The JAMB Syllabus for Use of English 2026/2027 outlines the language skills and communication competencies candidates are expected to demonstrate in the UTME. Since Use of English is compulsory for all UTME candidates, understanding the full scope of the syllabus is essential for achieving a competitive overall score.
Use of English in JAMB focuses on comprehension, grammar, lexis and structure, oral forms, and summary skills. The UTME Use of English syllabus 2026/2027 is structured to test reading ability, vocabulary development, correct grammatical usage, and effective communication in standard English.
Using the JAMB Use of English syllabus as a study guide helps candidates prepare strategically, improve language accuracy, and become familiar with the structure of UTME English questions.
Objectives of Use of English Syllabus
The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) syllabus in Use of English is to guide candidates in their preparation for the Board’s examination. It is designed to evaluate the candidates’ ability to:
- Communicate effectively in both written and spoken English
- Use English Language for learning at the tertiary level
JAMB Syllabus for Use of English 2026
| S/N | TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES | JAMB EXPECTATIONS |
| 1 | Comprehension and Summary (a) description (b) narration (c) exposition (d) argumentation/persuasion (i) Each of the three passages to be set (one will be a cloze test) should reflect various disciplines and be about 200 words long. (ii) Questions on the passages will test the following: (a) Comprehension of the whole or part of each passage. (b) Comprehension of words, phrases, clauses, sentences, figures of speech and idioms as used in the passages. (c) Coherence and logical reasoning (deductions, inferences, etc.). (d) Approved Reading Text. (e) Synthesis of ideas from the passages. NOTE: Synthesis of ideas means the art of combining distinct or separate pieces of information to form a complete whole as summary. | Candidates should be able to: 1. identify main points/topic sentences in passages 2. determine implied meanings 3. identify the grammatical functions of words, phrases, clauses and figurative /idiomatic expressions 4. deduce or infer the writers’ intentions including mood, attitude to the subject matter and opinion. |
| 2 | Lexis and Structure (a) synonyms (b) antonyms (c) clause and sentence patterns (d) word classes and their functions (e) mood, tense, aspect, number, agreement/concord, degree (positive, comparative and superlative) and question tags (f) mechanics (g) ordinary usage, figurative usage and idiomatic usage. NOTE: Idioms to be tested are those that are formal and expressed in Standard British English. (SBE). | Candidates should be able to: 1. identify words and expressions in their ordinary, figurative and idiomatic contexts 2. determine similar and opposite meanings of words 3. differentiate between correct and incorrect spellings 4. identify various grammatical patterns in use 5. interpret information conveyed in sentences. |
| 3 | Oral Forms (a) Vowels (monothongs, diphthongs and triphthongs) (b) Consonants (including clusters) (c) Rhymes (including homophones) (d) Word stress (monosyllabic and polysyllabic) (e) Emphatic stress (in connected speech) NOTE: Emphatic stress involves the placement of stress on words in an utterance for the purpose of emphasis. | Candidates should be able to: 1. make distinctions among vowel types 2. differentiate among consonant types 3. identify correct pronunciation of individual words and articulation of connected speech. |
| 4 | THE STRUCTURE OF THE EXAMINATION SECTION A: Comprehension and Summary (a) 1 comprehension passage – 5 questions (b) 1 summary passage – 5 questions (c) 1 cloze passage – 10 questions (d) 1 reading text – 5 questions SECTION B: Lexis and Structure (a) Sentence interpretation – 5 questions (b) Antonyms – 5 questions (c) Synonyms – 5questions (d) Basic Grammar – 10 questions SECTION C: Oral Forms a) Vowels – 2 questions b) Consonants – 2 questions c) Rhymes – 2 questions d) Word Stress – 2 questions e) Emphatic Stress – 2 questions Total: 60 questions |
Download Use of English Syllabus 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ques: What topics are covered in the JAMB Syllabus for Use of English 2026/2027?
Ans: The syllabus covers comprehension passages, lexis and structure, oral English, summary writing, and grammar.
Ques: Is comprehension compulsory in UTME Use of English?
Ans: Yes. Comprehension passages form a major part of the exam and test reading and interpretation skills.
Ques: What does lexis and structure mean in JAMB English?
Ans: Lexis and structure refer to vocabulary usage, sentence construction, grammar rules, idioms, and expressions.
Ques: Is oral English tested in UTME?
ANS: Yes. Questions test knowledge of stress patterns, vowel and consonant sounds, and pronunciation differences.
Ques: Does JAMB Use of English include summary questions?
Ans: Yes. Candidates may be required to identify correct summaries or key points from a passage.
Ques: Are idioms and phrasal verbs included in the syllabus?
Ans: Yes. Understanding idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs is important for answering vocabulary questions correctly.
Ques: Is Use of English compulsory for all UTME candidates?
Ans: Yes. Use of English is mandatory regardless of the course a candidate chooses.
Ques: How many questions are asked in UTME Use of English?
Ans: The number of questions may vary, but it typically carries a higher number of questions compared to other subjects.
Ques: Can I pass UTME English without practicing comprehension regularly?
Ans: It is difficult. Regular practice improves reading speed, understanding, and accuracy.
Ques: What is the best way to prepare for JAMB Use of English 2026/2027?
Ans: Candidates should study grammar rules thoroughly, expand vocabulary, practice comprehension passages, revise oral English topics, and solve past UTME questions consistently.