Literature-In-English 1 (Objective) & Literature-In-English 2 (Prose)

Literature-In-English 1 (Objective) & Literature-In-English 2 (Prose) – WAEC 2025 Complete Guide

Introduction

Overview of WAEC Literature Papers

WAEC Literature-In-English is one of the most enriching subjects, exploring the human experience through drama, poetry, and prose. The WAEC examination is divided into three papers:

Paper 1 – Objective (multiple choice across all genres)
Paper 2 – Essay (Prose-based analysis)
Paper 3 – Drama & Poetry (covered separately)

Paper 1 tests your speed and literary awareness, while Paper 2 demands deep thinking, analytical writing, and mastery of the prose texts.

Importance of Paper 1 and Paper 2 in the Examination

To do well in Literature-In-English, you must be strong in both the objective and essay sections. Paper 1 helps you cover broad knowledge in a short time, while Paper 2 focuses on depth.

Paper 2 offers a chance to show the examiner your understanding of:

Plot and character
Themes and symbols
Narrative style and tone
Literary devices and structure

Together, these papers build your total grade, and doing well in both ensures a strong chance of an A or B in the subject.

WAEC 2025 Literature Paper Structure

Paper 1 – Objective Format and Focus

Paper 1 consists of 50 multiple-choice questions that cover:

Drama
Poetry
Prose (African and Non-African)

Time Allotted: 1 hour
Total Marks: 50 marks
Each question carries 1 mark.

Topics you must know:

Literary devices
Literary genres and forms
Figures of speech
Plot summaries
Authorial techniques
Character identification

Paper 2 – Prose Essay and Analysis

Paper 2 is essay-based and focuses solely on prose texts. It is divided into two sections:

Section A – African Prose (Answer 1 of 2 questions)
Section B – Non-African Prose (Answer 1 of 2 questions)

Time Allotted: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Marks: 80 marks (40 marks per answer)

You must answer one question from each section, writing two essays in total.

Literature-In-English 1 (Objective): Question Format

Areas Covered in Objective Section

WAEC Paper 1 is broad and fast-paced. You’ll need to recognize:

Definitions (e.g., satire, tragedy, flashback)
Literary techniques (e.g., simile vs. metaphor)
Author and title matching
Character roles and actions
Plot outcomes
Themes and motifs

Sample Multiple-Choice Questions and Answers

1. A figure of speech in which an inanimate object is given human qualities is called:
A. Irony
B. Simile
C. Personification
D. Hyperbole
Answer: C. Personification

2. The dominant theme in Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart” is:
A. Betrayal
B. Colonialism
C. Forgiveness
D. Love
Answer: B. Colonialism

3. A character who contrasts with another character to highlight qualities is called a:
A. Foil
B. Protagonist
C. Antagonist
D. Narrator
Answer: A. Foil

4. The turning point in a story is known as the:
A. Exposition
B. Climax
C. Resolution
D. Conflict
Answer: B. Climax

5. In literature, irony means:
A. Saying the opposite of what you mean
B. Comparing two things
C. Describing vividly
D. Praising someone falsely
Answer: A. Saying the opposite of what you mean

Practice many past objective questions to sharpen your memory and interpretation speed.

Literature-In-English 2 (Prose): What to Expect

Sections A and B Explained

WAEC Paper 2 presents four questions in total – two from African prose and two from Non-African prose. You are to choose one question from each section and write two essays in total.

Essays are analytical and focus on:

Themes: What is the message of the story?
Characterization: Who drives the story, and how?
Plot and Structure: How is the story built?
Narrative Techniques: Use of dialogue, point of view, flashbacks
Social and historical context

Types of Questions Set

Theme Questions:
Discuss the theme of betrayal in “The Beautiful Ones Are Not Yet Born.”
Character Questions:
Examine the character of Santiago in “The Old Man and the Sea.”
Style and Language Questions:
How does the writer use symbolism in “Second Class Citizen”?
Plot and Conflict Questions:
Identify the central conflict in “No Longer at Ease” and how it is resolved.

Each question must be answered with direct reference to the text—support your points with examples, incidents, and quotes from the prose.

WAEC 2025 Prescribed Prose Texts

African Prose Texts

The African prose texts prescribed for WAEC 2025 typically reflect themes such as tradition vs. modernity, colonialism, corruption, gender roles, and poverty. They explore real African societies and often portray complex, flawed characters struggling with both internal and external conflicts.

Likely texts include:

"The Beautiful Ones Are Not Yet Born" by Ayi Kwei Armah
- Theme: Corruption, decay of society
- Setting: Post-independence Ghana
- Style: Symbolic and reflective
"Second Class Citizen" by Buchi Emecheta
- Theme: Immigration, gender inequality
- Setting: Nigeria and Britain
- Focus: A woman’s struggle for independence in a patriarchal world
"No Longer at Ease" by Chinua Achebe
- Theme: Tradition vs. modernity, corruption, moral conflict
- Focus: Obi Okonkwo, a young man torn between Nigerian values and Western ideals

Non-African Prose Texts

These prose works often offer universal themes such as determination, alienation, struggle against fate, and human dignity.

Likely texts include:

"The Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway
- Theme: Perseverance, pride, human struggle
- Symbolism: The marlin, the sea, the sharks
- Character Focus: Santiago
"A Grain of Wheat" by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o
- Theme: Betrayal, heroism, nationalism
- Setting: Kenya’s independence movement
"Lord of the Flies" by William Golding
- Theme: Civilization vs. savagery, loss of innocence
- Allegory: Human nature and moral breakdown

Key Themes and Characters in the 2025 Set Texts

Major Themes in African Prose

Corruption: In The Beautiful Ones Are Not Yet Born, the nameless protagonist is surrounded by decay and greed, and resists joining the corrupt system.
Identity and Struggle: In Second Class Citizen, Adah's fight for independence showcases the female perspective in an oppressive society.
Modernity vs. Tradition: No Longer at Ease paints a picture of a young Nigerian caught between the customs of his village and the pressures of urban life.

Major Themes in Non-African Prose

Resilience and Defeat: In The Old Man and the Sea, Santiago's determination mirrors the human condition fighting not always to win, but to endure.
Loss and Redemption: A Grain of Wheat examines how personal sacrifice and betrayal shape a nation’s birth.
Civilization vs. Instinct: In Lord of the Flies, the boys' descent into savagery shows how thin the veneer of society is.

Character Analysis Examples

Santiago (The Old Man and the Sea):
A symbol of quiet strength. His endurance in the face of defeat turns his failure into a moral victory.
Adah (Second Class Citizen):
Intelligent and ambitious. Her character exposes the challenges of balancing cultural expectations with personal goals.
Obi (No Longer at Ease):
Tragic figure. He embodies the failure of idealism when confronted with a deeply corrupt society.

How to Write Literature Essays in WAEC

Structure and Format of a Good Essay

Follow this format for high-scoring essays:

Introduction
- Introduce the title and author of the text.
- Define the theme or focus of the question.
- Briefly state your main argument.
Body Paragraphs
- Each paragraph should address one point.
- Use topic sentences to introduce your point.
- Provide evidence from the text – events, actions, quotes.
- Explain how the evidence supports your argument.
Conclusion
- Summarize your points.
- Restate how the author uses characters/themes to explore the question.

Pro Tip: Always reference the text. Use phrases like:

“This is shown when…”
“The author reveals this through…”
“For example, in chapter three…”

Quotations and Literary Terms

Use brief, relevant quotes to back your points. Don’t write long paragraphs without a single reference to the text.

Sample sentence with quote:
Obi's moral conflict is highlighted when he says, “It is not enough to have a good intention; one must act rightly.”

Also, apply literary terms correctly:

Foreshadowing
Irony
Symbolism
Flashback
First-person narration
Suspense
Dialogue

These show your literary awareness and can earn you higher marks.

Literary Devices and Narrative Techniques

Figures of Speech to Know

Be familiar with these devices and how to identify them in the text:

Simile: Comparison using "like" or "as"
Metaphor: Implied comparison
Personification: Giving human traits to non-human things
Irony: The opposite of what is expected
Allusion: Reference to history, literature, or culture

Example:
In The Beautiful Ones Are Not Yet Born, Armah uses metaphors like “rotting society” to reflect Ghana’s moral decay.

Authorial Techniques and Point of View

Understanding the writer’s approach enhances your essay:

Narrative Voice: Is the story told in first or third person?
Flashbacks: Used to reveal backstory
Dialogue: Builds character and reveals themes
Symbolism: Objects that represent deeper meanings

Example:
In The Old Man and the Sea, the marlin symbolizes the ultimate goal or dream. Santiago’s respect for the fish reflects his values.

Tips for Answering WAEC Literature Questions

Understanding the Question Before Writing

Underline key words in the question: “Discuss,” “Examine,” “Analyze,” “To what extent…”
Identify what the examiner is asking.
Don't drift into storytelling—stay analytical.

Time Management in Essay Writing

Spend 5–10 minutes planning your essay.
Allocate 40–45 minutes per essay.
Leave 5 minutes to read and edit your work.
If running out of time, write concise paragraphs rather than leaving answers incomplete.

Revision Techniques for WAEC Literature

Flashcards, Text Summaries, and Study Groups

Use flashcards for themes, characters, and quotes.
Summarize each chapter or story in your own words.
Join a study group to discuss interpretations and debate ideas.

Past Question Practice

Solve at least 3 past questions per week
Practice under exam conditions.
Review WAEC marking schemes to understand expectations.
Get feedback from teachers or peers to improve.

Conclusion

Literature-In-English Papers 1 and 2 are not just about reading stories they are about thinking critically, interpreting creatively, and expressing ideas clearly. Paper 1 tests your literary awareness, while Paper 2 challenges your depth and writing skill.

To succeed in WAEC 2025 Literature:

Know your texts thoroughly.
Understand the themes and character motives.
Practice writing clear, structured essays.
Refer to the texts using examples and quotes.

With consistent practice, strategic reading, and strong essay skills, you’ll be prepared to score excellently in both Literature papers.

FAQs

1. How many questions are in WAEC Literature Paper 1?
There are 50 multiple-choice questions, covering drama, poetry, and prose. You must answer all within 1 hour.

2. How do I prepare for Literature Paper 2?
Read your set texts in full, study the characters, themes, and structure. Practice answering essay questions and writing timed responses.

3. Should I quote directly from the text?
Yes, quoting shows mastery. Use short, relevant quotes to support your points, and always explain their meaning.

4. What is the best way to understand prose texts?
Break them into chapters, summarize events, track characters, and discuss them with others. Use flashcards for themes and quotes.

5. Is it okay to summarize instead of analyzing?
No. Summarizing the plot is not enough. WAEC wants analysis—explain why characters act, how themes develop, and what techniques are used.