As you prepare for JAMB Literature-in-English, it is important to practise questions that reflect how the exam is actually set. For that reason, the questions below are carefully selected to mirror the style, language, and difficulty level you are likely to face.
More importantly, each question comes with a short explanation to help you understand why an option is correct, not just what the correct option is.
Question 1
The substitution of a mild and pleasant expression for a harsh or blunt one is known as:
A. Ambiguity
B. Climax
C. Periphrasis
D. Euphemism
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Euphemism
Explanation: In literature, euphemism is used to soften unpleasant or offensive expressions. Writers often use it to avoid sounding harsh or insensitive.
Question 2
Any literary work written mainly to instruct or teach is described as:
A. Narrative
B. Didactic
C. Lyric
D. Dramatic
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Didactic
Explanation: Didactic literature focuses on teaching moral lessons or providing instruction. As a result, its purpose goes beyond entertainment.
Question 3
A sonnet is best described as a poem consisting of:
A. 14 lines
B. 10 lines
C. Seven stanzas
D. Six stanzas
CORRECT ANSWER: A. 14 lines
Explanation: By definition, a sonnet contains 14 lines. For example, Shakespeare’s poems are classic examples of sonnets.
Question 4
In a narrative, an antagonist is a character who:
A. Supports the protagonist at all times
B. Works against the interest of the protagonist
C. Tells the story from beginning to end
D. Always plays the role of a hero
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Works against the interest of the protagonist
Explanation: The antagonist creates opposition for the main character. In most cases, this conflict drives the plot forward.
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Question 5
In the expression “Olu hissed, slammed the door and screamed,” the dominant figure of speech is:
A. Zeugma
B. Hyperbole
C. Oxymoron
D. Onomatopoeia
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Onomatopoeia
Explanation: Words like “hissed” and “slammed” imitate real sounds. Therefore, the figure of speech used here is onomatopoeia.
Question 6
The tone in the lines “I have known them all already… I’ve measured out my life with coffee spoons” suggests:
A. A strong desire for success
B. Anxiety and tension
C. Boredom and tiredness
D. Excitement and confidence
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Boredom and tiredness
Explanation: The speaker sounds emotionally exhausted. In addition, the imagery suggests a repetitive and unfulfilling life.
Question 7
A limerick is a poem that has:
A. Seven lines
B. A formal and serious tone
C. Five lines with a rhyme scheme
D. No fixed structure
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Five lines with a rhyme scheme
Explanation: Limericks are short, humorous poems. Typically, they have five lines and a distinctive rhythmic pattern.
Question 8
The process by which a writer creates characters and gives them specific traits is called:
A. Plot development
B. Conflict
C. Characterisation
D. Theme
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Characterisation
Explanation: Characterisation explains how characters are presented. This may be done through dialogue, actions, or the narrator’s description.
Question 9
From the poem “Bats,” the poet’s attitude is best described as:
A. Appreciation of nature
B. Celebration of wildlife
C. Praise of bats as harmless creatures
D. Disgust and strong dislike toward bats
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Disgust and strong dislike toward bats
Explanation: The poet uses unpleasant descriptions. Consequently, the attitude conveyed is clearly negative rather than admiring.
Question 10
Using the name of one thing to represent another closely associated with it is known as:
A. Irony
B. Metonymy
C. Simile
D. Pun
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Metonymy
Explanation: Metonymy replaces a concept with something closely related to it. For instance, “the crown” can represent kingship.
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Conclusion
Overall, these questions reflect common areas tested in JAMB Literature-in-English, especially figures of speech, poetic forms, character roles, and tone. Therefore, mastering them will improve both your confidence and accuracy during the exam.
Above all, remember that consistent practice and clear understanding always produce better results than memorisation alone.
Keywords
JAMB Literature in English questions
JAMB Literature objective questions
Latest JAMB Literature questions
JAMB Literature past questions and answers
Figures of speech for JAMB
Credit: Allschool, Allcbt
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