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As you prepare for the 2025/2026 JAMB UTME, it’s crucial to understand the comprehensive syllabus for the Use of English. This syllabus outlines all the essential areas you must study to excel in the exam. Apart from the core topics, such as comprehension, lexis, structure, and oral forms, don’t forget to read the recommended novel, The Life Changer by Khadija Abubakar Jalli, as significant questions will be set from there.

JAMB Syllabus Structure

1. General Objectives
   The main aim of the syllabus is to assess your ability to:
   • Communicate effectively in both written and spoken English.
   • Use English for learning at the tertiary level.
2. Detailed Syllabus ContentSection A: Comprehension and Summary
   • Topics: Description, Narration, Exposition, Argumentation/Persuasion.
   • Focus: Each passage (200 words) will test comprehension, grammatical functions, word meanings, coherence, and logical reasoning.
   • Key Tasks: Identify main points, implied meanings, and deduce the writer’s intentions, tone, and opinion.

   Section B: Lexis and Structure

   • Focus: Synonyms, Antonyms, Sentence Patterns, Word Classes, Tenses, and Agreement.
   • Idiomatic Usage: Ensure you can differentiate between ordinary, figurative, and idiomatic expressions.

   Section C: Oral Forms

   • Topics: Vowels, Consonants, Rhymes, Word Stress, and Emphatic Stress.
   • Aim: Master pronunciation, vowel and consonant sounds, and the articulation of connected speech.
3. Recommended Textbook
   • The Life Changer by Khadija Abubakar Jalli is essential for your reading list.
   • Prepare for questions based on this novel as part of the compulsory reading content.

Exam Structure

• Comprehension and Summary: Includes 1 comprehension passage (5 questions), 1 cloze passage (10 questions), and 1 reading text (10 questions).
• Lexis and Structure: Includes Sentence Interpretation (5 questions), Antonyms (5 questions), Synonyms (5 questions), and Basic Grammar (10 questions).
• Oral Forms: Questions on Vowels (2), Consonants (2), Rhymes (2), Word Stress (2), and Emphatic Stress (2).

The exam will test 60 questions in total, focusing on your understanding of the syllabus’ contents.

How to Prepare

1. Allocate Time for Study: Ensure you dedicate enough time to each section in the syllabus, with special attention to reading The Life Changer.
2. Focus on Key Areas: Prioritize comprehension, sentence structure, and oral forms.
3. Understand Key Concepts: Study word meanings, grammar rules, and the critical points from recommended readings.

You can download the full JAMB 2025/2026 Syllabus for Use of English from the link below:

Download JAMB 2025/2026 Syllabus for Use of English (PDF)

Make sure to study the entire syllabus thoroughly to give yourself the best chance for success in the JAMB UTME.