The JAMB Literature in English exam is a crucial part of the UTME for students aiming to pursue degrees in the arts, social sciences, and related fields. With the 2025/2026 session approaching, it’s essential for students to focus on frequently repeated topics to optimize their chances of success. This official guide provides a comprehensive list of the most commonly tested topics in JAMB Literature in English, along with effective study tips to help you ace the exam.
JAMB Literature in English Exam Overview
Before diving into the highly repeated topics, let's review the key aspects of the JAMB Literature in English exam:
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Total Number of Questions: 40
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Question Type: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
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Duration: Part of the UTME (2 hours)
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Syllabus Coverage: The exam covers major works in English literature, including drama, poetry, and prose.
Highly Repeated Topics in JAMB Literature in English (2025/2026)
Here is a breakdown of the key areas in Literature in English that have been historically tested and are likely to appear again in the 2025/2026 JAMB exam.
1. Poetry
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Poetic Devices and Techniques:
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Understanding metaphor, simile, alliteration, personification, hyperbole, and other poetic devices.
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Identifying the tone, mood, and theme of a poem.
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Analyzing rhyme schemes, line structure, and stanza arrangement in various poems.
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Famous Poems and Poets:
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Works by Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, John Keats, William Shakespeare, and others.
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The themes and styles of prominent poets.
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Poetry Analysis:
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How to break down poems for interpretation, focusing on the central message and context.
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Recognizing the purpose of a poem (whether for entertainment, education, or social commentary).
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2. Drama
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Key Elements of Drama:
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Understanding characterization, plot, setting, and dialogue in plays.
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The structure of drama (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement).
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Famous Plays and Playwrights:
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Analysis of plays like “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry, “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe, and “The Trials of Brother Jero” by Wole Soyinka.
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Major themes, characters, and plot summaries of popular plays.
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Types of Drama:
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Tragedy, Comedy, Farce, and Satire.
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Differences between classical drama and modern drama, including how dramatic forms have evolved over time.
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3. Prose Fiction
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Characterization and Character Development:
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How to identify protagonists, antagonists, round and flat characters in novels.
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The relationship between characters and the development of dynamic characters over the course of a story.
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Plot Structure and Development:
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Conflict, climax, resolution, and how they are used to build suspense and interest.
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The chronological order of events and flashbacks within novels.
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Themes in Prose Fiction:
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Common themes like love, revenge, power, corruption, social injustice, and identity.
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How themes drive the moral lessons or main ideas in a story.
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4. Literary Terms and Devices
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Common Literary Terms:
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Definitions and examples of irony, symbolism, allegory, paradox, and allusion.
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Understanding narrative techniques such as first-person narration, stream of consciousness, and third-person omniscient.
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Figures of Speech:
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Identifying and understanding the use of figures of speech such as metaphors, similes, oxymoron, pun, and others.
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5. Literary Analysis and Criticism
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Critical Approaches to Literature:
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Understanding different methods of literary criticism: formalism, psychoanalytic criticism, Marxist criticism, and feminist criticism.
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Analyzing a literary work from various perspectives to uncover its deeper meaning.
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Understanding Literary Context:
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The historical, cultural, and social context in which a work was written.
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The relevance of context in shaping the themes and messages of a literary work.
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6. African Literature
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Key African Writers and Works:
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Prominent authors such as Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, and Ama Ata Aidoo.
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Their major works and the significant themes explored in African literature, including colonialism, post-colonialism, identity, and social issues.
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Post-Colonial Literature:
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Understanding the concept of post-colonialism in African literature and its impact on modern African identities.
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The role of literature in addressing national identity, language, and independence.
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7. Shakespearean Literature
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Major Works by William Shakespeare:
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Understanding the themes, characters, and plots of “Macbeth,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “Hamlet,” and “Othello”.
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The historical and cultural significance of Shakespeare’s works in both English and global literature.
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Shakespeare’s Writing Style and Techniques:
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The use of soliloquies, iambic pentameter, and imagery in Shakespeare’s plays.
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The role of dramatic irony and tragic flaws in shaping the events and outcomes of his plays.
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8. Literary Genres and Sub-genres
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Fiction vs. Non-fiction:
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Differences between fictional works (novels, short stories) and non-fiction (biographies, essays).
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The role of genre in shaping the themes, structures, and reception of literary works.
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Short Stories:
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Common elements of short stories, including plot development, characterization, setting, and theme.
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Analyzing the central conflict and resolution in short fiction.
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Study Tips for JAMB Literature in English Exam
To perform well in the JAMB Literature in English exam, follow these study strategies:
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Study the Syllabus Thoroughly: Ensure you’re familiar with the key topics outlined in the JAMB syllabus for Literature in English.
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Analyze Past Questions: Practicing with past questions will help you understand the common patterns and types of questions that come up.
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Focus on Repeated Topics: Concentrate your study efforts on the most frequently repeated topics, as these are most likely to appear again.
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Understand the Themes: Rather than memorizing plot details, focus on the underlying themes, character motivations, and overall messages of the works you study.
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Join Study Groups: Collaborating with others can help clarify doubts and enhance your understanding of complex topics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many questions are asked in the JAMB Literature in English exam?
The JAMB Literature in English exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions.
2. How can I improve my Literature in English score in JAMB?
To improve your score, practice consistently with past questions, pay attention to commonly tested topics, and understand the deeper meanings of literary works.
3. Are Shakespeare’s works important for the JAMB Literature exam?
Yes, works by William Shakespeare are often tested, so it’s essential to understand the key themes, characters, and motifs in his plays.
4. Can I pass the JAMB Literature exam without attending a coaching class?
Yes, many students pass the exam through self-study. Use the right materials, including past questions and textbooks, to study effectively.
5. How can I prepare for the Literature section of JAMB?
Read widely, focus on the most repeated topics, analyze literature critically, and practice past questions to get a good understanding of the exam pattern.
Conclusion
The JAMB Literature in English exam is an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of key literary works and concepts. By focusing on the most frequently repeated topics and adopting effective study strategies, you can increase your chances of scoring highly in the exam. Consistency in practice and comprehension of the core themes and techniques will prepare you for success.
