Ultimate 2025 WAEC GCE Literature-in-English Drama/Poetry (Paper 3)- Answers Guide

Get free 2025 Ultimate WAEC GCE Literature-in-English Drama/Poetry (Paper 3) questions and answers, exam tips, and preparation guide for private candidates.

The 2025 WAEC GCE Literature-in-English Drama/Poetry (Paper 3) is a crucial examination for arts students in Nigeria and across West Africa. This paper tests not only a candidate’s knowledge of prescribed texts but also their ability to interpret themes, analyze literary devices, and connect literature to broader human experiences.

For the November/December WAEC GCE Literature-in-English Drama/Poetry will hold on:

• Date: Thursday, 27th November 2025

• Time: 13:00 hrs – 15:00 hrs (2 hours)

This article provides a comprehensive guide on the exam structure, sample questions and answers, likely areas of focus, tips to excel, and strategies to prepare for Literature-in-English Drama & Poetry Paper 3.

Exam Structure of WAEC GCE Literature-in-English Drama/Poetry (Paper 3)

Paper 3 is designed to test critical appreciation, interpretation, and analytical skills. It consists of two main sections:

1. Drama Section

   • Questions set on prescribed African and Non-African plays.

   • Candidates must analyze themes, characters, style, and dramatic techniques.

   • Expected to compare ideas and evaluate dramatic presentation.

2. Poetry Section

   • Questions set on selected African and Non-African poems.

   • Candidates must identify literary devices such as imagery, symbolism, alliteration, and metaphor.

   • Critical commentary is required, focusing on meaning, style, and message.

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Sample Drama Questions (with Answers)

Q1: Discuss the role of conflict in one African play you have studied.

Answer (Summary):
In most African plays, conflict reflects societal issues such as tradition vs modernity, corruption, leadership struggles, and moral dilemmas. For instance, in Ola Rotimi’s “The Gods Are Not to Blame”, the central conflict arises from fate and human choice, leading to Odewale’s downfall. The playwright uses dramatic irony and dialogue to highlight the inevitability of destiny in Yoruba cosmology.

Q2: Examine the character of the protagonist in one non-African play.

Answer (Summary):
In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the protagonist is a brave soldier whose ambition drives him to regicide. His character evolves from a loyal warrior to a tyrant consumed by guilt and paranoia. The playwright uses soliloquies to reveal Macbeth’s internal struggle, showcasing how unchecked ambition leads to destruction.

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Sample Poetry Questions (with Answers)

Q1: Analyze the use of imagery in one African poem you have studied.

Answer (Summary):
In Lenrie Peters’ “The Fence”, imagery is central to expressing indecision and moral conflict. The poet uses the metaphor of a fence to describe the persona’s struggle between good and evil, light and darkness. This imagery reflects the universal human experience of hesitation, making the poem relatable.

Q2: What is the predominant theme in one non-African poem you have read?

Answer (Summary):
In John Donne’s “Death Be Not Proud”, the predominant theme is the powerlessness of death. The poet personifies death and argues that it is not an end but a gateway to eternal life. Through metaphysical conceits, Donne diminishes the fear of mortality, emphasizing Christian faith in resurrection.

Likely Areas of Focus for 2025 WAEC GCE Literature-in-English Drama & Poetry (Paper 3)

1. Drama

   • Themes of tradition vs modernity

   • Corruption, leadership, and justice

   • Tragic heroes and character flaws

   • Use of dialogue, irony, and symbolism

   • Cultural conflict and colonial influence

2. Poetry

   • Love, mortality, and nature

   • Protest poetry and social criticism

   • Imagery, symbolism, and sound devices

   • Comparative analysis of African and non-African poetry

   • Interpretation of figurative language

Tips to Excel in WAEC GCE Literature-in-English Paper 3

1. Know the Prescribed Texts: Read all plays and poems thoroughly.

2. Analyze Themes: Go beyond the surface and interpret deeper meanings.

3. Memorize Key Quotations: Use short, relevant quotes to support answers.

4. Practice Past Questions: WAEC often repeats themes and style of questioning.

5. Use Clear Structure: Introduction, body, and conclusion in essays.

6. Develop Critical Thinking: Evaluate how writers use style to express ideas.

7. Time Management: Allocate equal time to drama and poetry.

8. Use Literary Terms Correctly: Irony, metaphor, symbolism, imagery, satire.

9. Compare Texts: Be ready to connect African and non-African works.

10. Stay Calm: Confidence and clarity of thought improve performance.

Extended Sample WAEC GCE Literature-in-English Drama and Poetry

Q: Discuss the use of irony in one African drama you have studied.

Answer:
In Ola Rotimi’s “The Gods Are Not to Blame”, irony plays a central role. Dramatic irony is evident when the audience already knows that Odewale is destined to kill his father and marry his mother, yet he struggles to escape this fate. Situational irony arises when Odewale, in trying to avoid the prophecy, unknowingly fulfills it. This use of irony emphasizes the inevitability of fate and deepens the tragic impact of the play.

Importance of WAEC GCE Literature-in-English Drama/Poetry

• Cultural Awareness: Literature exposes candidates to African heritage and global perspectives.

• Critical Thinking: Enhances analytical and evaluative skills.

• Communication Skills: Improves writing, interpretation, and expression.

• Examination Balance: Supports performance in other arts subjects like Government and CRS.

• Career Pathways: Essential for law, mass communication, education, and media careers.

Preparation Strategies for WAEC GCE Literature-in-English Drama/Poetry

1. Daily Reading: Spend time reading both drama and poetry texts.

2. Summarize Themes: Make notes on characters, plots, and techniques.

3. Group Discussions: Engage peers in text analysis for new insights.

4. Essay Writing Practice: Attempt timed answers to improve speed and accuracy.

5. Literary Terms Revision: Ensure mastery of technical vocabulary.

6. Quote Bank: Prepare a bank of short, useful quotations.

7. Past WAEC Questions: Identify recurring patterns.

8. Simulate Exam Conditions: Practice answering two questions in two hours.

9. Focus on Weak Areas: Strengthen understanding of difficult poems or plays.

10. Rest Before Exam: Keep your mind fresh for creative analysis.

Conclusion

The 2025 WAEC GCE Literature-in-English Drama & Poetry (Paper 3) is scheduled for Thursday, 27th November 2025, from 13:00 to 15:00 hrs. This paper challenges candidates to analyze plays and poems critically, demonstrating both knowledge and originality.

By studying prescribed texts, practicing past questions, and mastering literary devices, candidates can perform excellently. Remember, success in Literature goes beyond memorization—it requires deep understanding, thoughtful interpretation, and effective communication.