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 SS1 Second 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 donât 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 SS1 Second 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 learnersâ 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 SS1 Second Term
Literature-in-English Exam Questions for SS1 Second 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 SS1 Literature-in-English Second Term Exam Past Questions made available to assist students in their revision for 2nd 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 AâD. Each question carries equal marks.
1. Which of the following is common to all forms of literature?
(a) language     (b) chorus
(c) Action        (d) Narrator
2. The three major forms of literature are:
(a) Tragedy, comedy, Tragic-comedy
(b) poetry, Drama, folktales
(c) Drama, lyric, prose fiction
(d) poetry, drama, prose
3. Beauty in poetry depends mainly on
(a) Expression and rhythm
(b) length and theme
(c) vowels and consonants
(d) mood and verse form.
âBut the towering earth was tired of sitting in one position. She moved suddenly and the houses crumbled, the mountains heaved hourly and the work of a million years was lostâ.
4. The predominant figure of speech in the above extract is ___
(a) oxymoron      (b) metaphor
(c) simile         (d) personification
5. The subject matter of the above extract is
(a) Earthquake    (b) House movement
(c) sea waves     (d) storm
6. The image depicted in the extract is one of
(a) destruction      (b) merriment
(c) Happiness       (d) Admiration
7. Pick the odd one from the list below:
(a) Breast of the sea
(b) Night
(c) she walks in Beauty
(d) Digging
8. The choice of appropriate words to convey the thoughts of an author is called ___
(a) Idiomatic language
(b) figure of speech
(c) setting
(d) Diction.
9. Which of the following is a likely source of traditional oral Poetry?
(a) Theater      (b) fiction
(c) Books       (d) songs
10. An African author who has written plays, poems and prose is
(a) Wole Soyinka
(b) Zaynab
(c) Chinua Achebe
(d) Flora Nwapa
11. Pick the odd one from the list
(a) comedy      (b) Tragedy
(c) Epilogue     (d) Tragicomedy
12. The literary device in the statement âstudents are to come to class with their Shakespeareâ is called
(a) Metonymy
(b) Litotes
(c) Synecdoche
(d) personification
13. One of the following shows understatement
(a) Hyperbole    (b) Litotes
(c) pun         (d) simile
14. The poetic device in which all parts of the sentence are similar in construction or grammatically the same is called ___
(a) Parallelism     (b) Euphemism
(c) Epigram       (d) Hyperbole
15. In a play, a long speech by a single character in the presence of other characters is called ___
(a) Soliloquy     (b) Monologue
(c) Aside        (d) Prologue
16. The resolution of conflict in a drama is called
(a) plot
(b) Narration
(c) Denouement
(d) Act
17. A play is fully realized when it is
(a) read      (b) memorized
(c) acted     (d) studies
18. The breast of the sea is written by __________
19. The rhyme scheme of English sonnet is ___
(a) ababcdcdeded gg
(b) abba abbacdecde
(c) bbaabbaaccddef
(d) aabbaabbcdef gg
20. All fingers are not equal is an example of ___
(a) synecdoche     (b) Hyperbole
(c) Oxymoron      (d) meiosis
21. What does âNight childrenâ means in the poem âNightâ by Wole Soyinka
(a) Evil perpetrators
(b) Fraternity
(c) Vampires
(d) vultures of the night
22. What is the tone of the poem âNightâ?
(a) Optimistic     (b) pessimistic
(c) Reflective      (d) Joyful
23. What is the poet trying to convey through the image of night in the poem?
(a) beauty of the night sky
(b) The peacefulness of the night
(c) The darkness and oppression of colonialism
(d) The joy of freedom
24. What is literary device is used in the line âNight Gauds in my stomachâ?
(a) Metaphor
(b) simile
(c) personification
(d) Alliteration
25. What is the central theme of the poem ‘Night’ by Wole Soyinka
(a) The beauty of Nature
(b) The power of love
(c) fear
(d) Danger of the Night
26. What is the significance of the image of the âbeastâ in the poem ‘Night’?
(a) It represents the poetâs fear of the dark
(b) It represents the colonial oppressor
(c) it represents the poets inner struggle
(d) it represents the beauty of nature
27. What is the poet trying to say in the line âI have become the darkness?
(a) That he is consumed by anger and hatred
(b) That he is at peace with himself
(c) That he has lost his identity
(d) That he has become one with nature
28. What is the structure of the poem âNightâ?
(a) It is written in five stanzas with triplets each
(b) it is a narrative poem
(c) it is a ballad
(d) it is a sonnet
29. Whatâs the poetâs message in the poem Nightâ?
(a) That human spirit can overcome even the darkest of times
(b) That colonialism is a necessary evil
(c) That freedom is possible only through violence
(d) That darkness is a natural part of life
30. Whatâs the significance of the title âNightâ in the poem?
(a) It represents the darkness of colonialism
(b) it represents the poetâs personal darkness
(c) It represents the beauty of the night sky
(d) it represents the peacefulness of the night
31. What is the central theme of the poem âNew Tongueâ?
(a) Cultural Assimilation
(b) cultural preservation
(c) Generational harmony
(d) language development
32. What does the phrase âNew tongueâ symbolize in the poem?
(a) New Language
(b) New culture
(c) Identity
(d) all of the above
33. How does the poem describe the younger generations attitude towards elders?
(a) Respectful     (b) Disregardful
(c) Admiring      (d) Indifferent
34. What is the tone of the poem âNew Tongueâ?
(a) Optimistic      (b) Pessimistic
(c) Regretful       (d) joyful
35. What literary device is used in the line âtheir minds buttered into new modes and shapesâ?
(a) simile        (b) Alliteration
(c) Metaphor     (d) Personification
36. What does the image of ashes strewn into the bottomless sea represent?
(a) The power of the ocean
(b) The gain of new culture
(c) The loss of cultural heritage
(d) The beauty of nature
37. What is the poetâs message in the poem ‘New Tongueâ?
(a) That cultural assimilation is beneficial
(b) That cultural preservation is important
(c) That language is a tool for communication
(d) That identity is fixed
38. How does the poem portray the younger generationâs relationship with their heritage?
(a) As a burden
(b) As irrelevant
(c) As a source of pride
(d) As a source of shame
39. What is the significance of the phrase Every man for himself?
(a) It emphasizes community
(b) it highlights individualism
(c) It shows respect for elders
(d) It promotes cultural heritage
40. What is the overall message of the poem “New Tongue”?
(a) That cultural change is inevitable
(b) That culture preservation is crucial
(c) The language is a tool for identity
(d) That heritage is a burden
41. What is the central theme of the poem Hearty Garland?
(a) The Beauty of nature
(b) The power of love
(c) The struggle for independence
(d) celebration of life and longevity
42. What does the phrase Hearty Garlands symbolize in the poem?
(a) A gift of flowers
(b) A celebration of life
(c) A symbol of respect and admiration
(d) All of the above
43. How does the poem, describe the personâs life?
(a) As a journey with many failures
(b) As a struggle for survival
(c) As a meaningless existence
(d) As a beautiful blooming flower
44. What is the tone of the poem?
(a) Optimistic
(b) Pessimistic
(c) Sarcastic
(d) Reflective and celebratory
45. What literary device is used in the line âlifeâs while process blooms into stark beauty?
(a) Simile
(b) Personification
(c) Alliteration
(d) Metaphor
46. What does the âmahogany chestâ symbolize in the poem?
(a) strength and resilience
(b) Age and wisdom
(c) Beauty and elegance
(d) weakness and fragility
47. Whatâs the speakerâs attitude towards the person being celebrated?
(a) Anger and resentment
(b) indifference and apathy
(c) Admiration and gratitude
(d) fear and respect
48. Whatâs the significance of the âIroko agamaâ in the poem?
(a) It is symbol of the personâs wealth and status
(b) it symbolizes the personâs strength and resilience
(c) it represents the personâs culture heritage
(d) itâs a metaphor for the personâs life journey
49. How does the poem portray old age?
(a) As a time of decline and decay
(b) As a time of peace and contentment
(c) As a time of boredom
(d) As a time of struggle and hardship
50. Whatâs the overall message of the poem?
(a) That life is short and meaningless
(b) That life is a beautiful journey worth celebrating
(c) That old age is a time of regret and sorrow
(d) That youth is the best time of life
51. Whatâs the central theme of the poem âBreast of the seaâ?
(a) The power of nature
(b) the beauty
(c) The speakerâs longing for connection
(d) The struggle for survival
52. What does the breast of the sea symbolize in the poem?
(a) A source of nourishment and comfort
(b) The speakerâs mother
(c) A symbol of danger and fear
(d) The oceanâs wave
53. What is the tone of the poem?
(a) Reflective and Nostalgic
(b) Angry and Frustrated
(c) Joyful and celebratory
(d) Sarcastic and ironic
54. What literary device is used in the line âThe Seaâs rhythmic pulse beats within meâ?
(a) Personification
(b) Alliteration
(c) Metaphor
(d) simile
55. Whatâs the speakerâs relationship with the sea?
(a) One of fear and respect
(b) One of love and connection
(c) One of indifference
(d) One of exploitation
56. What does the sea represent in the poem?
(a) A source of power and strength
(b) A Symbol of the speakerâs emotions
(c) A connection to the speakerâs heritage
(d) All of the above
57. Whatâs the significance of the image âsalt kissed shoresâ?
(a) It highlights the speakers love for the ocean
(b) It symbolizes the speakerâs longing for the past
(c) It represents the speakerâs fear of the ocean
(d) it emphasizes the speakers connection to the sea
58. How does the poem portray the speakerâs identity?
(a) As connected to the sea
(b) As tied to the land
(c) As independent and isolated
(d) As fragmented and lost
59. Whatâs the speakers message in the poem?
(a) That connection to nature is essential
(b) That speaker is lost and searching
(c) That the sea is a source of power and strength
(d) That love and connection are fleeting
60. Whatâs the overall atmosphere of the poem?
(a) peaceful and contemplative
(b) Melancholic and sorrowful
(c) Energetic and vibrant
(d) Melancholic and sorrowful
SECTION B: Essay / Theory
INSTRUCTION â Answer only three (3) questions in this section. Write your answers clearly and show working where necessary.
1. Explain the theme fear in âNightâ by Wole Soyinka
2. Explain the theme of Loss of cultural Heritage in New Tongueâ
3. Explain four (4) poetic devices in Breast of the Sea.
4. Define Drama
ii. State and explain four forms of drama
5. State and explain five (5) elements of drama.
Remember to use the comments sections if you have questions, and donât forget to join our Free Online Tutorial Classes on YouTube. (Subscribe to the Channel)
Answers to Literature-in-English Exam Questions for SS1 Second 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 SS1 Second 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 | A | 2 | D | 3 | A |
| 4 | D | 5 | A | 6 | A |
| 7 | B | 8 | D | 9 | D |
| 10 | A | 11 | C | 12 | A |
| 13 | B | 14 | A | 15 | B |
| 16 | C | 17 | C | 18 | A |
| 19 | A | 20 | A | 21 | A |
| 22 | C | 23 | C | 24 | A |
| 25 | D | 26 | A | 27 | A |
| 28 | A | 29 | A | 30 | A |
| 31 | A | 32 | D | 33 | B |
| 34 | C | 35 | C | 36 | C |
| 37 | B | 38 | B | 39 | B |
| 40 | B | 41 | D | 42 | D |
| 43 | D | 44 | D | 45 | D |
| 46 | B | 47 | C | 48 | B |
| 49 | B | 50 | B | 51 | C |
| 52 | A | 53 | A | 54 | A |
| 55 | B | 56 | D | 57 | D |
| 58 | A | 59 | A | 60 | A |
So here you have the answers to the objective section of Literature-in-English Exam Questions for SS1 Second 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. Explain the theme of fear in âNightâ by Wole Soyinka
The theme of fear is strongly expressed in the poem Night. The poet presents night as a time filled with danger, uncertainty, and evil. Darkness is not just physical but also symbolic of hidden threats and unknown forces. Words and images used in the poem suggest tension, anxiety, and uneasiness. The presence of creatures and shadows creates a frightening atmosphere, making the night seem alive and threatening. The poet also shows how fear grows in the human mind when surrounded by darkness, leading to a loss of control and peace. Overall, the poem teaches that fear often comes from what we do not understand or cannot see.
2. Explain the theme of Loss of Cultural Heritage in âNew Tongueâ
The poem New Tongue highlights the loss of cultural heritage as people abandon their native language and traditions for foreign ones. The ânew tongueâ symbolizes a new way of life that replaces the old culture. The younger generation is portrayed as neglecting their roots and disrespecting their elders. This shift leads to a gradual loss of identity, values, and history. Images such as âashes strewn into the seaâ show how traditions are being discarded and forgotten. The poem warns that losing oneâs culture can lead to confusion and disconnection from oneâs origin. It encourages the preservation of cultural identity.
3. Explain four (4) poetic devices in âBreast of the Seaâ
(i) Metaphor: The âbreast of the seaâ is a metaphor comparing the sea to a motherâs breast, suggesting nourishment, comfort, and care.
(ii) Personification: The sea is given human qualities, such as having a âpulse,â which makes it seem alive and emotional.
(iii) Imagery: The poem uses descriptive language like âsalt-kissed shoresâ to create vivid pictures in the readerâs mind.
(iv) Alliteration: Repetition of consonant sounds in phrases helps to create rhythm and musical effect in the poem.
4. (i) Define Drama
Drama is a form of literature that is written to be performed on stage by actors. It involves dialogue, actions, and characters, and it tells a story through performance before an audience.
(ii) State and explain four forms of drama
(i) Tragedy: A serious play that ends in sorrow, often involving the downfall of the main character due to a tragic flaw.
(ii) Comedy: A play that is meant to entertain and make the audience laugh, usually with a happy ending.
(iii) Tragicomedy: A blend of tragedy and comedy, combining serious and humorous elements.
(iv) Melodrama: A dramatic work that exaggerates emotions and characters, often showing clear distinctions between good and evil.
5. State and explain five (5) elements of drama
(i) Plot: The sequence of events that make up the story, including the beginning, conflict, climax, and resolution.
(ii) Character: The people or figures in the drama who carry out the actions and dialogue.
(iii) Setting: The time and place where the drama takes place.
(iv) Theme: The main idea or message the drama is trying to convey.
(v) Dialogue: The spoken words between characters that move the story forward and reveal their thoughts and feelings.
How to Pass Literature-in-English Exam Questions for SS1 Second Term
Many students fail Literature not because it is hard, but because they read it the wrong way. Literature is not just about reading stories. It is about understanding, thinking, and expressing ideas clearly. If you follow the right steps, you can pass and even score very high.
1. Know Your Texts Well
Start by reading all your recommended textsâpoems, prose, and drama. Do not just read once. Read them again and again until you understand the message, characters, and events. Pay attention to key themes like love, fear, culture, and conflict.
2. Understand Themes and Messages
Examiners often ask questions about themes. Make sure you understand what each text is trying to teach. Ask yourself: What lesson is the writer passing across? When you understand the message, answering questions becomes easy.
3. Study Literary Devices
You must know common literary devices such as metaphor, simile, personification, imagery, and alliteration. Learn how they are used in your texts. Do not just cram definitionsâknow how to identify them in passages.
4. Master Characters and Plot
In drama and prose, know the main characters and their roles. Understand the plotâhow the story begins, develops, and ends. Many questions come from character actions and events in the story.
5. Practice Past Questions
One of the smartest ways to prepare is to practice past questions. This helps you understand the pattern of questions and how to answer them correctly. The more you practice, the more confident you become.
6. Learn How to Answer Essay Questions
When answering essay questions, go straight to the point. Start with a simple introduction, explain clearly, and give relevant points. Avoid writing stories that are not related to the question. Keep your answers neat and organized.
7. Manage Your Time in the Exam
Do not spend too much time on one question. Answer the ones you know first, then come back to others. Make sure you attempt all questions.
8. Revise Regularly
Do not wait until exam time before you start reading. Revise your notes and texts regularly. Short daily reading is better than last-minute cramming.
Itâs a wrap!
If you need more clarification on SS1 Second Term Questions on Literature-in-English, you can use the comments box below. Weâll be there to answer you asap. Donât forget to join our Free Online Tutorial Classes on YouTube. (Subscribe to the Channel)
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