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April 22, 2025 at 1:58 PM #78715
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KeymasterA Must Read For All JAMB Students To Help With English Language
As the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) begins nationwide on Thursday, April 24, 2025, attention naturally shifts to the Use of English paper—a compulsory subject for all candidates. Given its critical role in determining admission prospects, this article provides essential last-minute guidance.
Understanding the Structure
By now, candidates should have a firm grasp of the structure of the Use of English paper. It generally comprises:
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Comprehension passages
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Lexis and structure
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Oral English
Each of these components tests a specific set of language skills, and understanding how they function can give candidates a clear edge.
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The Recommended Reading Text: The Lekki Headmaster
The current JAMB-prescribed novel is The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba. This engaging narrative follows Bepo (Adewale Adebepo), a patriotic principal of Stardom Schools in Lekki, Lagos. Torn between his love for Nigeria and the pressure to “japa” (emigrate) to the UK where his family lives, Bepo embodies the novel’s central conflict.
The book explores:
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Patriotism vs. emigration
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Education in elite Nigerian schools
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Tourism and travel
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Cultural identity
Candidates are expected to understand the plot, themes, characters, setting, and literary devices used. Although not a difficult read, it requires careful and attentive reading, especially as the story traverses multiple locations: Nigeria, the UK, Canada, and the US.
Lexis and Structure: Synonyms and Antonyms
A common pitfall in this section is confusing synonyms and antonyms. Candidates must:
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Choose the most contextually appropriate option.
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Avoid selecting a word that’s similar in meaning when the question asks for the opposite—and vice versa.
For example, in a sentence requiring a synonym for “brave”, choosing “cowardly” would be incorrect despite being a related word.
Always read the context before picking an answer.
Oral English: Focus on Phonology
The oral section tests knowledge of pronunciation and speech sounds, not spelling.
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Focus on vowels and consonants, especially the distinction between:
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Pure vowels vs. diphthongs
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Short vs. long vowels
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Voiced vs. voiceless consonants
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Silent letters
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For rhyme questions, remember: it’s the final sound that matters, not similar spelling.
Example:
Given the word “time”, the only correct rhyme among term, timely, dime, and team is dime—because it ends with the same sound.
Time Management: Think Fast, Click Smart
Time is one of JAMB’s most unforgiving constraints. With many questions and limited time, candidates must:
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Read, understand, and answer swiftly
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Avoid dwelling on tricky questions
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Practice beforehand to improve speed
Many candidates lose marks simply because they run out of time—not because they lack knowledge.
Sample UTME Practice Questions – Use of English
Comprehension Passage
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow (sample passage omitted here for brevity).
1. What is the central idea of the passage?
A. The economic importance of agriculture
B. The decline in youth interest in farming
C. The government’s role in farming
D. The rise of industrialization
Lexis and Structure
2. Choose the word that is nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word:
She was ecstatic after receiving the good news.
A. Happy
B. Depressed
C. Surprised
D. Excited3. Choose the correct synonym for the word in context:
The athlete’s stamina impressed everyone.
A. Speed
B. Strength
C. Endurance
D. Power
Oral English
4. Which of the following words contains a diphthong?
A. Cat
B. Late
C. Sit
D. Cut5. Which word rhymes with “light”?
A. Late
B. Hit
C. Might
D. Lit6. Identify the voiceless consonant sound:
A. /b/
B. /d/
C. /k/
D. /g/
From The Lekki Headmaster
7. What was Bepo’s main internal conflict?
A. His desire to become rich
B. His fear of flying
C. Choosing between his loyalty to Nigeria and migrating to the UK
D. His interest in politics8. In which location is Stardom Schools set?
A. Abuja
B. Enugu
C. Lekki, Lagos
D. Toronto9. What major social issue does the novel explore?
A. Human trafficking
B. Climate change
C. The japa syndrome
D. Technology in schools
Final Words
As you gear up for the UTME, remember: mastery of the Use of English is not just about passing the exam—it’s foundational to succeeding in tertiary education. Prepare smart, stay confident, and most importantly, manage your time wisely.
I wish you more than the best of luck!
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