FrancisAre you searching for the JAMB Syllabus For Use of English to prepare for your forthcoming examinations?
Then you’ve come to the right place.
The JAMB Syllabus for Use of English is a guide that helps students prepare for the JAMB UTME exam.
It covers important topics like comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, and oral English.
The syllabus ensures candidates develop strong reading, writing, and communication skills. Understanding this syllabus is key to scoring high in JAMB Use of English, as it outlines the exam format, key topics, and recommended study materials.
Grab a chilled glass of water and keep reading…..
ALSO READ: JAMB Syllabus For Mathematics 2025/2026
JAMB Syllabus for Use of English
The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) 2025 syllabus for Use of English is designed to guide candidates in their preparation for the JAMB examination. It evaluates the ability to:
- Communicate effectively in both written and spoken English.
- Use the English Language for learning at the tertiary level.
Structure of the Syllabus
The syllabus consists of three sections:
- SECTION A: Comprehension/Summary
- SECTION B: Lexis and Structure
- SECTION C: Oral Forms
SECTION A: Comprehension/Summary
Topics Covered:
- Description
- Narration
- Exposition
- Argumentation/Persuasion
Each of the two passages (one being a cloze test) will cover various disciplines and be about 200 words long.
Exam Focus:
- Understanding whole/parts of the passage.
- Interpreting words, phrases, clauses, sentences, figures of speech, and idioms.
- Logical reasoning (deductions, inferences, etc.).
- Synthesizing ideas from passages.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Identify main points/topic sentences.
- Determine implied meanings.
- Understand grammatical functions of words, phrases, and idiomatic expressions.
- Deduce the writer’s intentions, mood, and attitude.
SECTION B: Lexis and Structure
Topics Covered:
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Homonyms
- Clause and sentence patterns
- Word classes and their functions
- Mood, tense, aspect, agreement/concord
- Punctuation and spelling
- Ordinary, figurative, and idiomatic usage
Note:
Idioms tested will be formal and in standard British English.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Identify words and expressions in ordinary, figurative, and idiomatic contexts.
- Determine the similar and opposite meanings of words.
- Differentiate between correct and incorrect punctuation/spelling.
- Recognize various grammatical patterns.
- Interpret information in sentences.
SECTION C: Oral Forms
Topics Covered:
- Vowels (Monophthongs and Diphthongs)
- Consonants (including Clusters)
- Rhymes (including Homophones)
- Word Stress (Monosyllabic and Polysyllabic)
- Intonation (Emphatic Stress)
Note:
Emphatic stress involves placing normal stress on words for emphasis.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Differentiate vowel types.
- Identify consonant types.
- Recognize correct accentuation in words and connected speech.
Structure of the Examination
SECTION A: Comprehension/Summary
- 1 comprehension passage – 5 questions
- 1 cloze passage – 10 questions
- 1 reading text – 10 questions
SECTION B: Lexis and Structure
- Sentence interpretation – 5 questions
- Antonyms – 5 questions
- Synonyms – 5 questions
- Sentence completion – 10 questions
SECTION C: Oral Forms
- 10 questions
Total: 60 Questions
RECOMMENDED TEXTS FOR USE OF ENGLISH
- 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. et al. (2004). New Oxford Secondary English Course Book Six for Senior Secondary Schools, Ibadan: UP Plc.
- Caesar, O. J. (2003). Essential Oral English for Schools and Colleges, Lagos: Tonad Publishers Limited.
- Daniel Jones (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.
- 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 Publisher.
- 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.
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