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 SS2 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 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 SS2 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 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 SS2 Second Term
Literature-in-English Exam Questions for SS2 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 SS2 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 A—D. Each question carries equal marks.
1. A character in the story who narrates what happens to him or her is
A. a second person narrator
B. a first person narrator
C. an omniscient narrator
D. a third person narrator
2. ………… refers to the structure of a work of art
A. Form B. Plot
C. Setting D. Style
3. The timing and location of a literary work is
A. Theme B. plot
C. setting D. atmosphere
4. The character assumed by the author in his writing is
A. protagonist B. chorus
C. persona D. pseudonym
5. Pick the odd item out of the options listed
A. The Joys of Motherhood
B. Sons and Daughters
C. A Man for All Seasons
D. The Last Duty
6. A person’s life story written by another person is
A. a commentary
B. a biography
C. an autobiography
D. an epistolary
7. A story which explains a natural phenomenon is
A. legend B. parable
C. myth. D. fiction
8. A literary work is a satire when it
A. finds fault
B. humorously criticizes to improve a situation
C. provokes laughter
D. teaches a lesson for social improvement
9. Foreshadowing is a device used to
A. prepare the reader for the direction a plot will take
B. introduce the plot
C. shed light on events through background information
D. recall the past
10. The omniscient narrator is
A. all knowing
B. limited
C. realistic
D. always humorous
11. A literary work that vividly portrays life can be described as
A. realistic B. romantic
C. idealistic D. sarcastic
12. The attitude of an author towards the subject matter is
A. theme B. tone
C. style D. setting
13. A narrative in which characters and events are invented is
A. fiction
B. epistolary
C. autobiography
D. biography
14. ______ is the location of the action of the plot
A. Setting
B. Narrative technique
C. Point of view
D. Characterization
15. A character that develops in the course of a novel or play is described as
A. flat B. antagonist
C. round D. protagonist
16. An essential part of the plot is
A. characterization
B. exposition
C. atmosphere
D. foreshadow
17. The art of creating fictional personages constitutes
A. point of view
B. characterization
C. narrative technique
D. symbolism
18. An omniscient narrator in a novel
A. detaches himself from the story
B. knows nothing about the characters and events
C. knows everything about the characters and events
D. is a character in the story
19. A very brief story is an
A. allusion B. autobiography
C. allegory D. anecdote
20. The attitude of a writer towards the subject matter is the
A. tone B. plot
C. crisis D. climax
21. In a story, the adversary of the protagonist is the
A. hero. B. heroine
C. antagonist D. foil
22. The story of a person’s life written by another is
A. history B. autobiography
C. biography D. anthology
23. A folktale is a
A. novel.
B. work of fiction
C. biography
D. novelette
24. The specific literary term used to distinguish a novel from a play is
A. genre B. verse
C. diction D. style
25. A piece of writing about oneself is a/an
A. autobiography B. biography
C. autography D. mimeography
26. An author’s story about himself is a/an
A. biography B. essay
C. diary D. autobiography
27. A recurrent image in a literary work is the
A. theme B. motif
C. episode D. mood
28. The position from which a story is presented is the
A. narrative technique
B. point of view
C. setting
D. plot
29. Pick the odd item from the options below
A. Plot B. Theme
C. Metre D. Subject
30. A character that develops with events and situations in a novel is a ………. character
A. flat B. round
C. minor D. main
31. In a novel, the antagonist is
A. a fully developed character
B. a flat character
C. the main female character
D. the archrival of the hero
32. A novel is usually written in
A. prose B. verse
C. scenes D. stanzas
33. What distinguishes a novel from a play is
A. characters B. setting
C. narration D. theme
34. The first-person narrator is usually
A. the protagonist
B. a villain in the novel
C. the antagonist
D. a character in the novel
35. Which of the following is closest to the form of the novel?
A. the short story
B. fable
C. tale
D. epic
36. The omniscient narrator
A. uses flashback
B. knows all about characters and events
C. makes reference to future incidents
D. knows all about the author
37. Pick the odd item from the list
A. sentence B. paragraph
C. expression D. fiction
38. The hero in a story is the
A. observer B. protagonist
C. antagonist D. actor
39. Setting has to do with
A. time and place
B. incidents and events
C. tone and mood
D. rhythm and rhyme
40. A fictional prose which is neither a novel nor a short story is a/an
A. allegory B. fable
C. novella D. novelette
41. Which of the following is written by an African playwright?
A. She Stoops to Conquer
B. A Raisin in the Sun
C. Lonely Days
D. The Blood of a stranger
42. A novel that features spiritual apparitions as major characters is
A. epistolary B. gothic
C. historical D. sociological
43. A story with elements that have both literal and figurative meanings is
A. an allegory B. a fable
C. a novella D. an epistle
44. A novel that recounts the adventures of a likeable rogue is
A. panegyric B. gothic
C. picaresque D. grotesque
Read the extract below and answer Questions 45 and 46.
boat nodded in timing with the gentle Bobbing of the float on the unhurrying Tide as the angler awaited the bite and Pull of a salmon
45. The extract presents the image of a
A. bright day
B. dark night
C. calm weather
D. rough time
46. The dominant literary device used in the extract is
A. apostrophe B. parallelism
C. antithesis D. personification
47. A narrative composed in the form of a letter is
A. an eponymous novel
B. an epistolary novel
C. a novella
D. a panegyric
48. The device used in she gave him lots of cash and tender attention is
A. bathos B. pathos
C. suspense D. zeugma
49. One of the important means available to a writer of a literary work is
A. diction B. fiction
C. stage D. stanza
50. Which of the following helps best to create and sustain interest in a literary work?
A. Plot B. Rhyme
C. Rhythm D. Suspense
SECTION B: Essay / Theory
INSTRUCTION – Answer all questions in this section. Write your answers clearly and show working where necessary.
Redemption Road
1. Comment on the victim’s experiences in Duluma camp
2. Give a character portrait of Varney in the novel
The Marriage of Anansewa
1. Comment on the character of Christie in the play
2. Discuss the theme of marriage in the play
Once upon an Elephant
1. Discuss the theme of infidelity in the play
2. Examine the role of Serubawon in the play
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 SS2 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 SS2 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 | B | 2 | A | 3 | C |
| 4 | C | 5 | C | 6 | B |
| 7 | C | 8 | B | 9 | A |
| 10 | A | 11 | A | 12 | B |
| 13 | A | 14 | A | 15 | C |
| 16 | B | 17 | B | 18 | C |
| 19 | D | 20 | A | 21 | C |
| 22 | C | 23 | B | 24 | A |
| 25 | A | 26 | D | 27 | B |
| 28 | B | 29 | C | 30 | B |
| 31 | D | 32 | A | 33 | C |
| 34 | D | 35 | A | 36 | B |
| 37 | D | 38 | B | 39 | A |
| 40 | C | 41 | D | 42 | B |
| 43 | A | 44 | C | 45 | C |
| 46 | D | 47 | B | 48 | D |
| 49 | A | 50 | D |
So here you have the answers to the objective section of Literature-in-English Exam Questions for SS2 Second term. Use the comments section to let me know if you have any question you would want me to clarify or discuss further.
Answers to Section B (Theory)
REDEMPTION ROAD
1. Comment on the victims’ experiences in Duluma Camp
The victims in Duluma Camp passed through severe hardship and suffering. The camp was meant to provide refuge and protection for people affected by war, but life there was painful and difficult. The people lacked adequate food, clean water, medicine, and proper shelter. Hunger and sickness became common problems among the victims.
Many of the victims also suffered emotionally because they had lost their homes, relatives, and means of livelihood. They lived in fear and uncertainty, not knowing what the future held for them. Women and children were among the worst affected because they were vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.
The condition of the camp reflected the effects of war and bad leadership in society. Despite these challenges, some victims still showed courage and hope for a better future. Their experiences in Duluma Camp reveal the pains and struggles faced by innocent people during periods of conflict.
2. Give a character portrait of Varney in the novel
Varney is presented as a strong, brave, and determined character in the novel. He is deeply concerned about justice and the welfare of the oppressed people. Throughout the story, he shows courage in confronting corruption and wickedness in society.
Varney is also intelligent and outspoken. He does not remain silent in the face of oppression and suffering. His actions reveal his desire to bring positive change and redemption to society. He is compassionate and willing to help victims who are passing through difficulties.
However, Varney can sometimes appear stubborn because of his strong beliefs and determination. Despite the dangers around him, he remains focused on his mission. His character represents hope, resistance, and the struggle for a better society.
THE MARRIAGE OF ANANSEWA
1. Comment on the character of Christie in the play
Christie is one of the important female characters in the play. She is presented as a caring and supportive person. She assists in different domestic activities and contributes to the events surrounding Anansewa’s marriage arrangements.
Christie is also observant and understanding. She is aware of the tricks and clever plans of Ananse, although she does not openly challenge him most of the time. Her character helps to reveal the humorous and dramatic atmosphere of the play.
In addition, Christie represents the role of women in traditional African society where respect, obedience, and cooperation are highly valued. She contributes to the success of the dramatic action and helps in moving the plot forward.
2. Discuss the theme of marriage in the play
Marriage is the central theme of The Marriage of Anansewa. The play presents marriage as an important institution in African society. Ananse uses his daughter, Anansewa, to attract wealthy chiefs who are interested in marrying her.
The play shows how marriage is sometimes influenced by material gain and selfish interests. Ananse treats marriage like a business transaction because he hopes to gain wealth and gifts from the suitors. This exposes greed and manipulation in society.
The theme also reflects African traditional marriage customs such as the presentation of gifts, family involvement, and respect for tradition. Through humor and dramatic events, the playwright shows both the importance and the challenges associated with marriage in society.
ONCE UPON AN ELEPHANT
1. Discuss the theme of infidelity in the play
The theme of infidelity is clearly portrayed in the play through the unfaithful actions of some characters. Infidelity causes distrust, conflict, and misunderstanding among individuals and families in the society presented in the play.
The playwright uses this theme to show the moral weakness of human beings. Unfaithfulness damages relationships and creates emotional pain for those involved. It also leads to quarrels and tension within the community.
The play teaches that honesty, loyalty, and self-control are necessary for peaceful relationships. Through the consequences faced by the unfaithful characters, the playwright condemns immoral behaviour and encourages faithfulness in marriage and relationships.
2. Examine the role of Serubawon in the play
Serubawon plays an important role in the development of the events in the play. He is presented as a wise and influential character who contributes to decision-making in the community. His presence helps to guide the direction of the story.
He also acts as a voice of reason in certain situations. Through his words and actions, Serubawon helps to expose wrongdoing and encourage justice. He is respected by members of the community because of his wisdom and experience.
Furthermore, Serubawon contributes to the moral lessons of the play. His character helps the audience to understand the values of honesty, responsibility, and proper leadership. He plays a major part in resolving conflicts and maintaining order in the society.
How to Pass Literature-in-English Exam Questions for SS2 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.
First, read all the recommended texts carefully. Do not depend only on summaries from friends. Read the plays, novels, and poems by yourself so that you can understand the plot, characters, themes, and important events. While reading, take note of difficult words and important quotations.
Secondly, learn the major literary terms and figures of speech. Terms such as plot, setting, theme, characterization, irony, suspense, climax, tone, and symbolism are common in Literature examinations. You should know their meanings and how they are used in literary works.
Another important tip is to study the characters in each text carefully. Know the role each character plays, their strengths, weaknesses, and relationship with other characters. Questions often come from character analysis and themes connected to the characters.
Students should also pay attention to themes in the recommended texts. Common themes include love, betrayal, corruption, marriage, leadership, greed, sacrifice, and oppression. Understand how the author develops these themes through events and characters.
Practising past questions is also very important. It helps students to understand the examination pattern and improve their speed. Try to answer both objective and essay questions regularly. After answering, compare your work with correct answers and make corrections where necessary.
During the examination, read every question carefully before answering. For essay questions, go straight to the point and explain your answers clearly with relevant examples from the text. Avoid unnecessary stories that are not related to the question.
Lastly, be consistent in your reading and avoid waiting until examination period before studying. Literature requires regular reading and understanding. With proper preparation, constant practice, and confidence, students can perform very well in SS2 Literature-in-English Second Term examinations.
It’s a wrap!
If you need more clarification on SS2 Second 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.
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