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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Waec Gce Literature In English Exam (2025/2026): Full List Of Most Repeated Topics & Past Questions
The WAEC GCE Literature in English exam is a core subject for Arts students aiming to study Law, Mass Communication, Theatre Arts, and related courses. Scoring high requires a strong grasp of literary texts, genres, and techniques, as well as an understanding of poetry, prose, and drama.
This guide provides the most repeated WAEC GCE Literature in English topics, frequently asked past questions, and essential tips to help you pass with flying colours.
WAEC GCE Literature in English Exam Format
| Paper | Type | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Objective | 50 questions on general literary terms, figures of speech, unseen prose/poetry |
| Paper 2 | Theory (Drama & Prose) | 3–4 essay questions based on African and non-African texts |
| Paper 3 | Theory (Poetry) | 2–3 essay questions on selected African & non-African poems |
Most Repeated WAEC GCE Literature Topics (2025/2026)
| Section | Most Repeated Topics |
|---|---|
| Literary Devices | Simile, Metaphor, Irony, Hyperbole, Personification, Oxymoron |
| Prose | Themes, character analysis, setting, narrative techniques |
| Poetry | Poetic devices, tone, mood, persona, rhyme, alliteration |
| Drama | Conflict, dramatic irony, soliloquy, themes, dialogue, suspense |
| Literary Appreciation | Unseen poems and prose (interpretation and analysis) |
| African Writers | Wole Soyinka, Ama Ata Aidoo, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, Elechi Amadi |
| Non-African Writers | William Shakespeare, George Orwell, William Blake, Emily Brontë |
Sample WAEC GCE Objective Questions (Paper 1)
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A metaphor is a:
A. comparison using ‘as’ or ‘like’
B. comparison without using ‘as’ or ‘like’
C. exaggeration
D. direct address
✅ Correct Answer: B -
The turning point in a drama is known as:
A. Exposition
B. Climax
C. Falling action
D. Denouement
✅ Correct Answer: B -
In a novel, the point of view where the narrator is part of the story is:
A. Omniscient
B. First person
C. Second person
D. Objective
✅ Correct Answer: B
Sample WAEC GCE Essay Questions (Papers 2 & 3)
Question 1 (Drama – Repeated)
Discuss the theme of betrayal in Harvest of Corruption by Frank Ogodo Ogbeche.
Question 2 (Prose – Repeated)
Examine the character of Kabria in Faceless by Amma Darko.
Question 3 (Poetry – Repeated)
Analyse the mood and tone in the poem The Leader and the Led by Niyi Osundare.
Frequently Repeated Poems & Plays
| Text Type | Title | Author | Common Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poem | Piano and Drums | Gabriel Okara | Clash of cultures, poetic devices |
| Poem | Ambush | Gbemisola Adeoti | Irony, imagery, symbolism |
| Drama | The Lion and the Jewel | Wole Soyinka | Culture vs Modernity, gender roles |
| Drama | Look Back in Anger | John Osborne | Conflict, disillusionment |
| Prose | Native Son | Richard Wright | Racism, fear, justice |
| Prose | Faceless | Amma Darko | Gender inequality, social injustice |
Most Repeated Topics by Year
| Year | Frequently Tested Areas |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Poetic devices, Ambush, Harvest of Corruption |
| 2023 | The Leader and the Led, Soliloquy, Characterisation in drama |
| 2022 | Faceless, Setting in prose, Dramatic irony |
| 2021 | Piano and Drums, Conflict in drama, Satire in prose |
| 2020 | The Lion and the Jewel, Irony, Figurative language |
Tips to Score A1 in WAEC GCE Literature
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Read all prescribed texts thoroughly – Know the plot, themes, and characters inside-out.
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Understand literary terms – They appear in objectives and theory.
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Practice past questions – Focus on those that are often repeated.
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Use summaries and analysis guides – They simplify complex texts.
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Improve your writing style – Be clear, concise, and analytical in essays.
WAEC GCE Literature FAQs
Q: How many books will be used in the 2025/2026 WAEC GCE Literature exam?
You will study a selection of 6–10 texts across prose, drama, and poetry, including African and non-African works.
Q: Do unseen prose and poetry come every year?
Yes. Paper 1 usually features unseen prose or poetry to test interpretation and appreciation skills.
Q: Must I memorize poems and quotes?
Yes. Quoting lines to support your analysis improves your scores in essay writing.
Q: Can I pass Literature with just a summary book?
No. While summaries help, reading the full texts gives a deeper understanding.
Final Words
Scoring high in WAEC GCE Literature in English takes more than reading; it requires analysis, practice, and understanding how to write like a critic. Focus on the most repeated questions, prepare for unseen passages, and write structured, evidence-based essays.
"Literature rewards those who pay attention to the deeper meanings in words."
