The JAMB syllabus for English Language is one of the most important study guides for candidates preparing for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). English is the only compulsory subject for all JAMB candidates, regardless of course or institution. Understanding the official syllabus helps you focus on the exact topics the exam will test and improves your chances of scoring high.

In this post, you’ll find the complete JAMB English Language syllabus for 2026/2027, including objectives, topics, exam structure, recommended novel, and preparation tips.

What Is the JAMB English Language Syllabus?

The JAMB English Language syllabus is an official document released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board that outlines the topics and skills candidates must study for the UTME Use of English exam.

It serves as a roadmap showing:

• Areas to focus on while studying

• Types of questions expected in UTME

• Skills required for tertiary education readiness

The syllabus aims to ensure candidates can communicate effectively in written and spoken English and possess a strong linguistic foundation for higher education.

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Objectives of the JAMB English Language Syllabus

The main objectives of the Use of English syllabus are to assess candidates’ ability to:

• Communicate clearly and effectively in English

• Understand written texts and passages

• Interpret meaning from context

• Apply correct grammar and vocabulary

• Recognize phonetic and oral features of English

• Demonstrate logical reasoning and comprehension

These objectives guide the structure of UTME English questions and determine how marks are allocated across sections.

Structure of the JAMB Use of English Examination

The JAMB English exam is divided into specific sections drawn from the syllabus topics. Questions typically come from:

• Comprehension passages

• Cloze passage

• Lexis and structure

• Oral English

• Novel (recommended text)

The UTME English paper contains about 60 questions covering these areas, testing both language skills and reasoning ability.

JAMB Syllabus for English Language 2026

Below are the official topic areas candidates must study according to the JAMB Use of English syllabus.

Comprehension and Summary

This section tests candidates’ understanding of written passages and their ability to interpret meaning.

Topics

• Description

• Narration

• Exposition

• Argumentation and persuasion

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:

• Identify main ideas in passages

• Interpret words and expressions in context

• Draw inferences and logical conclusions

• Recognize tone and author intention

• Summarize information accurately

Comprehension passages usually cover various disciplines such as science, social issues, and humanities.

Lexis and Structure

Lexis and structure deal with vocabulary, grammar, and sentence usage in English.

Topics

• Parts of speech

• Tenses

• Concord (subject-verb agreement)

• Sentence patterns

• Punctuation

• Idioms and expressions

• Antonyms and synonyms

• Figures of speech

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:

• Use correct grammatical structures

• Identify appropriate word meanings

• Choose the correct sentence completion

• Recognize synonyms and antonyms

• Understand idiomatic expressions

This section forms a major part of the UTME English questions.

Oral Forms

The oral English section tests pronunciation, phonetics, and spoken language patterns.

Topics

• Vowels (monophthongs and diphthongs)

• Consonants and consonant clusters

• Stress patterns

• Intonation

• Rhymes and homophones

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:

• Distinguish vowel sounds

• Identify consonant sounds

• Recognize correct stress placement

• Interpret intonation patterns

• Differentiate similar-sounding words

Oral English questions often appear as pronunciation comparisons in UTME.

JAMB Recommended Novel for English

JAMB requires candidates to read a prescribed novel each year. Questions from the novel test comprehension, themes, and literary understanding.

Recommended Novel for UTME Candidates

• Sweet Sixteen by Bolaji Abdullahi

Objectives

Candidates should be able to:

• Identify characters and themes

• Understand plot development

• Interpret moral lessons

• Analyze language and style

• Answer contextual questions

Novel questions usually contribute about 10 marks in the UTME English paper.

Detailed Breakdown of JAMB English Question Areas

According to the syllabus structure, UTME English questions are typically distributed across:

• Comprehension passages

• Cloze passage

• Sentence interpretation

• Sentence completion

• Synonyms

• Antonyms

• Oral English

• Novel questions

Each area assesses a different language skill needed for university study.

JAMB Recommended TEXTBOOK For 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 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

How to Study the JAMB English Syllabus Effectively

To score high in Use of English, candidates should combine syllabus coverage with practice strategies.

Master Grammar and Vocabulary

Focus on concord, tenses, idioms, and word meanings. These appear frequently in UTME.

Practice Comprehension Daily

Read passages from newspapers, textbooks, and past questions to build speed and understanding.

Study Oral English Sounds

Learn vowel and consonant symbols and stress patterns to handle pronunciation questions.

Read the Recommended Novel Thoroughly

Understand characters, themes, and key events in Sweet Sixteen.

Solve Past Questions

Past UTME questions follow the syllabus closely and reveal common patterns.

Common Topics Candidates Must Not Ignore

Many candidates lose marks by neglecting certain syllabus areas. Key topics to prioritize include:

• Concord

• Idioms

• Antonyms and synonyms

• Stress patterns

• Comprehension inference

• Sentence interpretation

Mastering these greatly improves UTME English scores.

Is English Language Compulsory in JAMB?

Yes. The English Language is compulsory for all UTME candidates regardless of course. Every candidate must write Use of English alongside three other subjects relevant to their chosen field.

How Many Questions Come From Each Section?

While exact numbers may vary slightly each year, the typical distribution is:

• Comprehension – major portion

• Lexis and structure – a large portion

• Oral English – moderate portion

• Novel – about 10 questions

This distribution reflects the syllabus’s emphasis on reading and grammar skills.

FAQs on JAMB English Syllabus

What topics are in JAMB English syllabus?

Main areas include comprehension, lexis and structure, oral English, and the recommended novel.

Which novel is for JAMB 2026 English?

The recommended UTME novel is Sweet Sixteen by Bolaji Abdullahi.

How can I score high in JAMB English?

Study grammar rules, practice comprehension, learn oral English sounds, and read the prescribed novel thoroughly.

Is JAMB English difficult?

It can be challenging due to time pressure and language complexity, but mastering the syllabus makes it easier.

Conclusion

The JAMB syllabus for English Language 2026/2027 outlines the exact topics UTME candidates must study to succeed in the Use of English exam. It covers comprehension, grammar, oral English, and the recommended novel, all designed to test communication and reasoning skills needed for university education.

By following the syllabus closely, practicing past questions, and reading the prescribed novel, candidates can significantly improve their UTME English performance.

Always ensure you study every topic in the official syllabus, because JAMB questions are drawn directly from it each year.