Are you preparing for the JAMB Use of English exam for 2025/2026? This article provides all the essential details about the syllabus, including the topics you must study and the structure of the examination. Candidates are encouraged to carefully review this information, as it outlines the requirements for a successful performance in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). You can also download the syllabus as a PDF at the end of this article.
Purpose of the JAMB Use of English Syllabus
The JAMB Use of English syllabus is designed to prepare candidates for the UTME by evaluating their ability to:
Communicate effectively in both spoken and written English.
Utilize the English language for learning in tertiary institutions.
This syllabus includes detailed topics, objectives, and areas of focus for the exam, ensuring candidates are well-equipped for success.
Sections of the JAMB Use of English Syllabus
The syllabus is divided into three main sections:
1. Comprehension and Summary
Topics Covered:
Description
Narration
Key Points:
Exposition
Argumentation or Persuasion
The exam includes three passages (one of which will be a cloze test), each approximately 200 words long.
Questions test understanding of words, phrases, clauses, and the general ideas in the passages.
Additional focus includes logical reasoning, synthesis of ideas, and comprehension of the recommended novel, The Life Changer by Khadija Abubakar Jalli.
Objectives:
Identify key points or topic sentences.
Deduce the writer’s mood, attitude, and intent.
Interpret figurative and idiomatic expressions.
2. Lexis and Structure
Topics Covered:
Synonyms and antonyms
Word classes and their grammatical functions
Sentence patterns, agreement (concord), and question tags
Idiomatic and figurative usage
Objectives:
Understand word meanings in context.
Identify grammatical patterns.
Differentiate between correct and incorrect spellings.
3. Oral Forms
Topics Covered:
Vowels (monophthongs, diphthongs, and triphthongs)
Consonants (including clusters)
Word stress and emphatic stress
Rhymes and homophones
Objectives:
Distinguish between vowel and consonant types.
Recognize correct pronunciation and connected speech.
Structure of the Exam
The Use of English exam consists of 60 questions, divided as follows:
Section A: Comprehension and Summary
One comprehension passage: 5 questions
One cloze passage: 10 questions
Questions on the recommended novel: 10 questions
Section B: Lexis and Structure
Sentence interpretation: 5 questions
Synonyms and antonyms: 10 questions
Basic grammar: 10 questions
Section C: Oral Forms
Vowels and consonants: 4 questions
Rhymes, word stress, and emphatic stress: 6 questions
Recommended Textbooks for Preparation
Candidates are advised to use the following books to strengthen their understanding of the syllabus topics:
Doses of Grammar by M.A. Adedimeji
Practice in Spoken English by M.O. Attah
New Oxford Secondary English Course Book 6 by Banjo et al.
Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary by Daniel Jones
…and several other listed textbooks in the official syllabus.
Additional Notes
The syllabus encourages thorough reading and practice to ensure excellent performance.
Candidates must pay close attention to the novel, The Life Changer, as a significant portion of the exam will test comprehension of its content.
Download the JAMB Use of English Syllabus
Click the button below to download the full PDF version of the syllabus:
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How many questions are in the JAMB Use of English exam?
The exam consists of 60 questions.
With this guide, candidates are encouraged to plan their study schedules and make the most of the recommended resources. Success in the exam depends on dedication and hard work.