The JAMB Syllabus is a complete guide to all the topics from which questions are set for every subject in the UTME and Direct Entry exams.
It’s specifically designed to help candidates:
- Know exactly what to study
- Prepare effectively for the examination
- Avoid wasting time on topics that won’t appear on the exam
Following the syllabus closely gives candidates the best chance to score high and succeed in JAMB.
The Use of English section of the 2026 UTME is designed to test candidates’ ability to:
- Communicate effectively in written and spoken English.
- Use English for learning at the tertiary level.
The syllabus is divided into three sections:
SECTION A: Comprehension/Summary:
Topics:
- Description
- Narration
- Exposition
- Argumentation/Persuasion
Passages:
- Two passages (one will be a cloze test), about 200 words each, covering various disciplines.
Skills Tested:
- Understanding the whole or parts of a passage
- Comprehension of words, phrases, clauses, sentences, idioms, and figures of speech
- Coherence and logical reasoning (deductions, inferences)
- Synthesizing ideas from passages
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Identify main points and topic sentences
- Determine implied meanings
- Identify grammatical functions of words, phrases, clauses, and idioms
- Deduce the writer’s intentions, attitude, or opinion
SECTION B: Lexis and Structure:
Topics:
- Synonyms, antonyms, homonyms
- Clause and sentence patterns
- Word classes and functions
- Mood, tense, aspect, number, agreement/concord
- Degree (positive, comparative, superlative) and question tags
- Punctuation and spelling
- Ordinary usage (words in their denotative or dictionary sense), figurative usage (expressions used in ways other than literal) and idiomatic usage (expressions whose meanings cannot be determined through a mere combination of individual words) are to be tested.
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Identify words in context (ordinary, figurative, idiomatic)
- Determine similar and opposite meanings
- Spot correct/incorrect punctuation and spelling
- Interpret sentence structures and grammatical patterns
SECTION C: Oral Forms:
Topics:
- Vowels (monophthongs & diphthongs)
- Consonants (including clusters)
- Rhymes (including homophones)
- Word stress (monosyllabic & polysyllabic)
- Intonation & emphatic stress
Objectives:
Candidates should be able to:
- Distinguish between vowel and consonant types
- Identify correct word stress and intonation
- Recognize emphatic stress in connected speech
Exam Structure Overview:
| Section | Type | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| A: Comprehension/Summary | Comprehension passage | 5 |
| Cloze passage | 10 | |
| Reading text | 10 | |
| B: Lexis & Structure | Sentence interpretation | 5 |
| Antonyms | 5 | |
| Synonyms | 5 | |
| Sentence completion | 10 | |
| C: Oral Forms | Vowels, Consonants, Stress, Intonation | 10 |
Total Questions: 60
A cloze passage is a reading exercise with missing words that students fill in, using context clues, grammar, and vocabulary to complete the text, testing comprehension and language skills.
Tip for Candidates:
- Focus on all three sections for balanced preparation.
- Practice comprehension passages from multiple disciplines.
- Revise grammar, vocabulary, and oral forms regularly.
JAMB USE OF ENGLISH RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOKS:
- 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, Sogbeson, T. S, Adofo, A. K. Burgess, D. F and 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. and 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. and 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 and 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. and 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. and Owokade, C. O. (2002) Catch-up English for SSCE/UME, Ibadan: Heinemann.
