If you’re preparing for the 2025/2026 JAMB examination, you’ve probably realized how important the Use of English paper is.
It’s not just another subject; it’s the backbone of the entire exam because every student must take it, regardless of their intended course of study.
This article breaks down the JAMB Use of English syllabus into easy-to-understand segments, giving you a clear focus on what to study.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly where to concentrate your efforts, making your preparation more targeted and effective.
Why Use of English Is Important for JAMB
JAMB’s Use of English tests your ability to read, comprehend, and express ideas clearly. Whether you’re applying to study medicine, law, engineering, or any other course, your performance in this subject can make or break your admission chances.
Plus, having a good command of English helps in other aspects of your academic journey, including interviews and essay writing.
Areas of Concentration for Use of English 2025/2026
JAMB divides the Use of English exam into three major sections:
1. Comprehension and Summary
This section evaluates how well you can understand written passages and summarize key ideas. You’ll likely encounter:
- Passages on various themes: These could include narratives, descriptions, expositions, and argumentative pieces.
- Questions on the passage: You’ll need to answer questions about the main ideas, implied meanings, vocabulary, and tone.
- Summary writing: This tests your ability to condense information without losing the core message.
Pro Tip: Practice reading newspapers, novels, and essays to build your comprehension and summarization skills.
2. Lexis and Structure
This is all about your understanding of vocabulary and grammar. Some specific areas to focus on include:
- Synonyms and Antonyms: Knowing words and their opposites.
- Sentence Completion: Filling in the blanks with appropriate words.
- Word Classes: Nouns, verbs, adjectives, and their roles in sentences.
- Concord (Subject-Verb Agreement): Matching subjects with the right verb forms.
- Tenses: Past, present, and future tense usage.
- Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: Familiarity with common expressions.
- Figures of Speech: Metaphors, similes, and other literary devices.
Pro Tip: Use flashcards or apps to improve your vocabulary daily.
3. Oral English
This section tests your listening and pronunciation skills, even though it’s a written exam. Areas to focus on include:
- Vowel and Consonant Sounds: Different sounds in English words.
- Stress Patterns: Understanding syllable emphasis in words and sentences.
- Intonation: How the pitch of your voice changes in spoken English.
- Homophones and Rhymes: Words that sound similar or rhyme.
Pro Tip: Listen to English podcasts, news channels, or audiobooks to sharpen your oral skills.
Compulsory Textbook for JAMB 2025/2026
Each year, JAMB recommends a specific book for the Use of English exam. For 2025/2026, the compulsory text is “The Life Changer” by Khadija Abubakar Jalli. This book will feature prominently in the exam, so ensure you:
- Read the entire book.
- Note key characters, themes, and events.
- Practice possible questions based on the text.
How to Prepare Effectively
Here are some practical tips to help you ace the Use of English exam:
- Understand the Syllabus: Get a copy of the official JAMB syllabus and highlight the topics mentioned in this article.
- Practice Past Questions: Use JAMB past questions to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and frequently asked questions.
- Read Widely: Include novels, essays, and articles in your study routine to improve comprehension and vocabulary.
- Improve Your Grammar: Brush up on grammar rules, especially in areas like tenses, concord, and sentence structures.
- Take Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions by timing yourself while practicing past questions.
- Use Online Resources: Explore reputable websites and YouTube channels for tutorials on tricky topics.
- Join Study Groups: Collaborating with others can help clarify difficult concepts and keep you motivated.
Have any questions or need more tips? Drop them in the comments below. And if you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with your friends preparing for JAMB.