The Use of English is one of the most important subjects in the JAMB exam. It is a compulsory subject for all students, no matter the course they plan to study in Nigerian universities. Since English is the main language of communication in academic and professional settings, understanding how to use it correctly is very important. The JAMB Use of English exam tests your ability to understand and use English grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills effectively. In this guide, we will walk you through the areas of concentration for the 2026/2027 JAMB Use of English exam, helping you focus on what matters most to succeed.
READ ALSO: JAMB Syllabus for Use of English 2026/2027 Free PDF Download
What is JAMB Use of English?
The JAMB Use of English exam is designed to test how well you understand and use the English language. It covers a wide range of skills, including grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing. Since English is the main language used in schools and universities in Nigeria, doing well in this exam is essential for every student. The Use of English exam includes multiple-choice questions, as well as other sections that test your ability to understand written English and communicate effectively.
Why is the Use of English Important in JAMB?
The Use of English is important because it tests your ability to communicate in written and spoken English. It is necessary for academic success, as most university courses require students to read and write in English. The exam also helps universities assess your readiness for higher education, as good English skills are needed to understand lectures, read academic materials, and write exams and assignments.
Main Areas of Concentration for JAMB Use of English 2026/2027
Here are the key areas you should focus on when preparing for the JAMB Use of English exam. These areas cover grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing skills.
1. GENERAL OBJECTIVES
The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) syllabus in Use of English is to
guide candidates in their preparation for the Board’s examination. It is designed to evaluate the
candidates’ ability to:
- communicate effectively in both written and spoken English; and
- Use English Language for learning at the tertiary level.
2. The syllabus consists of three sections:
- SECTION A: Comprehension and Summary
- SECTION B: Lexis and Structure
- SECTION C: Oral Forms
3. DETAILED SYLLABUS/CONTENTS
TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES
A. Comprehension and Summary
- (a) description
- (b) narration
- (c) exposition
- (d) argumentation/persuasion
- (i) Each of the three passages to be set (one will be a cloze test) should reflect various disciplines and be about 200 words long.
- (ii) Questions on the passages will test the following:
- (a) Comprehension of the whole or part of each passage.
- (b) Comprehension of words, phrases, clauses, sentences, figures of speech, and idioms as used in the passages.
- (c) Coherence and logical reasoning (deductions, inferences, etc).
- (d) Approved Reading Text (The Life Changer by Khadija Abubakar Jalli).
- (e) Synthesis of ideas from the passages.
NOTE: Synthesis of ideas means the art of combining distinct or separate pieces of information to form a complete whole as summary.
OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
- i. identify main points/topic sentences in passages;
- ii. determine implied meanings;
- iii. identify the grammatical functions of words, phrases, clauses, and figurative /idiomatic
- expressions; and
- iv. deduce or infer the writers’ intentions including mood, attitude to the subject matter, and opinion.
B. Lexis and Structure
- (a) synonyms
- (b) antonyms
- (c) clause and sentence patterns
- (d) word classes and their functions
- (e) mood, tense, aspect, number, agreement/concord, degree (positive, comparative, and superlative), and question tags
- (f) mechanics
- (g) ordinary usage, figurative usage, and idiomatic usage.
NOTE: Idioms to be tested are those that are formal and expressed in Standard British English. (SBE).
OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
- i. identify words and expressions in their ordinary, figurative, and idiomatic contexts;
- ii. determine similar and opposite meanings of words;
- iii. differentiate between correct and incorrect spellings;
- iv. identify various grammatical patterns in use;
- v. interpret information conveyed in sentences.
C. Oral Forms
- (a) Vowels (monothongs, diphthongs and triphthongs)
- (b) Consonants (including clusters)
- (c) Rhymes (including homophones)
- (d) Word stress (monosyllabic and polysyllabic)
- (e) Emphatic stress (in connected speech)
See also JAMB Syllabus for Igbo 2026/2027 PDF Download
NOTE: Emphatic stress involves the placement of stress on words in an utterance for the purpose of emphasis.
OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
- i. make distinctions among vowel types;
- ii. differentiate among consonant types;
- iii. identify correct pronunciation of individual words and articulation of connected speech.
D. THE STRUCTURE OF THE EXAMINATION
SECTION A: Comprehension and Summary
| (a) | 1 comprehension passage | 5 questions |
| (b) | 1 cloze passage | 10 questions |
| (c) | 1 reading text | 10 questions |
SECTION B: Lexis and Structure
| (a) | Sentence interpretation | 5 questions |
| (b) | Antonyms | 5 questions |
| (c) | Synonyms | 5 questions |
| (d) | Basic Grammar | 10 questions |
SECTION C: Oral Forms
| a | Vowels | 2 questions |
| b | Consonants | 2 questions |
| c | Rhymes | 2 questions |
| d | Word Stress | 2 questions |
| e | Emphatic Stress | 2 questions |
How to Prepare for JAMB Use of English 2026/2027
To do well in the JAMB Use of English exam, follow these helpful tips:
- Read Regularly: Reading English books, newspapers, and articles can help you improve your vocabulary and understanding of sentence structures.
- Practice Past Questions: Practicing past JAMB Use of English questions will give you a feel for the exam format and types of questions.
- Build Your Vocabulary: Learn new words every day and try to use them in your sentences to make them part of your active vocabulary.
- Write Essays: Regularly practice writing essays on various topics. This will improve your writing skills and help you feel more confident during the exam.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify the areas where you struggle the most, whether it’s grammar, vocabulary, or comprehension, and focus more on them.
Conclusion
The JAMB Use of English exam is an important part of your university admission process. By focusing on key areas like grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, oral English, and essay writing, you will improve your chances of success. Stay consistent with your studies, practice regularly, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed. With the right preparation, you’ll be able to approach the 2026/2027 JAMB Use of English exam with confidence.