All communications should be addressed

to: The Director, Zimbabwe School

Zimbabwe School Examinations Council Examinations Council,
Examinations Centre, Upper East Road, Mount Pleasant
P.O. Box CY 1464, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe Telephone: 302623-4, 302642,
307815, 306242
Telegraphic address: “ZIMSEC”
Facsimile: 302288; 339080; 333889
Your Ref:
Our Ref:
29 November 2023

EXAMINATION CIRCULAR
NUMBER 31 OF 2023

DISTRIBUTION

The Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education

Chief Directors - Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education
District Schools Inspectors – Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education
Association of Independent Colleges
ZIMSEC Regional Offices
Provincial Education Directors
Education Officers
Heads – Secondary Schools
Examination Centres /Schools
Book Publishers
Teachers’ Colleges in Zimbabwe
Universities in Zimbabwe
Curriculum Development and Technical Services
NAPH
NASH

RE: ORDINARY LEVEL (4029) LITERATURE IN ENGLISH SET BOOKS FOR

NOVEMBER 2025 AND JUNE 2026

Prescribed set books will be advised in examination circulars on a yearly basis. ZIMSEC puts
asterisks on set books to show the number of years they might still have on the syllabus. Some
set books may not last for the four recommended years because of their size and depth of
content. It is important for schools to always refer to the actual syllabus for the other syllabus
requirements. NB: THE ORDINARY LEVEL LITERATURE IN ENGLISH SYLLABUS NOW
HAS TWO PAPERS.

PAPER DESCRIPTION

PAPER 1: ZIMBABWEAN LITERATURE

Six questions will be set from three set books. Candidates must answer two questions.
NB: The two answers must be from different set books.

Section A: Prose

1. Shadows on the Horizon – Stephen Mpofu.

Board Members: Prof. E. Mwenje (Chairman); Ms. M.F. Masiye-Moyo (Vice Chairperson); Prof. D.J. Simbi; Mr. F.Z. Mhlanga; Mr. J. Dewah;
Mrs. W. Chirongoma; Mr. K. Kapfudza; Dr. E. Ndlovu; Mr. M. Kamungeremu; Ms. S. Jocelyne; Mr. S. Mhlanga; Mr. R. Sisimayi; Mr. R. Gundani;
Dr. L. Nembaware (Director)
Section B: Poetry

* 2. New Voices Diversity Dawns – (ed) Chenai Angella Ginio

Section C: Drama

3. I Will Wait - Bertha Musora

PAPER 2: WORLD LITERATURE

The paper consists of eight questions set from four set books. Each set book has one context
based question and an essay. Candidates must answer any two questions.
NB: The answers must be from different sections.

Section A: African, Caribbean and African-American Literature

* 1. The Valley of Tantalika – Richard Rayner

2. Black Boy – Richard Wright

Section B: Russian, Chinese, French or English Literature

* 3. Othello – William Shakespeare

*** 4 Animal Farm – George Orwell

Set also for N2025 and J2026

Set also for * N2025, J2026, N2026 and J2027
Set also for ** N2025, J2026, N2026, J2027, N2027 and J2028
Set also for *** N2025, J2026, N2026, J2027, N2027, J2028, N2028 and J2029

S. Murowe
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR – TEST DESIGN, EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT AND MEASUREMENT
ZIMBABWE SCHOOL EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL
/SK
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