As a WAEC candidate preparing to sit for Literature in English exam, there are WAEC-recommended literature novels, plays, and poems you must study. This article reveals the recommended material for 2021–2025 literature in English.
What is Literature in English?
Literature in English, as a subject, goes beyond just reading novels, plays, or poems. It involves analyzing various literary works, themes, and characters, and interpreting literary devices. The WAEC Literature in English exam assesses a candidate’s ability to critically engage with these texts and demonstrate comprehension of key literary elements.
How WAEC Literature in English exam is structured?
The WAEC Literature in English exam is divided into three papers. Paper 1 consists of multiple-choice questions covering general literary terms and elements. Paper 2 is a written exam that focuses on prose and drama texts, requiring candidates to provide detailed answers to essay-type questions. Paper 3, on the other hand, focuses on poetry, where students are expected to demonstrate their ability to analyze and interpret selected poems.
Recommended Literature Novels 2024-2025
Paper 2: Prose and poetry version combining African and non-African aspects.
African Prose
1. Second Class Citizen by Emecheta Buchi
2. Unexpected Joy at Dawn by Alex Agyei
Non-African Prose
1. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
2. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
Shakespearean Text
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
African Poetry
1. Raider of the Treasure Trove by Lade Qosrnu
2. Black Woman by Leopold Sedar Seghord
3. The Grieved Lands by Agostinho Neto
4. The Song of the Woman of the Land by Oumar Farouk Sesay
5. A Government Worker on His Retirement by Onu Chibuike
Non- African Poetry
1. The Good Morrow by John Donne
2. Caged Bird by Maya Angelou
3. The Journey of the Magi by T. S. Eliot
4. Do not Go Gentle into the Good Night by Dylan Thomas
5. Binsey Poplars by G. M. Hopkins
6. Bat by David H. Lawrence
Paper 3
African Drama
1.Let me Die Alone by John K. Kargbo
2. The Lion and the Jewel by Wole Soyinka
Non-African Drama
1. Look Back in Anger by John Osborne
2. Fences by August Wilson
How to Pass WAEC Literature in English
Achieving success in WAEC Literature requires more than simply reading the recommended literature novels for WAEC. It involves a strategic approach to studying and a clear understanding of the exam’s expectations. Below are useful tips to help you pass the WAEC Literature exam with flying colors:
1. Read the Recommended textbooks many times
One of the keys to excelling in WAEC Literature is becoming intimately familiar with the textbooks. Make sure you read the prescribed textbooks more than once to fully grasp their themes, characters, and literary devices. Do not rely solely on summaries or study guides; while they are helpful, reading the actual texts gives you a better understanding and allows you to engage more critically with the material.
2. Practice with Past Questions
Familiarizing yourself with past WAEC questions is an excellent way to prepare for the exam. Practicing with these questions helps you understand the format of the exam and the kind of questions that are likely to be asked. For example, essay questions may ask you to compare themes across different novels or analyze the character development in a specific text.
3. Study Literary Terms
Literary devices such as symbolism, metaphor, and irony play a crucial role in analyzing literature. Make sure you are well-versed in these terms and how they are applied in the recommended *literature novels for WAEC*. Being able to identify and discuss these devices in your essays will earn you extra marks.
4. Focus on Character and Theme Analysis
In WAEC Literature, much of the exam revolves around understanding the themes and characters in the prescribed novels. Use your study time to analyze the key characters in each novel and how they contribute to the overall theme. For instance, in “Things Fall Apart,” Okonkwo’s tragic flaw of pride plays a pivotal role in the unfolding of the novel’s theme of change versus tradition.
5. Join a Study Group
Literature can be a subject best understood when discussed with others. Form a study group with your peers to discuss the novels, share ideas, and clarify difficult sections of the texts. This interaction often leads to a more profound understanding of the material, as you’ll be exposed to different perspectives on the same text.
6. Time Management During the Exam
WAEC Literature in English requires answering multiple essay questions within a limited timeframe. Ensure you practice writing your essays within the time limits to improve your speed and efficiency. Focus on answering the questions directly and avoid straying off-topic.
Selecting the right literature novels for WAEC is just the beginning of your journey to passing the Literature in English exam. By adopting the right study strategies, analyzing the novels in depth, and practicing past exam questions, you will be well-prepared to achieve excellent results in the WAEC Literature exam.