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Most Repeated Topics In Jamb Use Of English Exam: Updated Guide (2025/2026)
The JAMB Use of English exam is a compulsory paper for all candidates seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. It is designed to test candidates’ proficiency in the English language, as well as their comprehension, grammar, and communication skills. With the 2025/2026 JAMB UTME fast approaching, one of the best ways to prepare is by focusing on the most repeated topics.
This guide highlights the key areas that frequently appear in the JAMB Use of English exam and provides practical tips to help you excel. By mastering these topics, you’ll be well-equipped to achieve a high score and secure your admission.
Understanding the Structure of the JAMB Use of English Exam
The JAMB Use of English exam is divided into four main sections:
- Comprehension Passages: Tests candidates’ ability to read, interpret, and analyze passages.
- Lexis and Structure: Focuses on grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure.
- Sentence Completion and Cloze Test: Assesses vocabulary and contextual usage.
- Oral Forms: Tests knowledge of phonetics and pronunciation.
Each section has a specific number of questions, and the total score for the exam is 100 marks.
Most Repeated Topics in the JAMB Use of English Exam
Over the years, certain topics have consistently appeared in the JAMB Use of English exam. Below is a detailed breakdown of these topics and how to prepare for them.
1. Comprehension Passages
Comprehension passages are a staple of the JAMB Use of English exam, with multiple questions based on a single passage. These questions test candidates' understanding of the text, their ability to identify key ideas, and their interpretation skills.
Key Areas to Focus On:
- Main idea of the passage.
- Contextual meanings of words and phrases.
- Logical inferences and conclusions.
- Tone and mood of the author.
- Grammar and vocabulary used in the passage.
Preparation Tips:
- Practice reading and analyzing passages from past JAMB questions.
- Expand your vocabulary to improve comprehension.
- Time yourself while solving comprehension questions to improve speed and accuracy.
2. Lexis and Structure
Lexis and Structure is one of the most significant sections in the JAMB Use of English exam. It tests candidates’ command of English grammar and sentence construction.
Key Areas to Focus On:
- Synonyms and Antonyms: Identifying words with similar or opposite meanings.
- Concord (Subject-Verb Agreement): Ensuring consistency between subjects and verbs in sentences.
- Sentence Completion: Choosing the correct word or phrase to complete sentences.
- Figures of Speech: Understanding similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole, and other figurative language.
- Idiomatic Expressions: Recognizing common idioms and their meanings.
Preparation Tips:
- Study grammar-focused textbooks such as Exam Focus: Use of English.
- Regularly practice past questions on lexis and structure.
- Learn new idiomatic expressions and figures of speech to improve your fluency.
3. Sentence Completion and Cloze Test
The Cloze Test is a fill-in-the-blank exercise where candidates must choose the most appropriate word to complete a passage. It tests vocabulary, grammar, and logical reasoning.
Key Areas to Focus On:
- Vocabulary related to everyday life, education, and culture.
- Logical consistency and flow of ideas in a passage.
- Grammar rules such as tenses, prepositions, and conjunctions.
Preparation Tips:
- Practice Cloze Test exercises from past JAMB questions.
- Focus on understanding the context of the passage before attempting to fill in the blanks.
- Build your vocabulary by reading newspapers, novels, and other materials.
4. Oral English (Phonetics and Phonology)
The Oral English section tests candidates’ understanding of English sounds, stress patterns, intonation, and pronunciation.
Key Areas to Focus On:
- Consonant and Vowel Sounds: Understanding voiced and voiceless sounds.
- Diphthongs and Monophthongs: Mastering complex vowel sounds.
- Stress and Intonation: Identifying the correct syllable to stress in a word or sentence.
- Rhymes and Homophones: Recognizing words that sound similar but have different meanings.
Preparation Tips:
- Use phonetic guides in dictionaries to improve pronunciation.
- Listen to English audio materials like podcasts, news, and audiobooks.
- Practice with past Oral English questions and focus on commonly repeated patterns.
5. Registers
Registers refer to vocabulary and expressions specific to particular fields or professions. Questions in this area test candidates’ knowledge of words used in contexts such as:
- Education.
- Law.
- Medicine.
- Agriculture.
- Religion.
Preparation Tips:
- Learn key terms and phrases associated with different fields.
- Practice identifying the appropriate register for a given context.
6. Summary Writing
Summary questions require candidates to extract key points from a passage and rephrase them concisely. This tests their ability to identify main ideas and eliminate unnecessary details.
Key Areas to Focus On:
- Skimming and scanning techniques to identify main points.
- Paraphrasing skills to avoid verbatim copying.
- Understanding the tone and purpose of the passage.
Preparation Tips:
- Practice summarizing passages from textbooks and past questions.
- Focus on clarity and brevity while writing summaries.
7. Tenses
Questions on tenses frequently appear in the JAMB Use of English exam. These questions test candidates’ understanding of verb forms and their proper usage in sentences.
Key Areas to Focus On:
- Present, past, and future tenses.
- Continuous, perfect, and perfect continuous tenses.
- Conditional sentences.
Preparation Tips:
- Review rules of tenses and their applications.
- Solve past questions focusing on tense-related exercises.
8. Punctuation and Capitalization
Punctuation and capitalization questions test candidates’ understanding of the rules governing written English.
Key Areas to Focus On:
- Correct use of commas, full stops, colons, and semicolons.
- Rules for capitalizing proper nouns, titles, and the beginning of sentences.
Preparation Tips:
- Study punctuation rules using English grammar textbooks.
- Practice editing passages to correct punctuation errors.
9. Literary Appreciation
This section tests candidates’ ability to analyze literary works, including poetry, drama, and prose.
Key Areas to Focus On:
- Identifying themes, characters, and settings.
- Understanding literary devices such as imagery, symbolism, and irony.
- Recognizing the tone and mood of a literary piece.
Preparation Tips:
- Read recommended literary texts and poetry collections.
- Practice analyzing excerpts from past JAMB questions.
General Tips for Excelling in the JAMB Use of English Exam
1. Start Early
Begin your preparation months in advance to allow sufficient time to cover all topics.
2. Use Recommended Textbooks
Some of the best textbooks for the JAMB Use of English exam include:
- Exam Focus: Use of English.
- Essential English for JAMB.
3. Practice Past Questions
Past questions are invaluable for understanding the format and frequently tested topics. Aim to solve at least 10 years’ worth of past questions.
4. Take Mock Tests
Mock tests help simulate the exam environment and improve your speed and accuracy.
5. Expand Your Vocabulary
Read widely to improve your vocabulary and comprehension skills.
6. Stay Consistent
Dedicate a set number of hours daily to studying English. Consistency is key to mastering the language.
Conclusion
The JAMB Use of English exam is essential for achieving admission into Nigerian universities. By focusing on the most repeated topics—comprehension passages, lexis and structure, Cloze Test, Oral English, registers, summary writing, tenses, punctuation, and literary appreciation—you can prepare effectively and excel in the exam.
Use this guide as a roadmap, practice diligently, and remain confident in your abilities. Success in the 2025/2026 JAMB Use of English exam is within your reach!
