The JAMB Syllabus for Literature in English 2026/2027 outlines the areas candidates are expected to study for the UTME Literature in English examination. It defines the scope of examinable content and helps candidates focus on approved literary topics without studying outside the syllabus.
Literature in English in JAMB tests candidates’ understanding of literary genres, appreciation of texts, and ability to analyze themes, characters, language, and literary devices. The UTME Literature in English syllabus 2026/2027 covers drama, prose, poetry, literary appreciation, and general literary principles.
Using the JAMB Literature in English syllabus as a study guide enables candidates to prepare systematically, understand question patterns, and improve performance in the UTME.
Objectives of Literature in English Syllabus
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
JAMB Syllabus for Literature in English 2026
| S/N | TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES | JAMB EXPECTATIONS |
| 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 | Candidates should be able to: a.1. identify the various types of drama; a.2. analyse the contents of the variou types of drama; a.3. compare and contrast the features of different types of drama. b.1. demonstrate adequate knowledge of dramatic techniques and stage directions used in each prescribed text; b.2. differentiate between styles of selected playwrights; c.1. determine the theme of any prescribed text; c.2. identify the plot of the play; c.3. apply the lessons of the play to social reality. c.4. identify the spatial setting and temporal period of the play. |
| 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 c. Textual Analysis i. Theme ii. Plot iii. Setting (Temporal/Spatial) iv. Socio-political context | Candidates should be able to: a.1. differentiate between types of novel. a.2. identify the category that each prescribed text belongs to; a.3. analyse the components of each type of prose; a.4. identify the balance of facts and fiction in literary faction. b.1. identify the narrative techniques used in each of the prescribed texts; b.2. determine an author’s narrative style; b.3. distinguish between one type of character from another; b.4. Grammar, diction and clarity of expression. c.1. determine the thematic pre-occupation of the prescribed text; c.2. indicate the plot of the novel; c.3. identify the setting and period/timing of the novel. c.4. relate the prescribed text to social reality. |
| 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. | Candidates should be able to: a.1. identify different types of poetry; a.2. identify the distinctive features of the poetic types. b.1. determine the devices used by various poets; b.2. show how poetic devices are used for aesthetic effect in each poem; b.3. identify the figure of speech in the texts. b.4. Show how poetic devices convey message and meaning. c.1. Deduce the poet’s thematic preoccupation from the poem; c.2. appraise poetry as an art with moral values; c.3. apply the lessons from the poem 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. | Candidates should be able to: a.1. identify literary terms that are specific to drama, prose and poetry; a.2. identify areas of overlap in all the genres e.g. verse in drama and poetry, narration in all the genres. |
| 5 | LITERARY APPRECIATION Unseen passages/extracts from Drama, Prose and Poetry. | Candidates should be able to: 1. identify literary devices used in a given passage/extract; 2. provide an interpretation of the given passage/extract; 3. relate the extract to true life experiences. |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
QUES: What topics are covered in the JAMB Syllabus for Literature in English 2026/2027?
ANS: The syllabus covers drama, prose, poetry, literary appreciation, general literary principles, and literary devices.
QUES: Are prescribed texts included in UTME Literature in English?
ANS: Yes. Questions are drawn from selected African and non-African prose, drama, and poetry texts approved by JAMB.
QUES: Is poetry important in JAMB Literature in English?
ANS: Yes. Poetry questions test understanding of themes, poetic devices, mood, tone, and structure.
QUES: Does the syllabus include literary devices?
ANS: Yes. Candidates must understand figures of speech such as metaphor, simile, irony, symbolism, and imagery.
QUES: Are unseen passages tested in UTME Literature in English?
ANS: Yes. Unseen prose and poetry passages are included to test comprehension and literary analysis skills.
QUES: Is memorization enough to pass Literature in English?
ANS: No. Understanding themes, characters, and literary techniques is more important than memorizing summaries.
QUES: Does JAMB test background information on authors?
ANS: Background knowledge may help, but questions focus more on the texts and literary analysis than authors’ biographies.
QUES: Are drama texts part of the syllabus?
ANS: Yes. Candidates are expected to study both African and non-African drama texts as prescribed by JAMB.
QUES: How many questions come from each genre?
ANS: Questions are distributed across prose, poetry, drama, and literary appreciation, though the exact number may vary.
QUES: What is the best way to prepare for UTME Literature in English?
ANS: Candidates should study prescribed texts carefully, understand themes and characters, practice past questions, and revise literary devices regularly.