Explore the complete JAMB Syllabus for English Language 2025/2026. Get detailed topics, recommended texts, and expert tips to prepare effectively for the UTME and boost your chances of success.
JAMB has released the syllabus for English Language, knowing that all candidates are required to write this subject along with their other chosen subjects. It is important to perform well in all your subjects because the total cumulative score will determine if you meet the cut-off mark for admission.
To help candidates prepare thoroughly and achieve a good score, JAMB has made the syllabus available for all subjects, including English Language. Read on below to see the full JAMB Syllabus for English Language and a list of recommended texts for your reading and study.
Structure of the Examination
The examination is divided into three sections, covering comprehension, lexis, and structure, and oral English. A total of 60 questions will be asked.
Section A: Comprehension and Summary
This section tests your ability to understand and interpret written texts. It includes:
- One comprehension passage with 5 questions
- One cloze passage (a fill-in-the-gap activity) with 10 questions
- One reading text followed by 10 questions
Section B: Lexis and Structure
This section focuses on vocabulary and grammar. It includes:-
- Sentence interpretation – 5 questions
- Antonyms (words with opposite meanings) – 5 questions
- Synonyms (words with similar meanings) – 5 questions
- Sentence completion – 10 questions
Section C: Oral English
This section tests your understanding of spoken English and pronunciation patterns. It consists of:
- 10 multiple-choice questions
Total Number of Questions: 60
JAMB Syllabus For English Language
| Section | Topics | Details |
|---|---|---|
| A. Comprehension / Summary | – Description – Narration – Exposition – Argumentation/Persuasion | – Two passages (one may be a cloze test), approx. 200 words each – Passages will reflect various disciplines – Includes “The Lekki Headmaster” by Kabir Alabi Garba – Questions will cover comprehension, vocabulary, reasoning, and synthesis of ideas |
| Synthesis of Ideas: Combining distinct or separate pieces of information to form a complete whole. | ||
| B. Lexis and Structure | – Synonyms – Antonyms – Homonyms – Sentence and clause patterns – Word classes/functions – Mood, tense, aspect, number, concord, degree, question tags – Punctuation and spelling – Ordinary, figurative, and idiomatic usage | – Formal British English idioms only – Focus on word meanings, grammar structure, spelling, and punctuation |
| C. Oral Forms | – Vowels (monophthongs & diphthongs) – Consonants (including clusters) – Rhymes & homophones – Word stress (mono & polysyllabic) – Intonation (emphatic stress) | – Emphatic stress: Placement of normal stress for emphasis – Includes pronunciation, word stress, and intonation |
JAMB Recommended Books for Use of English
- Adedimeji, M. A. (2021). Doses of grammar. Patigi: Ahman Pategi University Press.
- 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 (Rev. ed.). Ibadan: Heinemann.
- Banjo, A., Adeniran, A., Akano, A., & Onoga, U. (2004). New Oxford secondary English course book six for senior secondary schools. Ibadan: University Press Plc.
- Caesar, O. J. (2003). Essential oral English for schools and colleges. Lagos: Tonad Publishers Limited.
- 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 ed.). Harlow: Longman.
- Idowu, O. O., Sogbesan, T. S., Adofo, A. K., Burgess, D. F., & 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., & 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.
- Jones, D. (2011). Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Nnamonu, S., & Jowitt, D. (1989). Common errors in English. Lagos: Longman.
- Obinna, M. F. (2001). University matriculation use of English (4th ed.). Port Harcourt: Sunray Books Limited.
- Ogunsanwo, O., Duruaku, A. B. C., Ezechukwu, J., & Nwachukwu, U. I. (2005). Countdown English language (Rev. ed.). Ibadan: Evans Brothers.
- 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., & Ogbonna, E. A. (1998). Intensive English for senior secondary school 3. Onitsha: Africana First Publishers.
- Tomori, S. H. O. (2000). Objective tests for school certificate English: Practice in lexis, structure and idiom (Reprinted ed.). Ibadan: Heinemann.
- Ukwuegbu, C., Okoro, O., Idris, A. U., Okebukola, F. O., & Owokade, C. O. (2002). Catch-up English for SSCE/UME. Ibadan: Heinemann.
To get the best results, candidates are strongly advised to follow all the guidelines outlined in this syllabus and revise thoroughly using the recommended textbooks. These materials have been carefully selected to help you understand the exam format and improve your performance.
If you have any questions or need clarification, feel free to drop them in the comments section, and we’ll respond as soon as possible. Don’t forget to check our page for syllabi on other subjects for the WAEC and JAMB examinations
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