Subject overview
The aims of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) syllabus in Literature in
Official syllabus Content is taken from the official JAMB UTME syllabus (IBASS). Last checked: 17 Sept 2026. Always confirm at jamb.gov.ng.
Your progress
Mark topics as you go to track your readiness.
Study the syllabus below, then test yourself. Move each topic from Not started → Learning → Practising → Mastered.
General objectives
The Literature in English syllabus is designed to test candidates' ability to:
- English is to prepare the candidates for the Board’s examination. Which are to generate, deepen and sustain interest in literature in English generally, and create awareness and understanding of the principles and techniques of all the genres of literature from diverse cultures.
- OBJECTIVES:
- It is designed to test their achievement of the course objectives which are to:
- • stimulate and sustain their interest in Literature in English;
- • create an awareness of the general principles of Literature and the functions of language:
- • appreciate literary works of all genres and across all cultures;
- • apply the knowledge of Literature in English to the understanding of cultural literature, political and economic activities in the society.
- a. Types:
- i. Tragedy
- ii. Comedy
- iii. Tragicomedy
- iv. Melodrama
- vi. Opera etc.
- b. Dramatic Techniques
- i. Characterisation
- ii. Dialogue
- iii. Flashback
- v. Costume
- vi. Music/Dance
- vii. Décor/scenery
- viii. Acts/Scenes
- ix. Soliloquy/aside
- x. Figures of Speech.
How this paper is examined
JAMB Literature in English is a Computer-Based Test of 40 multiple-choice questions worth 100 marks. There is no negative marking, so attempt every question. It is taken with Use of English and two other subjects, for 180 questions in two hours overall.
How to use this syllabus: don't just read it — turn each topic into a checklist. Study a topic, then immediately practise questions on it so the knowledge sticks. Give extra time to the sections that carry the most topics, and revisit weak areas with timed practice as the exam approaches.
Topics & recommended order
Work through these topics in order. Mark each one as you go — your progress is saved on this device.
3. GENERAL LITERARY TERMS
Not started4. LITERARY APPRECIATION
Not started5. ANTHOLOGIES
Not started12. CRITICAL TEXTS
Not startedFull Literature in English syllabus
Every section and topic below is from the official JAMB syllabus, reproduced faithfully.
2. PROSE
- a. Types: Prose fiction
- i. Fiction
- • Novel
- • Novella/Novelette
- • Short story
- ii. Non-fiction
- • Biography
- • Autobiography
- • Memoir
- iii. Faction: combination of fact and fiction
- b. Narrative Techniques/Devices:
- i. Point of view
- • Omniscient
- • First Person
- • Second person
- • Third person
- • Stream of consciousness
- • Epiphany
- ii. Characterisation
- • Round, flat, foil, hero, antihero villain, heroine. etc
- iii. Language
3. POETRY
- a. Types:
- i. Sonnet
- ii. Ode
- iii. Lyrics
- iv. Elegy
- v. Ballad
- vi. Panegyric
- vii. Epic
- viii. Blank Verse, etc.
- c.i. determine the thematic pre-occupation of the prescribed text;
- c.ii. indicate the plot of the novel;
- c.iii. identify the setting and period/timing of the novel.
- c.iv. relate the prescribed text to social reality.
4. GENERAL LITERARY TERMS
- AND PRINCIPLES
- a. Literary terms:
- foreshadowing, suspense, theatre, monologue, dialogue, soliloquy, symbolism, protagonist, antagonist, figures of speech, satire, stream of consciousness, synecdoche, metonymy, etc, in addition to those listed above under the different genres.
5. LITERARY APPRECIATION
- Unseen passages/extracts from Drama,
- Prose and Poetry.
1. ANTHOLOGIES
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
2. Hayward, J. (ed.) (1968) The Penguin Book of English Verse, London Penguin
3. Johnson, R.,Ker, D, Maduka,C. Obafemi,O (eds.) (1996) New Poetry from Africa,
- Ibadan: UP Plc
4. Kermode, F. (1964) Oxford Anthology of English Literature, Vol. II, London: OUP
5. Nduke Ofiono and Odoh Diego Okenyodo (eds) Camouflage; Best of contemporary
- writing from Nigeria, an anthology of new Nigerian writers, mace books association,
- 2021, New edition.
6. Parker, E.W. (ed.) (1980) A Peagent of Longer Poems London: Longman
7. Senanu, K. E. and Vincent, T. (eds.) (1993) A Selection of African Poetry, Lagos:
- Longman
8. Soyinka, W. (ed.) (1987) Poems of Black Africa, Ibadan: Heinemann
2. CRITICAL TEXTS
- Abrams, M. H. (1981) A Glossary of Literary Terms, (4th Edition) New York, Holt
- Rinehalt and Winston
- Emeaba, O. E. (1982) A Dictionary of Literature, Aba: Inteks Press
- Murphy, M. J. (1972) Understanding Unseen, An Introduction to English Poetry and
- English Novel for Overseas Students, George Allen and Unwin Ltd.
Recommended next steps
All subjects · Subject combination checker · JAMB information · CBT practice
Frequently asked questions
How many questions does JAMB set in Literature in English?
JAMB sets 40 multiple-choice questions in Literature in English, each carrying equal marks for a total of 100 marks. Only Use of English has more (60 questions); every other subject follows this 40-question pattern, and your four subjects together make 180 questions and 400 marks.
How long is the exam and how much time per question?
The whole UTME lasts two hours (120 minutes) for all four subjects combined — about 40 seconds per question on average. Pace yourself: answer the questions you know quickly, flag the hard ones, and come back to them.
Is Literature in English compulsory in JAMB?
Use of English is the only universally compulsory subject. Literature in English is required for many arts courses and helpful for Law, Mass Communication and English.
How is the JAMB Literature in English syllabus structured?
The Literature syllabus covers the three genres — drama, prose and poetry — plus literary appreciation and terms, and the prescribed set texts for the current session.
What should I focus on most in Literature in English?
Master the current set texts (plot, characters, themes) and literary terms and devices. Be able to analyse unseen passages of poetry and prose.
Does JAMB repeat past questions in Literature in English?
JAMB does not announce a policy of repeating questions, but the syllabus changes little from year to year, so the same topics and question styles recur. Studying strictly by the syllabus and practising many questions per topic is the dependable approach — never rely on 'expo', which is a scam.
Is there negative marking in JAMB Literature in English?
No. JAMB does not use negative marking, so a wrong answer scores zero with no penalty. Always attempt every question, even if you have to make an educated guess.
What textbooks are recommended for JAMB Literature in English?
Read the prescribed set texts themselves (not just summaries) alongside a good literary-terms reference. Always confirm the current set texts on the official syllabus.
Where can I find the official Literature in English syllabus?
The official source is the JAMB e-syllabus on the IBASS portal (jamb.gov.ng). The full topics are reproduced on this page for easy study, but always confirm the current syllabus on the official portal before your exam.
How can I prepare for Literature in English on Belmadeng?
Study the full syllabus on this page, turn each topic into a checklist, and track your progress from Not started to Mastered. Belmadeng is adding more practice questions across subjects — explore CBT practice and the Study Centre as they grow.
Source: official JAMB UTME Literature in English syllabus (IBASS, jamb.gov.ng). Reproduced for study use. Last checked: 17 Sept 2026. Belmadeng is not affiliated with JAMB — always confirm the current syllabus on the official portal.