2020 WAEC Possible Literature Questions And Answers
SECTION A
Part 1
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE OF LITERATURE
1. A praise poem is ____________
A. A Ballad
B. A Panegyric
C. An Allegory
D. An Epigram
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
A Panegyric is a formal public speech, or (in later use) written verse, delivered in high praise of a person or thing, a generally highly studied and undiscriminating eulogy, not expected to be critical.
2. A literary work in which the characters are animals is a ____________
A. Lampoon
B. Fable
C. Parody
D. Pantomine
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
A Fable is a short tale to teach a moral lesson, often with animals or inanimate objects as characters
3. A short single act drama is called____________
A. Opera
B. Allusion
C. Farce
D. Playlet
Correct Answer: Option D
Explanation
A playlet can be defined as a short play or dramatic piece.
Use the following line to answer question 4
Through the trees, I’ll hear a single
ringing sound, a cowbell jingle
4. The bolded is an example of______ryhme
A. End
B. Feminine
C. Internal
D. Masculine
Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation
End rhyme is defined as when a poem has lines ending with words that sound the same.
Read the following lines and answer questions 5 to 7
Yet, let me flap this bug with gilded wings,
This painted child of dirt, that stinks and stings
5. The alliteration in stinks and stings effectively conveys__________-
A. Distaste
B. Admiration
C. Indifference
D. Approval
Correct Answer: Option A
6. The poet’s intention is to___________
A. Create Humor
B. Arouse sympathy
C. Create fun
D. Show Contempt
Correct Answer: Option D
7. The lines illustrate________
A. Blank Verse
B. End rhyme
C. Internal rhyme
D. Free Verse
Correct Answer: Option D
8. A play on words for literary effect is_________
A. A Paradox
B. A Pun
C. A Satire
D. An Elegy
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
Pun can be defined as a joke exploiting the different possible meanings of a word or the fact that there are words which sound alike but have different meanings.
synonyms: play on words
9. ‘Its a matter of sad joy’ illustrates__________
A. Metonymy
B. Oxymoron
C. Euphemism
D. Irony
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
An oxymoron is a term for a figure of speech. It is made up of two or more words that seem to be opposite to each other, or actually are opposite.
10. The leading character in a literary work is the________
A. Foil
B. Villain
C. Antagonist
D. Protagonist
Correct Answer: Option D
Explanation
A protagonist (from Ancient Greek πρωταγωνιστής (protagonistes), meaning ‘one who plays the first part, chief actor’) is the leading character of a story. The protagonist is at the center of the story, makes the key decisions, and experiences the consequences of those decisions.
11. A long narrative poem that relates heroic exploits is an___________
A. Epilogue
B. Epitaph
B. Epic
D. Epigram
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
In literature, an epic is a long narrative poem, which is usually related to heroic deeds of a person of an unusual courage and unparalleled bravery
12. Over the cobbles it clattered and crashed is an example of__________
A. Oxymoron
B. Pun
C. Onomatopoeia
D. Paradox
Correct Answer: Option C
Explanation
Onomatopoeia is one way a poet can create sounds in a poem
13. An essential features of drama is___________
A. Soliloquy
B. Conflict
C. Irony
D. Aside
Correct Answer: Option B
14. A humorous poem with five lines, the first two rhyming with the last is______________
A. An ode
B. Sestet
C. Octave
D. A Limerick
Correct Answer: Option D
Explanation
A limerick is a humorous poem consisting of five lines. The first, second, and fifth lines must have seven to ten syllables while rhyming and having the same verbal rhythm. The third and fourth lines only have to have five to seven syllables, and have to rhyme with each other and have the same rhythm
15. Death be not proud, though some have called thee might and dreadful is an example of___________
A. Euphemism
B. Metaphor
C. Apostrophe
D. Alliteration
Correct Answer: Option C
16. An essential part of the plot is____________
A. Characterization
B. Exposition
C. Atmosphere
D. Foreshadow
Correct Answer: Option A
17. The climax in a literary work is the ______
A. Middle
B. Beginning
C. Central part of the dialogue
D. Peak of the conflict
Correct Answer: Option D
Explanation
The climax or turning point of a narrative work is its point of highest tension and drama, or it is the time when the action starts during which the solution is given. The climax of a story is a literary element.
18. Dramatis personae is the same as ______
A. Chorus
B. Prompter
C. Foil
D. Cast
Correct Answer: Option D
Explanation
The characters in a play are sometimes referred to as the dramatis personae.
19. Ten thousand saw I at glance……. Illustrates______
A. Caesura
B. Climax
C. Bathos
D. Hyperbole
Correct Answer: Option D
Explanation
Hyperbole, from a Greek word meaning “excess,” is a figure of speech that uses extreme exaggeration to make a point or show emphasis. It is the opposite of understatement.
20. Catharsis is normally associated with_____
A. Pantomime
B. Tragedy
C. Comedy
D. Farce
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
Catharsis, the purification or purgation of the emotions (especially pity and fear) primarily through art. Aristotle states that the purpose of tragedy is to arouse “terror and pity” and thereby effect the catharsis of these emotions.
Part 2
UNSEEN PROSE AND POETRY
Read the passage and answer question 21 to 25
21. The dominant feeling in the passage is that of______________
A. Hostility
B. Anger
C. Anxiety
D. Bitterness
Correct Answer: Option D
22. The feeling is conveyed by the use of_________
A. Long sentences
B. Visual images
C. Tactile images
D. Short sentences
Correct Answer: Option C
23. Their silence spoke millions illustrates___________
A. Oxymoron
B. Litotes
C. Tactile images
D. Short sentences
Correct Answer: Option C
24. The family bell summoned us is an example of__________
A. Apostrophe
B. Personification
C. Allusion
D. Euphemism
Correct Answer: Option B
25. The passage is__________
A. In First person
B. In Third Person
C. A Dialogue
D. Monologue
Correct Answer: Option A
Read the poem and answer questions 26 to 30.
26. The first stanza is a ____________
A. Tercet
B. Couplet
C. Quatrain
D. Sestet
Correct Answer: Option A
27. The poem evokes the senses of_______
A. Smell and Sight
B. Smell and Hearing
C. Sight and Hearing
D. Touch and Smell
Correct Answer: Option C
28. The dominant literary device used in the poem is_____________
A. Allusion
B. Repetition
C. Allegory
D. Metonymy
Correct Answer: Option B
29. The poet’s tone is one of__________
A. Anxiety
B. Defiance
C. Nostalgia
D. Regret
Correct Answer: Option C
30. My ears will drink by eager of choice illustrates________
A. Oxymoron
B. Onomatopoeia
C. Synecdoche
D. Meiosis
Correct Answer: Option C
SECTION B
WILLIAMS SHAKESPEARE: Othello
Read the extract and answer questions 31 to 35.
31. The speaker is_____________
A. Duke
B. Othello
C. Brabantio
D. Cassio
Correct Answer: Option A
32. The tale being referred to is___________
A. Duke’s war exploits
B. Brabantio’s rejection of the Othello and Desdemona relationship
C. Othello’s war exploits
D. Brabantio’s rejection of Othello’s love for his daughter
Correct Answer: Option C
33. ……..this tale justifies_________
A. Roderigo’s unrequited love for Desdemona
B. Cassio’s promotion above Iago
C. Desdemona’s attraction to Othello
D. Brabantio’s rejection of Othello’s love for his daughter
Correct Answer: Option C
34. The underlined expression means___________
A. Seek counsel elsewhere
B. Wait till the war is ended
C. Take your revenge
D. Make the best out of this
Correct Answer: Option D
35. According to the speaker__________
A. The tale was good enough to win a woman’s heart
B. The fight was unnecessary
C. The charges were a waste of time
D. There were other matters demanding the attention of the Senate
Correct Answer: Option A
Read the extract and answer questions 36 to 40
36. Othello is speaking to_____________
A. Brabantio
B. Duke
C. Montano
D. Roderigo
Correct Answer: Option B
37. The speech illustrates the use of________
A. Irony
B. Litotes
C. Paradox
D. Comic relief
Correct Answer: Option A
38. A man he is honesty and trust refers to_________
A. Cassio
B. Lodovico
C. Gratiano
D. Iago
Correct Answer: Option D
39. Othello is leaving to__________
A. Fight in Rhodes
B. Make peace with the Turks
C. Meet the government of Cyprus
D. Take over the government of Cyprus
Correct Answer: Option B
40. Othello then_________
A. Leaves with Desdemona
B. Entrusts Desdemona to Iago’s care
C. Calls his lieutenant
D. Confers with the Duke
Correct Answer: Option B
Read the extract and answer questions 41 to 45
41. His soldiership refers to______________
A. Roderigo
B. Montano
C. Cassio
D. Brabantio
Correct Answer: Option C
42. Sir refers to__________
A. Cassio
B. Roderigo
C. Othello
D. Duke
Correct Answer: Option B
43. Iago___________
A. Wants to go to Cyprus with Othello
B. Does not regard Roderigo as a good soldier
C. Is bitter about Cassio’s appointment as Lieutenant
D. Has been placed in charge of Desdemona
Correct Answer: Option C
44. His eyes refers to____________
A. Lodovico
B. Cassio
C. Othello
D. Duke
Correct Answer: Option B
46. The setting is_______
A. The Castle
B. Cyprus
C. A sea-port
D. Venice
Correct Answer: Option D
Read the extract and answer questions 46 to 50
46. The speaker is ________
A. Iago
B. Othello
C. Brabantio
D. Duke
Correct Answer: Option B
47. The first two lines express the speaker’s_____________
A. Loneliness
B. Fear
C. Confusion
D. Regret
Correct Answer: Option D
48. The speaker has just_______________
A. Divorced his wife
B. Arrived home from war
C. Had a nightmare
D. Smothered his wife
Correct Answer: Option D
49. The speech is provoked by______
A. Emilia’s call
B. Iago’s treachery
C. Cassio’s confession
D. Desdemona’s plea
Correct Answer: Option A
50. The underlined expression suggests that____________
A. There is an imminent eclipse
B. Life will never be the same again for the speaker
C. Nothing will change
D. There is an impending danger for the speaker
Correct Answer: Option B
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