JAMB Syllabus for English 2025 |

The JAMB Syllabus for English 2025 is one of the most important tools every UTME candidate must have before sitting for the examination. English Language is compulsory for all candidates, regardless of their course of study. Since it carries 60 questions in the JAMB UTME and serves as the backbone for communication across subjects, mastering it is non-negotiable.

This syllabus outlines the specific topics, areas of focus, and recommended books that candidates should study. It helps to narrow down what matters most, saving you from wasting time on irrelevant topics.

If you want to pass JAMB in one sitting, your journey begins here with a deep dive into the JAMB English Syllabus 2025.

Also read: How to Pass JAMB in One Sitting

Objectives of the JAMB English Syllabus 2025

The syllabus is designed to ensure that candidates:

Communicate effectively in both spoken and written English.
Show a solid grasp of vocabulary, grammar, and idiomatic usage.
Interpret texts and passages with accuracy.
Demonstrate comprehension and logical reasoning in reading.
Apply knowledge of literary terms and concepts.

In short, the syllabus prepares candidates not just for the exam, but for academic success in Nigerian universities where English is the language of instruction.

Structure of JAMB English Exam

The JAMB English paper is divided into four key sections:

Comprehension / Summary
- Passages followed by questions testing understanding, inference, and vocabulary.
Lexis and Structure
- Grammar rules, sentence construction, idioms, and word usage.
Oral English
- Phonetics, stress patterns, intonation, and correct pronunciation.
Literature in English
- Basic literary appreciation and knowledge of recommended prose, drama, and poetry texts.

For more, check: JAMB Subject Combination for All Courses 2025

Detailed Breakdown of the JAMB Syllabus for English 2025

Here is the official breakdown of areas you must study:

1. Comprehension / Summary

Reading to understand implied meanings.
Understanding figurative language.
Identifying main ideas, supporting details, and tone of passages.
Summarizing long passages.

2. Lexis and Structure

Synonyms, antonyms, and idiomatic expressions.
Cloze passages (fill in the blanks).
Sentence correction and error detection.
Word formation and phrasal verbs.

3. Oral English

Phonetic transcription of words.
Differentiating vowel and consonant sounds.
Stress and intonation patterns.
Homophones and homonyms.

4. Literature in English

Candidates are expected to have a basic knowledge of literary terms such as:

Plot, setting, theme, and characterization.
Figures of speech (simile, metaphor, personification, irony, etc.).
Drama, prose, and poetry appreciation.

Recommended Texts for JAMB English 2025

Here are some useful books recommended for effective preparation:

Exam Focus English by Bolaji Idowu
Invisible Teacher’s Guide to English
JAMB Past Questions & Answers (1978–2024 editions)
Understanding English Grammar by Charles F. Meyer
Oral English for Schools and Colleges

(See also the official JAMB brochure at JAMB Official Website)

Tips to Study JAMB English Effectively

Practice past questions – JAMB often repeats patterns.
Read daily newspapers to improve vocabulary.
Listen to news and radio programs to master oral English.
Summarize texts to sharpen comprehension skills.
Study in groups – teaching others improves retention.

You may also like: JAMB Physics Past Questions & Answers (PDF)

Common Mistakes Students Make in JAMB English

Ignoring Oral English because it seems minor.
Depending only on “expo” instead of personal preparation.
Not practicing time management during mock exams.
Reading without writing practice (summary writing, essay outline).

Sample JAMB English Questions

Q1: Choose the word opposite in meaning to Transparent.

A. Clear
B. Opaque
C. Lucid
D. Bright

Answer: B (Opaque)

Q2: Which stress pattern is correct for the word Photography?

A. phoTOgraphy
B. PHOtography
C. photoGRA*phy
D. photograPHy

Answer: C

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on JAMB Syllabus for English 2025

1. What is the JAMB syllabus for English?

The JAMB syllabus for English is the official outline of topics and areas candidates must study to prepare for the Use of English exam in UTME. It includes sections like comprehension, lexis and structure, oral forms, and essay writing.

2. How many questions are in JAMB English 2025?

The Use of English paper in JAMB consists of 60 questions, which cover comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and summary passages. It is compulsory for all candidates, regardless of their chosen course.

3. Is English compulsory for JAMB?

Yes. English Language is the only compulsory subject in JAMB for all candidates, regardless of the course you want to study.

4. What topics are covered in JAMB English syllabus 2025?

The major areas are:

Comprehension passages
Lexis and Structure (Grammar, Vocabulary, Idioms, and Figures of Speech)
Oral Forms (Stress, Phonetics, Intonation)
Summary Writing
Essay Writing

5. How do I study JAMB English effectively?

To study effectively:

Practice past questions regularly
Focus on grammar rules and vocabulary
Improve comprehension by reading newspapers and novels
Learn oral English phonetics and stress patterns
Write short essays to practice structure and organization

For detailed study strategies, you can read this guide on Best Study Tips for JAMB 2025 UTME.

6. How many passages will JAMB set in comprehension?

Usually, JAMB sets 2–3 comprehension passages with several questions each. Candidates are expected to read carefully and answer questions within limited time.

7. Does JAMB English include Oral English?

Yes, Oral English is part of the syllabus. It tests candidates on phonetics, stress patterns, vowel and consonant sounds, and intonation.

8. How do I prepare for JAMB essay writing?

You should practice writing short essays such as formal and informal letters, descriptive essays, argumentative essays, and reports. Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and organization of ideas.

9. What books are recommended for JAMB English 2025?

Some highly recommended textbooks include:

The Invisible Teacher by Babs Fafunwa
Countdown to English by Oyekunle
Exam Focus English Language by Bolade
Past JAMB questions and answers

For extra support, also see JAMB Past Questions & Answers PDF.

10. Can I pass JAMB without studying English properly?

No. Since English is compulsory and carries high marks, failing it reduces your total UTME score significantly. Strong performance in English boosts your overall admission chances.

11. How many marks is JAMB English worth?

The Use of English exam carries 60 marks out of the total JAMB score of 400. Doing well in English can increase your aggregate score and admission chances.

12. Does JAMB repeat English questions?

Yes, JAMB often repeats questions from past years, especially in areas like lexis and structure, comprehension, and oral English. Practicing past questions increases your chances of scoring high.

13. How do I get the official JAMB syllabus for English 2025?

You can access it directly from the official JAMB portal at jamb.gov.ng or through approved CBT centers.

14. What is the best way to improve my comprehension speed?

Practice daily reading. Focus on scanning for keywords, understanding sentence structures, and summarizing paragraphs quickly. Past comprehension passages are the best preparation.

15. Where can I download the full JAMB syllabus PDF for English?

The official JAMB English syllabus is available for free on the JAMB website. Some trusted education blogs like myschool.ng and nigerianscholars.com also provide structured outlines.

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JAMB Syllabus for English 2025: Complete Guide for UTME Candidates