Practice waec model questions vol1 literature_in_english 2021 Past Questions

Question 1 View Details

Read the following two lines from the poem "The Silent Drum": "The moon draped the hills in silver whispers, while shadows danced like restless children." Identify the poetic device used in each line and explain which device more strongly creates an atmosphere of suspense. Provide your answer in the form: Device in line 1 - Device in line 2 - Device that creates suspense.

A. Alliteration; Simile; Alliteration

Correct B. Personification; Simile; Simile

C. Personification; Metaphor; Personification

D. Metaphor; Simile; Metaphor

Correct Answer: B

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Question 2 View Details

When the locusts descended upon the village, the children laughed at the sudden feast, but the elders frowned, recalling the stories of the first harvest. In this passage, what does the swarm of locusts symbolize at the moment of its arrival, and how does its symbolic meaning change by the end of Chapter 7, when the colonists arrive? State the initial symbolism and the later symbolism separated by a semicolon.

A. Famine and despair; Arrival of missionaries

Correct B. Abundance and temporary joy; Impending foreign domination

C. Chaos and confusion; Peaceful coexistence

D. Destruction and fear; Hopeful renewal

Correct Answer: B

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Question 3 View Details

Excerpt from "The Lost Necklace": 1. She clutched the tarnished necklace, feeling the cold metal against her palm. 2. The rain hammered the roof, each drop echoing the tears she could not shed. State the central theme of the excerpt and support it with two textual references (provide the line numbers).

Correct A. Unspoken grief; line 1, line 2

B. Lost love; line 1, line 2

C. Isolation; line 1, line 2

D. Hopeful resilience; line 1, line 2

Correct Answer: A

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Question 4 View Details

In the play "The Lion and the Jewel", Lakunle tries to persuade the chief's daughter, Sidi, to marry him. As he speaks, the village drummers suddenly burst into a loud song, interrupting his speech and revealing the community's disapproval. Identify the dramatic technique employed during the interruption and explain its effect on the audience's perception of Lakunle's character.

A. Symbolism; it represents the clash between tradition and modernity, highlighting Lakunle's progressive ideals

Correct B. Dramatic irony; it exposes Lakunle's ignorance and alienates him from the community

C. Comic relief; it lightens the mood and makes Lakunle appear humorous

D. Foreshadowing; it hints at future conflict between Lakunle and the villagers

Correct Answer: B

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Question 5 View Details

Stanza A: "Morning light kisses the meadow, birds sing in golden chorus, hope rises with each breath." Stanza B: "Evening shadows creep, the wind sighs mournfully, dreams dissolve into ash." Describe the shift in tone from Stanza A to Stanza B and indicate the literary cause of this shift.

A. From joyous to somber; alteration in metaphor from sunrise to sunset and auditory cues from laughter to silence

Correct B. From hopeful to melancholic; change in imagery from bright to dark and auditory cues from singing to sighing

C. From tranquil to chaotic; shift in diction from soft to harsh and visual cues from calm to stormy

D. From optimistic to fearful; change in setting from meadow to desert and sound imagery from chirping to howling

Correct Answer: B

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Question 6 View Details

Read the excerpt: "She watched the crowd from the balcony, feeling the weight of every whispered comment. The city lights flickered, but her thoughts remained fixed on the decision she had to make tonight." Identify the narrative voice used in the passage and explain how this voice influences the reader's perception of the protagonist's internal conflict.

A. The passage is narrated in third‑person omniscient; this voice provides the reader with an all‑knowing perspective, which would dilute the focus on the protagonist's inner struggle.

B. The passage is narrated in first‑person limited; this voice lets the reader experience the protagonist's thoughts directly, but it reduces the sense of external observation, lessening the impact of the conflict.

C. The passage is narrated in second‑person; this voice addresses the reader as ‘you', creating an immersive effect that shifts attention away from the protagonist's personal conflict.

Correct D. The passage is narrated in third‑person limited; this voice lets the reader hear the protagonist's inner turmoil directly while still observing the external scene, thereby deepening empathy and emphasizing the conflict.

Correct Answer: D

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Question 7 View Details

A story is set in a future metropolis where citizens are monitored by biometric scanners, personal freedoms are restricted, and a young rebel forms an underground network to overthrow the ruling AI. Identify the literary genre that best fits this description.

A. Utopian fiction (a form of science‑fiction).

B. Cyberpunk thriller (a form of science‑fiction).

C. Post‑apocalyptic adventure (a form of science‑fiction).

Correct D. Dystopian fiction (a form of science‑fiction).

Correct Answer: D

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Question 8 View Details

When I entered the old house, the smell reminded me of the summer of 1995, when my father first taught me to fish. The creaking floorboards seemed to echo that distant laughter. Identify the chronological order of the events described and explain the purpose of the flashback in the narrative.

A. The scene begins with the flashback to 1995, then returns to the present house entry; the purpose is to contrast past and present settings rather than to develop character.

B. The narrator's present action is the memory of 1995, and the entry into the house is a later recollection. The flashback serves only to fill space without affecting the narrator's emotions.

Correct C. The present action is the narrator entering the house; the memory of 1995 is a flashback that follows. The flashback reveals the narrator's formative experience with his father, adding emotional depth and showing how the past shapes his current feelings.

D. The present action of entering the house is unrelated to the memory; the flashback is used merely to introduce the father's fishing hobby, not to deepen emotional context.

Correct Answer: C

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Question 9 View Details

In the line "The wind whispered secrets through the cracked windows," which literary device is employed?

Correct A. Personification.

B. Alliteration.

C. Onomatopoeia.

D. Metaphor.

Correct Answer: A

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Question 10 View Details

Consider the following stanza: "Upon the hill the sunrise paints the sky, A golden brush that sweeps the night away, The meadow wakes, its dewdrops softly sigh, And birds in chorus greet the breaking day." Determine the rhyme scheme of the stanza, identify the predominant metrical foot, and state how many lines are written in iambic pentameter.

Correct A. Rhyme scheme ABAB; predominant foot iamb; 4 lines are in iambic pentameter.

B. Rhyme scheme ABCB; predominant foot anapest; 4 lines are in iambic pentameter.

C. Rhyme scheme ABBA; predominant foot iamb; 3 lines are in iambic pentameter.

D. Rhyme scheme AABB; predominant foot trochee; 2 lines are in iambic pentameter.

Correct Answer: A

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Question 11 View Details

Read the excerpt: "When the village chief announced the new tax, Kofi argued that the levy would ruin the farmers, while the chief insisted it was necessary for the town's safety." Identify the primary type of conflict depicted in this passage.

A. Man vs. Nature

B. Man vs. Self

Correct C. Man vs. Society

D. Man vs. Technology

Correct Answer: C

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Question 12 View Details

In the following excerpt from Ibsen's *A Doll's House* (Act 1), Nora hides a sealed letter behind the curtain while Torvald reads the newspaper: [Stage direction: Nora slips the letter into the pocket of the curtain.] Nora: "I must go and fetch the children, dear." Torvald (without looking up): "You are always so busy, my little skylark." Identify two dramatic techniques employed in this scene and explain how each technique contributes to the development of the theme of gender roles.

A. Monologue - Nora's line reveals her inner thoughts about motherhood, adding to the gender‑role theme; Lighting (spotlight on the curtain) - draws attention to the hidden letter, suggesting hidden female power.

B. Symbolism - the hidden letter symbolizes Nora's secret agency, contributing to gender role critique; Characterization (Torvald's nickname) - shows his condescending view of Nora, emphasizing gender dynamics.

Correct C. Dramatic irony - the audience knows Nora's secret while Torvald does not, exposing the power imbalance; Stage direction (the hidden letter) - visually shows Nora's covert resistance, both underscoring the theme of gender roles.

D. Foreshadowing - the curtain hints at future conflict, highlighting the theme of gender roles; Dialogue (the term "skylark") - reveals Torvald's patronizing attitude, reinforcing gender expectations.

Correct Answer: C

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Question 13 View Details

Read the passage from *The Secret Life of Bees*: "The heat pressed down like a heavy blanket, and I felt the world shrink to the size of my own breath. The garden, once bright, now seemed a wilted tapestry of brown leaves. I sat alone on the cracked porch, listening to the distant hum of bees that no longer sang." Determine the tone of the passage and support your answer by citing three specific linguistic features present in the text.

Correct A. Melancholic; supported by the use of somber adjectives (heavy, wilted, cracked), the first‑person reflective narration, and the imagery of decay (wilted tapestry, bees that no longer sang).

B. Romantic; supported by the use of passionate adjectives (fiery, ardent, intense), the second‑person direct address, and the imagery of love (tender embrace, blooming roses).

C. Suspenseful; supported by the use of tense adjectives (sharp, urgent, looming), the fragmented narration, and the imagery of danger (storm clouds, ticking clock).

D. Optimistic; supported by the use of hopeful adjectives (bright, lively, warm), the third‑person omniscient narration, and the imagery of growth (blossoming garden, buzzing bees).

Correct Answer: A

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Question 14 View Details

Consider the following lines from the poem *The River*: "The river sings a silver lullaby, its waters weaving silver threads through night's dark veil." Identify two examples of figurative language used in these lines and explain how each enhances the poem's overall meaning.

A. Alliteration - "the river sings a silver lullaby" repeats the 's' sound, and Onomatopoeia - "waters weaving silver threads" mimics sound, which supposedly creates a musical rhythm in the poem.

B. Simile - "the river sings a silver lullaby" compares the river to a singer using "like" or "as", and Hyperbole - "waters weaving silver threads" exaggerates the river's size, both of which add a dramatic flair to the poem.

C. Synecdoche - "the river sings a silver lullaby" uses part to represent whole, and Irony - "waters weaving silver threads" suggests opposite meaning, which supposedly adds complexity to the poem.

Correct D. Personification - "the river sings a silver lullaby" gives the river a soothing, active quality; Metaphor - "waters weaving silver threads" likens the water to delicate threads, emphasizing continuity and the gentle interplay of light and darkness, thereby deepening the poem's tranquil meaning.

Correct Answer: D

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Question 15 View Details

Read the excerpt from *The Boy Who Cried Wolf*: "Every morning, the shepherd led his flock to the meadow, but when a wolf appeared he shouted, ‘Wolf! Wolf!' even though none came." What type of characterization is employed for the shepherd in this passage?

A. Indirect characterization (through dialogue)

B. Direct characterization (through narration)

Correct C. Indirect characterization (through his actions)

D. Direct characterization (through description)

Correct Answer: C

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Question 16 View Details

Read the sentence: "The wind whispered wickedly through the willows." Identify the literary device used and explain its effect on the description.

A. Assonance; it creates a soothing, melodic tone that softens the mood.

B. Onomatopoeia; it mimics the sound of the wind, making the description more vivid.

C. Alliteration; it adds a comedic, lighthearted feel that undermines the tension.

Correct D. Alliteration; it gives the line a musical, rhythmic quality that heightens the eerie, whispering atmosphere.

Correct Answer: D

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Question 17 View Details

In the passage, "She stood at the river's edge, watching the water rush past, its surface shimmering like broken glass. Each ripple seemed to pull her memories downstream, erasing the footprints of her past," what does the river symbolise, and which central theme does this symbolism support in the story?

A. The river symbolises wealth and abundance, supporting the theme of material success.

Correct B. The river symbolises the flow of time and inevitable change, supporting the theme of personal transformation and letting go of the past.

C. The river symbolises danger and chaos, supporting the theme of societal conflict.

D. The river symbolises a barrier to progress, supporting the theme of stagnation and resistance to change.

Correct Answer: B

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Question 18 View Details

Consider the two excerpts from a short story: Excerpt A: "The night was silent, but the ticking of the clock grew louder with each passing second." Excerpt B: "Just as the door creaked open, the lights flickered and went out." Which narrative technique is employed across these excerpts to build suspense, and why is it effective?

A. Symbolism (combined with a cliffhanger); it conveys deeper meanings yet does not build anticipation about an imminent occurrence.

Correct B. Foreshadowing (combined with a cliffhanger); it hints at an imminent event and leaves the outcome unresolved, keeping the reader in suspense.

C. Imagery (combined with a cliffhanger); it creates vivid scenes but does not directly hint at future events, so it is not the primary suspense device.

D. Dialogue (combined with a cliffhanger); it reveals character interaction but does not foreshadow upcoming action.

Correct Answer: B

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Question 19 View Details

In a novel, the story opens in a bustling market where the protagonist, Ada, feels invisible among the crowd (Chapter 1). By Chapter 5 she retreats to a quiet riverside cottage, where the gentle flow of water mirrors her growing calm. In Chapter 9 she returns to the market, but now she moves confidently, her voice heard. How does the changing setting from market to riverside and back influence Ada's character development?

A. The market's chaos highlights Ada's adventurous spirit, the riverside setting introduces a romantic subplot, and her confident return to the market signifies a shift toward tragedy.

Correct B. The market's chaos underscores Ada's early insecurity, the tranquil riverside allows her to reflect and gain inner calm, and when she returns to the market she does so confidently, showing that the changing settings drive her transformation from timid to assertive.

C. The bustling market serves as comic relief, the quiet riverside provides a setting for a flashback, and her return to the market indicates a plot twist unrelated to her personal growth.

D. The market scenes emphasize external conflict, the riverside cottage introduces a new villain, and her confident market entrance shows she has gained magical powers.

Correct Answer: B

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Question 20 View Details

Read the poem excerpt: "Grey clouds loom over the desolate moor, cold wind rattles the lone stone wall, and the distant howl of wolves pierces the night." What mood does this setting create, and which specific details lead you to that conclusion?

A. The mood is melancholy but comforting; the gentle rain, rustling leaves, and distant choir evoke a soothing sadness.

Correct B. The mood is one of dread and isolation; the grey clouds, desolate moor, cold wind, lone stone wall, and wolf howl all contribute to a foreboding, lonely atmosphere.

C. The mood is joyous and celebratory; the warm breeze, bright colors, and merry music create a festive atmosphere.

D. The mood is tranquil and hopeful; the soft sunlight, blooming flowers, and distant laughter suggest a peaceful scene.

Correct Answer: B

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Question 21 View Details

Read the following excerpt: "The wind whispered through the ancient oaks, / its sighs a mournful hymn, / while shadows danced upon the meadow, / echoing the heart's lone rhythm." Which literary genre does this excerpt most likely belong to? Explain your choice in one sentence.

A. Prose (short story)

B. Essay (personal essay)

Correct C. Poetry (lyric poem)

D. Drama (tragedy)

Correct Answer: C

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Question 22 View Details

Consider a prose work that is 85 pages long, divided into 12 chapters, each ending with a title, and follows a single protagonist through a complex plot with sub‑plots. Which literary genre does this work most likely represent? Provide the genre name.

A. Play

B. Novella

C. Short story

Correct D. Novel

Correct Answer: D

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Question 23 View Details

Read the passage: "The village square bustled with laughter, children chasing kites, vendors shouting cheerful bargains; suddenly, a distant thunder rolled, the sky darkened, and a hush fell as the first drops of rain pattered, turning the merriment into solemn silence." Identify the two contrasting moods presented, and explain how the author shifts from the first mood to the second using at least two literary devices.

A. The first mood is tranquil/peaceful and the second is chaotic/tense; the shift is produced by repetitive rhythm, visual imagery (kites vs rain), a change in pacing (slow to fast) and the use of an exclamation mark.

Correct B. The first mood is cheerful/joyous and the second is solemn/foreboding; the shift is produced by contrasting diction, auditory imagery (laughter vs thunder), a change in setting (bright to dark) and the abrupt punctuation of the semicolon.

C. The first mood is playful/merry and the second is melancholy/somber; the shift is produced by alliteration, tactile imagery (wet ground), a change in time of day (day to night) and the addition of a colon.

D. The first mood is nostalgic/reflective and the second is jubilant/celebratory; the shift is produced by metaphorical language, olfactory imagery (smell of rain), a change in character focus (children to vendors) and the insertion of a dash.

Correct Answer: B

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Question 24 View Details

The following 12‑line poem is given: 1. Dawn breaks with golden sighs, 2. Birds sing in hopeful chorus, 3. Flowers stretch, embracing light, 4. Hearts awaken, dreams take flight. 5. Yet shadows linger in the valley, 6. A cold wind whispers doubts, 7. Tears glisten on wilted petals, 8. Night approaches with heavy sighs, 9. Still, a lone star flickers bright, 10. Courage rises from the gloom, 11. Promise whispers in the dark, 12. Hope steadies the trembling soul. Which mood dominates the poem? State the dominant mood and the approximate percentage of lines that express it.

Correct A. Hopeful; about 67 % of the lines (8 out of 12) express this mood.

B. Somber; about 33 % of the lines (4 out of 12) express this mood.

C. Melancholic; about 50 % of the lines (6 out of 12) express this mood.

D. Optimistic; about 75 % of the lines (9 out of 12) express this mood.

Correct Answer: A

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Question 25 View Details

Excerpt: "She entered the room, her shoulders squared, eyes scanning the crowd with a measured calm. A faint smile tugged at the corner of her mouth as she offered a seat to the weary stranger, yet her fingers tightened around the clasp of her purse." Identify two distinct character traits of the protagonist and justify each trait with evidence from the excerpt.

Correct A. Confidence (shown by her squared shoulders and calm, observant gaze) and compassion (shown by offering a seat to the weary stranger).

B. Stubbornness (shown by her squared shoulders and calm, observant gaze) and indifference (shown by offering a seat to the weary stranger).

C. Dominance (shown by her squared shoulders and calm, observant gaze) and aloofness (shown by offering a seat to the weary stranger).

D. Anxiety (shown by her squared shoulders and calm, observant gaze) and selfishness (shown by offering a seat to the weary stranger).

Correct Answer: A

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