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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Jamb Literature In English Cbt Exam (2025/2026): Full List Of Most Repeated Topics & Past Questions
Literature in English is one of the most scoring subjects in JAMB—if you prepare the smart way. Many students struggle not because the questions are hard, but because they don’t focus on the right areas.
This guide highlights the most repeated topics and questions based on past JAMB trends. It also includes sample questions, author lists, and exam tips that can help you ace the 2025/2026 JAMB Literature CBT exam.
JAMB Literature in English CBT Format (2025/2026)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Type | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Number of Questions | 40–50 multiple choice |
| Duration | 45–60 minutes |
| Total Score | 100 marks |
JAMB Literature Syllabus Areas
| Sections | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Prose | African & Non-African Prose, Literary Devices, Plot, Characterization |
| Poetry | African & Non-African Poetry, Types of Poetry, Poetic Devices |
| Drama | African & Non-African Drama, Themes, Acts, Stage Directions |
| General Literary Principles | Figures of Speech, Literary Terms, Genres, Narrative Techniques |
Most Repeated Topics in JAMB Literature (2015–2024)
| Topic Area | Repetition Frequency |
|---|---|
| Literary Devices | ✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅ |
| Themes and Settings | ✅✅✅✅✅✅✅ |
| Character Analysis | ✅✅✅✅✅✅ |
| Poetic Devices | ✅✅✅✅✅ |
| Figures of Speech | ✅✅✅✅✅✅✅ |
| Plot and Conflict | ✅✅✅✅✅✅ |
JAMB 2025–2026 Prescribed Texts (Sample)
Note: Always confirm from JAMB syllabus or your school, as prescribed texts may vary slightly.
| Genre | African Text | Non-African Text |
|---|---|---|
| Prose | Second Class Citizen – Buchi Emecheta | Invisible Man – Ralph Ellison |
| Drama | Let Me Die Alone – John K. Kargbo | Othello – William Shakespeare |
| Poetry | “The Dining Table” – Gbanabam Hallowell | “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night” – Dylan Thomas |
Sample JAMB Literature Past Questions
1. What literary device is used in the phrase “the wind whispered”?
A. Metaphor
B. Personification
C. Simile
D. Irony
✅ Answer: B. Personification
2. In a prose work, the central message of a story is known as...
A. Character
B. Theme
C. Plot
D. Setting
✅ Answer: B. Theme
3. Who is the protagonist in Second Class Citizen by Buchi Emecheta?
A. Adah
B. Francis
C. Vicky
D. Mr. Noble
✅ Answer: A. Adah
4. What is the tone of the poem “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night”?
A. Humorous
B. Angry
C. Passionate and Urgent
D. Sarcastic
✅ Answer: C. Passionate and Urgent
Literary Terms You Must Know
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Metaphor | A direct comparison without using "like" or "as" |
| Alliteration | Repetition of initial consonant sounds |
| Irony | A contrast between expectation and reality |
| Foreshadowing | Hinting at events to come |
| Satire | Using humor to criticize or expose societal issues |
| Theme | The central idea or message in a work of literature |
Exam Tips to Score 80+ in JAMB Literature
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Focus on prescribed texts – Know the plots, characters, themes, and setting very well.
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Master literary devices – They show up in almost every exam.
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Study JAMB past questions – Many are repeated or slightly rephrased.
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Don’t just cram—understand context – Especially for poems and drama.
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Practice mock CBT tests – Familiarize yourself with the exam format.
FAQs – JAMB Literature CBT
Q1: How many literature questions are in JAMB CBT?
A: Between 40 and 50 multiple-choice questions.
Q2: Are JAMB Literature questions repeated?
A: Yes. Many questions are repeated from past years, especially those on themes, characters, and literary devices.
Q3: What is the best way to study for JAMB Literature?
A: Read the full texts, understand plot and characters, and solve as many past questions as possible.
Q4: Can I ignore non-African texts?
A: No. Questions come from both African and Non-African texts, so cover all.
Final Thoughts
JAMB Literature in English is not hard when you study smart. Concentrate on repeated topics, master literary terms, and understand your texts deeply. Whether you’re aiming for Law, English, or Mass Communication, a high score in Literature is very achievable.
Keep solving past questions, revise your texts regularly, and stay confident. Your 300+ JAMB score is closer than you think.
