Likely WAEC GCE Literature in English 2025/2026 – Model Answer Guide.
1. Prose (Novels / Short Stories)
Common Question Types
Summary of the plot.
Character description and analysis.
Theme and moral lesson.
Author’s style and purpose.
Significant events or conflicts.
How to Structure Your Answer
a) Summarizing a Plot
Introduction: Mention the title, author, and general overview.
Body: Summarize the main events in chronological order (beginning → middle → end).
Conclusion: State the resolution or lesson from the story.
Example Paragraph:
“In ‘Title’ by Author, the story begins with… [brief description]. The main character faces… [central conflict]. By the end, [resolution/conclusion]. The story highlights… [theme/moral].”
b) Character Analysis
Describe appearance, personality, and traits.
Explain motivations and decisions.
Provide examples or quotes from the story.
Example Paragraph:
“Character X is shown to be courageous and determined. For instance, when faced with… [describe event], he/she… [action]. This shows… [trait].”
c) Theme Discussion
Identify central ideas or lessons.
Link events or characters to the theme.
Use examples or quotes to support points.
Example Paragraph:
“A central theme in the story is honesty. This is evident when… [example from plot]. The author uses this to show… [lesson].”
2. Poetry
Common Question Types
Explain theme or main idea.
Identify and analyze figurative language.
Describe mood or tone.
Discuss imagery and sound devices.
Support answers with quotes.
Answer Strategy
Introduction: State the poem title, poet, and general idea.
Body Paragraphs:
Theme: Explain main message.
Figurative language: Identify examples (similes, metaphors, personification).
Imagery/mood: Describe feelings or pictures created.
Supporting quotes: Always quote and explain significance.
Conclusion: Summarize overall impact or message of the poem.
Example Paragraph:
“The poem ‘Title’ by Poet explores the theme of resilience. The poet uses the metaphor ‘…’ to show… The tone is hopeful, as seen in the line ‘…’. Imagery of nature reinforces the message by… Overall, the poem inspires readers to….”
To Go 2025 WAEC GCE Literature in English 2025/2026 (Drama, Prose and Poetry)
WAEC GCE Literature in English 2025/2026 – Model Answer
3. Drama (Plays)
Common Question Types
Character analysis.
Key conflicts and resolution.
Theme and moral lessons.
Significant quotations.
Effect of character actions on plot.
Answer Strategy
Introduction: Name the play, playwright, and main idea.
Body Paragraphs:
Character analysis: Describe personality, actions, and motivations.
Conflict: Identify central problems and how they affect the plot.
Theme: Explain moral lessons or central messages.
Quotations: Quote lines and explain significance.
Conclusion: Summarize main lessons or impact of the play.
Example Paragraph:
“In the play ‘Title’ by Playwright, Character X is ambitious and manipulative, as seen when… This action leads to… [conflict]. A key theme is justice, illustrated by… The quotation ‘…’ shows how the character’s decisions affect the outcome.”
Extra Tips for Literature
Always quote text to support points.
Keep paragraphs organized: topic sentence → example → explanation.
Focus on themes, character traits, and literary devices.
Practice summarizing stories and poems in your own words.
Understand cause and effect in plots for prose and drama.
Likely WAEC GCE Literature in English 2025/2026 – Model Answers Guide
Section A: Prose (Novels / Short Stories)
1. Summarize the story “The Adventures of X”
Step-by-step structure:
Introduction:
“The story ‘The Adventures of X’ by Author tells the journey of a young protagonist facing challenges in society.”Body:
Beginning: Introduce main character and setting.
Middle: Describe the main conflict or challenge.
End: Show resolution or outcome.
Conclusion:
“The story teaches that perseverance and honesty lead to success.”
2. Describe the main character in “The Adventures of X”
Introduction: Name and role of the character.
Body Paragraphs:
Personality traits: brave, honest, cunning, etc.
Actions that reveal traits.
How these actions affect other characters.
Conclusion: Link traits to overall message or theme.
3. Explain the theme of “The Adventures of X”
Introduction: State theme (e.g., perseverance, friendship, honesty).
Body:
Give examples from key events.
Explain how characters’ actions highlight the theme.
Conclusion: Show relevance to readers’ lives.
4. Discuss the conflict in “The Adventures of X”
Introduction: Briefly state the main conflict.
Body:
Internal conflict (within character)
External conflict (between characters or with society)
How conflict drives the plot.
Conclusion: Outcome and lesson learned.
5. Author’s style in “The Adventures of X”
Introduction: Mention writing style (simple, descriptive, formal, etc.)
Body:
Use of dialogue to reveal character.
Descriptive passages to show setting.
Humor or irony in events.
Conclusion: Effect on reader understanding or engagement.
Section B: Poetry
6. Explain the theme of the poem “Hope in Adversity”
Introduction: State title, poet, and main theme.
Body:
Line examples that show hope or resilience.
Figurative language: metaphors, similes.
Mood/tone created by poet.
Conclusion: Connect theme to readers’ experiences.
7. Identify and explain figurative language
Step-by-step:
Quote a line using metaphor, simile, or personification.
Explain meaning and effect.
Link to theme or mood.
Example:
“The poet says, ‘The sun wept tears of fire.’ This is personification showing the intensity of suffering. It emphasizes the struggles in life and evokes sympathy from the reader.”
8. Discuss imagery and mood
Introduction: State imagery type (visual, auditory, tactile).
Body:
Quote lines and describe the images.
Explain how imagery creates mood.
Conclusion: Show how imagery reinforces theme.
Section C: Drama
9. Character analysis in “The Trial of Justice”
Introduction: Name character, role, and significance.
Body Paragraphs:
Traits: ambitious, corrupt, wise, etc.
Actions and decisions.
Effects on plot and other characters.
Conclusion: How character embodies the play’s message.
10. Explain conflict and resolution in “The Trial of Justice”
Introduction: State main conflict (man vs man, man vs society).
Body:
Describe conflict development through acts/scenes.
Key events leading to resolution.
Lessons learned from outcome.
Conclusion: Moral or social relevance.
11. Themes and moral lessons in “The Trial of Justice”
Introduction: State main theme (justice, integrity, corruption).
Body:
Use examples from acts/scenes.
Show how characters illustrate theme.
Conclusion: Highlight lesson for audience.
12. Use of quotations to support answers
Always quote directly from text.
Explain context and meaning.
Link quote to theme, character, or mood.
Example:
“When Character X says, ‘Justice will prevail,’ it shows his unwavering belief in fairness. This reinforces the play’s theme of moral accountability.”
Tips for Literature Section
Always organize answers: Intro → Body → Conclusion.
Keep paragraphs focused on one idea.
Support points with examples, quotes, or events.
Revise set texts thoroughly; expect questions on plot, characters, theme, and style.
Practice summarizing paragraphs in your own words for speed.
