Why Students Fail Literature in English in WAEC
Introduction
Have you ever wondered why students fail Literature in English in WAEC? Literature in English is supposed to be one of the most interesting subjects in secondary schools due to its rich curriculum and wealth of interesting books to be read. It is just appalling to see a high percentage of students scoring below par in the examination. This can be attributed to so many factors some of which are a lack of interest in reading, inadequate understanding of literary concepts, poor time management, lack of study strategy, and wrong use of diction among others. In this article, you will be exposed to why students failed literature in English in WAEC according to the recent research conducted by the examination body.
Why Students Fail Literature in English in WAEC
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is a renowned examination body responsible for conducting high-stakes assessments for students in West Africa. One subject that often poses a significant challenge to students is Literature in English. Year after year, a substantial number of students struggle and fail this subject in their WAEC exams. The list below constitutes some of the reasons students fail Literature in WAEC
Lack of Interest in Reading
One of the primary reasons students fail Literature in English is their lack of interest in reading. Literature requires students to read and analyze various literary works, including novels, plays, and poems. However, many students today are more inclined towards digital distractions, such as social media and video games, which diminish their interest in reading. To improve their performance in Literature, students must cultivate a genuine love for reading and develop a reading habit.
Lack of Proper Knowledge of Recommended Texts
This is a major problem that is bedevilling the success of students in the examination. In order to avoid reading the recommended texts, students prefer to read the summarized versions of the texts at the expense of the books. Even schools and teachers encourage this act. You need to understand that you can never have a solid knowledge of the texts if the summarized versions are your way of escaping from the long work. Reading the original text acclimatizes you with the characters, their conversations, the settings and all that is needed for your success in the examination. A question in this format,
O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?
An excerpt from William Shakespare’Romeo and Juliet
Deny thy father, and refuse thy name;
Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love,
And I’ll no longer be a Capulet.
Who is the speaker above?
This question is likely to throw anyone out of balance should such a fellow fail to read the actual text.
Inadequate Understanding of Literary Concepts
Literature is a subject that demands a solid grasp of literary concepts and terminology. Students often struggle with understanding literary devices like symbolism, foreshadowing, and irony. Additionally, they may find it challenging to interpret and analyze complex literary texts. To overcome this hurdle, students should seek guidance from their teachers, engage in group discussions, and utilize study guides and resources that explain these concepts in simpler terms. You may find this Element of Drama useful. I prepared it for your success in the examination.
Poor Time Management
Time management is crucial in any examination, and Literature in English is no exception. Students often struggle to allocate enough time to read and analyze the texts thoroughly, leading to rushed answers and incomplete essays. To improve their time management skills, students should practice with past papers, set timers for themselves, and learn to allocate sufficient time to each section of the exam.
Lack of Effective Study Strategies
Many students fail Literature in English because they lack effective study strategies. Simply reading the texts without a systematic approach to understanding and retaining information can be counterproductive. To excel in this subject, students should adopt active reading techniques, take notes, create summaries, and practice answering essay questions regularly.
Insufficient Exposure to Literary Diversity
Literature in English covers a wide range of literary works from different cultures and time periods. Some students may struggle because they have limited exposure to diverse literature. To overcome this, students should broaden their reading horizons by exploring texts from various cultures and backgrounds. This will not only enhance their understanding of different literary styles but also help them develop a broader perspective.
Lack of Essay-Writing Skills
The essay component in Literature in English exams often poses a challenge for students. Many fail to structure their essays effectively, provide relevant evidence from the texts, or convey their ideas coherently. To improve their essay-writing skills, students should practice writing essays regularly, seek feedback from teachers, and learn how to craft clear and concise arguments. A good writer of an essay must be a voracious reader. I have prepared an article on how to read and understand, This will help you in a way to write good essays.
Conclusion
Failing Literature in English in WAEC can be a daunting experience for students, but it is not an insurmountable challenge. By addressing the issues mentioned above and adopting effective study strategies, students can significantly improve their performance in this subject. Remember, success in Literature requires a genuine love for reading, a solid understanding of literary concepts, and diligent practice. With dedication and the right approach, students can overcome this hurdle and achieve success in their WAEC exams. If you want to master Literature in English in both WAEC and NECO, read this article.
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