JAMB English Language Syllabus

General Objectives

The English Language syllabus is designed to enable candidates to:

• The Use of English syllabus is designed to evaluate candidates' ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken English.
• It evaluates candidates' ability to use the English Language for learning at the tertiary level.
• It guides candidates in their preparation for the Board's examination by setting out the comprehension, lexical, structural and oral skills to be tested.

Detailed English Language Syllabus

3 topics. For each topic: what to study (contents) and the objectives you should be able to meet.

1. Comprehension/Summary

   Contents

   • Passage types: description; narration; exposition; argumentation/persuasion
   • Two passages set, one of which is a cloze test, each approximately 200 words long and representing various disciplines
   • Questions on the passages testing comprehension of the whole or part of each passage
   • Comprehension of words, phrases, clauses, sentences, figures of speech and idioms as used in the passages
   • Coherence and logical reasoning (deductions, inferences, etc.)
   • Synthesis of ideas from the passages

   Objectives — candidates should be able to:

   • Identify main points and topic sentences in passages
   • Determine implied meaning
   • Identify the grammatical functions of words, phrases, clauses and figurative/idiomatic expressions
   • Deduce or infer the writer's intentions, including mood, attitude to the subject matter and opinion

2. Lexis and Structure

   Contents

   • Synonyms
   • Antonyms
   • Homonyms
   • Clause and sentence patterns
   • Word classes and their functions
   • Mood, tense, aspect, number, agreement/concord, degree (positive, comparative, superlative) and question tags
   • Punctuation and spelling
   • Ordinary, figurative and idiomatic usage

   Objectives — candidates should be able to:

   • Identify words and expressions in their ordinary, figurative and idiomatic contexts
   • Determine similar and opposite meanings of words
   • Differentiate between correct and incorrect punctuation and spelling
   • Identify various grammatical patterns in use
   • Interpret information conveyed in sentences

3. Oral Forms

   Contents

   • Vowels (monophthongs and diphthongs)
   • Consonants (including clusters)
   • Rhymes (including homophones)
   • Word stress (monosyllabic and polysyllabic)
   • Intonation (words and emphatic stress)

   Objectives — candidates should be able to:

   • Make distinctions between vowel types
   • Differentiate between consonant types
   • Identify correct accentuation (word stress) in individual words and in connected speech
   • Recognise emphatic stress and intonation in connected speech

Recommended Texts

• 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 Publishers.
• 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the JAMB Use of English syllabus structured?

It is divided into three sections: Section A (Comprehension/Summary), Section B (Lexis and Structure), and Section C (Oral Forms). Together these test reading comprehension, vocabulary and grammar, and spoken-English skills.

How many questions are in the JAMB English Language paper?

The paper carries 60 questions. Roughly 25 come from comprehension and cloze/reading passages (Section A), 25 from lexis and structure items such as synonyms, antonyms, sentence interpretation and completion (Section B), and 10 from oral forms (Section C).

Is English Language compulsory in JAMB UTME?

Yes. Use of English is compulsory for every UTME candidate. It is one of the four subjects each candidate must take, alongside three other subjects relevant to the intended course of study.

What comprehension passages should candidates expect?

Two passages are set, one of which is a cloze test. Each is about 200 words long and drawn from various disciplines. Passage types include description, narration, exposition, and argumentation/persuasion.

What is tested in the Oral Forms (Section C)?

It tests spoken-English knowledge without listening equipment, covering vowels (monophthongs and diphthongs), consonants and consonant clusters, rhymes and homophones, word stress (monosyllabic and polysyllabic), and intonation including emphatic stress.

What does Lexis and Structure cover?

It covers synonyms, antonyms and homonyms; clause and sentence patterns; word classes and their functions; grammar features such as mood, tense, aspect, number, concord, degree and question tags; punctuation and spelling; and ordinary, figurative and idiomatic usage.

How should I prepare for JAMB English Language?

Practise reading passages and cloze tests to build comprehension speed, study vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, idioms) and core grammar rules, and learn oral English concepts like vowel/consonant sounds, word stress and rhyme. Working through past questions and the recommended texts is the most efficient approach.

Does the JAMB English paper include an essay or summary writing?

No. The UTME is fully multiple-choice (objective). Although the syllabus references comprehension and summary skills, candidates answer by selecting options rather than writing essays; essay and summary writing belong to the WAEC/NECO English papers.