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 Third 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 Facebook. Like and Follow Page.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Literature in English as a School Subject
Literature in English is a school subject that focuses on the study of written works such as poems, plays, novels, and short stories written in the English language. It helps students appreciate language as an art and a tool for communication.
The subject exposes learners to different cultures, experiences, and human values through stories and characters. It sharpens their critical thinking, comprehension, and interpretation skills. Literature also encourages creativity and helps students express their thoughts clearly in both spoken and written forms.
In senior secondary school, Literature in English covers different genres including drama, prose, and poetry. Students also study literary devices, themes, plot, characterization, and setting in various texts.
Literature in English Exam Questions for SS1 Third Term
Literature in English Exam Questions for SS1 Third 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 Third Term Exam Past Questions made available to assist students in their revision for 3rd term examinations and also teachers in structuring standard examinations.
SECTION A: Objectives
Instruction: Answer all questions in this section by choosing from the options lettered A—D. Each question carries equal marks.
1. A stanza of four lines in poetry is
A. a quatrain B. a sextet
C. an octave D. an elegy
2. “Jacket’s pretty partner paid the bills” is an example of
A. rhyme B. alliteration
C. satire D. digression
3. “O happy torment” is an example of
A. oxymoron B. synecdoche
C. innuendo D. simile
4. A question that does not require an answer is
A. discourse B. rhetorical
C. ironic D. flashback
5. The concluding part of a play where the conflict is resolved is the
A. resolution B. entanglement
C. denouement D. climax
Read the extract and answer the questions
At the onset of the rain
The drought-stricken land
Stuck up the wetness
And the gates to the field
Are flung wide and open.
It is the signal for planting!
It is time for joyous toiling!
At various times of day
With hand and sharp hoe
Would hit and dig down
Into the receiving wet soil
Seeds on different quantities
Seeds of varying potency
Are broadcast in layers
Into the womb of the earth
With time and much labor
The seed now transformed
Blossoms and grows into new life!
6. The subject matter of the extract above is
A. rain B. harvesting
C. time D. farming
7. The dominant figure of speech in the extract is
A. metaphor B. paradox
C. symbolism D. simile
8. “The hard and sharp hoe” connotes
A. uprooting of weeds
B. the sowing of seeds
C. digging of the soil
D. farming implement
9. “Joyous toiling” is an example of
A. metaphor B. oxymoron
C. irony D. onomatopoeia
10. The last line of the extract suggested the
A. growth of a seed
B. birth of a child
C. harvesting of fruits
D. flourishing of flowers
11. A bitter remark intended to wound the feelings is
A. a satire
B. an allusion
C. a sarcasm
D. an ambiguity
12. In drama, ‘denouement’ is the same as
A. resolution B. climax
C. anti-climax D. conflict
Read the extract and answer the question
My heart leaps up when I behold
A rainbow in the sky:
So was it when my life began,
Sō is it now that I am a man,
So be it when I shall grow
The child is father of the man
13. The mood of the poem is that of
A. sorrow B. elation
C. anxiety D. sarcasm
14. The rhyme scheme of the poem is
A. ab cb de B. ab ac bc
C. ab cc dd E. ab ab bc
15. A character that develops with events and situation in a novel is a ________ character.
A. flat B. sound
C. minor D. main
PART II: UNSEEN PROSE AND POETRY
Read the poem below and answer questions 16 to 20.
Now, joy is born of parents poor,
And pleasure of our kind;
Though pleasure’s free, she cannot sing
As sweet a song as joy confined.
Pleasure’s a moth, that sleeps by day
And dances by false glare at night;
But joy’s a butterfly, that loves
To spread its wings in Nature’s light.
16. The poem says that ‘joy’ is
A. for the poor
B. natural and satisfying
C. artificial and transitory
D. for lovers
17. The dominant device used in presenting “Joy” and “Pleasure” in the first stanza is
A. diction
B. comparison
C. personification
D. conceit
18. The feelings associated with “Joy” and “Pleasure” are conveyed through the use of
A. rhythm B. antithesis
C. assonance D. contrast
19. “False glare” refers to
A. man-made light
B. nature’s light
C. the moon’s light
D. the sun’s light
20. “Pleasure is a moth” is an example of
A. irony B. hyperbole
C. metaphor D. simile
Read the passage below and answer questions 21 to 25
The long column of misery tended continually to grow longer, as the more robust struggled to get as far from the pursuing French, and as the weaker fell further and further behind. There were enough weakling in all conscience; even in summer the men had been badly clothed, and even in victory insufficiently fed; and now it was winter, and Espinosa had been fought and lost, and the route of the retreat lay away from the fertile plains and up into the inhospitable mountains.
The rain had fallen upon them in deluges for days, and now as they climbed higher it was turning into sleet, and a bitter cold wind blew. Ahead of them they could see the snow lying thick on the mountain passes through which they would have climbed, without food or fuel or rest, and with the terror of the French to urge them on. Disease had come inevitably to complete the work so well begun by hunger, exposure and the sword.
21. A suitable title for the passage is the
A. march of soldiers
B. agony of war
C. pains of hunger
D. dread of the rain
22. “Agony of war” in the passage is
A. anger B. fear
C. pity D. disappointment
23. The mood is expressed through the use of
A. objects B. scenery
C. syntax D. diction
24. The attitude of the survivors is best summed up by the word
A. indifference B. persistence
C. resignation D. victory
25. The device used in the last sentences is
A. climax B. euphemism
C. sarcasm D. hyperbole
26. To derive the meaning of a word through its sound is referred to as
A. phonetics B. phoneme
C. oxymoron D. onomatopoeia
27. When two words opposite in meaning stand shoulder to shoulder in a remark, a figure of speech known as ___________ has been used.
A. enjambment B. oxymoron
C. melodrama D. hyperbole
28. ‘Joliliba stood on the middles of the road, unafraid of the surging traffic, as if he was no longer alive’ The dominant literary device in the preceding sentence is:
A. synaesthesia B. innuendo
C. syncopation D. simile
29. In the remark, ‘The child is the father of the man’ The user deploys
A. paradox B. oxymoron
C. pan D. onomatopoeia
30. ‘The sunshine of her smile left me restless for days.’ What is the most outstanding literary device employed in the sentence?
A. personification B. metaphor
C. metonymy D. apostrophe
31. ‘For me a delicious music and then prayers start my typical day.’ The preceding sentence is an example of the use of:
A. simile B. litotes
C. bathos D. synaesthesia
32. ‘Peter’s pretty partner paid the bills’ is an example of
A. alliteration B. rhythm
C. digression D. satire
33. A stanza of four lines in poetry is
A. a quatrain B. a sextet
C. an octave D. an elegy
34. “O happy torment” is an example of
A. oxymoron B. synecdoche
C. innuendo D. simile
35. A recurring dominant idea in a work of art is called
A. setting B. conflict
C. plot D. motif
36. A literary work in which animals are used as characters is a
A. memoir B. fable
C. biography D. farce
37. A character who creates humour in a play is a
A. flat character
B. heroine
C. round character
D. clown
38. A literary work is didactic if it
A. entertains B. comforts
C. criticizes D. teaches
Read the passage below and answer the question
The fact was that, no sooner had the sickles began to play than, the atmosphere suddenly felt as if cress would grow in it without other nourishment. It rubbed people’s cheeks like damp flannel when they walked abroad; There was a gusty, high warm wind; isolated raindrops atarred the window-panes at remote distances; the sunlight would flap out like a quickly opened fan, throw the pattern of the window upon the floor of the room in a milky, colourless shine, and withdraw as suddenly as it had passed.
39. The passage illustrates the use of ________ prose
A. descriptive B. narrative
C. expository D. imaginative
40. The dominant literary device used in the passage is
A. metaphor B. simile
C. oxymoron D. hyperbole
41. The last five lines make use of __________ imagery
A. tactile B. auditory
C. gustatory D. visual
42. The feeling induced is one of
A. excitement
B. indifference
C. anger
D. despondency
43. The passage deals with
A. atmosphere
B. Temperature
C. Scene
D. clouds
Read the poem below and answer the question
Diligent foot-worker
legs lithe, foot loose
To frantic drums
and frenetic flutes
Acrobat strokes swift in the air
wrought masterly like
a frenzied antelope
Gyrating to the April music
of the lush Savannah
44. The poem describes
A. dancing B. wrestling
C. hunting D. drumming
45. The atmosphere of the poem is one of
A. anxiety B. excitement
C. eagerness D. despair
46. “Frenetic flutes” illustrates the use of
A. hyperbole B. symbolism
C. metaphor D. metonymy
47. The dominant literary device in the poem is
A. personification B. simile
C. onomatopoeia D. alliteration
48. The poem is an example of a/an _______
A. lyric B. ode
C. pastoral D. ballad
49. ‘Several hands stretched out for free meals at the refugee camp’ illustrates
A. Antithesis
B. Euphemism
C. litotes
D. Synecdoche
50. In drama, catharsis is the
A. change of setting
B. conflict between two characters
C. resolution of conflict
D. purgation of emotion from tension
A little learning is a dangerous thing
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian Spring
The shallow droughts intoxicate the brain
And drinking largely sobers us again
51. The poem above is
A. allegoric B. didactic
C. metaphysical D. romantic
52. The tone of the poet is
A. jocular B. harsh
C. mournful D. sombre
53. Lines 3 and 4 illustrate
A. antithesis B. oxymoron
C. anti-climax D. metonymy
Poetry gets bored of being alone,
It wants a gnawbone to chew the winds.
54. The main feeling revealed in the above lines is that of
A. smell and touch
B. sight and hearing
C. taste and touch
D. sight and taste
55. At the fall of their house, the widow lost her husband, her serving machine and her ear rings illustrates
A. bathos B. epigram
C. pathos D. oxymoron
Read the extract below and answer the following questions
Let Rome in Tiber melt, and the wide arch of the ranged empire fall! Here is my space
Kingdoms are clay; Our dungy earth alike. Feeds beast as man. The nobleness of life
is to do thus; when such a mutual pair and such a twain can do’t, in which I bind, on
pain of punishment, the world to weet
We stand up peerless.
William Shakespeare: Anthony and Cleopatra
56. Who is the speaker?
A. Cleopatra B. Alexas
C. Anthony D. Charmian
57. The speaker was replying to
A. Octavius B. Leclipus
C. Enobarbus D. Cleopatra
58. The speaker’s attitude towards the message is
A. happiness B. anger
C. intolerance D. tolerance
59. The speaker is
A. a triumvir of Rome
B. a messenger of Rome
C. an officer of Rome
D. a monarch of Rome
60. Enorbarbus is also called
A. Domitius B. Octavius
C. Lepidus D. Silius
SECTION B: Essay
INSTRUCTION – Question 1 is compulsory. Attempt any other two of your choice.
1. Assess Lucas as the hero of the story.
2. Comment on the lives and activities of the village people.
3. State five ways one can make good use of ones reading habit.
4. Discuss the plot of the play, “Marriage of Anansewa”.
Answers to Literature in English Exam Questions for SS1 Third 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 Third 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 | B | 3 | A |
| 4 | B | 5 | C | 6 | D |
| 7 | A | 8 | C | 9 | B |
| 10 | A | 11 | C | 12 | A |
| 13 | B | 14 | B | 15 | D |
| 16 | B | 17 | C | 18 | D |
| 19 | A | 20 | C | 21 | B |
| 22 | B | 23 | D | 24 | B |
| 25 | A | 26 | D | 27 | B |
| 28 | D | 29 | A | 30 | B |
| 31 | D | 32 | A | 33 | A |
| 34 | A | 35 | D | 36 | B |
| 37 | D | 38 | D | 39 | A |
| 40 | A | 41 | D | 42 | D |
| 43 | A | 44 | A | 45 | B |
| 46 | C | 47 | D | 48 | A |
| 49 | D | 50 | D | 51 | B |
| 52 | D | 53 | A | 54 | C |
| 55 | A | 56 | C | 57 | A |
| 58 | B | 59 | D | 60 | C |
So here you have the answers to the objective section of Literature in English Exam Questions for SS1 Third 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. Assess Lucas as the hero of the story.
Lucas is portrayed as a true hero in the story due to his courage, wisdom, and moral uprightness. He rises above personal gain and selfish ambitions to stand for truth and justice. His leadership qualities and sense of responsibility make him a central figure in resolving conflicts and protecting the weak. Despite facing several challenges, he does not compromise his values, and his resilience helps to bring about positive change in the community. His character embodies the traits of a classic hero who is selfless, determined, and inspiring to others.
2. Comment on the lives and activities of the village people.
The village people lead a communal life rooted in tradition and culture. Their activities are centered around farming, fishing, and local crafts, which sustain their livelihood. Festivals, storytelling, and rituals form an essential part of their social life. The people are closely knit and support one another in times of joy and hardship. However, they also face challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and sometimes harmful customs. Despite these, their resilience and strong cultural values help maintain harmony and identity within the community.
3. State five ways one can make good use of one’s reading habit.
a. Improving vocabulary: Reading regularly exposes one to new words and expressions.
b. Enhancing knowledge: It helps in gaining information about different subjects and the world at large.
c. Boosting academic performance: Students who read often tend to perform better in school.
d. Developing critical thinking: Reading encourages deep thinking and analysis of situations.
e. Entertainment and relaxation: Reading can be a source of fun and a way to relieve stress.
4. Discuss the plot of the play, “Marriage of Anansewa”.
“Marriage of Anansewa” is a comedic play written by Efua Sutherland. The plot revolves around Ananse, a cunning and manipulative man who schemes to get bride price from multiple wealthy chiefs by betrothing them all to his daughter, Anansewa. Ananse uses deceitful methods such as writing love letters to each chief, pretending that they alone are chosen to marry his daughter.
The climax of the play occurs when Anansewa pretends to be dead, forcing the chiefs to send expensive gifts in a show of loyalty and concern. In the end, Ananse reveals the truth and selects the most generous chief as Anansewa’s husband. The play uses humor and satire to explore themes such as greed, parental control, and the role of women in society.
How to Pass Literature in English Exam Questions for SS1 Third Term
Passing your Literature in English exam questions for SS1 Third term requires a combination of preparation, understanding, and strategy. Here are actionable tips to help you excel:
How to Pass Literature in English Exam Questions for SS1 Third Term
Passing Literature in English in SS1 Third Term requires a combination of consistent reading, understanding literary elements, and practicing how to answer both objective and essay questions. Here are some helpful tips to guide you:
1. Read All Recommended Texts: Study the drama, prose, and poetry texts prescribed for the term. Understand the plot, characters, setting, and themes.
2. Understand Literary Terms: Know the meaning of important literary terms like metaphor, irony, satire, mood, tone, theme, and characterisation. These often appear in objective questions.
3. Take Notes: As you read, write down summaries, character traits, and important quotes. This will help you revise faster during exam periods.
4. Practice Past Questions: Go through previous exam questions and practice how to answer them, especially essay-type questions. Learn how to structure your answers clearly with examples from the text.
5. Study Actively with Others: Discussing the texts with classmates or a study group can deepen your understanding and help you remember more.
6. Listen and Ask Questions: Pay attention during Literature classes and don’t be afraid to ask questions when you don’t understand something.
7. Manage Time During the Exam: Read all instructions carefully and divide your time wisely between objective and essay questions. Begin with the ones you are sure of.
With dedication and smart preparation, you can pass Literature in English with flying colours.
It’s a wrap!
If you need more clarification on SS1 Third Term Questions on Literature in English, you can use the comments box below. We’ll be there to answer you asap.
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 2025 JAMB, WAEC, NECO and BECE Tutorial Classes on Facebook. (Like and Follow Page)
This is for both Science and Art Students
If this post was helpful to you, please help us to reach others by sharing with the buttons below!
