The JAMB Use of English Syllabus 2025/2026 serves as a comprehensive guide for all candidates preparing for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This syllabus outlines the key areas of the English Language that will be tested, ensuring students focus on essential topics for success.
Since English is a compulsory subject for all UTME candidates, understanding the syllabus is crucial. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the JAMB Use of English syllabus, including exam structure, objectives, recommended textbooks, and key preparation tips.
JAMB Use of English 2025/2026: General Objectives
The JAMB English syllabus is designed to assess candidates’ ability to:
- Communicate effectively in written and spoken English.
- Apply English Language skills for academic success at the tertiary level.
The syllabus is divided into three main sections:
- Comprehension & Summary
- Lexis & Structure
- Oral Forms
Section A: Comprehension and Summary
This section evaluates candidates’ reading and analytical skills. It includes:
- Passage types: Descriptive, Narrative, Expository, Argumentative/Persuasive.
- Cloze Test: A passage with missing words to test vocabulary and grammar.
- Questions will assess:
- Understanding of main ideas and supporting details.
- Interpretation of words, phrases, idioms, and figures of speech.
- Logical reasoning (inferences, deductions).
- Approved Novel: The Life Changer by Khadija Abubakar Jalli (compulsory).
- Summary writing: Combining key points from passages.
Objectives
Candidates should be able to:
✔ Identify main ideas and topic sentences.
✔ Determine implied meanings.
✔ Analyze grammatical functions of words and phrases.
✔ Infer the writer’s tone, mood, and opinions.
Section B: Lexis and Structure
This section tests vocabulary, grammar, and sentence construction. Key areas include:
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Clause & Sentence Patterns
- Word Classes & Functions
- Grammar Rules: Tense, Concord, Degrees of Comparison, Question Tags.
- Mechanics of Writing: Punctuation, spelling.
- Word Usage: Literal, figurative, idiomatic (Standard British English).
Objectives
Candidates should be able to:
✔ Differentiate word meanings (literal vs. figurative).
✔ Identify correct spellings and grammatical structures.
✔ Interpret sentence meanings accurately.
Section C: Oral Forms
This section assesses pronunciation and speech patterns. Topics include:
- Vowels (Monophthongs, Diphthongs, Triphthongs)
- Consonants & Clusters
- Rhymes & Homophones
- Word Stress (Monosyllabic & Polysyllabic)
- Emphatic Stress (for emphasis in speech).
Objectives
Candidates should be able to:
✔ Distinguish vowel and consonant sounds.
✔ Pronounce words correctly.
✔ Identify stress patterns in sentences.
JAMB Use of English Exam Structure (2025/2026)
The exam consists of 60 questions, divided as follows:
Section A: Comprehension & Summary (25 Questions)
- 1 Comprehension Passage – 5 questions
- 1 Cloze Passage – 10 questions
- 1 Reading Text (from The Life Changer) – 10 questions
Section B: Lexis & Structure (25 Questions)
- Sentence Interpretation – 5 questions
- Antonyms – 5 questions
- Synonyms – 5 questions
- Grammar – 10 questions
Section C: Oral Forms (10 Questions)
- Vowels – 2 questions
- Consonants – 2 questions
- Rhymes – 2 questions
- Word Stress – 2 questions
- Emphatic Stress – 2 questions
Recommended Textbooks for JAMB Use of English 2025
To excel in the exam, study these JAMB-approved textbooks:
- Attah, M.O. (2013) – Practice in Spoken English for Intermediate and Advanced Learners
- Bamgbose, A. (2002) – English Lexis and Structure for Senior Secondary Schools
- Banjo, A. et al. (2004) – New Oxford Secondary English Course for SS3
- Jones, D. (2011) – Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary
- Olatoye, S. (2006) – The Silent Teacher
How to Download the JAMB 2025 Use of English Syllabus PDF
Getting your copy is easy! Simply click the download button below to access the JAMB 2025 Use of English Syllabus PDF for free.
📥 DOWNLOAD JAMB 2025 USE OF ENGLISH SYLLABUS PDF
Key Preparation Tips for JAMB Use of English 2025
✅ Read the compulsory novel (The Life Changer) thoroughly.
✅ Practice past questions to familiarize yourself with the exam format.
✅ Improve vocabulary by learning synonyms, antonyms, and idioms.
✅ Work on grammar rules (concord, tense, sentence structure).
✅ Listen to English news/podcasts to enhance oral comprehension.
