As an art student, it takes diligence and a bit of carefulness when reading poetry, drama or prose so you can filter the striking points out from the text, reverse is the case, as many students prefer to read summary text. This and others have been the leading cause of student’s failure. This article will address the reasons why candidates fail 2017 Literature in English WAEC – Paper 3.
Candidate’s Weakness
The Chief examiners reported the following as some of the candidates’ weaknesses:
- Poor handwriting
- Inadequate knowledge of the set texts
- Illegible handwriting
- Inability to make references to texts
- Poor knowledge of literary appreciation
- Wrong interpretation of questions
- Writing of Irrelevancies
- Inability to write good English
- Poor expression
- Lack of originality in answers given
Suggested Remedies
To remedy the observed weaknesses, the Chief Examiners suggested that:
- Candidates should buy and read the set texts.
- Candidates should not depend on key points and summary notes.
- Candidates should make references to the set texts.
- Candidates should ensure that their handwritings are readable.
- Candidates should read the questions and make sure they understand what is required of them before answering the questions.
- Qualified teachers should be employed to teach Literature-ln-English.
- Teachers should attend workshops and seminars occasionally to acquaint themselves with the demands of the subject.
Candidate’s Strength
The Chief Examiners reported that very few candidates displayed in-depth knowledge of the set texts through their answers. Such candidates were able to make references of the texts in their answers.
Generally, they reported that candidates performed better in Drama (African Drama) than in Poetry.
