WAEC Literature in English Reading List for 2026–2030

 The WAEC Literature in English Reading List for 2026–2030 offers a diverse and culturally rich selection of literary works prescribed by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). This list is designed to expose students to a broad spectrum of genres, themes, and cultural perspectives, encompassing both African and non-African texts. Below is a structured overview of the reading list:

📚 1. Shakespearean Text

• "Antony and Cleopatra" by William Shakespeare: A tragedy exploring themes of love, power, and conflict between personal desires and political duties .

🌍 2. African Prose

• "So the Path Does Not Die" by Pede Hollist: A novel that delves into themes of identity, migration, and cultural displacement.

• "Redemption Road" by Elma Shaw: A story set in post-civil war Liberia, addressing trauma, resilience, and redemption .

🌏 3. Non-African Prose

• "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee: A classic novel exploring racial injustice and moral growth in the American South.

• "The Path of Lucas: The Journey He Endured" by Susanne Bellefeuille: A tale of perseverance and personal struggle .

🎭 4. African Drama

• "Once Upon an Elephant" by Bosede Ademilua-Afolayan: A play that highlights environmental conservation and cultural values.

• "The Marriage of Anansewa" by Efua Sutherland: A humorous and insightful drama based on African folklore and storytelling traditions .

🎪 5. Non-African Drama

• "An Inspector Calls" by J.B. Priestley: A moralistic play critiquing social responsibility and class divisions.

• "A Man for All Seasons" by Robert Bolt: A historical drama exploring integrity and conscience .

📖 6. African Poetry

A selection of six poems, including:

• "Once Upon a Time" by Gabriel Okara: A reflection on lost authenticity and cultural change.

• "Night" by Wole Soyinka: An evocative exploration of the oppressive and mysterious nature of night .

• "Not My Business" by Niyi Osundare: A critique of apathy in the face of oppression.

• "New Tongue" by Elizabeth L.A. Kamara.

• "Hearty Garlands" by S.O.H. Afriyie-Vidza.

• "The Breast of the Sea" by Syl Cheney-Coker .

📄 7. Non-African Poetry

A selection of six poems, including:

• "She Walks in Beauty" by Lord Byron: A celebration of feminine grace and beauty.

• "Digging" by Seamus Heaney: A reflection on heritage and labor.

• "Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou: A powerful poem of resilience and self-empowerment.

• "The Nun's Priest's Tale" by Geoffrey Chaucer (shortened version).

• "The Telephone Call" by Fleur Adcock.

• "The Stone" by Wilfrid Wilson Gibson