The UTME syllabus evaluates candidates' ability to:
- Communicate effectively in written and spoken English
- Use English for learning at the tertiary level
SECTION A: Comprehension/Summary
Topics Covered
- Description
- Narration
- Exposition
- Argumentation/persuasion
Examination Format
- 1 comprehension passage (5 questions)
- 1 cloze passage (10 questions)
- 1 reading text (10 questions)
What Candidates Should Be Able To Do
- Identify main points and topic sentences
- Determine implied meanings
- Identify grammatical functions of words, phrases, clauses, and figurative/idiomatic expressions
- Deduce the writer's intentions, mood, attitude, and opinion.
SECTION B: Lexis and Structure
Topics Covered
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Homonyms
- Clause and sentence patterns
- Word classes and their functions
- Mood, tense, aspect, number, agreement/concord, degree, and question tags
- Punctuation and spelling
- Ordinary, figurative, and idiomatic usage (formal, standard British English)
Examination Format
- Sentence interpretation (5 questions)
- Antonyms (5 questions)
- Synonyms (5 questions)
- Sentence completion (10 questions)
What Candidates Should Be Able To Do
- Identify words and expressions in ordinary, figurative, and idiomatic contexts
- Determine similar and opposite meanings
- Differentiate between correct and incorrect punctuation and spelling
- Identify grammatical patterns
- Interpret information conveyed in sentences
SECTION C: Oral Forms
Topics Covered
- Vowels (monothongs and diphthongs)
- Consonants (including clusters)
- Rhymes (including homophones)
- Word stress (monosyllabic and polysyllabic)
- Intonation and emphatic stress
Examination Format
- 10 questions
What Candidates Should Be Able To Do
- Make distinctions between vowel types
- Differentiate between consonant types
- Identify correct accentuation in individual words and connected speech.
2026/2027 JAMB English syllabus Sample Questions
SECTION A: Comprehension/Summary (25 questions total)
Comprehension Passage (5 questions)
Passage:
Climate change poses one of the greatest threats to global food security. Rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns have disrupted agricultural productivity in many regions. Farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, for instance, have experienced prolonged droughts that have decimated their crops. Scientists warn that without immediate intervention, millions could face severe food shortages in the coming decades. However, innovative farming techniques such as drip irrigation and drought-resistant crop varieties offer hope for mitigating these challenges.
Sample Questions:
What is the main idea of the passage?
- A. Agricultural innovations are solving world hunger
- B. Climate change threatens global food security
- C. African farmers are the most affected by drought
- D. Scientists have found solutions to food shortages
The word "decimated" as used in the passage means:
- A. Improved greatly
- B. Destroyed significantly
- C. Harvested completely
- D. Planted abundantly
According to the passage, what offers hope for addressing the challenge?
- A. Increased rainfall
- B. Government policies
- C. Innovative farming techniques
- D. International aid
The writer's attitude toward the subject can be described as:
- A. Optimistic and dismissive
- B. Concerned but hopeful
- C. Indifferent and neutral
- D. Angry and pessimistic
Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
- A. Climate change only affects African countries
- B. Food shortages are inevitable regardless of intervention
- C. Immediate action is necessary to prevent food crises
- D. Traditional farming methods are superior to modern techniques.
Cloze Passage (10 questions)
Education is the 1 to national development. No country can achieve meaningful progress without investing in the 2 of its citizens. In developing nations, 3 to quality education remains a significant challenge. Many children, especially in 4 areas, lack access to basic educational facilities. Governments must 5 adequate funds to build schools and train teachers. Furthermore, parents should be 6 about the importance of sending their children to school. Education not only 7 individuals but also transforms entire communities. It reduces poverty, improves health outcomes, and 8 economic growth. Therefore, every child deserves the 9 to receive quality education regardless of their socio-economic 10.
Sample Questions:
A. barrier B. key C. obstacle D. challenge
A. population B. economy C. minds D. infrastructure
A. excess B. access C. assess D. process
A. urban B. modern C. rural D. developed
A. allocate B. waste C. reduce D. withhold
A. discouraged B. enlightened C. confused D. criticized
A. restricts B. empowers C. limits D. weakens
A. prevents B. destroys C. promotes D. delays
A. privilege B. opportunity C. luxury D. excuse
A. background B. achievement C. performance D. examination
Reading Text (10 questions)
The digital revolution has transformed the way we communicate, work, and learn. Social media platforms have connected billions of people across the globe, enabling instant communication and information sharing. However, this connectivity comes with significant challenges. The spread of misinformation, cyberbullying, and privacy concerns have become increasingly prevalent. Young people, in particular, are vulnerable to the negative effects of excessive social media use, including anxiety, depression, and reduced face-to-face social skills. Despite these concerns, technology remains an invaluable tool for education and global collaboration when used responsibly.
Sample Questions:
1-10. Questions would test comprehension, vocabulary in context, inference, writer's purpose, and synthesis of ideas similar to the first passage.
SECTION B: Lexis and Structure (25 questions total)
Sentence Interpretation (5 questions)
"The manager's decision to resign came as a bolt from the blue."
This means that the decision was:- A. Expected by everyone
- B. Very sudden and unexpected
- C. Made during a storm
- D. Carefully planned
"She has a green thumb when it comes to gardening."
This implies that she:- A. Has an injured thumb
- B. Is skilled at growing plants
- C. Dislikes gardening
- D. Has green-colored hands
"The student turned over a new leaf after his suspension."
This means he:- A. Started reading new books
- B. Changed his behavior for the better
- C. Became worse in conduct
- D. Dropped out of school
"My brother and I see eye to eye on most political issues."
This suggests that they:- A. Have the same height
- B. Frequently argue
- C. Share similar opinions
- D. Avoid discussing politics
"The committee's decision is cast in stone."
This means the decision is:- A. Temporary
- B. Written on stone tablets
- C. Permanent and unchangeable
- D. Under consideration
Antonyms (5 questions)
Choose the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word:
The teacher's explanation was quite lucid.
- A. Clear
- B. Confusing
- C. Lengthy
- D. Brief
His arrogant behavior annoyed everyone at the party.
- A. Proud
- B. Humble
- C. Confident
- D. Shy
The judge made an impartial decision in the case.
- A. Fair
- B. Quick
- C. Biased
- D. Delayed
The company experienced unprecedented growth last year.
- A. Common
- B. Remarkable
- C. Unexpected
- D. Rapid
Her response to the question was coherent and well-structured.
- A. Clear
- B. Logical
- C. Disorganized
- D. Detailed
Synonyms (5 questions)
Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word:
The athlete's performance was exemplary.
- A. Average
- B. Outstanding
- C. Disappointing
- D. Acceptable
The witness gave a candid account of what happened.
- A. False
- B. Detailed
- C. Honest
- D. Confusing
The politician's speech was filled with rhetoric.
- A. Facts
- B. Persuasive language
- C. Humor
- D. Statistics
The new policy will ameliorate living conditions in rural areas.
- A. Worsen
- B. Improve
- C. Maintain
- D. Investigate
The student showed remarkable intelligence in solving the problem.
- A. Average
- B. Little
- C. Extraordinary
- D. Some
Sentence Completion (10 questions)
Neither the students nor their teacher ____ present at the meeting.
- A. were
- B. was
- C. are
- D. have been
If I ____ you, I would accept the job offer.
- A. am
- B. was
- C. were
- D. will be
The book ____ you lent me is very interesting.
- A. who
- B. whom
- C. which
- D. whose
She has been working here ____ 2020.
- A. for
- B. since
- C. from
- D. in
The children ____ playing in the garden when it started raining.
- A. was
- B. were
- C. is
- D. are
He is ____ honest man who deserves our trust.
- A. a
- B. an
- C. the
- D. some
My sister is ____ intelligent than I am.
- A. more
- B. most
- C. much
- D. many
The principal, along with the teachers, ____ attended the conference.
- A. have
- B. has
- C. were
- D. are
____ you finished your homework yet?
- A. Did
- B. Do
- C. Have
- D. Had
The meeting will commence ____ 10 a.m. sharp.
- A. in
- B. on
- C. at
- D. by
SECTION C: Oral Forms (10 questions)
Vowel Sounds
Which of the following words contains a diphthong?
- A. Sit
- B. Boat
- C. Cat
- D. Pen
Identify the word with the same vowel sound as in "bird":
- A. Beard
- B. Word
- C. Bread
- D. Bead
Consonant Sounds
How many consonant sounds are in the word "strength"?
- A. 6
- B. 7
- C. 5
- D. 8
Which word contains a consonant cluster?
- A. Mother
- B. Spring
- C. Paper
- D. Water
Homophones
- Choose the pair of words that are homophones:
- A. Bear/Bare
- B. Cat/Cut
- C. Ship/Sheep
- D. Pen/Pan
Word Stress
Identify the syllable that is stressed in the word "pho-to-GRA-phy":
- A. First
- B. Second
- C. Third
- D. Fourth
Which syllable is stressed in "DE-ve-lop-ment"?
- A. First
- B. Second
- C. Third
- D. Fourth
Emphatic Stress
Read the sentence: "I gave John the book yesterday."
Where would you place emphatic stress to contradict "You gave Mary the book yesterday"?
- A. I
- B. John
- C. Book
- D. Yesterday
Where would you place emphatic stress to answer "Did you lend John the book yesterday"?
- A. I
- B. Gave
- C. John
- D. Yesterday
Intonation
- Which sentence requires a rising intonation?
- A. What is your name?
- B. Are you coming to the party?
- C. Please close the door.
- D. I am going home now.
Total: 60 Questions
These sample questions reflect the format and content areas specified in the JAMB English Language syllabus. Regular practice with such questions will help candidates prepare effectively for the examination.
JAMB English Language Sample Questions - ANSWER KEY
SECTION A: Comprehension/Summary
Comprehension Passage Answers:
- B - Climate change threatens global food security
- B - Destroyed significantly
- C - Innovative farming techniques
- B - Concerned but hopeful
- C - Immediate action is necessary to prevent food crises
Cloze Passage Answers:
- B - key
- C - minds
- B - access
- C - rural
- A - allocate
- B - enlightened
- B - empowers
- C - promotes
- B - opportunity
- A - background
SECTION B: Lexis and Structure
Sentence Interpretation Answers:
- B - Very sudden and unexpected
- B - Is skilled at growing plants
- B - Changed his behavior for the better
- C - Share similar opinions
- C - Permanent and unchangeable
Antonyms Answers:
- B - Confusing (opposite of lucid/clear)
- B - Humble (opposite of arrogant)
- C - Biased (opposite of impartial)
- A - Common (opposite of unprecedented)
- C - Disorganized (opposite of coherent)
Synonyms Answers:
- B - Outstanding (similar to exemplary)
- C - Honest (similar to candid)
- B - Persuasive language (similar to rhetoric)
- B - Improve (similar to ameliorate)
- C - Extraordinary (similar to remarkable)
Sentence Completion Answers:
- B - was (subject-verb agreement: "neither...nor" takes singular verb with singular nearest subject)
- C - were (subjunctive mood in conditional sentences)
- C - which (relative pronoun for things)
- B - since (used with specific point in time)
- B - were (plural subject "children" requires plural verb)
- B - an (used before vowel sounds)
- A - more (comparative degree for adjectives of two or more syllables)
- B - has (subject "principal" is singular; phrase "along with" doesn't affect verb)
- C - Have (present perfect tense with "yet")
- C - at (used with specific time)
SECTION C: Oral Forms
Oral Forms Answers:
- B - Boat (contains the diphthong /əʊ/)
- B - Word (same vowel sound /ɜː/ as in "bird")
- A - 6 consonant sounds (/s/, /t/, /r/, /e/, /ŋ/, /θ/)
- B - Spring (contains consonant cluster /spr/)
- A - Bear/Bare (homophones - same pronunciation, different meanings)
- C - Third syllable (pho-to-GRA-phy)
- B - Second syllable (de-VE-lop-ment)
- B - John (to emphasize the recipient, not Mary)
- B - Gave (to emphasize "gave" not "lent")
- B - Are you coming to the party? (yes/no questions use rising intonation)
SCORE INTERPRETATION
- 54-60: Excellent preparation
- 48-53: Very good preparation
- 42-47: Good preparation
- 36-41: Fair preparation
- Below 36: Needs more practice
STUDY keys
- Comprehension: Read widely from newspapers, journals, and books
- Vocabulary: Learn at least 10 new words daily with their synonyms and antonyms
- Grammar: Practice different sentence patterns and tenses regularly
- Oral English: Use pronunciation dictionaries and listen to BBC/CNN English
- Idioms: Learn common formal British English idioms and their meanings
- Practice: Solve past questions regularly to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern.