JAMB Literature in English Syllabus
Every section, topic and candidate objective in the official JAMB Literature in English outline — 7 sections, 16 topics and 84 objectives.
- Sections
- 7sections
- Topics
- 16topics
- Objectives
- 84objectives
- Category
- Arts & Humanitiescategory
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Syllabus sections
7 sectionsTap a section to open it, then tap a topic to see its content and objectives.
1Section 1: Drama
3 topics · 20 objectives
1Types of Drama
6 content items · 6 objectives
Content
a. Types: Tragedy
Objective
Identify the various types of drama, analyse their contents, and compare and contrast the features of different types of drama.
Content
b. Types: Comedy
Objective
Identify the various types of drama, analyse their contents, and compare and contrast the features of different types of drama.
Content
c. Types: Tragicomedy
Objective
Identify the various types of drama, analyse their contents, and compare and contrast the features of different types of drama.
Content
d. Types: Melodrama
Objective
Identify the various types of drama, analyse their contents, and compare and contrast the features of different types of drama.
Content
e. Types: Farce
Objective
Identify the various types of drama, analyse their contents, and compare and contrast the features of different types of drama.
Content
f. Types: Opera, etc.
Objective
Identify the various types of drama, analyse their contents, and compare and contrast the features of different types of drama.
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2Dramatic Techniques
10 content items · 10 objectives
Content
a. Characterisation
Objective
Demonstrate adequate knowledge of dramatic techniques and stage directions used in each prescribed text, and differentiate between the styles of selected playwrights.
Content
b. Dialogue
Objective
Demonstrate adequate knowledge of dramatic techniques and stage directions used in each prescribed text, and differentiate between the styles of selected playwrights.
Content
c. Flashback
Objective
Demonstrate adequate knowledge of dramatic techniques and stage directions used in each prescribed text, and differentiate between the styles of selected playwrights.
Content
d. Mime
Objective
Demonstrate adequate knowledge of dramatic techniques and stage directions used in each prescribed text, and differentiate between the styles of selected playwrights.
Content
e. Costume
Objective
Demonstrate adequate knowledge of dramatic techniques and stage directions used in each prescribed text, and differentiate between the styles of selected playwrights.
Content
f. Music/Dance
Objective
Demonstrate adequate knowledge of dramatic techniques and stage directions used in each prescribed text, and differentiate between the styles of selected playwrights.
Content
g. Décor/Scenery
Objective
Demonstrate adequate knowledge of dramatic techniques and stage directions used in each prescribed text, and differentiate between the styles of selected playwrights.
Content
h. Acts/Scenes
Objective
Demonstrate adequate knowledge of dramatic techniques and stage directions used in each prescribed text, and differentiate between the styles of selected playwrights.
Content
i. Soliloquy/Aside
Objective
Demonstrate adequate knowledge of dramatic techniques and stage directions used in each prescribed text, and differentiate between the styles of selected playwrights.
Content
j. Figures of Speech
Objective
Demonstrate adequate knowledge of dramatic techniques and stage directions used in each prescribed text, and differentiate between the styles of selected playwrights.
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3Interpretation of the Prescribed Texts
4 content items · 4 objectives
Content
a. Theme
Objective
Determine the theme of any prescribed text.
Content
b. Plot
Objective
Identify the plot of the play.
Content
c. Socio-political context
Objective
Apply the lessons of the play to social reality.
Content
d. Setting
Objective
Identify the spatial setting and temporal period of the play.
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2Section 2: Prose
3 topics · 19 objectives
1Types of Prose
7 content items · 7 objectives
Content
a. Prose fiction: Fiction — Novel
Objective
Differentiate between types of novel, identify the category to which each prescribed text belongs, and analyse the components of each type of prose.
Content
b. Prose fiction: Fiction — Novella/Novelette
Objective
Differentiate between types of novel, identify the category to which each prescribed text belongs, and analyse the components of each type of prose.
Content
c. Prose fiction: Fiction — Short story
Objective
Differentiate between types of novel, identify the category to which each prescribed text belongs, and analyse the components of each type of prose.
Content
d. Prose fiction: Non-fiction — Biography
Objective
Identify the category to which each prescribed text belongs and analyse the components of each type of prose.
Content
e. Prose fiction: Non-fiction — Autobiography
Objective
Identify the category to which each prescribed text belongs and analyse the components of each type of prose.
Content
f. Prose fiction: Non-fiction — Memoir
Objective
Identify the category to which each prescribed text belongs and analyse the components of each type of prose.
Content
g. Faction: Combination of fact and fiction
Objective
Identify the balance of facts and fiction in literary faction.
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2Narrative Techniques/Devices
8 content items · 8 objectives
Content
a. Point of view: Omniscient
Objective
Identify the narrative techniques used in each prescribed text and determine an author's narrative style.
Content
b. Point of view: First person
Objective
Identify the narrative techniques used in each prescribed text and determine an author's narrative style.
Content
c. Point of view: Second person
Objective
Identify the narrative techniques used in each prescribed text and determine an author's narrative style.
Content
d. Point of view: Third person
Objective
Identify the narrative techniques used in each prescribed text and determine an author's narrative style.
Content
e. Point of view: Stream of consciousness
Objective
Identify the narrative techniques used in each prescribed text and determine an author's narrative style.
Content
f. Point of view: Epiphany
Objective
Identify the narrative techniques used in each prescribed text and determine an author's narrative style.
Content
g. Characterisation: Round, flat, foil, hero, antihero, villain, heroine, etc.
Objective
Distinguish between one type of character and another.
Content
h. Language
Objective
Demonstrate understanding of grammar, diction and clarity of expression.
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3Textual Analysis
4 content items · 4 objectives
Content
a. Theme
Objective
Determine the thematic preoccupation of the prescribed text.
Content
b. Plot
Objective
Indicate the plot of the novel.
Content
c. Setting (Temporal/Spatial)
Objective
Identify the setting and period or timing of the novel.
Content
d. Socio-political context
Objective
Relate the prescribed text to social reality.
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3Section 3: Poetry
3 topics · 15 objectives
1Types of Poetry
8 content items · 8 objectives
Content
a. Sonnet
Objective
Identify different types of poetry and their distinctive features.
Content
b. Ode
Objective
Identify different types of poetry and their distinctive features.
Content
c. Lyrics
Objective
Identify different types of poetry and their distinctive features.
Content
d. Elegy
Objective
Identify different types of poetry and their distinctive features.
Content
e. Ballad
Objective
Identify different types of poetry and their distinctive features.
Content
f. Panegyric
Objective
Identify different types of poetry and their distinctive features.
Content
g. Epic
Objective
Identify different types of poetry and their distinctive features.
Content
h. Blank verse, etc.
Objective
Identify different types of poetry and their distinctive features.
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2Poetic Devices
4 content items · 4 objectives
Content
a. Imagery
Objective
Determine the devices used by various poets, show how poetic devices are used for aesthetic effect in each poem, identify figures of speech in the texts, and explain how poetic devices convey messages and meaning.
Content
b. Sound (Rhyme/Rhythm, repetition, pun, onomatopoeia, etc.)
Objective
Determine the devices used by various poets, show how poetic devices are used for aesthetic effect in each poem, identify figures of speech in the texts, and explain how poetic devices convey messages and meaning.
Content
c. Diction
Objective
Determine the devices used by various poets and explain how poetic devices convey messages and meaning.
Content
d. Persona
Objective
Determine the devices used by various poets and explain how poetic devices convey messages and meaning.
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3Appreciation
3 content items · 3 objectives
Content
a. Thematic preoccupation
Objective
Deduce the poet's thematic preoccupation from the poem.
Content
b. Socio-political relevance
Objective
Apply the lessons from the poem to social reality.
Content
c. Style
Objective
Appraise poetry as an art with moral values.
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4Section 4: General Literary Terms and Principles
1 topic · 1 objective
1Literary Terms
1 content item · 1 objective
Content
Foreshadowing, suspense, theatre, monologue, dialogue, soliloquy, symbolism, protagonist, antagonist, figures of speech, satire, stream of consciousness, synecdoche, metonymy, etc., in addition to those listed under the different genres
Objective
Identify literary terms that are specific to drama, prose and poetry, and identify areas of overlap among all the genres, e.g. verse in drama and poetry, and narration in all the genres.
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5Section 5: Literary Appreciation
1 topic · 3 objectives
1Unseen Passages/Extracts from Drama, Prose and Poetry
3 content items · 3 objectives
Content
a. Unseen passages/extracts from drama
Objective
Identify literary devices used in a given passage or extract, provide an interpretation of the passage or extract, and relate the extract to true-life experiences.
Content
b. Unseen passages/extracts from prose
Objective
Identify literary devices used in a given passage or extract, provide an interpretation of the passage or extract, and relate the extract to true-life experiences.
Content
c. Unseen passages/extracts from poetry
Objective
Identify literary devices used in a given passage or extract, provide an interpretation of the passage or extract, and relate the extract to true-life experiences.
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6Section 6: List of Selected African and Non-African Plays, Novels and Poems
3 topics · 15 objectives
1Drama
2 content items · 2 objectives
Content
a. African: Efua Sutherland — Marriage of Anansewa
Objective
Study and appreciate the prescribed African play, including its themes, plot, characters, dramatic techniques, setting and socio-political context.
Content
b. Non-African: William Shakespeare — Antony and Cleopatra
Objective
Study and appreciate the prescribed non-African play, including its themes, plot, characters, dramatic techniques, setting and socio-political context.
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2Prose
3 content items · 3 objectives
Content
a. African: Pede Hollist — So the Path Does not Die
Objective
Study and appreciate the prescribed African novel, including its themes, plot, characters, narrative techniques, setting and socio-political context.
Content
b. African: Elma Shaw — Redemption Road
Objective
Study and appreciate the prescribed African novel, including its themes, plot, characters, narrative techniques, setting and socio-political context.
Content
c. Non-African: Susanne Bellefeuille — Path of Lucas: The Journey He Endured
Objective
Study and appreciate the prescribed non-African prose text, including its themes, plot, characters, narrative techniques, setting and socio-political context.
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3Poetry
10 content items · 10 objectives
Content
a. African: Gabriel Okara — Once Upon a Time
Objective
Study and appreciate the prescribed poem, including its themes, poetic devices, style, socio-political relevance and moral values.
Content
b. African: Elizabeth L. A. Kamara — New Tongue
Objective
Study and appreciate the prescribed poem, including its themes, poetic devices, style, socio-political relevance and moral values.
Content
c. African: Wole Soyinka — Night
Objective
Study and appreciate the prescribed poem, including its themes, poetic devices, style, socio-political relevance and moral values.
Content
d. African: Niyi Osundare — Not my Business
Objective
Study and appreciate the prescribed poem, including its themes, poetic devices, style, socio-political relevance and moral values.
Content
e. African: S. O. H. Afriyie-Vidza — Hearty Garlands
Objective
Study and appreciate the prescribed poem, including its themes, poetic devices, style, socio-political relevance and moral values.
Content
f. African: Syl Cheney-Coker — The Breast of the Sea
Objective
Study and appreciate the prescribed poem, including its themes, poetic devices, style, socio-political relevance and moral values.
Content
g. Non-African: Lord Byron — She Walks in Beauty
Objective
Study and appreciate the prescribed poem, including its themes, poetic devices, style, socio-political relevance and moral values.
Content
h. Non-African: Geoffrey Chaucer — The Nun's Priest's Tale (shortened)
Objective
Study and appreciate the prescribed poem, including its themes, poetic devices, style, socio-political relevance and moral values.
Content
i. Non-African: Fleur Adcock — The Telephone Call
Objective
Study and appreciate the prescribed poem, including its themes, poetic devices, style, socio-political relevance and moral values.
Content
j. Non-African: Wilfred Wilson Gibson — The Stone
Objective
Study and appreciate the prescribed poem, including its themes, poetic devices, style, socio-political relevance and moral values.
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7Section 7: Recommended Texts
2 topics · 11 objectives
1Anthologies
8 content items · 8 objectives
Content
1. Obafemi, O. and Agoi (eds.) — Of Shadows and Rainbows: Musings in Times of Covid (An Anthology of Poems, Plays and Short Stories), PEN Nigeria, online
Objective
Use recommended anthologies to support the study, interpretation and appreciation of literary works across genres.
Content
2. Hayward, J. (ed.) (1968) — The Penguin Book of English Verse, London: Penguin
Objective
Use recommended anthologies to support the study, interpretation and appreciation of literary works across genres.
Content
3. Johnson, R., Ker, D., Maduka, C. and Obafemi, O. (eds.) (1996) — New Poetry from Africa, Ibadan: UP Plc
Objective
Use recommended anthologies to support the study, interpretation and appreciation of literary works across genres.
Content
4. Kermode, F. (1964) — Oxford Anthology of English Literature, Vol. II, London: OUP
Objective
Use recommended anthologies to support the study, interpretation and appreciation of literary works across genres.
Content
5. Nduke Ofiono and Odoh Diego Okenyodo (eds.) (2021) — Camouflage: Best of Contemporary Writing from Nigeria, an Anthology of New Nigerian Writers, Mace Books Association, new edition
Objective
Use recommended anthologies to support the study, interpretation and appreciation of literary works across genres.
Content
6. Parker, E. W. (ed.) (1980) — A Pageant of Longer Poems, London: Longman
Objective
Use recommended anthologies to support the study, interpretation and appreciation of literary works across genres.
Content
7. Senanu, K. E. and Vincent, T. (eds.) (1993) — A Selection of African Poetry, Lagos: Longman
Objective
Use recommended anthologies to support the study, interpretation and appreciation of literary works across genres.
Content
8. Soyinka, W. (ed.) (1987) — Poems of Black Africa, Ibadan: Heinemann
Objective
Use recommended anthologies to support the study, interpretation and appreciation of literary works across genres.
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2Critical Texts
3 content items · 3 objectives
Content
1. Abrams, M. H. (1981) — A Glossary of Literary Terms, 4th Edition, New York: Holt Rinehart and Winston
Objective
Use critical texts to understand literary terminology, interpret unseen passages and analyse literary techniques across drama, prose and poetry.
Content
2. Emeaba, O. E. (1982) — A Dictionary of Literature, Aba: Inteks Press
Objective
Use critical texts to understand literary terminology, interpret unseen passages and analyse literary techniques across drama, prose and poetry.
Content
3. Murphy, M. J. (1972) — Understanding Unseen: An Introduction to English Poetry and English Novel for Overseas Students, George Allen and Unwin Ltd.
Objective
Use critical texts to understand literary terminology, interpret unseen passages and analyse literary techniques across drama, prose and poetry.
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