JAMB UTME - Literature In English - 2020

Question 1 Report

Based on Ernest Hemingway's The Old Man and The Sea,Santiago's second dream occurs

when he sleeps on the boat for a few hours

the night before his fishing expedition Correct answer

in his house

at the end of the book

Answer Details

Read lesson note on Prose (JAMB)

Prose

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Question 2 Report

These questions are based on Literary Appreciation

Don't panic. Be calm. If you are somehow upset... try to regain you exposure.
The speaker in the excerpt above is

uncertain

afraid

confidant Correct answer

hopeless

Answer Details

The speaker in the excerpt is advising someone to stay calm and not panic. They suggest that if the person is upset, they should try to regain their composure. The tone of the statement is reassuring and confident, indicating that the speaker is trying to provide guidance and support to the person who is feeling uneasy. Therefore, the speaker seems to be confident and composed, not uncertain, afraid, or hopeless.

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Question 3 Report

This question is based on Ayi Kwei Armah's Fragments .

The novel suggests that an individual who stays apart from his society will

be praised for his action

be alienated by his society Correct answer

be broken by his society

live a fulfilled life

Answer Details

According to Ayi Kwei Armah's novel "Fragments", an individual who stays apart from their society is likely to be alienated by that society. The novel portrays the protagonist, Baako, as a young man who is disillusioned with his community's values and traditions, and decides to withdraw from it to seek his own path. However, this decision brings him into conflict with his family and friends, who see his behavior as a rejection of their way of life. Over time, Baako begins to feel isolated and disconnected from the world around him, leading to a sense of alienation and sadness. Therefore, the novel suggests that individuals who stay apart from their society may face social rejection and emotional hardship.

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Question 4 Report

This question is based on Literary Principles.
'They came for him that Sunday. He had just returned from a night's vigil on the mountain. He was resting on his bed, Bible open at the Book of Revelation, when two police constables, one tall, the other short, knocked at the door.'
Ngugi, 'Petals of Blood'
The writer of the passage above arrests the interest of the reader by employing

a suspenseful opening Correct answer

an appropriate setting

short clear sentences

images of violence

Answer Details

The writer of the passage above arrests the interest of the reader by employing a "suspenseful opening." By starting the passage with the sentence "They came for him that Sunday," the writer immediately creates a sense of mystery and tension, making the reader curious to know who "they" are and who "he" is. The subsequent details of the passage, such as the fact that "he" had just returned from a night's vigil on the mountain and was resting on his bed with an open Bible, add to the intrigue and heighten the sense of suspense. The use of suspenseful opening is a powerful technique in storytelling, as it captures the reader's attention and encourages them to keep reading to find out what happens next. It can be accomplished through various means, including the use of action, mystery, and unexpected events. In this particular passage, the use of a suspenseful opening immediately draws the reader into the story and sets the tone for what is to come.

Read lesson note on General Literary Principles (JAMB)

General Literary Principles

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Question 5 Report

This question is based on Femi Osofisan's Morountodun.
The frequent intervention of the Director makes the stage experience of Morountodun very

prolonged

boring

informal Correct answer

uncoordinated

Answer Details

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Question 6 Report

This question is based on Wole Soyinka's The Lion and the Jewel.
Lakunel is presented as a

fine specimen of an education young man

truly progressive and enlightened youth

strong defender of the people's tradition

caricature of a modern educated man Correct answer

Answer Details

Read lesson note on The Lion And The Jewel By Wole Soyinka (WAEC)

The Lion And The Jewel By Wole Soyinka

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Question 7 Report

' Chief, the buys are getting more expensive to handle. They continue to demand for increased pay and you know what you give for expenses. Please try and look into a possible increases in the overhead allocation.
This smuggling racket is becoming too hot to handle you know, the risk involved'.

The scene of the conversation in the excerpt above is

a street

Chief's office

a hotel
Correct answer

the Police Station

Answer Details

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Prose

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Question 8 Report

This question is based on General Literary Principles and Appreciation.
''From here the island of Fogo is a presence
At Sunset
The palm trees are slow singers of farewell
The sail on the sea
Writes in geometry of spume
- departure of he who remains
And the clouds carried by incessant soft breezes
-journey of he who never left!''
Which of the following figures of speech is used prominently in the poem?

apostrophe

litotes

hyperbole

personification Correct answer

Answer Details

The figure of speech prominently used in the poem is personification. Personification is a literary device in which an inanimate object or abstract concept is given human qualities or characteristics. In the poem, the island of Fogo is described as a "presence," which suggests that it has a personality or consciousness. The palm trees are described as "slow singers of farewell," which gives them a human-like quality of singing. The sail on the sea "writes in geometry of spume," which is a way of saying that the sail leaves a trail in the water, but it is described in a way that suggests it is a deliberate act of writing. Finally, the clouds are described as being "carried by incessant soft breezes," which suggests that the clouds are alive and being carried by something. All of these descriptions are examples of personification, as they give human-like qualities to non-human things.

Read lesson note on Poetry (JAMB)

Poetry

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Question 9 Report

'I am informed the day recycles itself today
when I slept in the Lord in February
I blame no one for an untimely death
I bless Good for a noble departure-His words
The lord taketh the righteous away before evil days
The lines above express

anniversary Correct answer

procreation

incarnation

resurrection

Answer Details

Read lesson note on Poetry (JAMB)

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Poetry

General Literary Principles

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Question 10 Report

This question is based on Ayi Kwei Armah's 'The Beautiful Ones Are Not Yet Born.'
The destruction of the conch along with Piggy's death in the novel suggests

degeneration into chaos Correct answer

the loss of an exquisitely beautiful thing

that Ralph cannot summon a meeting anymore

Jack's victory over Ralph

Answer Details

The destruction of the conch along with Piggy's death in Ayi Kwei Armah's "The Beautiful Ones Are Not Yet Born" suggests degeneration into chaos. The conch was a symbol of order and civilization, and its destruction represents the breakdown of these values. Piggy's death further underscores this, as it shows the increasing violence and loss of reason among the characters. These events suggest that the society depicted in the novel is descending into chaos and disorder, rather than the victory of one character over another.

Read lesson note on Poetry (JAMB)

Poetry

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Question 11 Report

These question are based on selected poems from Ker, D.et al (eds.)New poetry from Africa; Soyinka, (ed.): Poems of Black Africa; Senanu K.E. and Vincent, T.(eds.): A Selection of African poetry;Umukoro, M et al (eds.): Exam focus:Literature in English: Eruvbetine, A.E.et al (eds): Longman Examination Guide and Nwoga, D.I. (eds.): West African Verse.

The poet persona in Marvell's To His Coy Mistress is willing to praise the ladies eyes for

six decades

two centuries

a century

thirty thousand years Correct answer

Answer Details

Read lesson note on Poetry (JAMB)

Poetry

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Question 12 Report

This question is based on Thomas Hardy's The Mayor of Casterbridge.
The statement, 'Time the magician, had wrought much here' is made when

Susan Newson sees Henchard at Casterbridge Correct answer

Elizabeth-Jane discovers her true father

Farfrae gets married to Elizabeth-Jane

Farfrae becomes the Mayor of Casterbridge

Answer Details

The statement, "Time the magician, had wrought much here" is made when Susan Newson sees Henchard at Casterbridge. This statement is a reflection on the passage of time and how it has changed the town and its people, including the main character Michael Henchard. Susan Newson's return to Casterbridge after many years is a reminder of how much has changed and how time has had a transformative effect on the town and its inhabitants. The statement is not made during Elizabeth-Jane's discovery of her true father, Farfrae's marriage to Elizabeth-Jane, or Farfrae's becoming the Mayor of Casterbridge.

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Prose

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Question 13 Report

This question is based on J.C Graft's Sons and Daughters
,Now look what we have:a permanent bloom of ugly paper flowers!'
The device used by Aaron in the excerpt above is

suspense

rhetorical questions

oxymoron

allegory Correct answer

Answer Details

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Drama

Prose

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Question 14 Report

The characterisation of Othello maybe pointed out in that__________

he remains at a distance from much of the action that concerns and affects him at the beginning

he refuses to appoint Lago as the Lieutenant

although he is a cultural outsider in Venice, his military skills are valuable to the State Correct answer

Lago sees him as an enemy

Answer Details

The characterization of Othello can be pointed out in that he remains at a distance from much of the action that concerns and affects him at the beginning, he refuses to appoint Lago as the Lieutenant, although he is a cultural outsider in Venice, his military skills are valuable to the State, and Lago sees him as an enemy. Othello is portrayed as a complex character who is initially presented as a calm, confident, and respected military leader. However, as the play progresses, we see his character become consumed by jealousy, which ultimately leads to his tragic downfall. At the beginning of the play, Othello remains at a distance from much of the action that concerns and affects him, demonstrating his stoic and restrained nature. He also shows his strength of character by refusing to appoint Lago as the Lieutenant, despite pressure from others to do so. This decision highlights his strong sense of fairness and his ability to make tough decisions. Despite being a cultural outsider in Venice, Othello is highly respected for his military skills, which are valuable to the state. However, Lago sees him as an enemy and plots to destroy him by manipulating his emotions and exploiting his insecurities. Overall, Othello is a tragic hero whose downfall is brought about by his own flaws and the machinations of those around him.

Read lesson note on Drama (JAMB)

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Drama

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

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Question 15 Report

This question is based on General Literary Appreciation.

"Serrated shadows, through dark leaves
Til, bathed in warm suffusion of your
dapped cells
Sensation pained me, faceless, silent
as night thieves."
Wole Soyinka: Night

The dominant mood in the lines above is one of

apprehension Correct answer

defiance

joy

indifference

Answer Details

The dominant mood in the lines from Wole Soyinka's poem "Night" is apprehension. The description of "serrated shadows" and the use of words like "pained" and "night thieves" create a sense of unease and danger. The speaker seems to be experiencing a sensation that is overwhelming and potentially threatening. The darkness and silence of the night also contribute to the mood of apprehension, as the speaker may feel vulnerable and alone in this environment. Overall, the language and imagery in these lines convey a mood of anxiety and uncertainty.

Read lesson note on Poetry (JAMB)

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Poetry

Literary Appreciation

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Question 16 Report

According tp Peter's The Panic of Growing Older at twenty a man is

poor

religious

hopeful Correct answer

frustrated

Answer Details

According to Peter's "The Panic of Growing Older", at twenty years old, a man is typically "hopeful". This means that they have a positive outlook on life and their future, and are generally optimistic about what lies ahead. This is a common trait among young people who are just starting out in life, as they have not yet experienced the full range of challenges and setbacks that can come with age. The poem suggests that as people grow older, they may become more jaded or disillusioned, and lose some of the hopefulness that they once had in their youth.

Read lesson note on Poetry (JAMB)

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Poetry

General Literary Principles

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Question 17 Report

In the novel "Piggy's" glasses symbolizes

arrogance

childishness

entellectualism
Correct answer

ignorance

Answer Details

Read lesson note on General Literary Principles (JAMB)

Read lesson note on Prose (JAMB)

General Literary Principles

Prose

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Question 18 Report

"Why should I play the Roman fool, and die
On mine own sword?"

Based on William Shakespeare's Macbeth,playing the Roman fool from the above statement implies

acting the part of a foolish Roman

behaving like Brutus and Mark Anthony

acting like foolish Romans who killed themselves with their own hands Correct answer

acting the Part of a Roman fool in a play

Answer Details

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Drama

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Question 19 Report

These questions are based on general Literary principles

The repetition of single words or phrases at the beginning of a line is

assonance

onomatopoeia

alliteration

parallelism Correct answer

Answer Details

Read lesson note on General Literary Principles (JAMB)

General Literary Principles

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Question 20 Report

This question is based on General Literary Principles.
The literary term which describes the angle at which a writer tells his story is

story angle

story line

aside

point of view Correct answer

Answer Details

The literary term that describes the angle at which a writer tells his or her story is called the point of view. Point of view refers to the perspective or vantage point from which a story is told. It can be first-person, where the narrator is a character in the story and uses "I" and "we" to tell the story. It can also be third-person, where the narrator is not a character in the story and uses "he," "she," and "they" to describe the characters and events. Third-person point of view can be limited, where the narrator only knows the thoughts and feelings of one character, or omniscient, where the narrator knows everything about all the characters. The choice of point of view can have a significant impact on how the story is perceived by the reader, and can affect the level of intimacy and objectivity of the narration.

Read lesson note on General Literary Principles (JAMB)

General Literary Principles

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Question 21 Report

This question is based on Buchi Emecheta's Second Class Citizen.
For her act of child neglect, Adah's mother was forced by the police to

taste raw and black pepper

sleep in solitary cell

drink a bowl of garri Correct answer

pay a fine of ten shillings

Answer Details

Read lesson note on Second Class Citizen By Buchi Emecheta (WAEC)

Second Class Citizen By Buchi Emecheta

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Question 22 Report

This question is based on selected poems from Wole Soyinka (ed.) Poems of Black Africa and D.I. Nwoga (ed.) West African Verse.
'...Tide and market come and go
And so shall your mother.'
The above lines from J.P. Clark's 'Streamside
Exchange' depict the

variation of season

changing periods of marketing

constancy of nature Correct answer

importance of living

Answer Details

The above lines from J.P. Clark's 'Streamside Exchange' depict the constancy of nature. The poet uses the imagery of the tide and market coming and going to illustrate the cyclical and unchanging nature of life. Just as the tide and market are recurring phenomena, so is the cycle of birth and death. The poet also makes reference to "your mother" which may be interpreted as a metaphor for the natural world that sustains us. Thus, the lines suggest that although life may seem fleeting and transitory, there is a sense of continuity and permanence in the natural world.

Read lesson note on Poetry (JAMB)

Poetry

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Question 23 Report

A poem of 14 lines is known as__________

sonnet Correct answer

octave

sestet

quatrain

Answer Details

A poem of 14 lines is known as a "sonnet." The sonnet is a popular form of poetry that has been used for centuries. It typically consists of 14 lines and follows a specific rhyme scheme and meter. The most common form of sonnet is the "Shakespearean" sonnet, which is divided into three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final couplet (two-line stanza). The rhyme scheme for a Shakespearean sonnet is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The sonnet is a versatile form of poetry that has been used to express a wide range of themes and emotions, from love and romance to social commentary and political satire.

Read lesson note on Poetry (JAMB)

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Poetry

General Literary Principles

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Question 24 Report

This question is based on Femi Osofisan's Morountodun.
....We have no electric, and we still drink tanwiji from the stream. Many of our children are in jail... We protested and your police mounted expeditions to maim us and reduce our houses to ashes...'
The images depicted are those of

poverty and opulence

opulence and brutality

suffering and depression

suffering and brutality Correct answer

Answer Details

The images depicted in the quote from Femi Osofisan's Morountodun are those of suffering and brutality. The lack of electricity and the need to drink from the stream show poverty and hardship. The mention of children being in jail and the police using violence against the protesters highlights the brutality faced by the people. These images paint a picture of suffering and oppression, not opulence and prosperity.

Read lesson note on Literary Appreciation (JAMB)

Literary Appreciation

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Question 25 Report

This question is based on General Literacy Principles

A literacy device wherein the author places a person, concept, idea or theme parallel to another is ________?

allusion

juxtaposition Correct answer

symbolism

memoir

Answer Details

The literary device where an author places two or more people, concepts, ideas or themes side by side in order to compare or contrast them is called "juxtaposition". This technique allows the reader to see the similarities or differences between the subjects being compared, and can help to highlight certain qualities or characteristics. For example, a writer might use juxtaposition to compare a wealthy character with a poor one, in order to emphasize the differences in their lifestyles and priorities. Alternatively, they might use juxtaposition to place two opposing ideas or concepts together, in order to create tension or irony in their writing.

Read lesson note on General Literary Principles (JAMB)

General Literary Principles

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Question 26 Report

This question is based on Chinua Achebe's Arrow of God
'The crisis over the New Yam Feast arose because

Ezeulu refused to eat the sacred yams at the appropriate time

the harvest season came too early

the Christians in Umuaro diverted their own yams to their church

Ezeulu's absence from Umuaro had prevented him from eating the sacred yams at the right time Correct answer

Answer Details

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Drama

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Question 27 Report

This question is based on General Literary Principles.
The technique used in bringing the plot of a play to an abrupt end is called

deus ex machina

Correct answer

endnote

climax

denouement

Answer Details

Read lesson note on General Literary Principles (JAMB)

General Literary Principles

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Question 28 Report

This question is based on Ahmed Yerima's Attahiru.

The character attributes of Attahiru qualify him as

an egocentric partriot

a Muslim fanatic Correct answer

a religious martyr

a political revolutionary

Answer Details

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Drama

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Question 29 Report

This question is based on selected poem from Ker, D. et al (eds.):New Poetry from Africa; Soyinka, W. (ed.):Poems of Black Africa; Senanu, K.E. and Vincent, T. (eds):A selection of African poetry; Umukoro, M. et al (eds.): Exam Focus Literature in English; Eruvbetine, A.E. et al (eds.); Longman Examination Guides; Nwoga, D.I.(ed.); West Africa Verse and Adeoti G.: Naked Soles
'The silence of the battlefield heralds the widow's anguish.'
The widow in the lines above in Launko's End of the War is in anguish because of the

confirmation of her husband's death

uncertainty over husband returning alive

delay in the husband's return from the battlefield

death of all the soldiers in the battlefield Correct answer

Answer Details

Read lesson note on Poetry (JAMB)

Poetry

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Question 30 Report

This question is based on Femi Ademiluyi''sThe New Man

In terms of religion, the people of Ipaja can be described as

conformists

liberals

fanatics Correct answer

puritans

Answer Details

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Prose

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Question 31 Report

These questions are based on Buchi Emecheta's The Joy of Motherhood.

In the novel Nwokocha Agbadi is famous for his oratorical power and

height

illiteracy

wealth

Correct answer

treachery

Answer Details

Read lesson note on Literary Appreciation (JAMB)

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Literary Appreciation

Prose

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Question 32 Report

This question is based on William Shakespeare's Hamlet.
Claudius, though a murderer, is presented as a character

who has a superlative administrative style

with a living conscience that torments him Correct answer

to whom past events have no significance

with an admirable physical appearance

Answer Details

Claudius, the murderer of King Hamlet, is presented as a character with a living conscience that torments him. This means that he is aware of the wrongs he has done and feels guilty for them. This guilt causes him distress and haunts him throughout the play, causing him to constantly seek redemption and forgiveness. Despite his actions, he is not portrayed as a completely evil character, but rather as a complex figure with both good and bad traits.

Read lesson note on Literary Appreciation (JAMB)

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Literary Appreciation

General Literary Principles

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Question 33 Report

This question is based on General Literary Principles
In literary convention, 'aside' is used to

make a pointed remark Correct answer

emphasize scenes as different from acts

distinguish between events

gossip about other characters

Answer Details

An "aside" in literary convention refers to a brief comment or statement made by a character in a play, which is intended to be heard by the audience but not by the other characters on stage. It's used to reveal the character's thoughts, feelings, or motives and to provide the audience with additional insight into the character and the situation. An aside is typically used to make a pointed remark or to express the character's innermost thoughts and feelings in a way that adds depth and nuance to the scene.

Read lesson note on General Literary Principles (JAMB)

General Literary Principles

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Question 34 Report

This question is based on selected poems from D. Ker, C. Maduka et al (eds.): New Poetry from Africa, Wole Soyinka (ed.): Poems of Black Africa, K.E. Senanu and T. Vincent (eds.): A Selection of African poetry and E.W. Parker (ed.) A Pageant of Longer Poems.

'I hear your call
I hear if far away
I hear it break the circle'
The device in which the first two words of the lines above from Okara's 'The Call of the River NUN' are invaried while the rest very is called

refrain

parallelism

chorus

repetition Correct answer

Answer Details

The device in which the first two words of each line are invaried while the rest of the line varies is called "Repetition". In this specific example, the repetition of "I hear" at the beginning of each line creates a musical and rhythmic effect, which emphasizes the importance of the call the speaker is hearing. This repetition helps to unify the poem and emphasizes the significance of the message being conveyed. Repetition is a common technique in poetry and can be used to create a variety of effects, such as rhythm, emphasis, and reinforcement of key themes. Overall, the use of repetition in Okara's poem reinforces the idea of a powerful and persistent call that cannot be ignored.

Read lesson note on Poetry (JAMB)

Poetry

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Question 35 Report

This question is based on General Literary Principles.

A literary work in which the characters and events are used as symbols is known as

characterization

allegory Correct answer

metaphor

paralellism

Answer Details

The literary work in which characters and events are used as symbols is called an allegory. In an allegory, the characters and events represent abstract ideas or concepts, often with a moral or political message. For example, in George Orwell's "Animal Farm," the farm animals represent different groups of people, and their struggle for power and equality symbolizes the Russian Revolution and the rise of communism. Similarly, in John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress," the journey of the protagonist, Christian, represents the journey of the soul towards salvation. In an allegory, the characters and events have a deeper meaning beyond their literal interpretation, and the story often serves as a commentary on real-life situations or issues.

Read lesson note on General Literary Principles (JAMB)

General Literary Principles

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Question 36 Report

This question is based on Literary Appreciation
'Thathat is why wwe must acc-c-cept the universal d-d-dome,b-b-because ththere is no d-d-d-direction. The b-b-bridge is the d-d-dome of rreligion and b-b-bridges d-ddon't jjjust g-g-go from hhhere to ththere; a birdge also faces backwards'
Wole Soyinka, The Interpreters
The idiolectal feature of the character's speech is the

repetition of consonant sounds

multiplication of medial consonant sounds

repetition of initial consonant sound Correct answer

duplication of consonant sounds clusters

Answer Details

The idiolectal feature of the character's speech in the passage is the repetition of initial consonant sounds, also known as stuttering. This is when a speaker repeats the first consonant sound of a word, interrupting the flow of their speech. It is a common speech pattern for people who stutter and can be used to characterize a character or to convey a specific mood or feeling.

Read lesson note on Literary Appreciation (JAMB)

Literary Appreciation

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Question 37 Report

He is a faithful liar

The line above is an example of

euphemism

antithesis

epigram

oxymoron Correct answer

Answer Details

The line "He is a faithful liar" is an example of an oxymoron. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms to create a new meaning. In this case, the words "faithful" and "liar" are contradictory because being faithful means being truthful and reliable, while being a liar means the opposite, being dishonest and untrustworthy.

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Drama

Poetry

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Question 38 Report

This question is based on Frank Ogodo Ogbeche's Harvest of Corruption

The play portrays the judiciary as

unserious and lenient

consistent and just

corrupt and weak Correct answer

patronising and self-righteous

Answer Details

The play portrays the judiciary as corrupt and weak. This means that the play presents the judiciary as an institution that is not functioning properly, and is instead being influenced by outside forces, such as money or political power. The judiciary is depicted as being unable to make fair and impartial decisions, and instead being swayed by those who hold influence over it.

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Question 39 Report

This question is based on General Literary Principles
Empathy is achieved when the audience

feels betrayed bythe director

denounces and humiliates the protagonist

vicariously participates in the stage experience
Correct answer

attacks the character foil

Answer Details

Empathy is achieved when the audience vicariously participates in the stage experience. This means that the audience is able to connect with the characters, understand their emotions and motivations, and experience the events of the play as if they were a part of them. Through this vicarious participation, the audience is able to feel a sense of empathy towards the characters, which means they can feel what the characters are feeling and become emotionally invested in their story. It is not achieved by feeling betrayed by the director, denouncing and humiliating the protagonist, or attacking the character foil.

Read lesson note on General Literary Principles (JAMB)

General Literary Principles

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Question 40 Report

This question is based on William Shakespeare' s Twelfth Night.
Not yet old enough for a man, nor young enough for a boy; as a squash is before 't is with him a codling when 't is almost an apple; it is with him in standing water, between boy and man. He is very well-favoured, and he speaks very shrewishly; one would think his mother's milk were scarce out of him.
The images in the quotation above express the speaker' s

contempt and admiration Correct answer

hatred and pity

contempt and disregard

disregard and pity

Answer Details

The speaker in the quotation above is expressing a mix of admiration and contempt towards the person being described. The comparison to a squash before it becomes an apple suggests that the person is in a transitional stage, not quite a boy but not yet a man. The speaker finds the person to be attractive, but is critical of the way they speak, suggesting that they are trying too hard to sound mature. The phrase "one would think his mother's milk were scarce out of him" reinforces this idea, as it suggests that the person is still very young and inexperienced despite trying to appear otherwise. Overall, the speaker's mixed feelings towards the person convey a sense of both respect and derision.

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A Midsummer Night’s Dream

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