WAEC Syllabus for Literature in English – Key Texts and Exam Structure
Looking for the WAEC Literature in English syllabus? See the complete topics, reading list, and exam structure for easy preparation. Full WAEC Syllabus for Literature in English breakdown—topics, set texts, and exam guide for 2026 candidates.
The West African Examinations Council has released the official syllabus for all subjects that will be written in the WASSCE. This syllabus is a complete guide that tells candidates what to study, the topics to focus on, and how the examination will be structured. Following the syllabus closely is very important because it helps you plan your studies, revise efficiently, and increase your chances of performing well in the exams.
In this post, we will break down the exam structure, show you the prescribed texts you need to study, and provide helpful reading tips to guide your preparation. Reading this post carefully will give you a clear picture of what to expect in the exam and help you approach it with confidence.
If you are ready to prepare properly, keep reading to learn about the examination format, the list of books, and strategies to excel in Literature-in-English.
Examination Structure for Literature-in-English
Understanding how the exam is organized is very important because it helps you know what to expect and how to manage your time during the test. The Literature-in-English examination in WAEC is divided into three papers, each testing different skills:-
Paper 1 – Multiple Choice (50 marks, 1 hour)
- 20 questions on general knowledge of literature
- 5 questions on an unseen prose passage
- 5 questions on an unseen poem
- 20 context questions on the prescribed Shakespearean text
You are expected to answer all questions within 1 hour.
Paper 2 – Essay Test (50 marks, 1 hour 15 minutes)
- Section A: African prose – answer one essay question from the prescribed novels
- Section B: Non-African prose – answer one essay question from the prescribed novels
You are required to answer one question from each section.
Paper 3 – Drama and Poetry (100 marks, 2 hours 30 minutes)
- Section A: African Drama – answer one question from the two prescribed texts
- Section B: Non-African Drama – answer one question from the two prescribed texts
- Section C: African Poetry – answer one question from the six prescribed poems
- Section D: Non-African Poetry – answer one question from the six prescribed poems
Prescribed Texts for Literature-in-English
Below is the complete list of books and plays you are expected to study for WAEC Literature-in-English (2026–2030). Make sure you read all of them carefully, take notes on key themes, characters, and events, and revise regularly.
| Type of Text | Prescribed Texts |
|---|---|
| Shakespearean Text | Antony and Cleopatra |
| African Prose | 1. Pede Hollist – So the Path Does Not Die 2. Elma Shaw – Redemption Road |
| Non-African Prose | 1. Harper Lee – To Kill a Mockingbird 2. Susanne Bellefeuille – Path of Lucas: The Journey He Endured |
| African Drama | 1. Bosede Ademilua-Afolayan – Once Upon an Elephant 2. Efua Sutherland – The Marriage of Anansewa |
| Non-African Drama | 1. J. D. Priestley – An Inspector Calls 2. Robert Bolt – A Man for All Seasons |
| African Poetry | 1. Gabriel Okara – Once Upon a Time 2. Elizabeth L. A. Kamara – New Tongue 3. Wole Soyinka – Night 4. Niyi Osundare – Not My Business 5. S.O.H. Afriyie-Vidza – Hearty Garlands 6. Syl Cheney-Coker – The Breast of the Sea |
| Non-African Poetry | 1. Lord Byron – She Walks in Beauty 2. Geoffrey Chaucer – The Nun’s Priest’s Tale (shortened) 3. Seamus Heaney – Digging 4. Maya Angelou – Still I Rise 5. Fleur Adcock – The Telephone Call 6. Wilfred Wilson Gipson – The Stone |
Reading Tips
To prepare well for Literature-in-English:-
- Read all the prescribed texts carefully and take notes on themes, characters, and key events.
- Practice answering essay and context questions to improve your writing and understanding.
- Use past questions to practice, as they are very helpful in understanding exam patterns and the types of questions that are likely to appear.
- Revise regularly and focus on areas you find most challenging.
Make sure you share this post with other students preparing for WAEC. You can also check our page for other subjects’ syllabi to stay fully prepared.
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