Literature-in-English Exam Questions for SS3 First Term

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)

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, human behavior, and society through written works of art. It involves the study of poetry, prose, and drama, which are the three main genres of literature. Each of these genres uses language in a special way to express thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

The subject goes beyond reading for pleasure; it trains students to analyze texts critically, identify literary devices, and appreciate creativity and style. Through stories, plays, and poems, learners are exposed to different cultures, values, and moral lessons, helping them develop empathy and sound judgment.

In senior secondary school, Literature-in-English also prepares students for examinations like WAEC, NECO, and JAMB, where they are tested on comprehension, unseen passages, prescribed texts, and literary appreciation. More importantly, it builds communication skills, imagination, and analytical thinking, which are useful in many fields beyond the classroom.

In summary, Literature-in-English is not just about reading books; it is about understanding people, society, and the power of words to shape thoughts and inspire change.

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 best defines dramatic monologue?
A. A long speech by one character addressing other characters
B. A poem in which a single speaker reveals their character in a critical moment
C. A short dialogue between two characters in a play
D. The stage directions for a one-actor play

2. In a prose narrative, the term “point of view” refers to:
A. The number of chapters in the book
B. The angle from which the story is told
C. The chronological order of events
D. The thematic message of the work

3. Which of the following is NOT a feature of Shakespearean tragedy?
A. A tragic hero with a fatal flaw
B. Comic subplot unrelated to the main plot
C. Catastrophic ending for major characters
D. Complete absence of moral questions

4. In poetry, enjambment occurs when:
A. A rhyme pattern is broken intentionally
B. A sentence runs over from one line to the next without a pause
C. The poem switches from one stanza form to another
D. A word is repeated at the start of successive lines

5. Which device is exemplified by “The wind whispered through the trees”?
A. Hyperbole
B. Metaphor
C. Personification
D. Irony

6. An effective topic sentence in a literature essay should:
A. Give a detailed summary of the entire text
B. Introduce a single main idea for the paragraph
C. Contain every quotation to be used
D. List all characters in the play

7. Which of the following is a characteristic of epic poetry?
A. Focus on a single household event
B. Emphasis on heroic deeds and national history
C. Use of only simple, everyday language
D. Strict adherence to blank verse only

8. In drama, “aside” means:
A. A scene where two characters talk privately on stage
B. A remark by a character intended to be heard by the audience but not by other characters
C. Stage directions given to the actors
D. A soliloquy that occurs offstage

9. Which narration mode uses “I” as the storyteller?
A. Third-person omniscient
B. Third-person limited
C. First-person
D. Objective narrator

10. The central conflict in a novel usually refers to:
A. The background setting description
B. The main problem that drives the plot
C. The writer’s biographical details
D. The arrangement of chapters

11. What does the term “theme” refer to in literature?
A. The plot’s sequence of events
B. The underlying idea or message of a work
C. The point at which a play ends
D. The play’s stage design

12. Which stanza form has four lines?
A. Couplet        B. Tercet
C. Quatrain       D. Octave

13. Which of the following is an example of dramatic irony?
A. The audience knows a secret that a character does not
B. A character describes their own feelings accurately
C. A poem uses rhyme
D. A narrator tells the truth

14. The term “foil” in character analysis refers to:
A. A character who disguises themselves as another
B. A character whose traits contrast with another character to highlight qualities
C. The main protagonist’s love interest
D. The historical model for a character

15. Which of the following best describes a bildungsroman?
A. A play about political revolution
B. A novel of formation or coming-of-age
C. A collection of unrelated short stories
D. A poem in free verse only

16. An objective summary of a passage should:
A. Include personal opinions about the author
B. Focus on main points without personal bias
C. Use long quotations as the main content
D. Give an alternate ending to the text

17. Which meter is most commonly associated with Shakespearean drama?
A. Dactylic tetrameter
B. Iambic pentameter
C. Anapestic trimeter
D. Trochaic tetrameter

18. Which element does NOT normally form part of a play’s exposition?
A. Introduction of main characters
B. Presentation of the setting
C. Sudden resolution of all conflicts
D. Background information needed to understand the plot

19. A sonnet traditionally contains how many lines?
A. 10        B. 12
C. 14        D. 16

20. The irony when a word means the opposite of what it normally means is called:
A. Situational irony
B. Verbal irony
C. Cosmic irony
D. Structural irony

21. Which of the following is a feature of African drama often examined in SS3?
A. Complete absence of chorus
B. Use of communal songs, dance, and folklore
C. Strict adherence to classical unities only
D. Avoidance of political themes

22. Which technique best helps a reader infer a character’s personality?
A. Counting chapters
B. Analyzing dialogue and actions
C. Ignoring stage directions
D. Focusing only on the title of the work

23. In poetry, the term “imagery” refers to:
A. The author’s biography
B. Vivid sensory details that appeal to sight, sound, touch, taste, or smell
C. The rhyme scheme only
D. The number of stanzas

24. Which term describes a play written to ridicule human vices and follies?
A. Tragedy       B. Romance
C. Satire           D. Ballad

25. When answering an unseen passage question, students should first:
A. Memorize the entire text
B. Skim for overall meaning before focusing on details
C. Write down personal reflections immediately
D. Translate the passage into another language

26. Which device relies on deliberate exaggeration for effect?
A. Understatement
B. Hyperbole
C. Oxymoron
D. Euphemism

27. In novel study, the term “subplot” means:
A. The main plot of the novel
B. A secondary strand of the narrative that supports the main plot
C. The book’s title design
D. The author’s style of punctuation

28. A successful literary essay will usually include:
A. Random quotations with no commentary
B. Clear thesis, textual evidence, and analysis
C. Only plot summary and no argument
D. A list of characters and nothing else

29. Which of the following is a characteristic of a lyric poem?
A. Long narrative with many characters
B. Expression of a single speaker’s personal feelings
C. Strict historical recounting
D. A stage performance

30. Which of the following questions tests comprehension of inference?
A. What is the exact sentence that states the fact?
B. What can be implied about the character’s motive?
C. Which page contains the heading?
D. How many paragraphs are in the passage?

31. Which of the following is an example of antithesis?
A. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”
B. “The silent sound of the night”
C. “Her smile was a ray of sunshine”
D. “He shouted softly”

32. In verse analysis, “tone” refers to:
A. The number of syllables in each line
B. The speaker’s attitude toward the subject
C. Only the rhyme scheme
D. The font used in printing

33. Which of these is NOT a part of play structure?
A. Acts and scenes
B. Stage directions
C. Plot
D. Table of contents

34. Which narrative technique reports only what can be observed and not characters’ inner thoughts?
A. First-person narrator
B. Omniscient narrator
C. Objective narrator (dramatic point of view)
D. Stream of consciousness

35. Which of the following best describes a chorus in classical drama?
A. A single protagonist who narrates events
B. A group that comments on the action and expresses public opinion
C. A list of stage props
D. The playwright’s biography

36. The term “motif” in literature means:
A. A repeated element that has symbolic significance
B. The moral lesson found at the end of a story
C. The list of characters
D. The last chapter of a novel

37. Which of the following is a correct function of stage directions?
A. They reveal characters’ thoughts directly to the audience
B. They instruct actors about movements, settings, and non-verbal cues
C. They are used exclusively for character names
D. They form part of the dialogue to be spoken

38. In a multiple-choice question on poetry form, free verse is best described as:
A. Poetry written with strict meter and rhyme
B. Poetry without regular meter or rhyme scheme
C. Prose disguised as poetry
D. A poem with only rhyming couplets

39. Which of the following best defines a fable?
A. A realistic novel about city life
B. A short story that teaches a moral lesson often using animals as characters
C. A long epic poem about gods
D. A dramatic monologue

40. When analyzing character development, the phrase “static character” refers to:
A. A character who undergoes significant change
B. A character who remains essentially the same throughout the story
C. A character who appears only in dreams
D. A character who narrates the whole story

41. Which of the following is the most appropriate use of quotation in answering a prose question?
A. Insert long quotations without explanation
B. Quote brief, relevant lines and explain their significance
C. Quote unrelated passages to increase length
D. Avoid quoting entirely

42. A dramatic soliloquy is primarily used to:
A. Provide comic relief.
B. Reveal a character’s inner thoughts to the audience
C. Introduce the play’s setting
D. Describe costumes

43. Which of the following is true of a lyric drama?
A. It is a short poem with no musical elements
B. It combines elements of drama with lyrical expression and music.
C. It is never performed on stage
D. It excludes songs or choruses

44. Which term describes an object or action that stands for something beyond itself?
A. Literal meaning
B. Symbol
C. Exposition
D. Denouement

45. In answering comprehension questions, the best way to show close reading is to:
A. Paraphrase the entire passage entirely in your own words
B. Refer to specific lines or phrases and explain their effect
C. Ignore textual evidence and give general ideas
D. Copy the passage into the answer booklet

46. Which poetic device involves the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words?
A. Assonance
B. Alliteration
C. Consonance
D. Onomatopoeia

47. In a scene analysis of a play, the term “climax” refers to:
A. The opening line of the play
B. The highest point of tension where the main conflict turns
C. The final curtain call
D. A random spectacle unrelated to the plot

48. Which of the following is a characteristic of modern drama studied in SS3?
A. Emphasis on rigid classical unities only
B. Exploration of psychological states and social problems
C. Exclusively mythological themes
D. Use of only blank verse

49. Which of the following statements about narrator reliability is correct?
A. All first-person narrators are reliable
B. An unreliable narrator may intentionally or unintentionally mislead the reader
C. Reliability is the same as omniscience
D. Unreliable narrators are only found in mysteries

50. Which term best describes the ending of a story where loose ends are tied up?
A. Exposition
B. Rising action
C. Denouement
D. Complication

51. Which of the following is an effective analytical approach to a poem?
A. Focus only on the poet’s biography
B. Examine imagery, diction, tone, and structure
C. Only comment on the rhyme scheme
D. Ignore the poem’s title

52. Which of these is true about dramatic dialogue?
A. It always includes stage directions inside the speech
B. It reveals character, advances the plot, and creates tension
C. It is not important for character development
D. It should always be in poetic form

53. The term “close reading” most nearly means:
A. Reading quickly to finish the passage
B. Careful, detailed analysis of language and structure
C. Ignoring unfamiliar words
D. Reading only the introduction

54. Which of the following is an example of verbal understatement?
A. Saying “It’s just a scratch” about a deep wound
B. Describing a huge event as “life-changing”
C. Calling a small dog “a monster”
D. Using a long list of adjectives

55. Which technique would best help when writing about themes in a novel?
A. Describe only the opening scene and ignore the rest
B. Identify recurring ideas and show how characters and events support them
C. List characters and their ages only
D. Avoid mentioning the plot

56. Which of the following best defines voice in literature?
A. The printed font used in the book
B. The distinctive style and personality expressed by the narrator or author
C. The book’s cover design
D. Only the dialogue spoken by characters

57. Which of the following is true of an elegy?
A. It celebrates a wedding
B. It laments the dead or expresses sorrow
C. It is always comic in tone
D. It is written only in couplets

58. Which of the following items is LEAST useful when preparing for an unseen passage exam?
A. Practicing quick annotation skills
B. Building vocabulary and comprehension strategies
C. Memorizing unrelated quotations
D. Practicing time management

59. In drama, “denouement” means:
A. The unfolding of events leading to the climax.
B. The final resolution after the climax.
C. The comedic interlude between acts
D. Stage directions for the opening scene

60. Which of the following best indicates the role of setting in literature?
A. It provides only historical dates
B. It helps create mood, context, and can influence character behavior
C. It lists the chapters in a novel
D. It always determines the ending regardless of characters

SECTION B: Essay / Theory

INSTRUCTION – Answer Question 1 and any other three of the following in clear, well-structured essay form Write legibly and support your answers with textual references where appropriate.

1. Read the unseen poem below carefully and answer the question that follows:

Unseen Poem

“The Journey”
by Gina Harry

The road was long, and full of turns,
The sun sank low, the lantern burns
Each step I took was faint with fear,
Yet hope kept whispering, “Soon, you’ll clear”

The thorns were sharp, the nights were cold,
But dreams kept me from growing old
Though storms would rage and shadows fall,
Faith gave me strength to face it all

Now standing on the mountain high,
I see the path I walked nearby
Each pain, each tear, a lesson true —
The road was hard, but it shaped you.

Write a critical appreciation of the poem above. In your answer, discuss:

• The central theme of the poem
• The poet’s use of imagery and tone
• The sound devices or structure that enhance the poem’s meaning
• Your personal response to the poem’s message about perseverance and growth

(Write your answer in about 300–400 words)

2. With close reference to a drama you have studied, discuss how the playwright presents the moral or social problem at the centre of the play Show how two major characters help to develop this problem and state the play’s final comment on it.

3. “Character drives action” Discuss this statement with reference to any novel you have studied In your answer, analyse how at least two characters’ decisions affect the plot and the novel’s central concerns.

4. Explain the different types of irony (verbal, situational, dramatic), giving one clear example of each from texts you have studied Show how each example contributes to meaning or effect.

5. Discuss the importance of poetic devices (such as imagery, metaphor, simile, alliteration, and enjambment) in creating mood and meaning in any two poems you have studied Provide illustrative quotations.

6. Explain the stages of plot development (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, denouement) and apply these stages to a play or short story you have studied, showing how the structure supports the author’s purpose.

7. Compare and contrast African prose and non-African prose in theme, style, and cultural perspective using two set texts (one African, one non-African). In your essay, consider language, characterization, and social context.

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.

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. Critical Appreciation of the Poem “The Journey” by Gina Harry

The poem “The Journey” by Gina Harry reflects the struggles, perseverance, and growth of an individual who has faced many challenges in life. The central theme of the poem is perseverance through hardship. The poet captures the long and difficult journey of life, showing how courage, faith, and hope help the persona overcome trials. Each stanza highlights the endurance of the human spirit and the transformation that comes from facing adversity.

The poet makes effective use of imagery to create vivid pictures of the journey. Expressions like “The road was long, and full of turns” and “The thorns were sharp, the nights were cold” evoke the struggles that accompany life’s path. These images allow the reader to imagine the physical and emotional obstacles faced by the speaker. The tone of the poem shifts from fear and weariness to confidence and triumph, showing a gradual movement from despair to victory.

Sound devices such as rhyme and repetition enhance the poem’s rhythm and flow. The rhyme scheme gives the poem a musical quality that makes it memorable. The repetition of key words like “road,” “faith,” and “hope” reinforces the poet’s message about persistence and belief in a better future. The use of simple, rhythmic lines also makes the poem easy to read and emotionally engaging.

Structurally, the poem is divided into three stanzas, each representing a stage of the speaker’s journey: struggle, endurance, and fulfillment. The transition from darkness to light mirrors the poet’s message that hardship refines character.

Personally, I find the poem inspiring because it teaches that challenges are part of personal growth. The closing line, “The road was hard, but it shaped you,” sums up the poet’s message that trials are necessary for strength and maturity. The poem encourages readers to keep faith even when life seems difficult, reminding us that perseverance eventually leads to success.

2. Moral or Social Problem in a Drama

In many African plays, social and moral problems such as corruption, injustice, or the abuse of power are central themes. For instance, in Wole Soyinka’s The Trials of Brother Jero, the playwright presents the moral problem of religious hypocrisy. Brother Jero is portrayed as a false prophet who manipulates people’s faith for personal gain. Through his deceitful actions and interactions with other characters, Soyinka criticizes how religion is often exploited for selfish interests.

Two major characters — Brother Jero and Chume — help to develop this problem. Brother Jero represents corruption and deceit, while Chume represents ignorance and blind loyalty. Their relationship exposes how deceit thrives when followers fail to think critically. The play’s final comment is that moral corruption can only be overcome when individuals awaken to the truth and refuse to be manipulated.

3. “Character Drives Action” — A Discussion

In prose fiction, characters’ choices and personalities often determine how events unfold. In Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo’s impulsive and prideful nature drives the novel’s action. His fear of weakness and failure leads him to harsh decisions — such as beating his wife and killing Ikemefuna — which eventually cause his downfall.

Similarly, Nwoye’s sensitive and thoughtful character influences his decision to embrace Christianity, a choice that creates conflict with his father. The actions of these two characters move the story forward and reflect the larger theme of change versus tradition. Achebe shows that character flaws and strengths shape destiny, and through them, the plot develops naturally.

4. Types of Irony and Their Effects

Irony is a literary device that creates contrast between appearance and reality.

– Verbal irony occurs when a character says the opposite of what they mean. For example, in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Antony says, “Brutus is an honourable man,” though he means the opposite. This creates sarcasm and exposes Brutus’s betrayal.

– Situational irony happens when events turn out differently from what is expected. In Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo’s suicide is ironic because he fought all his life to avoid shame, yet dies dishonourably.

– Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows more than the characters. In Romeo and Juliet, the audience knows Juliet is alive, but Romeo thinks she is dead, leading to tragedy. Each type of irony deepens meaning and engages the reader emotionally.

5. Importance of Poetic Devices

Poetic devices are essential tools poets use to express emotions and ideas effectively. In William Blake’s The Chimney Sweeper, imagery and symbolism create a mood of sadness and innocence lost. The metaphor of children as “lambs” emphasizes purity and vulnerability. Similarly, in Birago Diop’s Vanity, repetition and personification convey the message that forgetting one’s ancestors leads to emptiness.

Devices like simile, metaphor, alliteration, and enjambment make poems musical and memorable. They help readers connect emotionally to the poem’s message. By using these techniques, poets bring their words to life and create lasting impact.

6. Stages of Plot Development

The stages of plot development include exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement. In William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the exposition introduces Macbeth’s bravery and the witches’ prophecy. The rising action begins when Lady Macbeth persuades her husband to kill Duncan. The climax occurs when Macbeth kills Banquo, and guilt begins to haunt him. The falling action follows as his tyranny grows and opposition builds. Finally, the denouement occurs with Macbeth’s death, restoring order to Scotland.

This structure helps the audience follow the logical development of events and understand the moral consequences of ambition and power.

7. Comparing African and Non-African Prose

African prose often reflects themes of colonialism, identity, and cultural conflict, while non-African prose may focus on universal human experiences from different contexts. In Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, the author uses simple language and proverbs to portray Igbo culture and the effects of colonial invasion. The characters are drawn from African society, and their struggles mirror real historical changes.

In contrast, Charles Dickens’s Oliver Twist portrays life in industrial England, emphasizing poverty, child labor, and social injustice. Dickens’s style is rich in description and satire, while Achebe’s is rooted in oral tradition and communal values.

Both authors use prose to comment on society, but their cultural backgrounds shape their themes and techniques. Achebe’s story emphasizes community and tradition, while Dickens focuses on individual struggle and moral reform. Together, they show that literature is a mirror reflecting both universal and cultural truths about humanity.

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:

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.