Key Areas to Focus on for JAMB English in 2025/2026; JAMB English is one of the most important subjects for students who want to enter universities in Nigeria. It is a test that examines your knowledge of English, which is a language used widely in Nigeria. If you are preparing for JAMB in 2025 or 2026, it is important to know which areas of English you should focus on. This article will guide you on the key areas to focus on for JAMB English in 2025/2026.
Understanding JAMB English
Before we enter into the areas to focus on, let’s first understand what JAMB English is all about. JAMB, or the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, conducts an entrance exam for students wishing to gain admission into Nigerian universities. The English language test is one of the most important parts of the JAMB exam.
The English exam consists of questions on comprehension, grammar, lexis and structure, summary writing, and literature in English. By focusing on these areas, you will be able to do well in the exam and increase your chances of gaining admission.
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1. Comprehension
What is Comprehension?
Comprehension is one of the most common topics in JAMB English. In this section, you are given a passage to read, followed by questions based on the passage. The goal is to test how well you understand what you read.
How to Prepare for Comprehension
To do well in comprehension, practice reading different types of passages. When reading, focus on understanding the main ideas and the meaning of difficult words. After reading a passage, try to answer questions that follow. This will help you understand the type of questions asked in the exam.
Make sure to pay attention to details like:
- The main idea of the passage
- The tone of the writer
- Important things mentioned in the passage
2. Grammar and Sentence Structure
Why Grammar is Important for JAMB English
Good grammar is very important in JAMB English. This section tests your ability to form correct sentences and understand how words work together. Some of the areas you should focus on include tenses, subject-verb agreement, punctuation, and parts of speech like nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
Key Areas in Grammar to Focus On
- Tenses: Understand the different tenses (present, past, future) and how to use them correctly in sentences.
- Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensure the subject and verb agree in number (singular/plural). For example, “He plays” (singular) and “They play” (plural).
- Punctuation: Learn when to use full stops, commas, question marks, and exclamation marks.
Regular practice is key. Try to solve grammar exercises and check your answers to learn from your mistakes.
3. Lexis and Structure
What is Lexis and Structure?
Lexis and structure focus on your understanding of words (vocabulary) and how sentences are put together. This section tests your ability to use words correctly in sentences and understand their meanings.
How to Improve Your Lexis and Structure
- Vocabulary: Make a habit of learning new words every day. Understand their meanings and how they are used in sentences.
- Synonyms and Antonyms: Learn words that have similar meanings (synonyms) and words that have opposite meanings (antonyms). This will help you understand and answer questions better.
In the exam, you may be asked to choose the correct word to complete a sentence. It’s important to know the meanings of words and how to use them correctly.
4. Summary Writing
What is Summary Writing?
Summary writing is about reading a passage and picking out the most important points to write a shorter version of the text. This is an important skill for the JAMB English exam because it tests your ability to understand and shorten information.
Tips for Summary Writing
- Read the Passage Carefully: Understand the main points of the passage.
- Pick Out Key Ideas: Find the most important ideas and leave the unwanted details.
- Be Clear and Simple: Write your summary in simple words and avoid using big sentences.
Practice summarizing different texts to improve your skills. The more you practice, the easier it will become.
5. Literature in English
What is Literature in English?
Literature in English is another important area of JAMB English. This section tests your knowledge of Nigerian and African literature, as well as English literature. You may be asked to read stories, poems, and plays, and answer questions about them.
Key Areas in Literature to Focus On
- Famous Authors and Their Works: Learn about popular Nigerian and African writers like Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Know their books and what they are about.
- Themes and Characters: Study the themes (ideas) in the stories and the main characters. Understand how these themes relate to real life.
In this section, you will need to memorize important facts about the books and stories you are studying. Focus on understanding the messages behind the stories.
6. Tips for Success in JAMB English
Study Regularly
One of the best ways to do well in JAMB English is to study regularly. Set aside time each day to practice different areas of the exam. Consistency is key.
Take Practice Tests
Taking practice tests will help you get familiar with the exam format and the types of questions asked. Try to time yourself while taking practice tests so you can get used to answering questions under pressure.
Learn from Mistakes
If you make mistakes while practicing, don’t be discouraged. Learn from them and try again. This is how you will improve over time.
Read Widely
Reading different types of books, newspapers, and magazines will help you build your vocabulary and improve your comprehension skills. It will also help you stay informed about current events, which could be useful in some sections of the exam.
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Conclusion
To succeed in JAMB English in 2025 or 2026, focus on the key areas of comprehension, grammar, lexis and structure, summary writing, and literature. By practicing regularly and understanding these areas well, you will be able to score high marks in the exam. Take your time, study hard, and use the tips in this article to guide your preparation. With determination and focus, you can pass JAMB English and achieve your dream of attending university.
Good luck with your studies and your JAMB exam!