JAMB 2023 Literature in English · Question 57

The sides of a stage are called

Options

  1. A.both sides
  2. B.the ways
  3. C.the wings
  4. D.the pits

Answer: C. the wings

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question The question asks for the technical theatre term for the sides of a stage. This is a Drama topic in Literature in English.

Explain the concept A stage has several parts, and each has its own name:

  • Wings: the offstage areas to the left and right of the acting area. They are hidden from the audience. Actors wait there before entering, and props and scenery are stored there.
  • Apron: the part of the stage that extends toward the audience, in front of the curtain.
  • Orchestra pit: the sunken area in front of the stage where musicians play. It is not at the sides.
  • Backstage: the area behind or around the stage that the audience cannot see.

Step-by-step solution

  1. A. both sides is not a theatre term, just a plain description.
  2. B. the ways is not a recognised stage term.
  3. C. the wings is correct. The wings are the side spaces of the stage, out of the audience's view.
  4. D. the pits refers to the area in front of the stage, where the orchestra sits (or, in older theatres, the cheap standing area for the audience). It is not the sides.

Answer: The sides of a stage are called the wings, which is option C.

Exam tip Think of an actor "waiting in the wings", meaning waiting just offstage at the side for their cue. The phrase is common in everyday English, so it is easy to remember. Also remember that pit is in front of the stage, while wings are at its sides.

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