2026 WAEC Literature In English Answers

WAEC Literature OBJ

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SECTION A
African Prose
Answer one question only from this section.
Choose either Question 1, 2, 3 or 4. WAEC Answer Service
Number 1

(1)

In Pede Hollist’s So the Path Does Not Die, Finaba’s first encounter with Sidibe Kakay is important because it shows her strength, honesty and self-respect. It also introduces Sidibe as a rich and powerful man who believes that his money can make people obey him.

Finaba Marah is the main character in the novel. She is a determined young woman who has suffered a lot but still tries to live a good life. Sidibe Kakay, on the other hand, is a wealthy diamond trader. He is influential and used to getting what he wants because of his money and position.

Their first encounter takes place when Finaba is working at the clinic. Sidibe comes there and tries to use his influence to get more drugs than he is supposed to receive. He expects Finaba to obey him because he is rich and powerful. However, Finaba refuses to do what is wrong. She does not allow his money or status to influence her decision.WAEC Subject Questions

This encounter shows that Finaba is honest and disciplined. Even though she is not a rich person, she does not allow poverty or pressure to make her behave wrongly. Her refusal proves that she has strong moral values and respect for her work.

Sidibe is surprised by Finaba’s behaviour. Instead of leaving her alone, he becomes more interested in her. He sees her as a woman who is different from others and begins to admire her. This also shows his belief that a woman can be won over through wealth and persistence.

The encounter also reveals the problem of male power in the society. Sidibe believes that because he is wealthy, he can influence people, especially women. Finaba’s refusal challenges this belief. She shows that a woman can stand firm and make her own decision.

In conclusion, Finaba’s first encounter with Sidibe Kakay is important because it reveals the difference between the two characters. Sidibe represents wealth, influence and moral weakness, while Finaba represents honesty, courage and self-respect.

Number 2

(2)

In Pede Hollist’s So the Path Does Not Die, female genital mutilation is presented as a harmful cultural practice. The practice is seen by some people in the society as a tradition that must be followed, but the novel shows that it brings pain, fear and suffering to girls and women.

Female genital mutilation is the cutting of the female private part for cultural reasons. In the novel, Finaba is almost forced to go through this practice when she is still young. Her grandmother, Baramusu, believes strongly in the tradition and wants the path of the ancestors to continue. However, the experience shows that not all traditions are good.

Firstly, the practice is harmful because it causes serious physical pain. A young girl who is forced to pass through it suffers greatly. The cutting is done on a sensitive part of the body, and this can lead to bleeding and other health problems. The novel shows that the practice is not a harmless ceremony but a dangerous act.

Secondly, it can lead to death. The death of Dimusu after the initiation shows how dangerous the practice is. This makes it clear that female genital mutilation can destroy lives. A tradition that can kill a young girl should not be encouraged.

Thirdly, the practice causes fear and emotional pain. Finaba is frightened by what happens during the initiation. Even though the process is stopped, the memory remains with her. This shows that the practice does not only hurt the body; it also affects the mind of the victim.

Also, female genital mutilation denies girls the right to decide what happens to their own bodies. Finaba is not allowed to make her own choice. Older people try to force the practice on her because they believe it is part of their culture. This shows how girls are sometimes treated as if they have no voice.

Another harmful effect is that it causes conflict in the family. Baramusu supports the practice, while Finaba’s parents do not want her to suffer it. This creates disagreement in the family. Through this, the writer shows that harmful traditions can bring division among family members.

The practice also affects Finaba’s identity. Because her initiation is not completed, she feels different and unsettled. She struggles with the feeling that something is missing in her life. This shows how a harmful culture can continue to affect a person even after many years.

In conclusion, female genital mutilation is shown in the novel as a harmful cultural practice because it causes pain, fear, death, family conflict and loss of freedom. Through Finaba’s experience, the writer teaches that culture is important, but any culture that destroys the life and happiness of girls should be stopped.

Number 3

(3)

In Elma Shaw’s Redemption Road, letters are used in Peace in Practice as a means of healing and self-expression. Peace in Practice, also called PIP, is the organization where Bendu and Agnes help victims of war to recover from their painful experiences. Through the use of letters, the writer shows that speaking about pain is not always easy, but writing can help victims to release what is hidden in their hearts.

One important use of letters in PIP is that they help victims to express their pains. Many of the people who come to PIP have suffered during the war. Some of them have been raped, beaten, separated from their families or forced to witness terrible things. Such people may not find it easy to talk openly about their experiences. Writing letters gives them another way to pour out their feelings.

The letters also serve as a form of counselling. At PIP, victims are encouraged to write, not necessarily because the letters will be sent to anybody, but because the act of writing can help them face their past. This shows that healing is not only about forgetting the past. Sometimes, a person has to remember the past, speak about it and gradually overcome it.

Another use of letters is that they reveal hidden stories. Through the letters, the reader gets to know things that some characters may not have said openly. For example, Tenneh’s letter reveals more about her painful experience and how she was handed over to the people who later hurt her. This helps the reader to understand the depth of her suffering.

The letters also help in character development. Through what the characters write, we understand their fears, regrets and hopes. A character who appears quiet may have many painful memories inside. Through the letters, such memories are brought out. This makes the characters look more real and human.

In addition, the letters help to develop the theme of trauma. The novel is about people who are trying to recover from the damage caused by war. The letters show that war does not only destroy buildings and properties; it also destroys the minds of people. Many survivors continue to suffer even after the fighting has ended.

The letters also support the theme of healing and forgiveness. By writing, the victims begin to confront the people and events that hurt them. This does not mean that their pain disappears immediately, but it is a step towards recovery. It shows that peace must begin from the heart before it can spread to the society.

Furthermore, the letters make the story more interesting. Instead of allowing the narrator to explain everything, the writer allows some characters to speak for themselves through letters. This gives the reader a closer understanding of their personal experiences.

In conclusion, the use of letters in Peace in Practice is very important in Redemption Road. The letters help the victims to express their pain, reveal hidden stories, develop characters and support the themes of trauma, healing and forgiveness. Through them, Elma Shaw shows that writing can help wounded people begin their journey towards peace.

Number 4

(4)

In Elma Shaw’s Redemption Road, Bendu and Moses are important characters in the presentation of the quest for justice. Bendu Lewis is a victim of the Liberian civil war, while Moses Varney, also known as Commander Cobra, is one of the people who caused pain and suffering during the war. Their relationship in the novel shows that justice is not easy to get in a society damaged by war and corruption.

Bendu’s quest for justice begins from her painful past. During the war, she suffers greatly in Duluma Camp under Commander Cobra. She witnesses terrible things and is forced into experiences that leave deep wounds in her mind. Although she tries to forget these memories for many years, she cannot completely escape from them.

When Bendu later meets Moses Varney again, her buried pains return. She discovers that the man who once terrorised people during the war is still alive and free. This makes her feel that the victims of the war have not received justice. Bendu does not want him to continue living as if nothing happened.

Bendu’s decision to press charges against Moses shows her courage. She knows that Moses is dangerous, but she still decides to seek justice through the law. This shows that she is not only fighting for herself. She is also fighting for other victims who suffered during the war but cannot speak for themselves.

Moses, on the other hand, also talks about justice, but his own idea of justice is not pure. He has changed his name from Commander Cobra to Moses Varney, but he has not truly changed his ways. He is involved in illegal activities and tries to protect himself through powerful people. This shows that some former war criminals try to hide under new names and positions after the war.

Moses also tries to stop Bendu from exposing him. He threatens her and reminds her of her own painful past. He wants to silence her so that he will not face punishment for his crimes. This shows that his main concern is not true justice but his own safety.

The novel also shows that the search for justice is difficult in a corrupt society. People like Moses can bribe officials and use their connections to escape punishment. This makes it hard for victims like Bendu to get justice. However, Bendu’s determination shows that victims should not remain silent forever.

Bendu’s quest for justice also helps her to begin her healing. By facing Moses and speaking about her past, she begins to free herself from fear and shame. She learns that healing cannot come when painful memories are hidden forever.

In conclusion, Bendu and Moses’ quest for justice reveals two different sides of justice in the novel. Bendu seeks justice because she wants truth, healing and peace for victims of war. Moses, however, tries to avoid justice because he is guilty of many crimes. Through them, Elma Shaw shows that a country cannot truly heal after war unless truth and justice are allowed to take place.

SECTION B
Non-African Prose
Answer one question only from this section.
Choose either Question 5, 6, 7 or 8.
Number 5

(5)

In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Tom Robinson’s experience shows the problem of racism in Maycomb. Tom is a black man who is accused of raping Mayella Ewell, a white girl. Although there is clear evidence that he is innocent, he is still treated unfairly because of the colour of his skin.

Tom Robinson is presented as a kind and hardworking man. He has a wife and children, and he tries to live peacefully. He only helps Mayella Ewell because he feels sorry for her. Whenever he passes by the Ewell house, Mayella sometimes asks him to help her with small jobs. Tom helps her without asking for payment because he is kind-hearted.

However, Tom’s kindness later puts him in trouble. Mayella invites him into the house and tries to get close to him. When her father, Bob Ewell, sees what happens, he becomes angry. Instead of telling the truth, Mayella accuses Tom of raping her. This false accusation becomes dangerous because Tom is a black man and Mayella is a white woman.

During the trial, Atticus Finch defends Tom Robinson. Atticus shows that Tom could not have committed the crime. Tom’s left hand is useless because it was injured when he was young. Also, Mayella’s injuries suggest that she was beaten by someone who used the left hand. This points more to Bob Ewell than to Tom Robinson.

Even with all these facts, the jury still finds Tom guilty. This shows the deep racism in Maycomb. The white men on the jury cannot accept the word of a black man against the word of a white woman. They prefer to punish an innocent black man rather than admit that a white family is lying.

Tom’s experience also shows that black people have little protection under the law. The court is supposed to be a place of justice, but in Tom’s case, justice is denied. He is judged not by the truth but by his race. This makes his case very painful and unfair.

After the trial, Tom loses hope. He knows that many people will not believe him because he is black. He tries to escape from prison and is shot dead. His death shows how cruel racism can be. An innocent man loses his life because society refuses to treat him fairly.

Tom Robinson’s experience also exposes the hypocrisy of the white community. Some people in Maycomb claim to be good and religious, but they still support injustice against black people. They do not care about Tom’s innocence because they see him as inferior.

In conclusion, Tom Robinson’s experience in To Kill a Mockingbird clearly shows racism in Maycomb. He is falsely accused, unfairly judged and finally killed because he is black. Through his story, Harper Lee shows that racism destroys justice and causes innocent people to suffer.

Number 6

(6)

In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch and Bob Ewell are two fathers who are very different in the way they bring up their children. Through these two men, the writer shows the difference between good parenting and bad parenting.

Atticus Finch is the father of Jem and Scout. He is a lawyer and a respected man in Maycomb. He brings up his children with love, patience and discipline. He does not rule them with fear. Instead, he teaches them by advice, example and honest discussion. He allows Jem and Scout to ask questions, and he explains things to them in a calm way.

One important thing about Atticus as a parent is that he teaches his children to respect other people. He tells Scout that she should learn to understand people by putting herself in their position. This lesson helps Scout to become more thoughtful. Atticus wants his children to know that people should not be judged quickly.

Atticus also teaches his children courage. When he agrees to defend Tom Robinson, he knows that many people in Maycomb will insult him and his family. Yet, he still does what is right. Through this, he teaches Jem and Scout that courage is not only fighting with weapons, but standing for the truth even when it is difficult.

Another good quality of Atticus is that he is honest with his children. He does not hide the truth from them unnecessarily. He explains serious matters to them in a way they can understand. He also corrects them when they are wrong. For example, when Scout gets into trouble, Atticus advises her instead of beating her harshly.

Bob Ewell, on the other hand, is a careless and irresponsible father. He is the father of Mayella and her younger brothers and sisters. He does not take good care of his children. The Ewells live in poverty and dirt near the town dump. Bob wastes his money on drinking instead of providing well for his family.

Unlike Atticus, Bob Ewell does not teach his children good morals. He is violent, lazy and dishonest. His children suffer because of his bad behaviour. Mayella, for example, lives a lonely and miserable life. She has no real care or protection from her father. Instead, Bob treats her badly and makes her life difficult.

Bob Ewell also gives his children a bad example. He lies against Tom Robinson and allows an innocent man to suffer. He is also full of hatred and revenge. After the trial, he still tries to harm Atticus’s children. This shows that he is not only a bad father but also a dangerous man.

The main similarity between Atticus and Bob Ewell is that both of them are fathers living in the same town. They both have children who are affected by their behaviour. However, the difference between them is very clear. Atticus raises his children with love, truth and discipline, while Bob Ewell raises his children in fear, neglect and bad example.

In conclusion, Atticus Finch represents good parenting, while Bob Ewell represents bad parenting. Atticus helps Jem and Scout to become responsible and fair-minded children. Bob Ewell, however, destroys his family through laziness, lies and cruelty. Through these two fathers, Harper Lee shows that children are greatly influenced by the kind of parents they have.

Number 7

(6)

In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch and Bob Ewell are two fathers who are very different in the way they bring up their children. Through these two men, the writer shows the difference between good parenting and bad parenting.

Atticus Finch is the father of Jem and Scout. He is a lawyer and a respected man in Maycomb. He brings up his children with love, patience and discipline. He does not rule them with fear. Instead, he teaches them by advice, example and honest discussion. He allows Jem and Scout to ask questions, and he explains things to them in a calm way.

One important thing about Atticus as a parent is that he teaches his children to respect other people. He tells Scout that she should learn to understand people by putting herself in their position. This lesson helps Scout to become more thoughtful. Atticus wants his children to know that people should not be judged quickly.

Atticus also teaches his children courage. When he agrees to defend Tom Robinson, he knows that many people in Maycomb will insult him and his family. Yet, he still does what is right. Through this, he teaches Jem and Scout that courage is not only fighting with weapons, but standing for the truth even when it is difficult.

Another good quality of Atticus is that he is honest with his children. He does not hide the truth from them unnecessarily. He explains serious matters to them in a way they can understand. He also corrects them when they are wrong. For example, when Scout gets into trouble, Atticus advises her instead of beating her harshly.

Bob Ewell, on the other hand, is a careless and irresponsible father. He is the father of Mayella and her younger brothers and sisters. He does not take good care of his children. The Ewells live in poverty and dirt near the town dump. Bob wastes his money on drinking instead of providing well for his family.

Unlike Atticus, Bob Ewell does not teach his children good morals. He is violent, lazy and dishonest. His children suffer because of his bad behaviour. Mayella, for example, lives a lonely and miserable life. She has no real care or protection from her father. Instead, Bob treats her badly and makes her life difficult.

Bob Ewell also gives his children a bad example. He lies against Tom Robinson and allows an innocent man to suffer. He is also full of hatred and revenge. After the trial, he still tries to harm Atticus’s children. This shows that he is not only a bad father but also a dangerous man.

The main similarity between Atticus and Bob Ewell is that both of them are fathers living in the same town. They both have children who are affected by their behaviour. However, the difference between them is very clear. Atticus raises his children with love, truth and discipline, while Bob Ewell raises his children in fear, neglect and bad example.

In conclusion, Atticus Finch represents good parenting, while Bob Ewell represents bad parenting. Atticus helps Jem and Scout to become responsible and fair-minded children. Bob Ewell, however, destroys his family through laziness, lies and cruelty. Through these two fathers, Harper Lee shows that children are greatly influenced by the kind of parents they have.

Number 8

(8)

In Susanne Bellefeuille’s Path of Lucas, John Clarkson’s loss of fortune is connected with old age, weakness and the difficulty of keeping the family farm. John Clarkson is Lucas’s father. At the beginning, he is presented as a hardworking and successful farmer who is able to take care of his family. However, as time goes on, his situation changes.

One event that leads to John Clarkson’s loss of fortune is his old age. Farming requires strength and constant attention. A farmer must clear the land, look after animals, plant crops and manage workers. As John grows older, he no longer has the same strength he had before. This makes it difficult for him to continue running the farm successfully.

Another event is Lucas’s movement to Uxbridge. Lucas gets an opportunity to work as a mechanic and also improve his future. This is a good opportunity for Lucas because he loves mechanic work. However, his absence affects his father. John depends on Lucas because Lucas is hardworking and useful on the farm. When Lucas leaves, the burden of the farm becomes heavier for John.

Also, John becomes worried that the farm may be lost. The farm is not just a place of work; it is the family’s source of wealth and pride. John has worked for many years to build it. When he sees that he is becoming weak and cannot manage it alone, he fears that everything he has laboured for may disappear.

Because of this, John goes to Lucas and begs him to return home. This shows how serious his condition has become. A man who was once strong and independent now needs the help of his son to protect what remains of his fortune. His plea also shows the emotional pain of a father who does not want to lose the work of many years.

Lucas later agrees to return home because of his love for his father and family. This decision shows Lucas’s sacrifice, but it also proves that John’s fortune is already in danger. If the farm were still strong and easy to manage, John would not have begged Lucas to leave his job and come back.

John Clarkson’s loss of fortune also teaches that wealth can be affected by age and family problems. A person may work hard and become successful, but sickness, old age and lack of support can change everything. John’s case shows that fortune is not always permanent.

In conclusion, the events that lead to John Clarkson’s loss of fortune include his old age, his weakness, Lucas’s absence from the farm, and the danger of losing the family farm. Through John’s experience, the writer shows that family support is very important in times of difficulty.

COMPLETED!!!