Arabic in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination assesses a candidate’s competence in the language as a medium of communication, literature, and cultural expression. The JAMB 2026/2027 Area of Concentration for Arabic defines the approved linguistic, grammatical, and literary components from which all UTME questions are derived.
The subject covers both classical and modern Arabic usage, emphasizing comprehension, grammar, translation, and appreciation of Arabic texts. Questions are structured to test understanding of meaning, correctness of expression, and familiarity with Arabic linguistic conventions.
Objectives of Arabic in UTME
The Arabic examination is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to:
- Answer comprehension questions correctly in standard Arabic
- Translate simple texts from English to Arabic and vice versa
- Apply the rules of Arabic grammar functionally
- Appreciate Arabic literary texts within the contexts of their environment and eras
- Use Arabic as a living world language in communication where necessary
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JAMB 2026/2027 Arabic Areas of Concentration
1. Comprehension (الفهم)
This section tests understanding and interpretation of Arabic passages.
- Use appropriate words or phrases for specific thought
- Deduce the lesson in the passage
- Determine the main themes of the passage
- Give an appropriate title to the passage
- Interpret the meanings of particular words
2. Translation (النحو)
This section assesses the ability to translate meaning accurately.
- Use an appropriate Arabic word or phrase to convey the meaning of an English word or phrase
- Determine an appropriate English word or phrase for an Arabic statement
- Interpret idiomatic expressions in both Arabic and English
- Transfer ideas expressed in Arabic to English and vice versa
- Communicate effectively in Arabic and English
3. Grammar
Grammar focuses on sentence structure and correct usage of Arabic rules.
- Identify the characteristics of Arabic nouns
- Differentiate between singular and dual forms of nouns
- Construct plural forms of singular nouns
- Identify and construct phrases and their usages
- Differentiate between separable and inseparable pronouns
- Identify correct usage of adjectives, conjunctions, permutative and emphasis in Arabic sentences
- Apply correct preposition particles in a given sentence
- Differentiate between transitive and intransitive verbs and use them in sentences
- Identify the perfect verbs and their forms
- Identify the imperfect verbs and their grammatical words in sentences
4. Composition
- Use appropriate words for specific thoughts
- Use correct idiomatic expressions in Arabic
- Communicate effectively in Arabic
- Express ideas clearly in Arabic
- Demonstrate the use of common Arabic idioms and proverbs.
5. Arabic Literature (الأدب العربي)
Literature questions test basic appreciation of Arabic literary works.
- Identify the essence of Arabic literature; poetry, prose and their periods
- Identify pre-Islamic Arabic poetic and prosaic traditions and conventions
- Identify and analyse the style of figurative expressions contained in a given Islamic literature
- Describe the aesthetic features in literary texts and assess their modern cultural values
- Evaluate areas of successful use of Arabic as a medium of West African novel and drama
- Analyse their contents and describe their major characteristics and plots
Download JAMB Area of Concentration for Arabic
Click on the button below to download the JAMB area of concentration for Arabic which is available in the JAMB syllabus for Arabic;
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ques: What is the JAMB Area of Concentration for Arabic?
Ans: It refers to the officially approved topics and language components from which all Arabic questions in the UTME are drawn, as specified in the JAMB syllabus.
Ques: Does JAMB test both grammar and translation in Arabic?
Ans: Yes. Grammar, morphology, and translation are core components of the Arabic Area of Concentration.
Ques: Are comprehension passages written entirely in Arabic?
Ans: Yes. Comprehension passages are written in Arabic, and questions test understanding of meaning and context.
Ques: Is Arabic literature compulsory in the UTME Arabic paper?
Ans: Basic Arabic literature is included, focusing on themes, styles, and general appreciation rather than detailed literary criticism.
Ques: Does JAMB include Nahw and Sarf questions?
Ans: Yes. Arabic grammar (Nahw) and morphology (Sarf) are consistently tested in the examination.
Ques: Are translation questions always included?
Ans: Translation questions appear regularly and form an important part of the Arabic Area of Concentration.
Ques: Can questions come from outside the approved Arabic syllabus?
Ans: No. JAMB sets questions strictly within the officially approved Areas of Concentration.
Ques: Is Arabic in JAMB based on classical or modern Arabic?
Ans: The examination primarily uses standard Arabic, combining classical structure with modern usage.
Ques: Where can candidates access the official Arabic syllabus?
Ans: The official syllabus is released annually by JAMB and is available through JAMB-approved platforms and accredited vendors.