Literature in English is an essential subject in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination.
It is a core requirement for students applying for courses in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.
However, many candidates find the subject challenging because of the vast syllabus, which includes drama, poetry, prose, and literary devices.
To excel in JAMB Literature, understanding frequently tested topics, mastering literary analysis, and practicing past questions are crucial.
This article explores the most commonly repeated topics in JAMB Literature, provides sample questions, and offers practical strategies for success.
How Can I Get a High Score in JAMB Literature?
Achieving a high score in JAMB Literature requires strategic preparation.
Since the syllabus covers a wide range of texts and literary concepts, adopting an effective study plan is necessary.
Here are some key tips:
1. Study Past Questions Regularly
JAMB frequently repeats questions from previous years, often rewording them slightly.
Reviewing past questions helps in understanding the pattern and structure of the exam.
2. Master Recommended Texts
Literature in English includes prose, drama, and poetry, with specific books recommended each year.
Reading and analyzing these texts in detail ensures a better understanding of character development, themes, and narrative techniques.
3. Learn Literary Devices and Techniques
Questions on figurative language, imagery, and literary devices appear frequently.
Understanding elements like symbolism, metaphors, and alliteration improves performance.
4. Practice Time Management
JAMB Literature consists of 40 questions, requiring quick reading and comprehension.
Practicing with a timer helps in answering efficiently during the exam.
Understand the Historical and Cultural Context of Texts
Many literary texts reflect historical, social, and cultural themes.
Recognizing the background of a story or poem enhances comprehension.
By applying these strategies, candidates can significantly improve their chances of scoring high in JAMB Literature.
What Should I Read in Literature in English for JAMB?
JAMB Literature covers a variety of texts and literary concepts.
The syllabus includes:
1. Drama
Tragedy, comedy, and tragicomedy
Classical, modern, and African drama
Dramatic techniques (soliloquy, aside, dialogue)
2. Prose
Fiction and non-fiction narratives
African and non-African prose
Themes, character development, and narrative techniques
3. Poetry
African and non-African poetry
Poetic devices (rhythm, rhyme, alliteration)
Interpretation and thematic analysis
4. Literary Terms and Figures of Speech
Metaphor, simile, personification, irony
Symbolism, hyperbole, paradox
5. Recommended Texts
Each year, JAMB releases a list of novels, plays, and poems for study.
Reading and summarizing these texts improves retention.
Mastering these areas ensures a thorough preparation for JAMB Literature.
Does JAMB Repeat English Questions in Literature?
Yes, JAMB frequently repeats questions in Literature, though they may appear in slightly modified forms.
The structure of past questions provides insight into what to expect.
For instance, questions on recommended novels, poetry, and drama often revolve around:
1. Themes and Messages: What key issues does the text address?
2. Character Analysis: What role does a character play in the story?
3. Literary Techniques: What figurative language is used?
Since the same set of recommended texts is often used for several years, revising past questions provides a significant advantage.
What Does JAMB Focus on in Literature?
JAMB Literature primarily focuses on assessing students’ ability to analyze and interpret texts.
The key areas of focus include:
1 Understanding Literary Works
Candidates must read and comprehend assigned texts to answer questions on character development, plot, and themes.
2. Critical Analysis of Poetry and Drama
Questions often require an in-depth understanding of dramatic techniques and poetic devices.
3. Application of Literary Terms
Candidates must recognize and explain figurative language and stylistic devices.
4. Appreciation of African and Non-African Texts
Literature from different cultures is tested, requiring a broad perspective.
5. Comparative Analysis
JAMB sometimes asks questions that require comparing two or more texts based on themes or techniques.
A strong grasp of these areas improves performance significantly.
What Is the Lowest Score for JAMB 2025?
The lowest possible score in JAMB is 160, depending on the institution and course of study.
However, highly competitive courses require much higher scores.
For Literature-related courses like Law, Mass Communication, or English, universities often demand 220 or higher.
Has Anyone Scored 400 in JAMB?
Scoring 400 in JAMB is rare but not impossible. Over the years, a few candidates have achieved perfect scores by preparing extensively.
Achieving a high score in JAMB Literature requires:
1. Extensive reading of recommended texts
2. Mastery of literary devices and techniques
3. Regular practice with past questions
4. Effective time management during the exam
While 400 may be difficult, scoring 300+ in JAMB is achievable with dedication and strategic preparation.
JAMB Top Repeated Topics and Questions for Literature
JAMB often tests specific themes, characters, and literary devices.
Below are some of the most frequently asked topics:
1. Drama Questions
Which of the following is NOT a feature of tragedy?
A. Happy ending
B. Downfall of the hero
C. Presence of a tragic flaw
D. Catharsis
Correct Answer: A (Happy ending)
2. Poetry Questions
In poetry, the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words is called:
A. Alliteration
B. Assonance
C. Rhyme
D. Personification
Correct Answer: A (Alliteration)
3. Prose Questions
A major theme in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart is:
A. Colonialism and its effects
B. The power of wealth
C. The struggles of modernity
D. Science and technology
Correct Answer: A (Colonialism and its effects)
4. Literary Terms Questions
The use of an object to represent an idea is known as:
A. Metaphor
B. Symbolism
C. Hyperbole
D. Irony
Correct Answer: B (Symbolism)
Practicing similar questions improves familiarity with JAMB’s question style and enhances confidence.
FAQs on JAMB Literature
1. How Can I Get a High Score in Jamb Literature ?
Regularly study past questions
Read recommended texts thoroughly
Master literary terms and devices
Practice under exam conditions
2. What Should I Read in Literature in English for JAMB?
Recommended novels, plays, and poems
Literary terms and figures of speech
Themes, characters, and settings in assigned texts
3. Does JAMB Repeat English Questions in Literature?
Yes, JAMB repeats questions with slight modifications.
Studying past questions helps recognize question patterns.
4. What Does JAMB Focus on in Literature?
Analysis of literary texts
Interpretation of themes and characters
Identification of literary techniques
5. What Is the Lowest Score for JAMB 2025?
The minimum score varies but generally falls around 160 for less competitive courses.
6. Has Anyone Scored 400 in JAMB?
A few candidates have achieved this, though it is rare.
Scoring 300+ is achievable with dedicated preparation.
Conclusion
JAMB Literature is easier to pass with proper preparation.
By focusing on frequently repeated topics, practicing past questions, and understanding literary concepts, candidates can score high.
Effective study techniques, time management, and familiarity with assigned texts are essential for success.
With the right approach, excelling in JAMB Literature becomes an achievable goal.