Newly Approved JAMB Syllabus For Use Of English 2026/2027

JAMB Syllabus for Use of English 2026/2027: Complete Topics, Recommended Text and Study Guide

Are you preparing for the 2026/2027 JAMB UTME Use of English examination and searching for the newly approved JAMB syllabus for Use of English? This comprehensive guide contains the major areas candidates should study, the structure of the syllabus, important topics, recommended text, preparation tips, frequently asked questions and other useful information.

Use of English is one of the most important subjects in the JAMB UTME because English Language is also required as part of the general entry requirements for many tertiary programmes in Nigeria. JAMB’s official IBASS platform provides the Board’s syllabus resources, while the official Use of English syllabus sets out the knowledge and skills candidates are expected to demonstrate.

The official syllabus states that the purpose of the Use of English examination is to assess candidates’ ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English and to use English for learning at the tertiary level.

This article breaks down the syllabus into simple sections so that candidates can use it as a practical study guide for JAMB 2026/2027.

Important: Candidates should always check JAMB’s official IBASS platform for the latest version of the syllabus applicable to their examination. The phrase “newly approved” is used here to match the common search term, but candidates should rely on JAMB’s official publication rather than unofficial claims about syllabus changes.

Table of Contents

JAMB Use of English Syllabus 2026/2027

The official JAMB Use of English syllabus is divided into three broad sections:

Section A – Comprehension/Summary
Section B – Lexis and Structure
Section C – Oral Forms

The syllabus also includes a prescribed literary text under the Comprehension/Summary section. For the current official syllabus document available through JAMB’s IBASS system, the prescribed text is The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba.

Candidates should prepare across all three sections rather than concentrating on only one area.

Objectives of the JAMB Use of English Syllabus

The JAMB Use of English syllabus is designed to guide candidates in preparing for the examination.

According to the official syllabus, candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability to:

Communicate effectively in written English.
Communicate effectively in spoken English.
Understand passages and their meanings.
Identify important ideas in passages.
Interpret words and expressions according to context.
Understand grammatical structures.
Draw logical conclusions from passages.
Recognise appropriate vocabulary.
Understand idiomatic expressions.
Demonstrate knowledge of oral English.
Use English effectively for academic purposes.

The syllabus therefore goes beyond ordinary grammar. Candidates need to develop reading comprehension, vocabulary, sentence interpretation, grammar and pronunciation skills.

Section A: Comprehension and Summary

Comprehension and Summary form the first major section of the JAMB Use of English syllabus.

Candidates should learn how to read passages carefully, identify their main ideas and answer questions based on information contained in the passages.

The official syllabus identifies several types of passages, including:

Description
Narration
Exposition
Argumentation or persuasion

Candidates should understand the purpose and characteristics of each type.

1. Descriptive Passages

A descriptive passage gives information about a person, place, object, event or situation.

The writer may use detailed language to help the reader understand what is being described.

When answering questions on a descriptive passage, pay attention to:

Main ideas
Descriptive details
Writer’s attitude
Meaning of expressions
Information directly stated in the passage

Do not assume that every detail has equal importance. Identify the information that supports the central idea.

2. Narrative Passages

A narrative passage tells a story or describes a sequence of events.

It may contain:

Characters
Events
Setting
Conflict
Cause and effect
Sequence of events

When answering questions, pay attention to what happened, why it happened and the consequences of the events.

3. Expository Passages

An expository passage explains or provides information about a subject.

Such passages may discuss:

Education
Science
Society
Business
Technology
History
Environment
Health
Culture

The main goal is usually to inform or explain.

Candidates should identify the central idea and supporting points.

4. Argumentative and Persuasive Passages

Argumentative passages present ideas or positions on an issue.

The writer may attempt to persuade the reader to accept a particular viewpoint.

Candidates should identify:

The writer’s position
Supporting arguments
Evidence
Conclusions
Tone
Opinions
Implied meanings

When a passage presents an argument, do not confuse the writer’s opinion with an established fact.

5. Main Idea

The main idea is the central point of a passage or paragraph.

One of the most useful strategies for comprehension questions is to ask:

“What is this passage mainly about?”

The answer should express the central message rather than a minor detail.

The topic sentence can often provide an important clue, but candidates should read the entire passage before choosing an answer.

6. Topic Sentences

A topic sentence introduces the main idea of a paragraph.

It may appear:

At the beginning
In the middle
At the end

Sometimes the main idea is implied rather than directly stated.

Candidates should practise identifying topic sentences and distinguishing them from supporting details.

7. Inference

Inference means reaching a reasonable conclusion based on information in a passage.

An answer may not be stated word-for-word in the passage.

For example, a passage may describe someone’s actions without directly stating their feelings. The candidate may be required to infer the person’s attitude from the information provided.

Avoid choosing an answer based entirely on personal opinion.

Your answer should be supported by the passage.

8. Meaning in Context

JAMB may ask candidates to determine the meaning of a word or expression as it is used in a particular passage.

Do not automatically choose the dictionary meaning.

Instead, consider:

The surrounding sentence
The paragraph
The writer’s intention
The subject of the passage

A word may have different meanings in different contexts.

9. Figures of Speech

Candidates should understand common figures of speech and how they are used.

Important examples include:

Simile
Metaphor
Personification
Irony
Hyperbole
Euphemism
Oxymoron
Paradox

For example, a simile compares two things using words such as “like” or “as.”

A metaphor makes a direct comparison without necessarily using “like” or “as.”

10. Idiomatic Expressions

An idiom is an expression whose meaning cannot always be understood by interpreting each word literally.

Candidates should learn common English idioms and understand their meanings in context.

When an idiom appears in a passage, consider the context before selecting an answer.

11. Writer’s Tone and Attitude

Candidates may need to determine the writer’s attitude towards a subject.

Possible attitudes include:

Critical
Optimistic
Pessimistic
Sympathetic
Sarcastic
Serious
Humorous
Concerned
Supportive

Pay attention to the words used by the writer.

12. Writer’s Intention

The writer’s intention refers to the reason the passage was written.

The writer may intend to:

Inform
Explain
Entertain
Persuade
Criticise
Warn
Describe
Educate

Understanding the purpose of a passage can help you answer several comprehension questions.

13. Coherence and Logical Reasoning

Candidates should understand how ideas connect within a passage.

Questions may test:

Cause and effect
Sequence
Conclusions
Deductions
Inferences
Relationships between ideas

Read carefully and avoid jumping to conclusions that are not supported by the passage.

14. Summary

Summary questions test the candidate’s ability to identify important information and express it briefly.

When answering a summary question:

Read the passage carefully.
Identify the main points.
Remove examples and unnecessary details.
Avoid repeating the same idea.
Use your own words where appropriate.
Follow the required number of points or options.
Make sure each selected point directly answers the question.

Summary is not simply copying random sentences from a passage.

15. Synthesis of Ideas

Synthesis involves combining relevant information from different parts of a passage or passages.

Candidates should be able to identify related ideas and determine how they work together.

This requires careful reading and logical reasoning.

16. The Prescribed JAMB Use of English Text

The official Use of English syllabus currently available through JAMB’s IBASS identifies:

The Lekki Headmaster – Kabir Alabi Garba

Candidates should read the prescribed text carefully rather than depending solely on summaries.

When studying the book, pay attention to:

Characters
Major events
Themes
Setting
Important relationships
Lessons
Character development
Author’s message
Important incidents
Vocabulary and expressions

The official syllabus places the text within the Comprehension/Summary section.

Section B: Lexis and Structure

The second major section of the JAMB Use of English syllabus is Lexis and Structure.

This section tests candidates’ knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, sentence construction and appropriate use of English.

It is important because candidates must understand not only what individual words mean but also how words function within sentences.

17. Synonyms

A synonym is a word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word.

For example:

Brief – Short

However, candidates should be careful because words that appear similar may not always be interchangeable in every context.

Context remains important.

18. Antonyms

An antonym is a word with an opposite meaning.

Examples include:

Accept – Reject
Ancient – Modern
Expand – Contract
Generous – Stingy
Victory – Defeat

JAMB questions may require candidates to identify the word opposite in meaning to a particular word.

19. Homonyms and Related Words

Candidates should understand words that sound alike or have similar spellings but different meanings.

Examples include:

Right / write
Sea / see
Principal / principle
Stationary / stationery

Learning these distinctions can reduce mistakes in objective questions.

20. Vocabulary Development

Candidates should continuously expand their vocabulary.

Useful areas include:

Education
Government
Science
Agriculture
Business
Health
Technology
Environment
Society
Culture

When learning a new word, study:

Meaning
Spelling
Pronunciation
Part of speech
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example sentence

21. Sentence Completion

Sentence-completion questions require candidates to select the word or expression that best completes a sentence.

Consider:

Grammar
Meaning
Context
Collocation
Tense
Agreement

Do not choose an option simply because it sounds familiar.

Read the entire sentence with each option.

22. Parts of Speech

Candidates should understand the major parts of speech.

These include:

Nouns
Pronouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Adverbs
Prepositions
Conjunctions
Interjections

Understanding their functions helps candidates identify grammatical errors.

23. Nouns

A noun names a person, place, animal, thing or idea.

Examples include:

Teacher
Nigeria
School
Book
Freedom

Candidates should understand different types of nouns and their uses.

24. Pronouns

Pronouns are used in place of nouns.

Examples include:

He
She
It
They
We
You
Them

Candidates should understand correct pronoun usage and agreement.

25. Verbs

Verbs express actions, states or occurrences.

Examples include:

Run
Write
Think
Become
Know

Candidates should understand verb forms, tense and agreement.

26. Adjectives

Adjectives describe or modify nouns and pronouns.

Examples include:

Beautiful
Tall
Intelligent
Difficult
Nigerian

Candidates should understand their proper placement and use.

27. Adverbs

Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives or other adverbs.

Examples include:

Quickly
Slowly
Carefully
Very
Always

Candidates should understand the functions of adverbs in sentences.

28. Prepositions

Prepositions show relationships between words.

Examples include:

In
On
At
Under
Between
Among
With
From

Common errors involving prepositions are worth practising.

29. Conjunctions

Conjunctions connect words, phrases or clauses.

Examples include:

And
But
Or
Because
Although
While
Since

Candidates should understand how conjunctions affect sentence meaning.

30. Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement means that the verb must agree with its subject in number and person.

For example:

The boy plays football.

The boys play football.

Candidates should pay attention to singular and plural subjects.

31. Tenses

Candidates should understand the major English tenses.

These include:

Present tense
Past tense
Future tense
Present perfect
Past perfect
Present continuous
Past continuous

The correct tense depends on the context and time being discussed.

32. Active and Passive Voice

In the active voice, the subject performs the action.

Example:

The teacher marked the scripts.

In the passive voice, attention is placed on the receiver of the action.

Example:

The scripts were marked by the teacher.

Candidates should understand how sentences can be transformed between active and passive forms.

33. Direct and Indirect Speech

Direct speech reports the exact words of a speaker.

Indirect speech reports what someone said without necessarily using the exact words.

Candidates should understand changes involving:

Pronouns
Tenses
Time expressions
Punctuation
Reporting verbs

34. Clauses and Phrases

A phrase is a group of words that does not normally contain a complete subject-verb relationship.

A clause contains a subject and a verb.

Candidates should understand:

Noun clauses
Adjective clauses
Adverbial clauses
Main clauses
Subordinate clauses

35. Sentence Types

Candidates should understand different sentence structures.

These include:

Simple sentences
Compound sentences
Complex sentences
Compound-complex sentences

Understanding sentence structure helps with grammar and comprehension questions.

36. Punctuation

Candidates should understand common punctuation marks and their functions.

These include:

Full stop
Comma
Question mark
Exclamation mark
Colon
Semicolon
Apostrophe
Quotation marks

Correct punctuation can affect meaning.

37. Concord

Concord refers to grammatical agreement between words in a sentence.

Candidates should study different types of agreement and common errors.

This includes agreement between:

Subject and verb
Pronoun and antecedent
Determiners and nouns

38. Common Errors in English

Candidates should practise identifying errors involving:

Tenses
Concord
Prepositions
Pronouns
Word choice
Sentence structure
Redundancy
Double negatives
Wrong expressions

Learning from mistakes is one of the best ways to improve.

39. Collocation

Collocation refers to words that commonly occur together.

For example, English speakers naturally use certain combinations rather than simply combining words randomly.

Candidates should develop familiarity with common English word combinations.

Section C: Oral Forms

The third major section of the JAMB Use of English syllabus is Oral Forms.

This section focuses on spoken English and pronunciation.

Candidates should study the sound system of English and learn how words are pronounced.

40. Vowels

Candidates should understand English vowel sounds.

This includes the difference between short and long vowel sounds and the way vowels are pronounced in words.

41. Consonants

Candidates should understand English consonant sounds and how they are produced.

Pay attention to sounds that are commonly confused by learners.

42. Vowel Sounds in Words

A single vowel letter can sometimes represent different sounds depending on the word.

Therefore, candidates should learn pronunciation rather than relying entirely on spelling.

43. Consonant Sounds in Words

Similarly, consonant letters may represent different sounds in different words.

Candidates should practise pronunciation and listen carefully to standard spoken English.

44. Rhyming Words

Rhyming involves words with similar ending sounds.

Candidates should learn to identify words that have similar vowel and consonant sound patterns.

45. Word Stress

Stress refers to the emphasis placed on a particular syllable in a word.

Candidates should understand that changing stress can sometimes affect pronunciation and meaning.

Practise saying unfamiliar words aloud.

46. Sentence Stress

Sentence stress involves emphasising certain words in spoken sentences.

Important content words often receive greater stress than grammatical words.

Understanding sentence stress can help candidates identify correct pronunciation patterns.

47. Intonation

Intonation refers to the rise and fall of the voice when speaking.

Different patterns can communicate different meanings or attitudes.

Candidates should understand basic rising and falling intonation patterns.

48. Commonly Confused Sounds

Candidates should practise distinguishing between sounds that are easily confused.

For example, some words may differ by only one sound.

Regular listening and pronunciation practice can improve performance in Oral Forms.

How to Study the JAMB Use of English Syllabus 2026/2027

1. Read the Prescribed Text

Do not depend entirely on summaries.

Read the prescribed text and take notes while studying.

2. Practise Comprehension Daily

Read a short passage every day and ask yourself:

What is the main idea?
What is the writer’s purpose?
What is the tone?
What can I infer?
What does a particular expression mean?

3. Build Your Vocabulary

Learn new words regularly.

Keep a vocabulary notebook containing meanings, synonyms, antonyms and example sentences.

4. Revise Grammar

Focus on areas such as:

Concord
Tenses
Prepositions
Pronouns
Clauses
Sentence structure
Active and passive voice
Direct and indirect speech

5. Practise Oral English

Read words aloud and listen to standard English pronunciation.

6. Answer Past Questions

Past questions can help you become familiar with the style of JAMB questions.

However, they should complement your syllabus preparation rather than replace it.

Recommended Study Strategy for JAMB Use of English

A simple weekly plan can make preparation easier.

Monday: Comprehension

Read passages and practise identifying main ideas, tone and inference.

Tuesday: Vocabulary

Study synonyms, antonyms, idioms and contextual meanings.

Wednesday: Grammar

Practise concord, tenses, clauses, prepositions and sentence structure.

Thursday: Summary

Work on identifying important points and removing unnecessary information.

Friday: Oral English

Practise vowel sounds, consonants, stress and intonation.

Saturday: Prescribed Text

Read and revise the recommended novel.

Sunday: Revision and Practice

Answer questions covering all sections studied during the week.

Candidates can adjust the schedule according to their individual needs.

How to Score Better in JAMB Use of English

Read Questions Carefully

Do not rush through comprehension questions.

A single word such as “not,” “except,” “mainly” or “best” can completely change what a question is asking.

Use Context

When you do not know the meaning of a word, examine the surrounding sentence and paragraph.

Eliminate Wrong Options

If you are uncertain, remove options that clearly do not fit the grammar or meaning.

Avoid Unnecessary Assumptions

In comprehension questions, base your answer on the passage.

Improve Your Reading Speed

Practise reading regularly while maintaining comprehension.

Manage Your Time

Do not spend too long on one difficult question.

Move on and return later if necessary.

Common Mistakes JAMB Candidates Make in Use of English

1. Reading Only Summaries

For the prescribed text, summaries may help with revision, but they should not replace reading the actual book.

2. Ignoring Oral English

Candidates sometimes focus heavily on grammar and neglect Oral Forms.

3. Memorising Synonyms Without Context

A synonym may not work in every sentence.

4. Ignoring Grammar Rules

Vocabulary alone is not enough.

5. Rushing Through Comprehension

Read the question and relevant passage carefully.

6. Depending on “Expo” or Guaranteed Questions

Candidates should prepare using legitimate study materials rather than relying on claims of guaranteed questions.

7. Failing to Practise

Regular practice is essential for improving speed and accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the JAMB Use of English syllabus for 2026/2027 available?

JAMB provides its syllabus resources through the official IBASS platform. The official Use of English syllabus available through IBASS contains the objectives and detailed areas candidates should study.

What are the main sections of the JAMB Use of English syllabus?

The official syllabus has three major sections:

Comprehension/Summary
Lexis and Structure
Oral Forms

What novel is recommended for JAMB Use of English?

The current official syllabus document available through JAMB’s IBASS identifies The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba as the prescribed text.

Does JAMB Use of English include comprehension?

Yes. Comprehension and Summary form Section A of the official syllabus.

Does JAMB test Oral English?

Yes. Oral Forms constitute Section C of the Use of English syllabus.

What should I study under Lexis and Structure?

Candidates should prepare vocabulary and grammatical areas, including word meanings, sentence completion, parts of speech, concord, tenses, clauses, sentence structure, idiomatic expressions and other aspects of correct English usage.

How can I prepare for JAMB Use of English?

Study the official syllabus, read the prescribed text, practise comprehension, develop your vocabulary, revise grammar, practise Oral English and answer past questions.

Is reading the prescribed novel important?

Yes. Candidates should read the prescribed text carefully and understand its characters, themes, events, setting and important details.

Can I pass JAMB Use of English by studying past questions alone?

It is better to combine past questions with the official syllabus and appropriate study materials. Past questions are useful for practice but do not replace complete preparation.

Where can I check the official JAMB syllabus?

Candidates can access the official JAMB Integrated Brochure and Syllabus System through JAMB’s website. The IBASS platform provides access to the Board’s e-syllabus resources.

Conclusion

The JAMB Use of English Syllabus 2026/2027 provides candidates with a clear framework for preparing for one of the most important subjects in the UTME.

The syllabus is divided into three major sections: Comprehension/Summary, Lexis and Structure, and Oral Forms. Each section tests a different aspect of a candidate’s ability to understand and use English effectively.

For Comprehension and Summary, candidates should learn how to identify main ideas, understand words in context, recognise the writer’s tone and intention, make logical deductions, interpret figures of speech and summarise important information.

For Lexis and Structure, candidates should concentrate on vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms, idioms, sentence completion, parts of speech, concord, tenses, clauses, sentence structures, prepositions and other areas of grammar.

For Oral Forms, candidates should practise vowel sounds, consonant sounds, word stress, sentence stress, intonation and other aspects of spoken English.

Candidates should also take the prescribed text seriously. The current official syllabus document identifies The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba as the prescribed text, so candidates should read the book carefully rather than relying only on summaries.

Most importantly, candidates should use the official JAMB syllabus as their preparation guide. Avoid relying on social-media posts that promise “100% sure questions” or guaranteed examination answers. No unofficial source can guarantee the exact questions that will appear in the UTME.

Create a realistic study timetable, practise regularly and review your mistakes. The more you practise comprehension, vocabulary, grammar and Oral English, the more comfortable you are likely to become with the examination format.

For the latest official syllabus information and other JAMB resources, candidates should check the JAMB IBASS platform regularly. JAMB’s official website provides access to its syllabus system.

If you are preparing for JAMB Use of English 2026/2027, start your preparation early, cover all three sections, read the prescribed text and practise consistently.