The JAMB syllabus for Use of English is developed to guide candidates in preparing for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). It outlines the objectives, topics, and essential areas that candidates must study to ensure proper preparation for the examination.

Objectives of the JAMB Use of English Syllabus

The syllabus is designed to ensure that candidates:

1. Communicate Effectively in Written and Spoken English
   Candidates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in both written and oral forms of communication, as these are essential skills for success at the tertiary level.
2. Establish a Sound Linguistic Foundation for Tertiary Education
   Candidates should acquire a solid understanding of English grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and other language skills to support their academic pursuits.

Core Sections of the JAMB Use of English Syllabus

The syllabus is divided into two sections:

SECTION A: Comprehension/Summary

1. Comprehension Passages
   • Candidates will be tested on passages that require understanding, interpretation, and analysis of content.
   • Key aspects include identifying the main points, summarizing key ideas, and making inferences based on the given passage.
   • This section assesses candidates’ ability to grasp meaning, context, and detailed information.
2. Summary Writing
   • Candidates are expected to summarize passages, highlighting the key points while omitting unnecessary details.
   • The skill of conciseness and clarity is emphasized in this section.

SECTION B: Lexis, Structure, and Oral Forms

1. Lexis (Vocabulary)
   • Questions will test candidates’ knowledge of words, their meanings, and how they are used in context.
   • Topics include synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and contextual meanings of words.
   • This section focuses on word choice, usage, and understanding of figurative language.
2. Structure (Grammar and Sentence Construction)
   • Candidates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in grammar, sentence structure, and syntax.
   • Topics include parts of speech, sentence types, clauses, punctuation, and agreement (subject-verb, tense, etc.).
   • Questions will cover error identification, sentence completion, and sentence rearrangement.
3. Oral Forms (Phonetics and Pronunciation)
   • This section assesses candidates’ understanding of the sound system of English, particularly phonetics and pronunciation.
   • Topics include vowel and consonant sounds, stress patterns, intonation, and phonemic transcription.
   • Candidates should be able to differentiate between correct and incorrect pronunciations and identify stressed and unstressed syllables in words.

Benefits of the JAMB Use of English Syllabus

• Structured Learning: The syllabus provides a roadmap for candidates, outlining the essential areas of focus and enabling systematic study.
• Clear Objectives: By understanding the objectives of the exam, candidates can tailor their preparation towards achieving success in both comprehension and language usage.
• Targeted Study Materials: The recommended texts section provides a list of useful books (titles, authors, and editions) for deeper study, ensuring candidates have access to relevant materials.

By following the JAMB Use of English syllabus, candidates will develop strong language skills, understand exam expectations, and improve their ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English. This solid foundation is crucial for excelling in the UTME and succeeding in higher education.

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