You’re welcome to our school exams series where we provide you with termly examination questions in different subjects. In today’s post, we will focus on Literature-in-English exam questions. We will cover Literature-in-English exam questions for SS3 First term with answers. This means that we’ll be providing you with answers to the questions at the end. Also, you will get a few success tips on how to pass Literature-in-English examinations with flying colors. Remember to use the comments sections if you have questions, and don’t forget to join our Free Online Tutorial Classes on YouTube. (Subscribe to the Channel)
Table of Contents
Introduction to Literature-in-English as a School Subject
Before we venture into Past Literature-in-English Exam Questions for SS3 First term, here’s a brief introduction to the subject:
Literature-in-English is a subject that helps students understand life through creative writing. It deals with written and spoken works that express human thoughts, emotions, and experiences in artistic form. By studying literature, students learn about different cultures, moral values, and human relationships as presented in poems, plays, and prose narratives.
The subject develops learners’ imagination, critical thinking, and communication skills. It also helps them appreciate the beauty of language and the power of words to educate, entertain, and inspire. Through Literature-in-English, students are introduced to great writers, both local and foreign, and are encouraged to form independent opinions about themes, characters, and situations in literary works.
In essence, Literature-in-English is not just about reading stories or poems; it is about understanding human life, society, and the world through the lens of creativity and expression.
Literature-in-English Exam Questions for SS3 First Term
Literature-in-English Exam Questions for SS3 First Term are divided into two sections:
- Section A
- Section B
The first section, namely, Section A is the objective test, and students are expected to attempt all questions in the section. Section B is the theory part, and students are expected to follow specific instruction and answer the required number of questions.
Note that what you have below are SS3 Literature-in-English First Term Exam Past Questions made available to assist students in their revision for 1st term examinations and also teachers in structuring standard examinations.
SECTION A: Objective Test
Instruction: Answer all questions in this section by choosing from the options lettered A—D. Each question carries equal marks.
1. Which of the following is NOT a major genre of literature?
A. Drama B. Poetry
C. Prose D. Biography
2. The person who tells the story in a narrative is the:
A. Author B. Narrator
C. Editor D. Critic
3. The sequence of events in a story is called the:
A. Theme B. Setting
C. Plot D. Tone
4. Which element of fiction explains when and where a story happens?
A. Plot B. Character
C. Setting D. Conflict
5. A short story that aims to teach a moral lesson is often called a:
A. Legend B. Fable
C. Biography D. Novel
6. Which of these is a figure of speech that gives human qualities to non-human things?
A. Simile
B. Metaphor
C. Personification
D. Hyperbole
7. “She is as brave as a lion” is an example of:
A. Metaphor
B. Simile
C. Personification
D. Irony
8. A long fictional work written in prose is called a:
A. Poem B. Play
C. Novel D. Short story
9. The central idea or main message in a literary work is the:
A. Plot B. Theme
C. Setting D. Character
10. An author’s attitude toward the subject or audience is called:
A. Mood B. Tone
C. Theme D. Style
11. Which part of plot shows the events that lead to the story’s climax?
A. Exposition
B. Rising action
C. Falling action
D. Resolution
12. Dialogue in a play is spoken by the:
A. Narrator B. Author
C. Characters D. Audience
13. A play written to be performed and presented on stage is called:
A. Poetry B. Drama
C. Prose D. Essay
14. Which of the following is a dramatic device used to reveal a character’s thoughts aloud?
A. Aside B. Stanza
C. Chorus D. Refrain
15. The regular pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a line of poetry is called:
A. Stanza
B. Meter
C. Rhyme scheme
D. Tone
16. Words that sound alike at the end of lines are used to create:
A. Meter B. Enjambment
C. Rhyme D. Irony
17. A short poem that expresses personal feelings is called a:
A. Ballad B. Epic
C. Lyric D. Novel
18. Which device uses exaggeration for emphasis or effect?
A. Understatement
B. Hyperbole
C. Allegory
D. Alliteration
19. Repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words is called:
A. Assonance
B. Consonance
C. Alliteration
D. Onomatopoeia
20. “The buzzing bee” is an example of:
A. Simile
B. Metaphor
C. Onomatopoeia
D. Oxymoron
21. In prose, the person who opposes the protagonist is the:
A. Narrator B. Antagonist
C. Observer D. Foil
22. A narrator who knows the thoughts and feelings of all characters is called:
A. First-person narrator
B. Second-person narrator
C. Omniscient narrator
D. Limited narrator
23. Which term refers to the lesson or moral drawn from a story?
A. Plot B. Theme
C. Tone D. Setting
24. The use of a word to represent a sound (e.g., “bang”) is:
A. Assonance
B. Onomatopoeia
C. Hyperbole
D. Irony
25. A play with a happy ending is usually called a:
A. Tragedy B. Comedy
C. Farce D. Satire
26. Which of these is NOT an element of drama?
A. Stage directions
B. Acts and scenes
C. Stanza
D. Dialogue
27. The mood of a literary work is best described as its:
A. Plot structure
B. Emotional atmosphere
C. Rhyme scheme
D. Narrator’s voice
28. Which device compares two unlike things without using “like” or “as”?
A. Simile B. Metaphor
C. Analogy D. Symbol
29. A recurring idea, image, or element that has symbolic meaning in a text is a:
A. Motif
B. Theme
C. Plot twist
D. Character foil
30. Which of the following best defines prose?
A. Written in verse form
B. Written in ordinary sentences and paragraphs
C. Always fictional
D. Always long
31. When a poem continues a sentence from one line to the next without pause, the device is called:
A. Couplets B. Caesura
C. Refrain D. Enjambment
32. Which question would you ask to identify the narrator’s reliability?
A. What is the rhyme scheme?
B. Is the narrator biased or truthful?
C. How many acts are in the play?
D. What is the poem’s meter?
33. A character who changes significantly during a story is called a:
A. Flat character
B. Static character
C. Dynamic character
D. Stock character
34. The simplest form of irony where the outcome is the opposite of expectation is:
A. Dramatic irony
B. Verbal irony
C. Situational irony
D. Cosmic irony
35. Which of these is an example of verbal irony?
A. A fire station burns down.
B. Saying “Great weather!” during a storm.
C. The audience knows a secret the character does not.
D. A character who never changes.
36. In poetry, a group of lines forming a unit is called a:
A. Stanza
B. Paragraph
C. Scene
D. Verse paragraph
37. Which element is most central when analysing a short story?
A. Costumes
B. Plot and character
C. Lighting
D. Author’s biography
38. A play’s stage directions primarily help to show:
A. The rhyme scheme of the dialogue
B. How actors should move and speak
C. The author’s personal opinions
D. The story’s theme
39. In literary study, close reading mainly focuses on:
A. The author’s biography
B. Careful analysis of language and structure
C. Stage design
D. Publishing history
40. The literal meaning of a word is its:
A. Connotation
B. Denotation
C. Tone
D. Symbolism
41. Which device uses a concrete object to represent an abstract idea?
A. Metaphor B. Symbol
C. Simile D. Alliteration
42. Which of the following is a type of narrative point of view?
A. First person
B. Third person limited
C. Third person omniscient
D. All of the above
43. Which one is a question you would ask when studying a poem?
A. Who is the narrator and what is the tone?
B. What is the cost of the book?
C. Who designed the cover?
D. How long did it take to write?
44. A short dramatic poem that tells the story of a hero and his deeds is called an:
A. Sonnet B. Epic
C. Elegy D. Ode
45. Which form of poetry is often written to praise or mourn someone?
A. Ballad B. Elegy
C. Limerick D. Haiku
46. Which of these is a device that repeats vowel sounds in nearby words?
A. Alliteration B. Assonance
C. Consonance D. Meter
47. In a play, the moment of greatest tension or turning point is the:
A. Exposition
B. Climax
C. Denouement
D. Rising action
48. Which of the following best describes characterization by action?
A. The narrator tells the reader about a character.
B. The character’s actions reveal their personality.
C. A list of the character’s qualities.
D. The character’s name explains everything.
49. What is an “unseen passage” in objective exams?
A. A passage the students wrote themselves
B. A passage not previously studied and given at the exam
C. A passage from the prescribed text
D. A passage from the exam instructions
50. Which question type asks for the main idea of an unseen passage?
A. Contextual vocabulary only
B. Inference and main idea questions
C. Author’s bank details
D. Stage directions
51. Which of the following best defines a prologue in drama?
A. The final scene of the play
B. An opening section that introduces characters or themes
C. A musical interlude only
D. A list of cast members
52. A short narrative poem often passed down orally and telling local stories is a:
A. Ballad B. Sonnet
C. Epic D. Free verse
53. Which device creates a contrast between appearance and reality?
A. Irony B. Rhyme
C. Meter D. Symbolism
54. Which question about a play would focus on the playwright’s purpose?
A. How many acts are there?
B. What message or idea is the playwright communicating?
C. What is the rhyme scheme?
D. How many stanzas are in the play?
55. Which of the following is NOT a poetic form?
A. Sonnet B. Haiku
C. Paragraph D. Elegy
56. What does the term “context” mean when analysing a poem?
A. The number of lines only
B. The background information, historical setting, and circumstances
C. The font used in the book
D. The price of the anthology
57. Which of these questions helps with tone identification?
A. What are the opening stage directions?
B. What words show the speaker’s attitude and feeling?
C. How many chapters are there?
D. Who published the book?
58. A story told to explain natural phenomena or customs is called a:
A. Myth
B. Biography
C. Autobiography
D. Article
59. Which of the following is the best method to approach an unseen poem in an exam?
A. Read once, then answer from memory
B. Read several times, note images, tone, and devices, then answer
C. Skip it and do other sections only
D. Translate it into another language first
60. Which of these describes a foil in literature?
A. A character that highlights traits in another character by contrast
B. The play’s set designer
C. A stage direction
D. The rhyme at the end of lines
Read Also: Literature in English Exam Questions for JSS3 First Term
SECTION B: Essay / Theory
INSTRUCTION – Answer only five (5) questions in this section. Write your answers clearly and show working where necessary.
1. Define the three major genres of literature (drama, poetry, and prose). Describe one distinct feature of each genre and give a short example (not more than two sentences) to illustrate each feature.
2. Explain the elements of plot (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution). Use a familiar short story or invented example to show how these elements work together.
3. Discuss five common figures of speech used in poetry and prose (choose from simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia, alliteration, and symbolism). For each, provide a brief definition and a one-line example.
4. Read the short extract below and answer the questions that follow
The wind howled through the empty street as Musa walked home alone.
He clutched his torn school bag tightly, praying that the rain would wait a little longer.
Suddenly, lightning flashed across the sky, revealing the old mango tree where he used to play with his friends.
For a moment, he wished he could turn back time — to when laughter filled the evenings and life was simple again.
(a) Identify the speaker and the tone.
(b) Name two literary devices used in the extract and explain their effect.
(c) Suggest one possible theme of the extract and give a reason.
5. Explain the difference between “theme” and “motif.” Illustrate your answer with examples showing how a motif can support the development of a theme in a literary text.
6. Describe the differences between first-person and third-person narrators. Give the advantages and limitations of each point of view in telling a story.
7. Discuss how stage directions and dialogue contribute to meaning in a play. Use at least one short example (invented or from a well-known play) to support your answer.
Remember to use the comments sections if you have questions, and don’t forget to join our Free Online Tutorial Classes on YouTube. (Subscribe to the Channel)
Answers to Literature-in-English Exam Questions for SS3 First Term
Answers to Section A (Objective Test)
The following table gives the correct answers to the objective section of Literature-in-English exam questions for SS3 First term. If you are using a mobile device, hold the table and scroll to the right or left for a complete view.
| Q.No | Ans | Q.No | Ans | Q.No | Ans |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D | 2 | B | 3 | C |
| 4 | C | 5 | B | 6 | C |
| 7 | B | 8 | C | 9 | B |
| 10 | B | 11 | B | 12 | C |
| 13 | B | 14 | A | 15 | B |
| 16 | C | 17 | C | 18 | B |
| 19 | C | 20 | C | 21 | B |
| 22 | C | 23 | B | 24 | B |
| 25 | B | 26 | C | 27 | B |
| 28 | B | 29 | A | 30 | B |
| 31 | D | 32 | B | 33 | C |
| 34 | C | 35 | B | 36 | A |
| 37 | B | 38 | B | 39 | B |
| 40 | B | 41 | B | 42 | D |
| 43 | A | 44 | B | 45 | B |
| 46 | B | 47 | B | 48 | B |
| 49 | B | 50 | B | 51 | B |
| 52 | A | 53 | A | 54 | B |
| 55 | C | 56 | B | 57 | B |
| 58 | A | 59 | B | 60 | A |
So here you have the answers to the objective section of Literature-in-English Exam Questions for SS3 First term. Use the comments section to let me know if you have any questions you would want me to clarify or discuss further.
Answers to Section B (Theory)
1. Define the three major genres of literature (drama, poetry, and prose). Describe one distinct feature of each genre and give a short example (not more than two sentences) to illustrate each feature.
The three major genres of literature are drama, poetry, and prose.
Drama is a form of literature written for performance; its distinct feature is dialogue and action between characters.
Example: In a play, characters express their feelings and conflicts through spoken lines and stage movement.
Poetry is a patterned arrangement of words that expresses emotions and ideas in a condensed and rhythmic form.
Example: “The sun smiles gently upon the fields” shows the musical and emotional nature of poetry.
Prose is ordinary written or spoken language without metrical structure, often used in novels and short stories.
Example: “John walked slowly to the gate, thinking about his future” reflects the straightforward language of prose.
2. Explain the elements of plot (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution). Use a familiar short story or invented example to show how these elements work together.
A plot is the sequence of events that make up a story.
The exposition introduces the setting, characters, and background.
The rising action builds suspense as conflicts begin to develop.
The climax is the turning point or moment of greatest tension.
The falling action shows how the conflict begins to resolve, while the resolution concludes the story.
Example: In a story where Ada tries to save her village from a flood, the exposition introduces her and her community; the rising action shows the heavy rains; the climax occurs when the river overflows; the falling action shows Ada’s efforts to rescue others, and the resolution ends with peace restored after the flood.
3. Discuss five common figures of speech used in poetry and prose. For each, provide a brief definition and a one-line example.
Simile: A comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as.”
Example: “Her smile was as bright as the morning sun.”
Metaphor: A direct comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.”
Example: “The world is a stage.”
Personification: Giving human qualities to non-human things.
Example: “The wind whispered through the trees.”
Hyperbole: An exaggerated statement used for emphasis.
Example: “I’ve told you a million times to stop shouting.”
Alliteration: The repetition of initial consonant sounds in a line.
Example: “Peter picked a peck of pickled peppers.”
4. Read the short extract below and answer the questions that follow.
The wind howled through the empty street as Musa walked home alone.
He clutched his torn school bag tightly, praying that the rain would wait a little longer.
Suddenly, lightning flashed across the sky, revealing the old mango tree where he used to play with his friends.
For a moment, he wished he could turn back time — to when laughter filled the evenings and life was simple again.
(a) The speaker is the narrator describing Musa’s experience. The tone is nostalgic and lonely, showing a longing for the past.
(b) Two literary devices used are personification and imagery. The wind is said to “howl,” giving it human qualities that create a vivid and emotional atmosphere. Imagery helps readers picture the empty street and lightning, evoking mood and emotion.
(c) One possible theme is the loss of childhood innocence, shown through Musa’s longing for simpler, happier times.
5. Explain the difference between “theme” and “motif.” Illustrate your answer with examples showing how a motif can support the development of a theme in a literary text.
A theme is the central idea or message that a literary work conveys, while a motif is a recurring element, image, or symbol that reinforces the theme.
Example: In a story about the struggle for freedom, the theme might be liberation from oppression, while the recurring image of chains serves as a motif that strengthens the theme by reminding readers of bondage and the desire for release.
6. Describe the differences between first-person and third-person narrators. Give the advantages and limitations of each point of view in telling a story.
A first-person narrator tells the story from their own perspective using pronouns like “I” and “we.” This point of view gives intimacy and emotional depth but limits the reader to the narrator’s knowledge.
A third-person narrator tells the story using pronouns like “he,” “she,” or “they.” This view provides a broader perspective and can reveal the thoughts of multiple characters, but it may feel less personal than first-person narration.
7. Discuss how stage directions and dialogue contribute to meaning in a play. Use at least one short example (invented or from a well-known play) to support your answer.
Stage directions guide actors on movement, tone, and setting, helping the audience understand the play’s mood and context. Dialogue reveals characters’ thoughts, emotions, and relationships.
Example: In a play, a stage direction such as “(She lowers her head in silence)” shows sadness without words, while dialogue like “I never wanted to leave you” expresses regret and love. Together, they deepen meaning and emotional impact in drama.
How to Pass Literature-in-English Exam Questions for SS3 First Term
Passing your Literature-in-English exam questions for SS3 First term requires a combination of preparation, understanding, and strategy. Here are actionable tips to help you excel:
1. Know the syllabus and set a plan
Check the topics set for the term. Break them into small parts and make a weekly plan. Study one topic well before moving on.
2. Read actively — not just for meaning
- When you read a poem, play or story, mark key words, images and lines.
- Ask: Who speaks? What do they feel? Where and when? Why does this matter?
- Write short notes in the margin — one or two words that capture the idea.
3. Learn the basic terms and devices
Be sure you can name and explain common devices: simile, metaphor, personification, alliteration, imagery, irony, motif, theme, tone, narrator, setting, plot, climax. A quick list you can recall will save time in the exam.
4. Practise unseen passages and poems
- Read the passage twice. First for sense, second for detail.
- Underline images, strong words and shifts in tone.
- Answer questions about main idea, tone, devices and meaning from the text only — do not guess beyond what the passage shows.
5. Master summary and inference skills
When asked for the main idea, state it in one clear sentence. For inference, point to the line that supports your answer. Use short phrases like “line 3 shows…”
6. Practice past questions under time limit
Do past objective papers to build speed. Time yourself for unseen passages and essay questions. Learn to move on if one question takes too long.
7. Organise essay answers
Use a clear structure: introduction, two or three developed points, one example, short conclusion. Keep sentences short and direct. Stick to the question.
8. Use quotations sensibly
Quote one or two short lines to support a point. Always explain the quote in your own words. Do not quote long passages.
9. Learn a few short texts well
For set plays or poems, know the plot, main characters, key scenes and two or three themes. Be ready with one or two short examples.
10. Improve language and expression
- Write short answers in practice every day.
- Check grammar, punctuation and spelling — these matter.
- Use varied sentences but keep them clear.
It’s a wrap!
If you need more clarification on SS3 First Term Questions on Literature-in-English, you can use the comments box below. We’ll be there to answer you asap. Don’t forget to join our Free Online Tutorial Classes on YouTube. (Subscribe to the Channel)
Best wishes.
Still Got a Question? Drop Your Question Right HERE 👇👇 and click on Search. Get an Immediate Response...
Get in touch with us
Join our FREE 2026 JAMB, WAEC, NECO and BECE Tutorial Classes here: Youtube (Subscribe to the channel)
This is for JSCE, Science and Art Students
If this post was helpful to you, please help us to reach others by sharing with the buttons below!
