JAMB Syllabus For Use Of English 2025/2026

If you’re preparing for the JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) examination, one of the most important papers you’ll face is the Use of English.

The English language exam is vital because it tests your ability to read, write, and understand English, which is necessary for success in university.

In this post, we will break down the JAMB syllabus for the Use of English in 2025/2026, giving you an in-depth look at the topics you need to study.

This guide will help you understand what to expect and how to prepare effectively.

What is the JAMB Use of English Exam?

The JAMB Use of English exam is designed to assess your proficiency in reading, understanding, and applying the English language.

The paper consists of 60 questions, and the topics tested cover various aspects of English language use, including comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and oral forms.

JAMB Use of English Syllabus

The syllabus for the JAMB Use of English exam is divided into three main sections:

Comprehension and Summary
Lexis and Structure
Oral Forms

Let’s take a closer look at each section to understand what you need to focus on.

1. Comprehension and Summary

In this section, you will be tested on your ability to read and understand English passages. There will be different types of reading passages, including descriptive, narrative, and expository texts.

You should be prepared to:

JAMB QUICK LINKS

Identify main ideas in the passage.
Understand implied meanings and be able to deduce the writer’s message.
Summarize texts in your own words.
description
narration
exposition
argumentation/persuasion

OBJECTIVES

You should be able to

identify main points /topic sentences in passages
determine implied meanings
identify the grammatical functions of words, phrases, clauses, and figurative/idiomatic expressions
deduce or infer the writers’ intentions including mood, attitude to the subject matter, and opinion.

Tips for this section:

Read widely and regularly. Practice reading comprehension passages from JAMB past papers or recommended textbooks.
Focus on understanding the tone, mood, and message of each passage.

2. Lexis and Structure

This part of the exam tests your knowledge of English vocabulary and grammar. You will need to demonstrate your ability to identify the correct meanings of words, synonyms, antonyms, and various sentence structures.

You should focus on:

Synonyms and Antonyms – understanding words with similar and opposite meanings.
Grammar and Sentence Structure – recognizing correct grammar usage, including tenses, agreements, and punctuation.
Word Classes – knowing how different words function in sentences (e.g., nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.).
clause and sentence patterns
word classes and their functions
mood, tense, aspect, number, agreement/concord, degree (positive, comparative, and superlative), and question tags
mechanics
ordinary usage, figurative usage, and idiomatic usage.

Candidates should be able to:

Identify words and expressions in their ordinary, figurative and idiomatic contexts;
Determine similar and opposite meanings of words;
Differentiate between correct and incorrect spellings;
Identify various grammatical patterns in use; and
Interpret information conveyed in sentences.

Tips for this section:

Study vocabulary and practice with JAMB lexis and structure past questions.
Understand grammar rules and sentence construction. Pay attention to common mistakes such as subject-verb agreement and tense consistency.

3. Oral Forms

The oral forms section is about pronunciation, stress patterns, and the sounds of English. You will be tested on:

Vowels and Consonants – knowing the different vowel (monothongs, diphthongs and triphthongs) and consonant sounds (including clusters).
Word Stress (monosyllabic and polysyllabic) – understanding which syllables in words are stressed.
Pronunciation – the correct way to say words in English.
Rhymes(including homophones)
Emphaticstress(in connected speech)

Candidates should be able to:

Make distinctions among vowel types
Differentiate among consonant types
Identify correct pronunciation of individual words and articulation of connected speech.

Tips for this section:

Listen to English audio materials to familiarize yourself with the correct pronunciation of words.
Practice speaking aloud, paying attention to word stress and intonation.

JAMB Use of English Exam Structure

Here’s a breakdown of how the 60 questions in the Use of English exam are typically distributed:

Comprehension and Summary (30 questions)
- One comprehension passage with 10 questions.
- One summary passage with 10 questions.
- A few questions on interpreting and analyzing passages.
Lexis and Structure (20 questions)
- Questions on synonyms and antonyms (5 questions).
- Grammar-related questions (10 questions).
- Sentence structure and vocabulary use (5 questions).
Oral Forms (10 questions)
- Questions on pronunciation, word stress, and syllable emphasis.

Recommended Books for JAMB Use of English

To succeed in the JAMB Use of English exam, it’s important to use the right textbooks and study resources. Some of the most recommended books include:

Adedimeji, M.A. (2021). Doses of Grammar. Patigi: Ahman Pategi University Press.
Attah, M.O. (2013). Practice in Spoken English for Intermediate and Advanced Learners. Maiduguri: University of Maiduguri Press.
Bamgbose, A. (2002). English Lexis and Structure for Senior Secondary Schools and Colleges (Revised Edition). Ibadan: Heinemann.
Banjo, A., Adeniran, A., Akano, A., & Onoga, U. (2004). New Oxford Secondary English Course Book Six for Senior Secondary Schools. Ibadan: University Press Plc.
Caesar, O.J. (2003). Essential Oral English for Schools and Colleges. Lagos: Tonad Publishers Limited.
Jones, D. (2011). Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Egbe, D.I. (1996). Mastering English Usage and Communication Skills. Lagos: Tisons.
Elugbe, B. (2000). Oral English for Schools and Colleges. Ibadan: Heinemann.
Grant, N.J.H., Nnamonu, S., & Jowitt, D. (1998). Senior English Project 3 (New Edition). Harlow: Longman.
Idowu, O.O., Sogbesan, T.S., Adofo, A.K., Burgess, D.F., & Burgess, L.J. (1998). Round-up English: A Complete Guide. Lagos: Longman.
Idris, U. (2001). Oral English at Your Fingertips for Schools and Colleges. Lagos: M. Youngbrain Publishers.
Igiligi, E.C. & Ogenyi, S.O. (2010). Grammar and Composition in the G.S.M. Age. Enugu: Joe Hills Production Services.
Jauro, L.B. (2013). Oral English for Schools and Colleges: A Teaching and Learning Approach. Yola: Paraclete Publishers.
Nnamonu, S. & Jowitt, D. (1989). Common Errors in English. Lagos: Longman.
Obinna, M.F. (2001). University Matriculation Use of English (Fourth Edition). Port Harcourt: Sunray Books Limited.
Ogunsanwo, O., Duruaku, A.B.C., Ezechukwu, J., & Nwachukwu, U.I. (2005). Countdown English Language (Revised Edition). Ibadan: Evans Brothers.
Olatoye, S. (2006). The Silent Teacher. Ado-Ekiti: Segun and Sons Enterprises.
Oluikpe, B.O.A., Nnaemeka, B.A., Obah, T.Y., Otagburuagu, E.J., Onuigbo, S., & Ogbonna, E.A. (1998). Intensive English for Senior Secondary School 3. Onitsha: Africana First Publishers.
Tomori, S.H.O. (2000). Objective Tests for School Certificate English: Practice in Lexis, Structure, and Idiom (Reprinted Edition). Ibadan: Heinemann.
Ukwuegbu, C., Okoro, O., Idris, A.U., Okebukola, F.O., & Owokade, C.O. (2002). Catch-up English for SSCE/UME. Ibadan: Heinemann.

JAMB Syllabus for Use of English 2025/2026

What is the JAMB Use of English Exam?

JAMB Use of English Syllabus

1. Comprehension and Summary

Tips for this section:

2. Lexis and Structure

Tips for this section:

3. Oral Forms

Tips for this section:

JAMB Use of English Exam Structure

Recommended Books for JAMB Use of English

JAMB Syllabus for All Subjects