The WAEC syllabus for Literature in English is the topic you must study to sit for the examination. It contains the aims and objectives, notes and format for the Literature in English exam.
Studying Literature in English subject is necessary for your exam preparation. It will serve as a guide for you to know the topics to read. There are also notes on concepts you should pay attention to learning.
Exam preparations without using the Literature in English are like going to the farm without your agricultural tools. You will end up not being productive.
Ensure you begin your exam preparations using the syllabus.
This post contains the Literature in English and recommended textbooks of the West African Examination Council (WAEC).
WAEC Literature in English
| Category | Textbooks |
|---|---|
| African Prose | Second Class Citizen by Buchi Emecheta Unexpected Joy by Alex Agyei-Agyiri (2018 Edition) |
| Non-African Prose | Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte |
| Shakespearean Text | A Midsummer Night’s Dream |
| African Drama | Let me Die ALone by John K. Kargo The Lion and the Jewel by Wole Soyinka |
| Non-African Drama | Fences by August Wilson Look Back in Anger by John Osborne |
| African Poetry | “Raider of the Treasure Trove” by Lade Qosrnu “Black Woman” by Leopold Sedar Senghor “The Grieved Lands” by Agostinho Neto “The Song of the Women of my Land” by Oumar Farouk Sesay “A Government Driver on his Retirement” by Onu Chibuike |
| Non-African Poetry | “The Good Morrow” by John Donne “Caged Bird” by Maya Angelou “The Journey of the Magi” by T.S. Eliot “Do not Go Gentle into the Good Night” by Dylan Thomas “Binsey Poplars (Felled 1879)” by G.M. Hopkins “Bat” by David H. Lawrence |
Scheme of Examination
There will be three papers – Papers 1, 2 and 3. Papers 1 and 2 will be a composite paper and taken at one sitting.
Paper 1 will be a multiple choice objective test. It will contain fifty questions distributed as follows:
- Twenty questions on General Knowledge of Literature;
- Five questions on an unseen prose passage;
- Five questions on an unseen poem;
- Twenty context questions on the prescribed Shakespearean text.
Candidates will be required to answer all the questions within 1 hour for 50 marks.
Paper 2 will be an essay test with two sections, Sections A and B. Section A will be on African Prose and Section B on Non-African Prose.
Two essay questions will be set on each of the novels prescribed for study. Candidates shall be required to answer one question only from each section within 1 hour 15 minutes for 50 marks.
Paper 3 will be on the Drama and Poetry components of the syllabus. It will be put into four sections, Sections A, B. C and D as follows:
- Section A: African Drama
- Section B: Non-African Drama
- Section C: African Poetry
- Section D: Non-African Poetry
There shall be two questions on each of the prescribed drama texts for Sections A and B. There shall also be two questions for each of the poetry sections ie Sections C and D.
Candidates shall be required to answer one question from each of the sections, making a total of four questions. The paper will take 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete and will carry 100 marks.
Note:
(i) The Unseen Prose passage for Paper 1 shall be about 120 – 150 words long.
(ii) Only context questions shall be set on the Shakespearean text. The context questions will test such items as theme, characterization, style and setting in the Shakespearean text.
(iii) No essay question shall be set on the Shakespearean text.
SET TEXTS
African Prose
- Amma Darko – Faceless
- BayoAdebowale – Lonely Days
Non-African Prose
- Richard Wright – Native Son
- Patience Swift – The Last Goodman
*William Shakespeare: OTHELLO
Non-African Drama
- Oliver Goldsmith – She Stoops to conquer
- Lorraine Hansberry – A Raisin in the Sun
African Drama
- Frank Ogodo Ogbeche – Harvest of Corruption
- Dele Charley – The Blood of a Stranger
African Poetry
- Birago Drop – Vanity
- GbemisolaAdeoti – Ambush
- Gabriel Okara – Piano and Drums
- Gbanabam Hallowell – The Dinning Table
- Lenrie Peter – The Panic of Growing Older
- Kofi Awoonor – The Anvil and the Hammer
Non-African Poetry
- Alfred Tennyson – Crossing the Bar
- George Herbert – The pulley
- William Blake – The School Boy
- William Morris – The Proud King
- Robert Frost Birches – Birches
- William Shakespeare – Shall I compare thee to a Summer’s Day?
Let me know if you have any questions or need further clarification. I would love to assist you.
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please can you tell us a particular area in literature,to read.
that usually appeared in waec??
Mahmud,
You will have to use literature syllabus for your preparation.
There are two recommended texts. Which one is the current?
Clement,
You are expected to get both text.
Please I would love to know the literature texts for GCE exams
Ben,
The literature text here is applicable for the GCE exam.
Hello sir.
I am a science study and about to study law. I understand I need literature in English to be enrolled into any institution. I am planning to write my waec next year, please how do I go about passing my lit in English in the coming waec seeing I have no background in the course.
Here are some tips on how to pass Literature in English in WAEC with no background:
1. Start early. The earlier you start studying, the more time you will have to grasp the concepts and practice answering questions.
Get a good textbook and/or study guide. This will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the subject and help you to understand the key concepts.
2. Read widely. The more you read, the better your understanding of the English language and literature will become. Try to read a variety of texts, including novels, short stories, poems, and plays.
3. Join a study group or find a tutor. This can be a great way to get help from others and to stay motivated.
4. Practice answering questions. Once you have a good understanding of the material, start practicing answering WAEC-style questions. This will help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses and to improve your exam technique.
Here are some additional tips that may be helpful:
a. Pay attention to the prescribed texts. Make sure to read the prescribed texts carefully and to understand the characters, plot, themes, and literary devices used.
b. Analyze the texts. Don’t just read the texts passively. Try to analyze them and to think about what the author is trying to say.
c. Use notes and summaries. Taking notes and writing summaries can help you to remember the key information from the texts.
d. Practice writing essays. The essay is an important part of the WAEC Literature in English exam. Make sure to practice writing essays on a variety of topics related to the prescribed texts.
Even though you have no background in Literature in English, it is still possible to pass the exam with hard work and dedication. Just follow the tips above and start studying early.
Good luck!
PLEASE WHAT ARE THE RECOMMENDED LITERATURE TEXT BOOKS FOR 2024 LITERATURE EXAM
Friday,
Check the post to see the list of recommended text for WAEC literature.
Does this text and syllabus also apply to those studying for 2024 waec examinations?
Or will 2024 waec come with it’s own syllabus and texts?
Yes, Martin
Sorry sir, but I don’t quite get which of my questions you’re replying yes to, is it the first one that says it also applies to 2024 syllabus or it’s to the second one that says 2024 will come with it’s own syllabus?
Martin,
The syllabus here is current.
Please can I get selected poems in literature in English for 2023 Wassce
Nortey,
Check the post to see the selected poems.
Let me know if you have further questions.
This is too super helpful. I love and appreciate you. You ANS questions promptly. Thanks for the brake down. You have really make me understand this. With all this I don’t think I will fail literature. ? God bless you more.
Eucharia,
Success to you in your exams.
Really, really helpful??
You guys are the best.
Bello,
I wish you success in your exams.
Amen ? ? ?
Wow thank you so much
It really helps me alot
I wish you success in your exams.
Waec government theory
The WAEC Government theory paper usually consists of two sections: Section A and Section B.
Section A usually consists of compulsory questions that cover the entire syllabus. These questions test the student’s knowledge and understanding of basic government principles, institutions, and processes. The questions in this section may be in the form of objective or short answer questions.
Section B usually consists of essay questions based on specific topics within the syllabus. The questions in this section are usually more detailed and require the student to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the subject matter. The essay questions may require the student to analyze and evaluate political situations, theories, and concepts and offer solutions to problems.
To prepare for the WAEC Government theory paper, students should carefully review and study the syllabus, practice past questions, and familiarize themselves with the format of the article. They should also practice writing essays and develop their critical thinking and analytical skills, which will be necessary for answering the essay questions in Section B.
How many Africa prose can we answer in waec
The number of African prose a candidate can answer in the WAEC examination depends on the instructions on the question paper. In most cases, the question paper will specify the number of questions that should be answered and the specific prose texts that should be studied.
Typically, the WAEC literature-in-English examination will include a section on African prose. This section may consist of several questions based on one or more African prose texts. Candidates may be required to answer one or more questions on each text, depending on the instructions on the question paper.
It is essential for candidates to carefully read and follow the instructions on the question paper, as this will ensure that they answer the appropriate number of questions and achieve the best possible results in the examination. Candidates should also study and prepare for the African prose texts in the syllabus to be adequately prepared for the examination.
Please does waec release questions from all the poems for is to choose the one we will answer?
The West African Examination Council (WAEC) needs to release specific questions for candidates to choose which poem they will answer. In the literature-in-English paper of the WAEC examination, candidates are typically provided with a list of prescribed texts or poems from which they are expected to study and be prepared to answer questions.
During the examination, the examiners will select specific questions based on the prescribed texts or poems and include them in the question paper. Candidates must then choose and answer the questions according to their knowledge and understanding of the prescribed texts or poems.
To be well-prepared for the examination, it’s essential to thoroughly study and understand the prescribed texts or poems in the syllabus. Pay attention to themes, literary devices, character analysis, and relevant contextual information related to the texts or poems. This will enable you to effectively analyze and respond to the questions asked during the examination.
What novel are in weac 2023
AFRICAN PROSE
Second Class Citizen by Buchi Emecheta
Unexpected Joy at Dawn by Alex Agyei-Agyiri (2018 Edition)
NON-AFRICAN PROSE
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
SHAKESPEAREAN TEXT
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
AFRICAN DRAMA
Let me Die Alone by John K. Kargbo
The Lion and the Jewel by Wole Soyinka
NON-AFRICAN DRAMA
Look Back in Anger by John Osborne
Fences by August Wilson
AFRICAN POETRY
“Black Woman” by Leopold Sedar Senghor
“The Leader and the Led” by Niyi Osundare
“The Grieved Lands of Africa” by Agostinho Neto
“The Song of the Women of My Land” by Oumar Farouk Sesay
“Raider of the Treasure Trove” by Lade Wosornu
“A Government Driver on His Retirement” by Onu Chibuike
NON-AFRICAN POETRY
“The Good Morrow” by John Donne
“Caged Bird” by Maya Angelou
“The Journey of the Magi” by T.S. Eliot
“Do not Go Gentle into the Good Night” by Dylan Thomas
“Binsey Poplars (Felled 1879)” by G.M. Hopkins
“Bat” By David H. Lawrence
Thanks so much,this is really helpful.
You’re welcome.
Wow this website helps me a lot thanks @Blessing for this huge opportunity to reflect on in literature-in-English.
Patrick,
The pleasure is mine.
Please what is the literature text for 2022/2022 waec
Hello Joyce,
The literature for the session is listed below.
AFRICAN PROSE
-Second Class Citizen by Buchi Emecheta
-Unexpected Joy at Dawn by Alex Agyei-Agyiri (2018 Edition)
NON-AFRICAN PROSE
-Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
-Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
SHAKESPEAREAN TEXT
-A Midsummer Night’s Dream
AFRICAN DRAMA
-Let me Die Alone by John K. Kargbo
-The Lion and the Jewel by Wole Soyinka
NON-AFRICAN DRAMA
-Look Back in Anger by John Osborne
-Fences by August Wilson
AFRICAN POETRY
-Black Woman by Leopold Sedar Senghor
-The Leader and the Led by Niyi Osundare
-The Grieved Lands of Africa by Agostinho Neto
-The Song of the Women of my Land by Oumar Farouk Sesay
-Raider of the Treasure Trove by Lade Wosornu
-A Government Driver on his Retirement by Onu Chibuike
NON-AFRICAN POETRY
-The Good-Morrow by John Donne
-Caged Bird by Maya Angelou
-The Journey of the Magi by T.S. Eliot
-Do not Go Gentle into the Good Night by Dylan Thomas
-Binsey Poplars (Felled 1879) by G.M. Hopkins
-Bat By David H. Lawrence
Please ma wat is the recommended text for waec 2023
Thanks you.
I love the way you were precise about the Shakespearen text .
But i was hoping to see the area of concentration as regards the poetry aspect
Hello Austin,
The area of concentration is the syllabus.
Good luck with your WAEC exams.
Please sir what are the recommended literature text for waec 2023
Hello Chisom,
You can access the recommended Literature on this site https://eu.docworkspace.com/d/sIBKdqJy3Ac7xi5oG?sa=e1&st=0