JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Literature In English 2009
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2009 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
Ready to test yourself? Take the full JAMB Literature In English 2009 CBT quiz — timed, just like the real exam.
Start Quiz
1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

The imagery in the excerpt 'The moon cast a silver glow over the quiet village.' primarily describes

A. a bright and peaceful scene
B. a dark and stormy night
C. a noisy and crowded place
D. a hot and sunny day
Explanation

The silver glow of the moon creates a bright, calm atmosphere, evoking peacefulness in the village setting.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

The figure of speech in the excerpt 'Her voice was as sweet as honey.' is

A. simile
B. metaphor
C. personification
D. alliteration
Explanation

The comparison of her voice to honey using 'as' is a simile, highlighting the sweetness of her voice.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

The effect of the personification in the excerpt 'The city buzzed with energy, alive with lights and sounds.' is that it

A. suggests the city is lifeless
B. shows the city is vibrant
C. implies the city is dangerous
D. indicates the city is empty
Explanation

Describing the city as buzzing and alive attributes human energy, emphasizing its vibrant atmosphere.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

A novel’s setting refers to its

A. main characters
B. time and place
C. central conflict
D. author’s perspective
Explanation

The setting defines the time and place where the narrative unfolds, grounding the story’s context.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

The figure of speech in the excerpt 'His heart was a stone, unmoved by her tears.' is

A. metaphor
B. simile
C. hyperbole
D. oxymoron
Explanation

Comparing his heart to a stone without 'like' or 'as' is a metaphor, suggesting emotional hardness.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

The main idea or message of a literary work is called the

A. plot
B. theme
C. setting
D. tone
Explanation

The theme is the central idea or underlying message conveyed by the literary work.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

The figure of speech in the excerpt 'The wind whispered through the trees.' is

A. personification
B. simile
C. metaphor
D. alliteration
Explanation

The wind whispering attributes a human action, making it personification to evoke a gentle sound.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

The figure of speech in the excerpt 'I’m so tired I could sleep for a year!' is

A. hyperbole
B. metaphor
C. synecdoche
D. irony
Explanation

Exaggerating sleep to a year is hyperbole, emphasizing extreme fatigue.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

The figure of speech in the excerpt 'O Sun, why must you rise so soon?' is

A. apostrophe
B. metonymy
C. oxymoron
D. simile
Explanation

Addressing the Sun as if it can respond is apostrophe, creating an emotional plea.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

The figure of speech in the excerpt 'The crown announced new laws today.' is

A. metonymy
B. personification
C. synecdoche
D. hyperbole
Explanation

‘The crown’ substitutes for the monarchy, a use of metonymy to refer to royal authority.

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

The figure of speech in the excerpt 'His words were a knife, sharp and painful.' is

A. metaphor
B. simile
C. personification
D. alliteration
Explanation

Comparing words to a knife without 'like' or 'as' is a metaphor, highlighting their emotional impact.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

The figure of speech in the excerpt 'Softly singing songs of sorrow.' is

A. alliteration
B. metaphor
C. simile
D. oxymoron
Explanation

The repetition of ‘s’ sounds in ‘softly singing songs of sorrow’ is alliteration, enhancing the line’s rhythm.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

The figure of speech in the excerpt 'Her eyes sparkled like stars in the night sky.' is

A. simile
B. metaphor
C. personification
D. hyperbole
Explanation

Comparing eyes to stars using ‘like’ is a simile, emphasizing their brightness.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

The effect of the personification in the excerpt 'The rain danced on the rooftop.' is that it

A. suggests the rain is gentle
B. implies the rain is destructive
C. shows the rain is lifeless
D. indicates the rain is silent
Explanation

The rain dancing attributes a lively, gentle quality, creating a playful image.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

The sequence of events in a story is called the

A. theme
B. plot
C. setting
D. tone
Explanation

The plot is the ordered sequence of events that drives the narrative.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

A poem that tells a story is called a

A. lyric
B. ballad
C. ode
D. sonnet
Explanation

A ballad is a narrative poem that recounts a story, often with simple language.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

The person or force opposing the protagonist in a story is the

A. antagonist
B. narrator
C. foil
D. hero
Explanation

The antagonist opposes the protagonist, creating the central conflict.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

A story’s turning point, where the conflict peaks, is the

A. exposition
B. climax
C. denouement
D. rising action
Explanation

The climax is the moment of highest tension, where the conflict reaches its peak.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

A character who contrasts with another to highlight their traits is a

A. foil
B. protagonist
C. antagonist
D. narrator
Explanation

A foil contrasts with another character to emphasize their distinct traits.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

The atmosphere or feeling created by a literary work is the

A. theme
B. plot
C. mood
D. setting
Explanation

The mood is the emotional atmosphere evoked by the work’s language and imagery.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

The main character of Chinua Achebe’s *Things Fall Apart* is

A. Okonkwo
B. Nwoye
C. Obierika
D. Ikemefuna
Explanation

Okonkwo is the protagonist, whose life and struggles drive the narrative of *Things Fall Apart*.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

The setting of Chinua Achebe’s *Things Fall Apart* is primarily

A. Umuofia
B. Lagos
C. Abuja
D. London
Explanation

Umuofia, an Igbo village, is the primary setting, grounding the novel’s cultural context.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

The main character of Buchi Emecheta’s *The Joys of Motherhood* is

A. Nnu Ego
B. Oshia
C. Adaku
D. Nnaife
Explanation

Nnu Ego is the protagonist, whose experiences as a mother shape the novel’s narrative.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

Buchi Emecheta’s *Second Class Citizen* is primarily set in

A. England
B. Nigeria
C. Ghana
D. South Africa
Explanation

The novel is set in England, where Adah faces challenges as a Nigerian immigrant.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

The main character of Ferdinand Oyono’s *The Old Man and the Medal* is

A. Meka
B. Kelara
C. Goumba
D. Vandermayer
Explanation

Meka is the protagonist, whose receipt of the medal drives the novel’s critique of colonialism.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

The primary conflict in Chinua Achebe’s *Things Fall Apart* involves

A. Igbo tradition versus colonial influence
B. family disputes over wealth
C. rivalry between villages
D. religious differences within the clan
Explanation

The central conflict is the clash between Igbo traditions and encroaching colonial influences.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

Nnu Ego’s main struggle in Buchi Emecheta’s *The Joys of Motherhood* is related to

A. her role as a mother
B. her pursuit of education
C. her political ambitions
D. her religious beliefs
Explanation

Nnu Ego’s struggle centers on the societal expectations and challenges of motherhood.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

The medal in Ferdinand Oyono’s *The Old Man and the Medal* represents

A. colonial deception
B. personal achievement
C. village unity
D. economic prosperity
Explanation

The medal symbolizes the deceptive promises of the colonial regime to Meka.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

The main characters of William Shakespeare’s *Romeo and Juliet* are

A. Romeo and Juliet
B. Mercutio and Tybalt
C. Friar Laurence and the Nurse
D. Capulet and Montague
Explanation

Romeo and Juliet are the protagonists, central to the tragic love story.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

The setting of Wole Soyinka’s *The Lion and the Jewel* is

A. Ilujinle
B. Lagos
C. Ibadan
D. Abuja
Explanation

Ilujinle, a Yoruba village, is the setting for the play’s cultural dynamics.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

The main character of August Wilson’s *Fences* is

A. Troy Maxson
B. Cory Maxson
C. Rose Maxson
D. Gabriel Maxson
Explanation

Troy Maxson is the protagonist, whose life and decisions shape the play’s narrative.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

The primary conflict in William Shakespeare’s *Romeo and Juliet* is

A. the love story versus family feud
B. political power struggles
C. economic rivalry
D. religious differences
Explanation

The love between Romeo and Juliet is thwarted by the feud between their families.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

The main theme of Wole Soyinka’s *The Lion and the Jewel* involves

A. tradition versus modernity
B. economic development
C. religious devotion
D. family loyalty
Explanation

The play explores the tension between traditional Yoruba values and modern influences.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

The fence in August Wilson’s *Fences* symbolizes

A. family protection
B. economic success
C. personal freedom
D. social status
Explanation

The fence represents Rose’s desire to protect and unite her family.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

In J.P. Clark’s *Agbor Dancer*, the main subject is

A. a traditional dancer
B. a modern musician
C. a colonial officer
D. a religious leader
Explanation

The poem celebrates a dancer performing a traditional cultural dance.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

In Lenrie Peters’ *The Panic of Growing Older*, the poem is about

A. fear of aging
B. joy of youth
C. love and romance
D. political change
Explanation

The poem reflects anxiety about aging and unfulfilled aspirations.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

In David Diop’s *Africa*, the poem primarily addresses

A. colonial oppression
B. natural beauty
C. tribal unity
D. modern progress
Explanation

The poem laments Africa’s suffering under colonial oppression.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

In John Donne’s *The Sun Rising*, the speaker addresses

A. the sun
B. his lover
C. a king
D. a priest
Explanation

The speaker addresses the sun, chastising its intrusion on his love.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

In Gabriel Okara’s *Piano and Drums*, the piano represents

A. Western culture
B. African traditions
C. personal ambition
D. religious faith
Explanation

The piano symbolizes Western culture, contrasting with the drums’ African heritage.

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Literature In English · 2009

In Christopher Okigbo’s *The Passage*, the poem explores

A. spiritual journey
B. political conflict
C. romantic love
D. economic hardship
Explanation

The poem traces the speaker’s spiritual quest and existential reflection.

Now practice in exam mode

You've studied the answers — now test yourself under real exam conditions with the timer running.

Start JAMB Literature In English 2009 Quiz
Back to 2009 Start Page