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
- TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES OBJECTIVES
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 examined alongside 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.
4. GENERAL LITERARY TERMS
Not started5. LITERARY APPRECIATION
Not started6. ANTHOLOGIES
Not started15. CRITICAL TEXTS
Not startedFull Literature in English syllabus
Every topic below is from the official JAMB syllabus, with its contents and the objectives you should be able to meet. Study a topic, then use its objectives as a checklist.
1. DRAMA
Contents
- 1. DRAMA a. Types: i. Tragedy ii. Comedy iii. Tragicomedy iv. Melodrama v. Farce vi. Opera etc
- b. Dramatic Techniques i. Characterisation ii. Dialogue iii. Flashback iv. Mime v. Costume vi. Music/Dance vii. Décor/scenery viii. Acts/Scenes ix. Soliloquy/aside x. Figures of Speech
- c. Interpretation of the Prescribed Texts i. Theme ii. Plot iii. Socio-political context iv. Setting
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- A.i. identify the various types of drama; a.ii. analyse the contents of the various types of drama; a.iii. compare and contrast the features of different types of drama. b.i. demonstrate adequate knowledge of dramatic techniques and stage directions used in each prescribed text; b.ii. differentiate between styles of selected playwrights; c.i determine the theme of any prescribed text; c.ii. identify the plot of the play; c.iii. apply the lessons of the play to social reality. c.iv. identify the spatial setting and temporal period of the play
2. PROSE
Contents
- 2. PROSE a. Types: Prose fiction i. Fiction • Novel • Novella/Novelette • Short story ii. Non-fiction • Biography • Autobiography • Memoir a.iv 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 b.ii • Round, flat, foil, hero, antihero villain, heroine. etc iii. Language c. Textual Analysis c.i i. Theme ii. Plot iii. Setting (Temporal/Spatial) c.i iv. Socio-political context c.i c.i
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- A.i. differentiate between types of novel. a.ii. identify the category that each prescribed text belongs to; a.iii. analyse the components of each type of prose
- Identify the balance of facts and fiction in literary faction. b.i. identify the narrative techniques used in each of the prescribed texts; b.ii. determine an author’s narrative style
- Distinguish between one type of character from another; b.iv. Grammar, diction and clarity of expression
- Determine the thematic pre-occupation of the prescribed text
- Indicate the plot of the novel
- Identify the setting and period/timing of the novel
- Relate the prescribed text to social reality
3. POETRY
Contents
- 3. POETRY a. Types: i. Sonnet ii. Ode iii. Lyrics iv. Elegy v. Ballad vi. Panegyric vii. Epic viii. Blank Verse, etc
- b. Poetic devices i. Imagery ii. Sound (Rhyme/Rhythm, repetition, pun, onomatopoeia, etc.) iii. Diction iv. Persona c. Appreciation i. Thematic preoccupation ii. Socio-political relevance iii. Style
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- A.i. identify different types of poetry; a.ii. identify the distinctive features of the poetic types. b.i. determine the devices used by various poets; b.ii. show how poetic devices are used for aesthetic effect in each poem; b.iii. identify the figure of speech in the texts. b.iv. Show how poetic devices convey message and meaning. c.i. Deduce the poet’s thematic preoccupation from the poem; c.ii. appraise poetry as an art with moral values; c.iii. apply the lessons from the poem to social reality
4. GENERAL LITERARY TERMS
Contents
- 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
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- A.i. identify literary terms that are specific to drama, prose and poetry; a.ii. identify areas of overlap in all the genres e.g. verse in drama and poetry, narration in all the genres
5. LITERARY APPRECIATION
Contents
- 5. LITERARY APPRECIATION Unseen passages/extracts from Drama, Prose and Poetry
- A LIST OF SELECTED AFRICAN AND POE Drama: African: i. Efua Sutherland: M Non-African: i. Williams Shakespea Prose: African: i. Pede Hollist: S ii. Elma Shaw: R Non African: i. Susanne Bellefeuille: Path of L Poetry: African: i. Gabriel Okara: ii. Elizabeth L.A. Kamara: iii. Wole Soyinka: iv. Niyi Osundare: v. S.O.H. Afriyie-Vidza: vi. Syl Cheney-Coker: Non-African: i. Lord Byron: ii. Geoffery Chaucer: iii. Fleur Adcock: iv. Wilfred Wilson Gipson: RECOMME
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Identify literary devices used in a given passage/extract
- Provide an interpretation of the given passage/extract
- Relate the extract to true life experiences. NON-AFRICAN PLAYS, NOVELS AND MS arriage of Anansewa re: Anthony and Cleopatra o the Path Does not Die edemption Road ucas: The Journey He Endured Once Upon a Time New Tongue Night Not my Business Hearty Garlands The Breast of the Sea She Walks in Beauty The Nun’s Priest Tale (shortened) The Telephone Call The Stone NDED
6. ANTHOLOGIES
Contents
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- ANTHOLOGIES
7. Obafemi, O. and Agoi (eds) Of shadows and Rainbows –Musings in Times of Covid
Contents
- 1. Obafemi, O. and Agoi (eds) Of shadows and Rainbows – (An Anthology of poems, plays and short stories) PEN
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Musings in Times of Covid Nigeria, Online
8. Hayward, J. (ed.) (1968) The Penguin Book of English Verse, London Penguin
Contents
- 2. Hayward, J
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Verse, London Penguin
9. Johnson, R.,Ker, D, Maduka,C. Obafemi,O (eds.) (1996) New Poetry from Africa,
Contents
- 3. Johnson, R.,Ker, D, Maduka,C. Obafemi,O (eds.) (1996
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- New Poetry from Africa
10. Kermode, F. (1964) Oxford Anthology of English Literature, Vol. II, London: OUP
Contents
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
11. Nduke Ofiono and Odoh Diego Okenyodo (eds) Camouflage; Best of contemporary
Contents
- 5. Nduke Ofiono and Odoh Diego Okenyodo (eds) Camouflag writing from Nigeria, an anthology of new Nigerian w 2021, New edition
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- E; Best of contemporary riters, mace books association
12. Parker, E.W. (ed.) (1980) A Peagent of Longer Poems London: Longman
Contents
- 6. Parker, E.W
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
13. Senanu, K. E. and Vincent, T. (eds.) (1993) A Selection of African Poetry, Lagos
Contents
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Ion of African Poetry, Lagos
14. Soyinka, W. (ed.) (1987) Poems of Black Africa, Ibadan: Heinemann
Contents
- 8. Soyinka, W
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- An: Heinemann
15. CRITICAL TEXTS
Contents
- 2. CRITICAL
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- Edition) New York, Holt nteks Press ion to English Poetry and nwin Ltd
Recommended texts for JAMB Literature in English
These are the recommended textbooks listed in the official JAMB Literature in English syllabus. You do not need every book — one solid, complete text that follows the syllabus, paired with past-question practice, is enough.
- 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
- Hayward, J. (ed.) (1968) The Penguin Book of English Verse, London Penguin
- Johnson, R.,Ker, D, Maduka,C. Obafemi,O (eds.) (1996) New Poetry from Africa, Ibadan: UP Plc
- Kermode, F. (1964) Oxford Anthology of English Literature, Vol. II, London: OUP
- 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.
- Parker, E.W. (ed.) (1980) A Peagent of Longer Poems London: Longman
- Senanu, K. E. and Vincent, T. (eds.) (1993) A Selection of African Poetry, Lagos: Longman
- 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
What is the JAMB Literature in English syllabus for 2026/2027?
The JAMB Literature in English syllabus for the 2026/2027 UTME is the official document that lists every topic, objective and recommended text you will be examined on. It covers the three genres — drama, prose and poetry — plus literary appreciation and terms, and the prescribed set texts for the current session. Every question in the Literature in English paper is drawn from this syllabus, so studying any topic outside it is a waste of time. The complete, up-to-date syllabus is reproduced in full on this page.
What are the areas of concentration for JAMB Literature in English?
The areas of concentration are the sections and high-frequency topics the UTME focuses on. Master the current set texts (plot, characters, themes and settings) and literary terms and devices, and practise analysing unseen passages of poetry and prose. Concentrate your revision on these areas first, then cover the rest of the syllabus — and practise past-question-style questions on each area so you recognise how they are tested.
How many questions does JAMB set in Literature in English?
JAMB sets 40 multiple-choice questions in Literature in English, worth 100 marks. Only Use of English has more (60 questions). Across your four subjects the UTME totals 180 questions and 400 marks.
How long is the JAMB exam and how much time per Literature in English question?
The whole UTME lasts two hours (120 minutes) for all four subjects combined — roughly 40 seconds per question. Answer the questions you know quickly, flag the harder ones, and return to them. There is no negative marking, so never leave any question unanswered.
Is Literature in English compulsory in JAMB?
Use of English is the only universally compulsory subject, but Literature in English is required for many arts courses and useful for Law, Mass Communication, English and Theatre Arts.
What are the hot topics or most repeated topics in JAMB Literature in English?
While JAMB does not publish a 'hot topics' list, the syllabus changes little year to year, so the same high-frequency topics recur. Master the current set texts (plot, characters, themes and settings) and literary terms and devices, and practise analysing unseen passages of poetry and prose. Studying strictly by the syllabus and practising many questions per topic is the reliable way to prepare — never rely on 'expo' or leaked questions, which are scams and can cost you your result.
What are the recommended textbooks for JAMB Literature in English?
The official syllabus recommends standard texts: the prescribed set texts themselves (read the actual texts, not just summaries) plus a literary-terms reference. You do not need every book — one complete, syllabus-aligned textbook plus consistent past-question practice is enough. See the full recommended-texts list below.
Can I download the JAMB Literature in English syllabus PDF for free?
JAMB publishes the official syllabus free on the IBASS portal at jamb.gov.ng (Quick Links → Syllabus System). Rather than a static PDF, this page reproduces the complete Literature in English syllabus for 2026/2027 — every section, topic and recommended text — so you can study it on any phone, with progress tracking and practice built in. Always confirm the current syllabus on the official portal.
Does the JAMB Literature in English syllabus change every year?
No — the core topics stay largely the same from year to year because the subject content does not change. The main exception is the prescribed Use of English novel (and some Literature texts), which JAMB updates at the start of a new exam cycle. Always check the official syllabus at the start of your preparation to confirm nothing in your subjects has been updated.
Is there negative marking in JAMB Literature in English?
No. JAMB does not use negative marking, so a wrong answer simply scores zero — there is no penalty. This means you should attempt every one of the 40 questions, even where you have to make an educated guess near the end of the time.
How do I study the JAMB Literature in English syllabus effectively?
Turn the syllabus into a checklist: study one topic, then immediately practise questions on it so it sticks; give the most time to the areas of concentration that carry the most topics; use one recommended textbook rather than many; and practise past-question-style questions under timed conditions to build speed. Track each topic on this page from Not started to Mastered so you always know what is left.
How can I practise JAMB Literature in English questions on Belmadeng?
Belmadeng offers free, timed CBT practice with worked explanations. Study a topic here, then test yourself — your weak topics are highlighted afterwards so you know exactly what to revise. Explore CBT practice to prepare the way the real Computer-Based Test works.
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.
Courses that require Literature in English in JAMB
Literature in English is part of the UTME subject combination for 5+ popular courses. If you’re studying Literature in English, these are the courses it can lead to:
Commonly required for
Requirements vary by institution — always confirm your exact course in the subject combinations hub and the official JAMB brochure.
Related JAMB subjects
Candidates studying Literature in English often study these subjects alongside it. Each links to its full official syllabus and free CBT practice: