JAMB Syllabus for Use of English

JAMB has released the syllabus for Use of English, one of the subjects tested in the UTME. If you are preparing to write Use of English, it is important to study with the syllabus so you know the areas you are expected to cover and can focus your revision on the topics that may be tested.

The Use of English syllabus covers Comprehension and Summary, Lexis and Structure, and Oral Forms. It also outlines the structure of the examination and the recommended texts candidates can use for their preparation.

Below, you will find the complete JAMB Use of English syllabus, including the topics and examination structure. Make sure you go through the JAMB Syllabus for English Language carefully and use it to guide your study and revision.

JAMB Use of English Syllabus 2026

The JAMB Use of English syllabus is divided into three main areas: Comprehension and Summary, Lexis and Structure, and Oral Forms. Candidates should cover all three areas during their preparation.

A. Comprehension and Summary

This section tests your ability to understand and interpret passages, identify important ideas, draw conclusions, and understand words and expressions based on how they are used. The passages may cover different disciplines and may include the following forms:

• Description
• Narration
• Exposition
• Argumentation and persuasion

The questions may test your understanding of:-

• The whole or part of a passage
• Words, phrases, clauses and sentences as used in the passage
• Figures of speech and idiomatic expressions
• Coherence and logical reasoning
• Deductions and inferences
• The writer's intention, mood, attitude and opinion
• Synthesis of ideas from different parts of the passages
• The approved reading text

One of the passages will be presented as a cloze test. Candidates should also understand that synthesis of ideas involves combining separate pieces of information to form a complete whole, such as in a summary.

B. Lexis and Structure

This section covers vocabulary, grammar, sentence construction, and the correct use of English. The topics include:-

• Synonyms
• Antonyms
• Clause and sentence patterns
• Word classes and their functions
• Mood
• Tense
• Aspect
• Number
• Agreement and concord
• Degree: positive, comparative and superlative
• Question tags
• Mechanics
• Ordinary usage
• Figurative usage
• Idiomatic usage

The idioms tested are expected to be formal expressions used in Standard British English (SBE).

C. Oral Forms

Candidates should also prepare for questions on the spoken aspect of English. The topics include:-

• Vowels
  • Monothongs
  • Diphthongs
  • Triphthongs
• Consonants, including consonant clusters
• Rhymes, including homophones
• Word stress
  • Monosyllabic words
  • Polysyllabic words
• Emphatic stress in connected speech

Emphatic stress refers to placing stress on particular words in an utterance to give them emphasis.

JAMB Use of English Examination Structure

The Use of English UTME consists of 60 questions divided into three sections.

Section A: Comprehension and Summary

• 1 comprehension passage: 5 questions
• 1 summary passage: 5 questions
• 1 cloze passage: 10 questions
• 1 reading text: 5 questions

Total: 25 questions

Section B: Lexis and Structure

• Sentence interpretation: 5 questions
• Antonyms: 5 questions
• Synonyms: 5 questions
• Basic grammar: 10 questions

Total: 25 questions

Section C: Oral Forms

• Vowels: 2 questions
• Consonants: 2 questions
• Rhymes: 2 questions
• Word stress: 2 questions
• Emphatic stress: 2 questions

Total: 10 questions

Overall total: 60 questions

JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Use of English

Candidates can also use the recommended textbooks below to support their preparation for the Use of English examination:-

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

The JAMB Use of English syllabus should be one of the materials you use throughout your UTME preparation. Go through each topic carefully and practise past questions regularly so you can become familiar with the different types of questions that may be asked.

If you find this information useful, share it with other JAMB candidates who are preparing for the UTME. You can also check our page for more JAMB subject combinations, syllabuses, recommended textbooks, and other useful admission information.