JAMB Areas of Concentration for English Language : The English Language section in JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) exams plays a pivotal role in determining your overall score, as it’s a compulsory subject for virtually all courses in Nigeria.
To excel in this section for the 2025/2026 JAMB, it’s important to know the specific areas of concentration and how best to prepare for them.
This blog post outlines the critical topics to master and provides practical preparation tips to help you confidently pass the English Language section.
JAMB Areas of Concentration for English Language
Comprehension Passages
- Passages will be drawn from various themes such as science, literature, and current affairs. Questions will test your understanding of the main ideas, supporting details, and inferential reasoning.
- Preparation Tips:
- Practice with past questions to understand common passage types.
- Work on speed-reading techniques to save time.
- Highlight keywords in passages to grasp their meaning quickly.
Summary Writing
- This tests your ability to identify the main points in a given passage and rewrite them in concise sentences.
- Preparation Tips:
- Practice summarizing articles or textbook passages in your own words.
- Focus on clarity and avoid copying the text verbatim.
- Learn to differentiate between main ideas and examples/details.
Lexis and Structure
- Questions will focus on grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure, including synonyms, antonyms, idioms, and figures of speech.
- Preparation Tips:
- Study a standard English Language textbook to refresh your grammar rules.
- Learn common idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs.
- Practice identifying and correcting grammatical errors.
Oral English
- This section will test your knowledge of pronunciation, stress patterns, rhymes, and intonation.
- Preparation Tips:
- Use audio resources or language apps to practice listening and speaking.
- Pay attention to syllable stress and vowel/consonant sounds.
- Study past Oral English questions for familiarization.
Vocabulary Development
- Questions may require defining words, identifying correct usages, or filling in blanks with appropriate words.
- Preparation Tips:
- Expand your vocabulary by reading novels, newspapers, and articles.
- Create flashcards for difficult words and review them daily.
- Use apps like Merriam-Webster or Quizlet for word-building exercises.
Spelling and Grammar
- What to Expect: Expect direct questions on spelling, sentence correction, and grammatical accuracy.
- Preparation Tips:
- Regularly practice spelling exercises using lists from past questions.
- Review commonly misspelled words and confusing grammatical rules.
General Study Tips for JAMB Use of English
- Stick to the JAMB Syllabus
- The syllabus provides a detailed breakdown of all topics to cover. Use it as a checklist to monitor your progress.
- The syllabus provides a detailed breakdown of all topics to cover. Use it as a checklist to monitor your progress.
- Practice with Past Questions
- Solving past JAMB Use of English questions will familiarize you with the exam pattern and highlight areas that need improvement.
- Solving past JAMB Use of English questions will familiarize you with the exam pattern and highlight areas that need improvement.
- Improve Your Reading Speed and Retention
- Comprehension and summary sections require quick thinking. Practice reading longer texts under timed conditions.
- Comprehension and summary sections require quick thinking. Practice reading longer texts under timed conditions.
- Utilize Online Resources
- Leverage apps, online quizzes, and YouTube channels that teach English grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary.
- Leverage apps, online quizzes, and YouTube channels that teach English grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary.
- Enroll in Mock Tests
- Mock exams simulate the actual JAMB test environment, helping you build confidence and reduce exam-day anxiety.
- Mock exams simulate the actual JAMB test environment, helping you build confidence and reduce exam-day anxiety.
- Consistent Revision
- Dedicate at least one hour daily to revising key topics. Consistency is key to mastering the Use of English.
- Dedicate at least one hour daily to revising key topics. Consistency is key to mastering the Use of English.
Conclusion
Achieving an excellent score in the English Language section of the 2025/2026 JAMB is within your reach if you focus on the key areas highlighted above and adopt effective study strategies.
Remember, consistent practice, proper time management, and the use of reliable resources are your best tools for success.
