Practice waec model questions vol1 literature_in_english 2022 Past Questions

Question 1 View Details

Read the line from the poem: "The night draped its sable cloak over the village, and the moon whispered silver secrets to the sleeping roofs." Identify the figure of speech employed in the phrase "the night draped its sable cloak".

A. Metaphor

B. Alliteration

Correct C. Personification

D. Simile

Correct Answer: C

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Question 2 View Details

Read the passage below: Kemi knelt in the cracked earth, her hands moving rhythmically as she planted the first seeds of the season. In the distance, a low rumble of thunder rolled across the sky, and she recalled her father's warning: "The sky never lies; when it growls, the harvest will suffer." A shiver ran down her spine, but she pressed on, hoping the clouds would pass. What is the main conflict in the passage, and how does the author develop this conflict through the use of foreshadowing?

Correct A. The main conflict is the external struggle between Kemi's effort to plant the crops and the impending storm that threatens the harvest. The author develops this conflict by foreshadowing - the father's warning that "the sky never lies" and the distant rumble of thunder hint that the storm will indeed affect the harvest.

B. The main conflict is a rivalry between Kemi and a neighboring farmer, and the author develops it by describing competitive dialogue.

C. The main conflict is Kemi's internal doubt about her ability to plant the seeds, and the author develops this conflict through vivid imagery of the cracked earth.

D. The main conflict is the internal struggle of the sky's emotions, and the author uses personification rather than foreshadowing to develop it.

Correct Answer: A

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Question 3 View Details

Read the three consecutive paragraphs taken from a short story: Paragraph 1: "The garden glimmered under the soft amber light of dawn, each rose petal trembling gently as a cool breeze whispered through the leaves. Birds sang a lilting melody, and the world seemed at peace." Paragraph 2: "A faint chill began to settle, and the once‑bright sky took on a muted gray. The wind grew sharper, rattling the shutters, while shadows stretched longer across the grass. An uneasy feeling crept into the air." Paragraph 3: "Suddenly, a deafening crack split the silence as a bolt of lightning tore the heavens, followed by a torrent of rain that hammered the earth. The garden was drenched, the roses torn from their stems, and panic surged through every heart that heard the roar." What is the predominant mood in Paragraph 3, and how do the author's choices of diction and imagery combine to shift the mood from Paragraph 2 to Paragraph 3?

A. The predominant mood in Paragraph 3 is melancholy. The author shifts the mood by replacing the tense diction of Paragraph 2 ("faint chill", "muted gray", "uneasy feeling") with somber, reflective language in Paragraph 3 ("soft rain", "gentle drizzle", "quiet whispers"), and the imagery moves from dark shadows to a subdued, rainy garden, creating a mood of sadness.

Correct B. The predominant mood in Paragraph 3 is terror/panic. The author shifts the mood by replacing the subdued diction of Paragraph 2 ("faint chill", "muted gray", "uneasy feeling") with violent, forceful language in Paragraph 3 ("deafening crack", "bolt of lightning", "torrent of rain", "hammered", "panic"). The imagery likewise moves from muted shadows to stark, destructive images of lightning and torn roses, intensifying the emotional impact and creating a mood of panic.

C. The predominant mood in Paragraph 3 is awe. The author shifts the mood by swapping the subdued diction of Paragraph 2 ("faint chill", "muted gray", "uneasy feeling") for grand, exalted language in Paragraph 3 ("blazing lightning", "roaring thunder", "majestic storm"), and the imagery changes from muted shadows to spectacular, sky‑splitting phenomena, producing a feeling of wonder.

D. The predominant mood in Paragraph 3 is calm. The author shifts the mood by exchanging the uneasy diction of Paragraph 2 ("faint chill", "muted gray", "uneasy feeling") with soothing language in Paragraph 3 ("soft patter of rain", "gentle breeze", "peaceful droplets"), and the imagery moves from ominous shadows to a tranquil, rain‑kissed garden, resulting in a calm atmosphere.

Correct Answer: B

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Question 4 View Details

Rewrite the following sentence in active voice while preserving its original meaning, and explain which grammatical changes were necessary: "The ancient manuscript, which had been hidden for centuries in the dusty attic, was finally discovered by the curious librarian after she noticed a faint glimmer of gold on its cover."

A. The ancient manuscript was finally discovered by the curious librarian after she noticed a faint glimmer of gold on its cover, which had been hidden for centuries in the dusty attic.

B. After noticing a faint glimmer of gold on its cover, the curious librarian finally discovered the ancient manuscript that had been hidden for centuries in the dusty attic, but she did not examine it further.

C. The curious librarian finally discovered the ancient manuscript after she noticed a faint glimmer of gold on its cover, which she thought was a reflection of sunlight, not realizing it had been hidden for centuries in the dusty attic.

Correct D. The curious librarian finally discovered the ancient manuscript, which had been hidden for centuries in the dusty attic, after she noticed a faint glimmer of gold on its cover.

Correct Answer: D

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Question 5 View Details

Read the two excerpts below: Excerpt A (from a war novel): "'I cannot promise you safety,' he said, his voice trembling as the artillery roared. 'But I will stand beside you till the last bullet finds its mark.'" Excerpt B (from a merchant tale): "'You think you can outwit me?' she smiled, tapping the ledger with a lazy finger. 'Every coin you hide, I will find, and the price you pay will be dear.'" Compare how each author uses dialogue to reveal character traits, and state which excerpt provides a more effective revelation of its character and why.

A. Excerpt A shows a character who is fearful and indecisive, whereas Excerpt B shows a character who is generous and trustworthy. Excerpt B provides the more effective revelation due to its compassionate tone.

Correct B. Excerpt A reveals a character who, despite fear, shows courage and loyalty through his promise to stay beside the other person, while Excerpt B reveals a character who is arrogant and cunning, boasting of his ability to discover hidden coins. Excerpt A is the more effective revelation because the dialogue combines vulnerability with resolve, giving a richer, more nuanced picture of the character.

C. Excerpt A reveals a character who is reckless and indifferent, while Excerpt B reveals a character who is timid and honest. Excerpt B is the more effective revelation because its dialogue shows subtlety.

D. Both excerpts reveal characters that are equally brave and shrewd; however, Excerpt A is more effective because its language is more poetic.

Correct Answer: B

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Question 6 View Details

Read the passage: "Ada walked through the bustling market, her mind racing with the secret she had just discovered. She heard whispers about the hidden ledger that could expose the corrupt mayor. Determined, she slipped into the mayor's office after dusk, only to find the ledger burned to ash. As the flames died, a shadow emerged, and the mayor's henchman lunged at her." Which event in the passage most clearly represents the climax of the plot?

A. The moment the ledger burns to ash in the mayor's office.

Correct B. The moment when the mayor's henchman lunges at Ada.

C. Ada's discovery of the hidden ledger in the market.

D. Ada slipping into the mayor's office after dusk.

Correct Answer: B

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Question 7 View Details

Read the two paragraphs: "The sunrise painted the hills in golden hues, and the villagers sang with joyous hearts." "But as the clouds gathered, a cold wind whispered through the trees, and the once bright sky turned a bruised gray, filling the air with a sense of dread." Identify the tone in paragraph 1 and paragraph 2, and explain how the author's diction in paragraph 2 changes the tone from the first to the second.

A. Paragraph 1 is somber; paragraph 2 is hopeful. The diction in paragraph 2 - words like "cold wind whispered", "bruised gray" and "sense of dread" - adds optimism compared to paragraph 1.

B. Paragraph 1 is hopeful/celebratory; paragraph 2 is hopeful/celebratory. The diction in paragraph 2 - words like "cold wind whispered", "bruised gray" and "sense of dread" - maintains the same upbeat tone as paragraph 1.

Correct C. Paragraph 1 is hopeful/celebratory; paragraph 2 is ominous/melancholic. The diction in paragraph 2 - words like "cold wind whispered", "bruised gray" and "sense of dread" - replaces the bright, warm language of paragraph 1 and thus shifts the tone to ominous.

D. Paragraph 1 is tranquil; paragraph 2 is excited. The diction in paragraph 2 - words like "cold wind whispered", "bruised gray" and "sense of dread" - intensifies the excitement introduced in paragraph 1.

Correct Answer: C

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Question 8 View Details

Read the description: "Rain hammered the roof, each drop a relentless drumbeat. The ancient oak outside bent, its branches clawing at the night sky. Lightning split the clouds, illuminating the shattered windows of the abandoned house, where shadows danced like restless spirits." What mood does this storm description create in the reader, and which literary device is primarily responsible for this mood?

A. The passage creates a mood of calm\/serenity, primarily through alliteration.

Correct B. The passage creates a mood of fear/unease, primarily through personification.

C. The passage creates a mood of sadness\/melancholy, primarily through imagery.

D. The passage creates a mood of excitement\/anticipation, primarily through hyperbole.

Correct Answer: B

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Question 9 View Details

Read the short passage: "The clever rabbit outwitted the hungry lion by promising to bring him a feast, only to lead him into a deep pit where he was trapped forever." What literary genre does this passage belong to?

A. Myth

B. Parable

Correct C. Fable

D. Legend

Correct Answer: C

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Question 10 View Details

Read the passage: "In the village, every child was taught that true wealth lay not in gold, but in the stories they shared at night. When a traveler arrived with a sack of coins, the elders welcomed him, yet they offered him a seat at the fire only after he told a tale of his journeys. The traveler left richer in friendship than in gold." What is the central theme of this passage?

A. Economic assets—trade and profit—outweigh the benefits of friendship and tales.

B. Material wealth—gold and silver—holds greater importance than shared stories.

C. Physical riches—coins and treasure—are more valuable than communal narratives.

Correct D. Intangible wealth—storytelling and friendship—is more valuable than material riches.

Correct Answer: D

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Question 11 View Details

Read the excerpt below: "Obi, a young villager, watches as the old market square is replaced by a concrete shopping centre. He feels a pang of loss for the stories his grandfather told under the mango tree, yet he also marvels at the bright lights and new opportunities." What is the central theme of this passage?

A. Progress over tradition

B. Urbanization versus heritage

C. Cultural assimilation

Correct D. Tradition versus modernity

Correct Answer: D

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Question 12 View Details

Consider the following dialogue from a play: *Scene: A dimly lit room. MARIA whispers, "I heard the guards will arrive at midnight. We must hide the evidence now." *She looks toward the audience, eyes wide with fear, while the audience already knows the guards are already inside the house, unseen by Maria. Which dramatic technique is primarily employed to build suspense in this excerpt?

A. Situational irony

B. Foreshadowing

C. Cliffhanger

Correct D. Dramatic irony

Correct Answer: D

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Question 13 View Details

Read the two paragraphs below: Paragraph 1: "When the first light of dawn brushed the hills, Aisha felt a surge of hope. The village festival promised laughter, music, and a chance to reunite with old friends." Paragraph 2: "But as the sun climbed higher, the distant rumble of artillery grew louder. The celebrations were cut short, and Aisha watched the smoke rise, her heart sinking into a cold void." Describe the shift in tone from Paragraph 1 to Paragraph 2 and explain its effect on the reader.

A. From a calm, descriptive tone to an excited, celebratory tone, which heightens the reader's anticipation of upcoming events.

B. From a nostalgic, reflective tone to an optimistic, hopeful tone, which reinforces the story's uplifting mood.

C. From a neutral, factual tone to a sarcastic, mocking tone, which adds humor to the narrative.

Correct D. From an optimistic, hopeful tone to a bleak, mournful tone, which intensifies the reader's sense of tragedy and the sudden loss of peace.

Correct Answer: D

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Question 14 View Details

Examine the following passage: "The river sang a silver lullaby, its waters weaving silver threads through the night. Beneath the moon's pale gaze, the reeds whispered, rustling in rhythmic chorus, while the distant hills stood solemn, their shadows stretching like dark fingers across the valley." Identify two stylistic devices used in this passage and explain how each contributes to the author's distinctive style.

A. Simile - it compares the river to a silver thread, creating visual contrast; Onomatopoeia - it imitates the sound of water, adding auditory texture.

Correct B. Metaphor - it personifies the river and creates vivid imagery; Alliteration - it gives the passage a musical, rhythmic quality, enhancing its lyrical style.

C. Personification - it gives the river human emotions, which deepens emotional resonance; Hyperbole - it exaggerates the hills' shadows, emphasizing drama.

D. Imagery - it paints vivid pictures of the night, enhancing sensory detail; Repetition - it repeats the word ‘silver' to reinforce the theme.

Correct Answer: B

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Question 15 View Details

In the story, the protagonist, Kelechi, is torn between obeying his family's expectation to take over the family farm and pursuing his dream of becoming a musician in the city. He feels guilt when he thinks of his parents' sacrifices, yet excitement when he imagines performing on stage. What type of conflict is primarily depicted in Kelechi's situation?

A. Character vs. society conflict

B. External conflict

Correct C. Internal conflict

D. Man vs. nature conflict

Correct Answer: C

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Question 16 View Details

Read the line: "The moon whispered secrets to the restless sea." Which literary device is illustrated in this line?

Correct A. Personification

B. Metaphor

C. Alliteration

D. Simile

Correct Answer: A

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Question 17 View Details

In a play, a character steps forward alone, speaks his thoughts aloud about his dilemma, and no other character hears him. Identify the dramatic technique being used and explain briefly how it helps to advance the plot.

A. Aside; it allows the character to speak directly to the audience, sharing secret information without other characters hearing

B. Narration; it provides background information and moves the story forward, but does not involve a character speaking alone on stage

C. Monologue; it presents a long speech by a character to other characters, advancing the plot through exposition

Correct D. Soliloquy; it reveals the character's inner conflict to the audience, creating dramatic irony and propelling the plot forward.

Correct Answer: D

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Question 18 View Details

The following excerpt is taken from a short story: "She remembered the night she first saw the river, its waters glimmering like silver. Yet the narrator now doubts whether that memory ever truly happened." Identify two narrative techniques employed in this passage and discuss how each influences the reader's perception of the protagonist.

A. Imagery and third‑person limited narrator; the vivid imagery paints the scene and the third‑person limited narrator restricts insight to the protagonist, affecting how the reader interprets her actions.

B. Symbolism and stream of consciousness; the symbolism adds deeper meaning to objects while the stream of consciousness reveals the protagonist's inner thoughts, influencing reader empathy.

C. Foreshadowing and omniscient narrator; the foreshadowing hints at future events while the omniscient narrator provides an all‑knowing perspective, shaping the reader's view of the protagonist.

Correct D. Flashback and unreliable narrator; the flashback gives background insight while the unreliable narrator creates doubt about the protagonist's truth, affecting how the reader judges her.

Correct Answer: D

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Question 19 View Details

A story is described as focusing on the customs, beliefs, and daily life of a particular community, set in a rural environment, and ending with a clear moral lesson. Which literary genre does this description best represent?

Correct A. Folktale

B. Legend

C. Fable

D. Myth

Correct Answer: A

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Question 20 View Details

In a three‑act play, the playwright employs (i) dramatic irony, (ii) stage directions that contradict the spoken dialogue, and (iii) a recurring motif of broken mirrors. Identify each of these three techniques and analyse how their combined use develops the theme of fragmented identity.

A. The techniques are dramatic irony, contradictory stage directions, and recurring monologues; their interplay exposes the split between what characters present and what they truly are, thereby constructing a theme of fragmented identity.

B. The techniques are foreshadowing, contradictory stage directions, and the broken‑mirror motif; their interplay reveals the tension between future events and present actions, thereby constructing a theme of fragmented identity.

Correct C. The techniques are dramatic irony, contradictory stage directions, and the broken‑mirror motif; their interplay exposes the split between what characters present and what they truly are, thereby constructing a theme of fragmented identity.

D. The techniques are dramatic irony, exaggerated lighting, and the broken‑mirror motif; their interplay highlights the characters' emotional turmoil, thereby constructing a theme of fragmented identity.

Correct Answer: C

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Question 21 View Details

Read the following excerpt from Wole Soyinka's drama *The Lion and the Jewel*: > Baroka: "The old ways are the only ways that keep our people together." > Lakunle: "If we cling to the past, we shall never progress." Based on the contrasting attitudes expressed, which literary device is primarily employed to highlight the tension between tradition and modernity?

A. irony

B. metaphor

Correct C. juxtaposition

D. alliteration

Correct Answer: C

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Question 22 View Details

Consider the sentence: "The night sky was a bruised violet, and the wind whispered like a tired old man sighing through cracked windows." Identify the two types of imagery present and state which one most strongly establishes the atmosphere of melancholy.

A. visual imagery and kinesthetic imagery; auditory imagery most strongly establishes melancholy

B. olfactory imagery and tactile imagery; tactile imagery most strongly establishes melancholy

Correct C. visual imagery and auditory imagery; visual imagery most strongly establishes melancholy

D. gustatory imagery and visual imagery; auditory imagery most strongly establishes melancholy

Correct Answer: C

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Question 23 View Details

Who is the poet of the poem "Ode to a Nightingale"?

A. Percy Bysshe Shelley

B. Lord Byron

C. William Wordsworth

Correct D. John Keats

Correct Answer: D

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Question 24 View Details

In Chinua Achebe's *Things Fall Apart*, Okonkwo beats his wife during the Week of Peace and later weeps openly at his father's funeral. Which dominant character trait does this contrast most clearly reveal?

A. stubbornness

B. anger

Correct C. pride

D. ambition

Correct Answer: C

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Question 25 View Details

Read the following stanza: "The river sang a silver lullaby, as moonlight draped the hills like a soft blanket, while the stones lay cold, indifferent as old soldiers." Identify the metaphor and the simile in the stanza and explain briefly how each contributes to the theme of nature's indifference.

A. Metaphor: "The stones lay cold, indifferent as old soldiers"; Simile: "moonlight draped the hills like a soft blanket"; both emphasize human endurance

B. Metaphor: "moonlight draped the hills like a soft blanket"; Simile: "The river sang a silver lullaby"; both highlight nature's gentle lull

C. Metaphor: "The river sang a silver lullaby"; Simile: "stones lay cold, indifferent as old soldiers"; both suggest nature's harsh cruelty

Correct D. Metaphor: "The river sang a silver lullaby"; Simile: "moonlight draped the hills like a soft blanket"; both highlight nature's indifferent serenity

Correct Answer: D

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