2020 JAMB LITERATURE PAST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Leave a Comment / Jamb Literature / By Jamb Tutor Report a question What’s wrong with this question? You cannot submit an empty report. Please add some details. 0% 0 votes, 0 avg Created by Jamb TutorJamb Literature 2020 JAMB LITERATURE PAST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 1 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 1. The setting of Shakespeare’s Othello is____________ a) Verona b) Venice c) the Faroe Islands d) Bulgaria The correct answer is Venice. “Othello” is primarily set in Venice and later in Cyprus. Verona is the setting of “Romeo and Juliet,” the Faroe Islands relate to “The Tempest,” and Bulgaria is not associated with “Othello.” 2 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 2. Bayo Adebowale portrayed Yaremi as resilient, self reliant and strong willed particularly to__________ a) rebuke African superstitious beliefs b) represent the image of African traditionalism c) condemn male chauvinism d) demonstrate the plight of widowhood The correct answer is demonstrate the plight of widowhood. Adebowale highlights Yaremi’s strength in facing widowhood. Options A, B, and C do not directly relate to the portrayal of Yaremi’s resilience and self-reliance. 3 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 3. ‘They are as fearsome as they are fearless’ is an example of______ a) antithesis b) pun c) oxymoron d) simile The correct answer is oxymoron. The phrase combines contradictory terms (“fearsome” and “fearless”). Antithesis involves contrasting ideas, pun is a play on words, and simile uses “like” or “as” for comparison. 4 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 4. In Herbert’s “The Pulley”, God’s supremacy is exemplified through______ a) His withholding of the gift of rest b) the insatiable nature of man's needs c) His unending love for mankind d) His blessings of man with many gifts The correct answer is His withholding of the gift of rest. This action demonstrates God’s control and supreme authority. The other options, while related to themes in the poem, do not directly exemplify His supremacy. 5 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 5. ‘The fair breeze blew The white foam flew The furrow followed free We were the first that ever burst Into that silent sea.’ The dominant figure of speech in the above passage is a) alliteration b) repetition c) paradox d) rhyme scheme The correct answer is alliteration. The repetition of the ‘f’ sound in “fair breeze,” “white foam,” and “furrow followed free” exemplifies alliteration. Repetition involves repeating words, paradox presents contradictory ideas, and rhyme scheme refers to the pattern of rhymes. 6 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 6. Awonoor’s ‘The Anvil and the Hammer’ is best described as a/an___________ a) free verse b) blank verse c) ode d) apologue The correct answer is apologue. An apologue is a moral fable, often using animals as characters, which aligns with Awonoor’s work. Free verse and blank verse refer to poem structures, while an ode is a type of lyrical poetry. 7 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 7. At dawn must I rise to till the rock That our land has turned into The land where on we’d gleefully harvested paddy Planted and nurtured and tended on plots marshy Our woes are bloody woes of accursed revenges Of the land spirits aggrieved by paltry human respect For the life of fellow man by his fellow Kindred blood has counted for less than no value Brother’s wife has been wife to other brother’s brother Communal loot has emptied our country silos The earth has stopped breathing and sighed Soldered tears has the moon shed The earth was scorched at noon-day night And our land has turned to hoeing rock. The theme of the poem is__________ a) drought and heat b) abomination and retribution c) sickness and death d) famine and disease The correct answer is abomination and retribution. The poem reflects themes of environmental degradation and the resulting suffering as a form of retribution. Options related to drought, sickness, or famine do not fully capture the moral and retributive aspects presented. 8 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 8. At dawn must I rise to till the rock That our land has turned into The land where on we’d gleefully harvested paddy Planted and nurtured and tended on plots marshy Our woes are bloody woes of accursed revenges Of the land spirits aggrieved by paltry human respect For the life of fellow man by his fellow Kindred blood has counted for less than no value Brother’s wife has been wife to other brother’s brother Communal loot has emptied our country silos The earth has stopped breathing and sighed Soldered tears has the moon shed The earth was scorched at noon-day night And our land has turned to hoeing rock. The mood of the poet is one of________ a) loneliness b) hopelessness c) happiness d) recklessness The correct answer is hopelessness. The poet conveys a sense of despair and futility regarding the state of the land and human actions. Loneliness and recklessness do not adequately describe the overarching emotional tone. 9 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 9. At dawn must I rise to till the rock That our land has turned into The land where on we’d gleefully harvested paddy Planted and nurtured and tended on plots marshy Our woes are bloody woes of accursed revenges Of the land spirits aggrieved by paltry human respect For the life of fellow man by his fellow Kindred blood has counted for less than no value Brother’s wife has been wife to other brother’s brother Communal loot has emptied our country silos The earth has stopped breathing and sighed Soldered tears has the moon shed The earth was scorched at noon-day night And our land has turned to hoeing rock. ‘The earth has stopped breathing and sighed’ illustrates__________ a) bathos b) paradox c) climax d) personification The correct answer is personification. The earth is given human-like qualities of breathing and sighing, which is a hallmark of personification. Bathos refers to an abrupt shift in tone, paradox presents contradictory ideas, and climax refers to the peak of the action. 10 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 10. At dawn must I rise to till the rock That our land has turned into The land where on we’d gleefully harvested paddy Planted and nurtured and tended on plots marshy Our woes are bloody woes of accursed revenges Of the land spirits aggrieved by paltry human respect For the life of fellow man by his fellow Kindred blood has counted for less than no value Brother’s wife has been wife to other brother’s brother Communal loot has emptied our country silos The earth has stopped breathing and sighed Soldered tears has the moon shed The earth was scorched at noon-day night And our land has turned to hoeing rock. The run-on lines convey the speaker’s_______ a) lamentation b) disappointment c) defiance d) indignation The correct answer is lamentation. The continuous flow of lines without proper punctuation reflects the speaker’s sorrow and mourning over the state of the land. Disappointment, defiance, and indignation are emotions but do not specifically capture the mournful aspect. 11 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 11. At dawn must I rise to till the rock That our land has turned into The land where on we’d gleefully harvested paddy Planted and nurtured and tended on plots marshy Our woes are bloody woes of accursed revenges Of the land spirits aggrieved by paltry human respect For the life of fellow man by his fellow Kindred blood has counted for less than no value Brother’s wife has been wife to other brother’s brother Communal loot has emptied our country silos The earth has stopped breathing and sighed Soldered tears has the moon shed The earth was scorched at noon-day night And our land has turned to hoeing rock. There is a predominance of words associated with________ a) governance b) nature c) nurture d) celebration The correct answer is nature. The poem frequently references elements of the natural world, such as the earth, moon, and land. Governance, nurture, and celebration are not the main focuses of the vocabulary used. 12 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 12. Which one of the following is most influential to the substance of Hallowell’s “The Dinning Table”? a) the structure of the poem b) the atmosphere of the poem c) the poetic style d) the setting of the poem The correct answer is the atmosphere of the poem. The mood and tone significantly impact the substance and themes explored in “The Dining Table.” While structure, poetic style, and setting are important, the atmosphere is most influential to the poem’s substance. 13 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 13. ‘Nightfall! Nightfall! You are my mortal enemy’ The figurative name for the manner in which Nightfall is directly addressed is______ a) allusion b) an ode c) metaphor d) apostrophe The correct answer is apostrophe. Apostrophe is a figure of speech where a speaker directly addresses an absent or personified entity. Allusion refers to indirect references, an ode is a type of lyrical poem, and metaphor is a direct comparison. 14 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 14. The mood of Diop’s ‘Vanity’ is__________ a) expressed through rhetorical questions b) condemnation c) expressed through the use of innuendos d) concern The correct answer is condemnation. The poem “Vanity” conveys a critical tone towards the subject, expressing disapproval. Rhetorical questions, innuendos, and concern are not the primary ways the mood is established. 15 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 15. … is the illustration which serves to persuasively sustain the interest of the readers in a literary piece a) storyline b) narrative hook c) plot d) suspense The correct answer is narrative hook. A narrative hook grabs the reader’s attention and maintains interest throughout the literary piece. Storyline, plot, and suspense also contribute but the narrative hook specifically serves this purpose. 16 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 16. In literary criticism, a casual reference to a figure or an event is regarded as a/an_______ a) personification b) metonymy c) metaphor d) allusion The correct answer is allusion. An allusion is a reference to a person, event, or work without detailed explanation. Personification gives human traits to non-human entities, metonymy replaces a word with something closely related, and metaphor is a direct comparison. 17 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 17. A transferred epithet is popularly known as a/an …….. a) Epistrophe b) Ellipsis c) Hypallage d) Hendiady The correct answer is Hypallage. Hypallage involves a shift in the application of adjectives from the nouns they logically belong to. Epistrophe is repetition at the end of clauses, ellipsis is omission of words, and hendiadys uses two words to express one idea. 18 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 18. A dramatic type directed against an individual or a private institute with the intent to severely ridicule is called_________ a) satire b) burlesque c) caricature d) lampoon The correct answer is lampoon. Lampoon is a form of satire aimed at mocking a specific target. Satire is broader, burlesque exaggerates for comic effect, and caricature involves distorted representation. 19 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 19. A novel written in form of a letter is said to be_______ a) gothic b) biographical c) epistolary d) autobiographical The correct answer is epistolary. An epistolary novel is composed of letters or diary entries. Gothic refers to a genre with dark themes, biographical is based on a person’s life, and autobiographical is about the author’s own life. 20 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 20. Adeoti’s “Ambush” ends on a note of___________ a) despair b) bright aspirations c) courage d) uncertainty The correct answer is uncertainty. “Ambush” concludes with an open-ended or unresolved situation, creating a sense of uncertainty. Despair, bright aspirations, and courage are different emotional conclusions not applicable here. 21 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 21. “Now, by yond marble heaven, In the due reverence of a sacred vow I here enrage my words.” (Shakespeare’s Othello) What incident ignited the excerpt above? a) the taking of a vow of revenge b) Othello's rage about Desdemona's betrayal c) Iago's conspiracy with Brabantio to kill Othello d) Desdemona and Emilia's discussion on the lost handkerchief The correct answer is Othello’s rage about Desdemona’s betrayal. In this context, Othello is expressing his anger and sense of betrayal upon believing Desdemona has been unfaithful. The other options do not align with the immediate cause of his rage. 22 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 22. “Now, by yond marble heaven, In the due reverence of a sacred vow I here enrage my words.” (Shakespeare’s Othello) The prevailing activity in the extract is a) the vow of revenge and pledge of loyalty by Iago to Othello b) evident of the conspiracy between Iago and Othello c) the vow by Iago to revenge upon Othello d) reflective of Othello's rage The correct answer is the vow by Iago to revenge upon Othello. In this excerpt, Iago is pledging his revenge against Othello. The other options misinterpret the characters’ actions and relationships. 23 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 23. “Now, by yond marble heaven, In the due reverence of a sacred vow I here enrage my words.” (Shakespeare’s Othello) Consequent upon the act in the excerpt, … a) Desdemona reconfessed her love for Othello b) Othello became Iago's sworn enemy c) Iago successfully executed Othello d) Othello changed from being the hero to a villain The correct answer is Othello changed from being the hero to a villain. The vow and ensuing actions mark Othello’s tragic downfall. The other options do not accurately reflect the consequences of this vow. 24 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 24. The bar in Tennyson’s “Crossing the Bar” is a symbol for the___________ a) presence of God's and his guiding force b) world c) boundary between life and death d) grave The correct answer is boundary between life and death. In “Crossing the Bar,” the bar symbolizes the passage from life to the afterlife. It does not represent God’s presence, the world, or the grave directly. 25 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 25. A story which explains a natural phenomenon is_______ a) parable b) legend c) myth d) fiction The correct answer is myth. Myths are traditional stories that explain natural or social phenomena. Parables are simple stories with moral lessons, legends are semi-true stories, and fiction is a broad category of imaginative works. 26 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 26. … may be said to be a critical subject of concern in Blake’s “School Boy” a) adventurism b) futility of life and time c) moral rectitude d) academic development The correct answer is futility of life and time. Blake’s “The School Boy” critiques the rigid education system and the wasted potential and time of children. Adventurism, moral rectitude, and academic development are not the primary concerns addressed. 27 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 27. Amma Darko’s “Faceless” ended with________ a) an inclination of tragi-comedy b) an epilogue narrating how Baby T's spirit revenged her death c) an epilogue narrating how Fofo started her early childhood d) an inclination of indecisiveness The correct answer is an inclination of indecisiveness. “Faceless” concludes without a clear resolution, reflecting uncertainty and indecision. The other options do not accurately describe the ending’s tone or outcome. 28 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 28. Richard Wright’s “Native Son” may be described to a/an_______ a) parody b) picaresque c) bildungsroman d) travelogue The correct answer is bildungsroman. “Native Son” is a coming-of-age novel that explores the psychological and moral growth of its protagonist. Parody, picaresque, and travelogue are different literary genres. 29 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 29. “The sudden throb of pain” in Lenrie’s ‘The Panic of Growing Old’ signifies the_________ a) negative impacts of aging b) difficulties of life c) youthful age d) uncertainties of life The correct answer is negative impacts of aging. The phrase highlights the physical and emotional struggles associated with growing old. Difficulties of life, youthful age, and uncertainties of life are broader themes not specifically tied to aging. 30 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 30. A character whose action or qualities serve to heighten those of the hero through contrast is__________ a) an antagonist b) a foil c) an adversary d) a protagonist The correct answer is a foil. A foil contrasts with the main character to highlight particular traits of the hero. An antagonist opposes the protagonist, an adversary is a general opponent, and a protagonist is the main character. 31 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 31. A poem of 14 lines is known as________ a) sonnet b) octave c) sestet d) quatrain The correct answer is sonnet. A sonnet is a 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme and structure. Octave, sestet, and quatrain refer to different parts or types of poetry. 32 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 32. Okara’s reminiscence in the “Piano and Drums” as to how he walks to the farm with no shoes, marching thorns and dangerous leafs, and still finds this enjoyable creates a feeling of___________ a) nostalgia b) neglect of African culture for civilized styles c) clash of culture d) confusion The correct answer is nostalgia. The reminiscence evokes a sentimental longing for the past. Neglect of culture, clash of culture, and confusion are not the emotions primarily conveyed. 33 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 33. Analogy is the arrangement of two ideas that are_________ a) opposite b) similar c) symbolic d) repetitive The correct answer is similar. An analogy draws a comparison between two similar things to explain or clarify. Opposite, symbolic, and repetitive arrangements do not define analogy. 34 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 34. … a didactic poem, especially such with animals as characters may be distinctively described as a/an_________ a) Romance b) gothic poem c) limerick d) apologue The correct answer is apologue. An apologue is a moral fable, often featuring animals as characters to convey a lesson. Romance, gothic poem, and limerick are different poetic forms with distinct characteristics. 35 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 35. One of the following is not significant to Morris’ “The Proud King” a) didacticism b) allusion c) parable d) allegory The correct answer is allusion. “The Proud King” does not significantly utilize allusion as a literary device. Didacticism, parable, and allegory are central to its narrative and themes. 36 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 36. ‘The dun dun of a drum’ is an example of an__________ a) euphemism b) onomatopoeia c) assonance d) oxymoron The correct answer is onomatopoeia. “Dun dun” imitates the sound of a drum, making it an onomatopoeic phrase. Euphemism softens expressions, assonance is vowel repetition, and oxymoron combines contradictory terms. 37 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 37. “A time to sow, A time to reap, A time to born, A time to die” This exemplies the use of … a) anadiplosis b) chiasmus c) anaphora d) hendiadys The correct answer is anaphora. The repetition of “A time to” at the beginning of each line is an example of anaphora. Anadiplosis, chiasmus, and hendiadys involve different rhetorical or grammatical structures. 38 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 38. Asides being a satire, Ogodo’s “Harvest of Corruption” may also be regarded as a________ a) parody b) travelogue c) tragedy d) tragicomedy The correct answer is tragicomedy. “Harvest of Corruption” combines elements of tragedy and comedy, making it a tragicomedy. Parody, travelogue, and tragedy alone do not fully capture the blend of genres present. 39 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 39. Chief Ade Amaka portrays_______ a) betrayal of public trust b) fraud and misfortune c) lust and deceitfulness d) the evils of capitalism The correct answer is betrayal of public trust. Chief Ade Amaka’s portrayal focuses on the theme of corruption and the betrayal of trust by public officials. Fraud, misfortune, lust, deceitfulness, and capitalism are related but not the primary focus. 40 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 40. ‘poisonous pleasure of wine’ illustrates the use of_______ a) antithesis b) metaphor c) oxymoron d) synecdoche The correct answer is oxymoron. “Poisonous pleasure” combines contradictory terms to highlight the dual nature of wine. Antithesis contrasts ideas, metaphor is a direct comparison, and synecdoche uses a part to represent the whole. 41 / 41 Category: Jamb Literature 2020 41. Fatalism is crucial element in_________ a) melodrama b) tragi-comedy c) tragedy d) comedy The correct answer is tragedy. Fatalism, the belief that events are predetermined and inevitable, is a key element in tragic literature. Melodrama, tragi-comedy, and comedy do not center as heavily on fatalism. Your score is The average score is 0% LinkedIn Facebook Twitter VKontakte 0% Restart quiz Anonymous feedback Send feedback
