Literature-in-English is an important subject for students who want to study arts-related courses like law, journalism, and education. If you are planning to take any of these courses in the future, doing well in Literature-in-English is a must. To help you succeed, using the WAEC Literature-in-English syllabus is key. It shows you exactly what topics to focus on, so you can prepare properly for the exam.
The WAEC Syllabus for Literature-in-English breaks down the areas you will be tested on, including African and Non-African prose, drama, and poetry. It also explains what you need to know for each part of the exam, whether it’s multiple-choice questions or essay writing. By following the WAEC Syllabus for Literature-in-English, you can understand the structure of the exam and make sure you are ready to answer every question confidently.
Check below for a detailed syllabus for the WAEC literature examination.
Scheme of Examination
The exam consists of three papers: Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3. Papers 1 and 2 will be taken together in one sitting.
Paper 1
This is a multiple-choice objective test with a total of 50 questions, covering the following areas:
- 20 questions on General Knowledge of Literature
- 5 questions based on an unseen prose passage
- 5 questions based on an unseen poem
- 20 context questions on the prescribed Shakespearean text
Time: 1 hour
Marks: 50
Paper 2
This is an essay test with two sections:
- Section A: African Prose
- Section B: Non-African Prose
For each novel prescribed for study, two essay questions will be provided. Candidates will choose one question from each section.
- Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Marks: 50
Paper 3
This paper will cover Drama and Poetry and is divided into four sections:
- Section A: African Drama
- Section B: Non-African Drama
- Section C: African Poetry
- Section D: Non-African Poetry
Each section (A, B, C, and D) will have two questions based on the prescribed texts. Candidates will be required to answer one question from each section, totaling four questions.
- Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Marks: 100
WAEC Syllabus for Literature-in-English 2025
Questions will be drawn from the following literature texts, ensure you are well acquainted with the books listed below:-
| Category | Texts |
|---|---|
| African Prose | – Second Class Citizen by Buchi Emecheta |
| – Unexpected Joy by Alex Agyei-Agyiri (2018 Edition) | |
| Non-African Prose | – Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison |
| – Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte | |
| Shakespearean Text | – A Midsummer Night’s Dream |
| African Drama | – Let Me Die Alone by John K. Kargo |
| – The Lion and the Jewel by Wole Soyinka | |
| Non-African Drama | – Fences by August Wilson |
| – Look Back in Anger by John Osborne | |
| African Poetry | – “Raider of the Treasure Trove” by Lade Qosrnu |
| – “Black Woman” by Leopold Sedar Senghor | |
| – “The Grieved Lands” by Agostinho Neto | |
| – “The Song of the Women of my Land” by Oumar Farouk Sesay | |
| – “A Government Driver on his Retirement” by Onu Chibuike | |
| Non-African Poetry | – “The Good Morrow” by John Donne |
| – “Caged Bird” by Maya Angelou | |
| – “The Journey of the Magi” by T.S. Eliot | |
| – “Do not Go Gentle into the Good Night” by Dylan Thomas | |
| – “Binsey Poplars (Felled 1879)” by G.M. Hopkins | |
| – “Bat” by David H. Lawrence |
NOTE
Unseen Prose Passage (Paper 1):
- The passage will be 120–150 words long.
Shakespearean Text:
- Only context questions will be set for the Shakespearean text.
- These questions will focus on elements such as theme, characterization, style, and setting.
- No essay questions will be set on the Shakespearean text.
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