-
Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Neco Literature In English Exam: Full List Of Most Repeated Topics & Past Questions
Literature in English is a subject that requires deep reading, critical thinking, and understanding of literary devices, texts, and genres. If you’re preparing for the 2025/2026 NECO SSCE, this guide will help you study smarter by focusing on what NECO repeats most.
This blog covers the most repeated topics in NECO Literature, along with past questions, text categories, and exam strategies to help you succeed.
NECO Literature in English Exam Format
| Paper | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Objective | 50 multiple-choice questions (from prose, poetry, drama, and literary terms) |
| Paper II | Prose and Drama (Essay) | Answer 3 questions (including 1 compulsory) from African and non-African texts |
| Paper III | Poetry and General | Answer 3 questions based on poems and unseen texts |
Most Repeated NECO Literature in English Topics
| Topic Area | Details/Focus |
|---|---|
| Literary Devices | Metaphor, simile, irony, personification, oxymoron, hyperbole |
| Types of Poetry | Narrative, lyrical, epic, ode, ballad |
| Drama & Prose Analysis | Plot, setting, theme, character, conflict, resolution |
| African Drama & Prose | Understanding themes and socio-political context |
| Non-African Texts | Character and thematic analysis |
| Unseen Poetry | Literary appreciation and identification of poetic devices |
| Figures of Speech | Identification and use in poetry and prose |
| Mood, Tone, and Atmosphere | How they shape interpretation |
Sample NECO Literature Objective Questions
-
Which of the following is a figure of speech that exaggerates?
A. Irony
B. Metaphor
C. Hyperbole
D. Oxymoron
✅ Answer: C -
The central idea in a literary work is called:
A. Mood
B. Setting
C. Theme
D. Tone
✅ Answer: C -
A poem that tells a story is known as a:
A. Lyrical poem
B. Narrative poem
C. Ode
D. Sonnet
✅ Answer: B
Sample NECO Literature Essay Questions
-
Examine the theme of injustice in one of the African prose texts you have read.
-
Compare and contrast two female characters from any drama texts.
-
Analyze the use of irony and satire in one African play.
-
Discuss the significance of setting in one non-African prose text.
-
Identify and explain three literary devices used in a selected poem.
Commonly Repeated NECO Literature Texts (Check Your Year's List)
While NECO texts change every 3–5 years, the following types of texts are frequently repeated:
| Category | Example Texts (from previous NECO syllabi) |
|---|---|
| African Prose | "Faceless" by Amma Darko, "Lonely Days" by Bayo Adebowale |
| African Drama | "The Lion and the Jewel" by Wole Soyinka |
| Non-African Prose | "Native Son" by Richard Wright, "The Old Man and the Sea" |
| Non-African Drama | "She Stoops to Conquer" by Oliver Goldsmith |
| African Poetry | "Vanity" by Birago Diop, "Piano and Drums" by Gabriel Okara |
| Non-African Poetry | "The Pulley" by George Herbert, "The School Boy" by Blake |
NECO Literature Topic Frequency (2021–2024)
| Year | Frequently Asked Topics |
|---|---|
| 2024 | African drama themes, unseen poetry, irony in prose |
| 2023 | Poetic devices, female character roles, literary terms |
| 2022 | African prose analysis, satire, tone and mood |
| 2021 | Irony in drama, character development, unseen poem |
Must-Know Literary Terms & Devices
| Device | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Irony | Contrast between what is said and what is meant |
| Metaphor | A direct comparison of two unrelated things |
| Alliteration | Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words |
| Oxymoron | A combination of contradictory terms (e.g. bitter sweet) |
| Personification | Giving human qualities to non-human things |
Tips to Score A1 in NECO Literature (2025/2026)
-
Read all prescribed texts thoroughly — especially African prose and drama.
-
Study and practice past NECO essay questions.
-
Memorize definitions and examples of literary devices.
-
Practice unseen poetry appreciation using past questions.
-
Always structure essay answers clearly: introduction, body, and conclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are the same Literature texts repeated every year in NECO?
Not exactly. NECO updates the reading list every few years, but some texts may appear again.
Q: Is unseen poetry hard?
No. If you understand poetic devices, you'll find it easier than expected.
Q: How many questions should I answer in the essay papers?
Paper II: Answer 3 essay questions
Paper III: Answer 3 questions, usually on poetry and unseen texts.
Q: Do I need to memorize quotes?
Yes, quoting lines from the texts improves your score.
Final Thoughts
NECO Literature in English is one of the most rewarding subjects if you prepare the right way. Focus on text analysis, literary devices, and frequently repeated essay themes. Read your texts in full — summaries are not enough.
“Reading sharpens the mind, but analyzing texts gives you power in the exam hall.”
