The 2025 JAMB Syllabus for Use of English has been officially released, providing a comprehensive guide for all candidates preparing for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
This syllabus is available for download in PDF format and is designed to ensure candidates achieve excellent results in the Use of English section of the computer-based test.
The JAMB syllabus for Use of English is an important resource for candidates aiming to excel in the examination highlighting all the relevant topics and areas of concentration that candidates must study to perform well.
What is the JAMB Syllabus for Use of English?
JAMB syllabus for the use of English is an official PDF containing relevant information on preparing adequately for the JAMB 2025 UTME computer-based test examination.
The 2025 JAMB syllabus for the use of English highlights the examination’s structure and provides insight into the required reading materials, topics such as comprehension, vocabulary development, lexis and structure, and oral forms.
How to Score High in JAMB Use of English Language
Achieving a high score in the JAMB Use of English requires focused preparation and consistent effort. Candidates need to use the officially approved 2025 JAMB syllabus for the Use of English as a primary guide.
The 2025 JAMB use of the English syllabus simplifies the preparation process by providing a clear framework that outlines all the topics to study. It is required that candidates dedicate time to understanding the concepts and principles highlighted in the syllabus.
Additionally, reading comprehension passages, vocabulary development, grammar, and oral English are some of the areas where consistent practice can significantly improve performance.
JAMB Use of English Syllabus Topics for 2025 UTME
The topics outlined in the 2025 JAMB syllabus for Use of English are organized to ensure candidates understand all aspects of the examination. Below is a breakdown of the key topics provided in the syllabus.
| Topics | Area of Focus |
| Comprehension Passages | Understanding main ideas, interpreting meaning, and answering inferential questions. |
| Lexis and Structure | Vocabulary, grammar rules, sentence structures, synonyms, antonyms, and idioms. |
| Oral English | Pronunciation, stress patterns, intonation, and understanding spoken English. |
Candidates are encouraged to study each topic thoroughly using the syllabus and other recommended materials to maximize their preparation.
What is the English Novel for JAMB 2025?
The JAMB-approved novel for the 2025 Use of English is “The Lekki Headmaster” by Kabir Alabi Garba. This novel is a vital component of the syllabus and will play a significant role in the examination.
It consists of 64 pages and introduces readers to the transformative power of education while addressing themes like societal norms, moral values, and individual growth.
Candidates should study the novel, paying attention to the plot, characters, themes, and narrative techniques. Questions related to this novel will appear in the UTME, making it compulsory for candidates to have a thorough understanding of its content.
JAMB Use of English-Approved Reading Text for 2025
The approved reading text for the 2025 JAMB Use of English examination is The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba. This novel is a consistent part of the JAMB syllabus UTME, offering valuable lessons and themes.
In the 2025 UTME, candidates can expect 10 questions from this novel, making it essential to read and understand the book thoroughly. Out of the 60 total questions in the Use of English section, these 10 questions from the approved novel will significantly impact candidates’ overall performance.
JAMB Use of English Novel for 2025 UTME
The JAMB Use of English novel for the 2025 UTME is “The Lekki Headmaster” by Kabir Alabi Garba. This engaging novel has been an integral part of the JAMB syllabus due to its themes and relevance to societal issues.
Below is an analysis of the novel, providing important details that candidates need to know for effective preparation.
| Detail | Information |
| Novel | The Lekki Headmaster |
| Author Name | Kabir Alabi Garba |
| Number of Pages | 64 |
| Number of Chapters | 12 |
Candidates should study the plot, characters, and themes of The Lekki Headmaster, as the JAMB Use of English section will feature 10 questions from the novel.
Preparing thoroughly will ensure a better understanding of the text and improve overall performance in the examination.
JAMB Use of English Syllabus for 2025
General Objectives
The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) 2024 syllabus in Use of English is to guide the 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 the English Language for learning at the tertiary level.
General Sections
The syllabus consists of three sections:
| SECTIONS | CONTENTS |
| SECTION A | Comprehension and Summary |
| SECTION B | Lexis and Structure |
| SECTION C | Oral Forms |
Detailed Syllabus and Contents
SECTION A: Comprehension and Summary
TOPICS:
- description
- narration
- exposition
- argumentation/persuasion
NOTE: Each of the two passages to be set (one will be a cloze test) should reflect various disciplines and be about 200 words long.
Questions on the passages will test the following:
- Comprehension of the whole or part of each passage.
- Comprehension of words, phrases, clauses, sentences, figures of speech, and idioms as used in the passages.
- Coherence and logical reasoning (deductions, inferences, etc).
- The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba.
- Synthesis of ideas from the passages.
NOTE: Synthesis of ideas is the art of combining distinct or separate pieces of information to form a complete whole.
OBJECTIVES:
Candidates should be able to:
- identify main points/topic sentences in passages.
- determine implied meaning.
- identify the grammatical functions of words, phrases, clauses, and figurative/idiomatic expressions.
- deduce or infer the writer’s intentions including mood, attitude to the subject matter, and opinion.
Section B: Lexis and Structure
TOPICS:
- synonyms
- antonyms
- clause and sentence patterns
- word classes and their functions
- mood, tense, aspect, number, agreement/concord, degree (positive, comparative, and superlative), and question tags
- mechanics
- ordinary usage, figurative usage, and idiomatic usage.
NOTE: Idioms to be tested shall be those that are formal and expressed in standard British English (SBE).
OBJECTIVES:
Candidates should be able to:
- identify words and expressions in their ordinary, figurative, and idiomatic contexts.
- determine similar and opposite meanings of words.
- differentiate between correct and incorrect punctuation and spelling.
- identify various grammatical patterns in use.
- interpret information conveyed in sentences.
Section C: Oral Forms
TOPICS:
- Vowels (monophthongs, diphthongs and triphthongs)
- Consonants (including clusters)
- Rhymes (including homophones)
- Word stress (monosyllabic and polysyllabic)
- Emphatic stress (in connected speech)
NOTE: Emphatic stress involves the placement of normal stress on words in an utterance for emphasis.
OBJECTIVES:
Candidates should be able to:
- make distinctions between vowel types.
- differentiate between consonant types.
- identify correct accentuation in individual words and connected speech.
The Structure of the Examination
SECTION A: Comprehension and Summary
| Topics | Questions |
| 1 comprehension passage | 5 questions |
| 1 cloze passage | 10 questions |
| 1 reading text | 10 questions |
SECTION B: Lexis Structure
| Topics | Questions |
| Sentence interpretation | 5 questions |
| Antonyms | 5 questions |
| Synonyms | 5 questions |
| Sentence completion | 10 questions |
SECTION C: Oral Forms
| Topics | Questions |
| Vowels | 2 questions |
| Consonants | 2 questions |
| Rhymes | 2 questions |
| Word Stress | 2 questions |
| Emphatic Stress | 2 questions |
Total Questions:
| Total | 60 questions |
JAMB Use of English Recommended Textbooks for 2025 UTME
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the list of recommended textbooks for the Use of English syllabus for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
These textbooks are designed to guide candidates in their preparation for the examination and ensure a standardized approach to learning.
The approved textbooks are as follows:
| Textbook Name | Author (Year) and Publisher’s Name (State) |
| Practice in Spoken English for Intermediate and Advanced Learners | Attah, M. O. (2013) University of Maiduguri Press (Maiduguri) |
| English Lexis and Structure for Senior Secondary Schools and Colleges (Revised Edition) | Bamgbose, A. (2002) Heinemann (Ibadan) |
| New Oxford Secondary English Course Book Six for Senior Secondary Schools | Banjo, A. et al. (2004) UP Plc. (Ibadan) |
| Essential Oral English for Schools and Colleges | Caesar, O. J. (2003) Tonad Publishers Limited (Lagos) |
| Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary | Daniel Jones (2011) Cambridge University Press (Cambridge) |
| Mastering English Usage and Communication Skills | Egbe, D. I (1996) Tisons (Lagos) |
| Oral English for Schools and Colleges | Elugbe, B. (2000) Heinemann (Ibadan) |
| Senior English Project 3 (New Edition) | Grant, N. J. H, Nnamonu, S., Jowitt, D. (1998) Longman (Harlow) |
| Round-up English: A Complete Guide | Idowu, O. O, Sogbesan, T. S., Adofo, A. K., et al. (1998) Longman (Lagos) |
| Oral English at Your Fingertips for Schools and Colleges | Idris, U. (2001) M. Youngbrain Publishers (Lagos) |
| Grammar and Composition in the G.S.M. Age | Igiligi, E. C. and Ogenyi, S. O. (2010) Joe Hills Production Services (Enugu) |
| Oral English for Schools and Colleges: A Teaching and Learning Approach | Jauro, L. B. (2013) Paraclete Publishers (Yola) |
| Common Errors in English | Nnamonu, S. and Jowitt, D. (1989) Longman (Lagos) |
| University Matriculation Use of English (Fourth Edition) | Obinna, M. F. (2001) Sunray Books Limited (Port Harcourt) |
| Countdown English Language (Revised Edition) | Ogunsanwo, O., Duruaku, A. B. C., Ezechukwu, J., et al. (2005) Evans (Ibadan) |
| The Silent Teacher | Olatoye, S. (2006) Segun and Sons Enterprises (Ado-Ekiti) |
| Intensive English for Senior Secondary School 3 | Oluikpe, B. O. A., Nnaemeka, B. A., Obah, T. Y., et al. (1998) Africana: FIRST Publishers (Onitsha) |
| Objective Tests for School Certificate English: Practice in Lexis, Structure, and Idiom (Reprinted Edition) | Tomori, S. H. O. (2000) Heinemann (Ibadan) |
| Catch-up English for SSCE/UME | Ukwuegbu, C., Okoro, O., Idris, A. U., et al. (2002) Heinemann (Ibadan) |
Candidates are strongly encouraged to rely solely on these approved textbooks, as they align with the requirements and expectations outlined in the JAMB Use of English syllabus for the 2025 UTME.
How to Download 2025 JAMB Syllabus for Use of English PDF
Downloading the 2025 JAMB syllabus for Use of English in PDF format is straightforward. To access the syllabus, simply click on the provided download button, which redirects to the PDF file.
This file contains all the necessary topics, areas of concentration, and exam preparation details. Having the syllabus in PDF format ensures candidates can study anytime and anywhere.
JAMB Use of English Syllabus PDF Download for 2025 UTME
The JAMB Use of English syllabus PDF for the 2025 UTME is available for immediate download through the link provided below.
This file outlines the key areas of concentration, the exam structure, and the objectives candidates must meet.
By downloading this syllabus, students gain access to a comprehensive guide designed to boost their readiness for the examination.
JAMB Use of English Areas of Concentration for 2025
The table below highlights the areas of concentration for the JAMB Use of English examination, along with the expected number of questions from each section:
| Area of Concentration | Number of Questions |
| Comprehension and Summary | 25 |
| Lexis and Structure | 25 |
| Oral English | 10 |
| TOTAL | 60 |
These areas form the backbone of the JAMB Use of English section and mastering them guarantees a better performance in the 2025 UTME.
How to Calculate JAMB Use of English Score 2025 UTME
To calculate the JAMB Use of English score for the 2025 UTME, candidates should refer to the following marking guide:
| Section and Number of Questions | Marks per Question |
| Comprehension Passage: 5 | 3 |
| Cloze Passage: 10 | 2 |
| Reading Text: 10 | 1 |
| Sentence Interpretation: 5 | 2 |
| Antonyms: 5 | 2 |
| Synonyms: 5 | 1 |
| Basic Grammar: 10 | 2 |
| Vowels: 2 | 1 |
| Consonants: 2 | 1 |
| Rhymes: 2 | 1 |
| Word Stress: 2 | 1 |
| Emphatic Stress: 2 | 1 |
| TOTAL: 60 | 18 |
The table above illustrates the breakdown of the Use of English exam, detailing the allocation of marks per section, helping candidates better understand how their responses are graded.
How to Calculate JAMB Use of English Marks
The table below shows how to calculate the JAMB Use of English Marks for 2025 UTME:
| Section and Number of Questions | Total Marks |
| Comprehension Passage: 5 | 15 |
| Cloze Passage: 10 | 20 |
| Reading Text: 10 | 10 |
| Sentence Interpretation: 5 | 10 |
| Antonyms: 5 | 10 |
| Synonyms: 5 | 5 |
| Basic Grammar: 10 | 20 |
| Vowels: 2 | 2 |
| Consonants: 2 | 2 |
| Rhymes: 2 | 2 |
| Word Stress: 2 | 2 |
| Emphatic Stress: 2 | 2 |
| TOTAL: 60 | 100 |
It is recommended that candidates familiarize themselves with this marking structure, as it will guide them in managing time effectively and focusing on areas that contribute most to the overall score.
Conclusion
The 2025 JAMB syllabus for Use of English is an indispensable resource for candidates preparing for the UTME.
By focusing on the areas of concentration, studying “The Lekki Headmaster” by Kabir Alabi Garba, and applying the syllabus effectively, candidates can significantly boost their performance.
Additionally, downloading the PDF version ensures students have easy access to all the necessary materials, enabling them to prepare comprehensively.
Frequent Questions and Answers
1. What is the 2025 JAMB Syllabus for Use of English?
The 2025 JAMB syllabus for Use of English consists of several key topics that candidates need to study. These topics include Comprehension Passages, Lexis and Structure, Oral English, Summary Writing, and the Use of English novels.
2. How many questions are in the JAMB Use of English?
The total number of questions in the JAMB Use of English section is 60. These questions are spread across various topics, with specific questions from each area, including comprehension, oral English, and the approved novel.
3. How does JAMB Mark Use of English?
JAMB marks the Use of English by computing the total number of questions answered correctly during the computer-based test (CBT) examination. The total marks for the 60 questions add up to 100 marks, and candidates are awarded marks based on the number of correct answers.
4. Does JAMB Repeat English Past Questions?
Yes, JAMB occasionally repeats past questions in the Use of English section. Candidates need to practice previous years’ questions to get familiar with the format and types of questions that may appear in the 2025 UTME.