

Question 4

Evaluate the character of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird.

Answer

Atticus Finch is one of the most admired characters in modern literature. He embodies honesty, courage, wisdom and justice.

As a lawyer, he demonstrates professional integrity by defending Tom Robinson even though he knows public opinion is against him. His commitment to justice illustrates his belief that every individual deserves fair treatment before the law.

As a father, Atticus serves as an excellent role model to Scout and Jem. He teaches them tolerance, empathy and moral responsibility. He encourages them to understand people from different perspectives before judging them.

His calmness under pressure, respect for others and dedication to truth make him a symbol of ethical leadership. Through Atticus Finch, Harper Lee presents an ideal example of courage and moral excellence.

These essay questions reflect the style, depth and analytical approach commonly required in WAEC Literature-in-English examinations based on the 2026–2030 prescribed prose texts.