The Use of English is one of the most important subjects in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams. It tests your understanding of the English language and your ability to communicate effectively. Over the years, JAMB has been known to repeat some questions from past exams, which makes practicing past questions very helpful.
In this article, we will guide you on the most repeated types of questions in JAMB Use of English and how to prepare effectively for them.
What is the JAMB Use of English Exam About?
The JAMB Use of English exam is designed to test your knowledge of the English language. It covers grammar, comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills. The exam has four main sections:
- Comprehension Passages
- Grammar and Sentence Structure
- Vocabulary and Synonyms/Antonyms
- Lexis and Structure
JAMB also includes questions on a selected novel each year. For 2025/2026, you can prepare for questions based on The Life Changer JAMB Novel.
Why Focus on Repeated Questions?
Many students who prepare for JAMB notice that certain questions are repeated or rephrased over the years. This happens because JAMB rotates questions from a large question bank. Focusing on these repeated questions gives you an advantage and improves your chances of scoring higher marks.
Types of Repeated Questions in JAMB Use of English
1. Comprehension Passages
Comprehension passages often come with questions testing your understanding of the main idea, supporting details, and meanings of specific words in the passage. Common topics include education, health, technology, and culture.
To prepare for this section, practice past questions and learn how to quickly identify the main idea of a passage.
2. Lexis and Structure
This section tests your knowledge of idioms, phrases, and sentence construction. Examples of repeated questions include:
- Choosing the correct preposition or verb in a sentence.
- Understanding the meaning of common idioms like “a stitch in time saves nine.”
Practicing past questions can help you recognize patterns in this section.
3. Synonyms and Antonyms
These questions test your vocabulary. You will be asked to choose words that are similar (synonyms) or opposite (antonyms) in meaning. For example:
- Synonym of “happy” – joyful.
- Antonym of “difficult” – easy.
Repeated words often include simple and commonly used vocabulary. Reviewing a list of past JAMB synonyms and antonyms can be helpful.
4. Error Detection
In this section, you are asked to identify errors in grammar, spelling, or sentence structure. JAMB frequently repeats common grammatical rules, such as:
- Subject-verb agreement errors.
- Wrong use of tenses.
- Misplaced modifiers.
Practicing these types of questions will make you more familiar with common patterns.
5. Questions from the JAMB Novel
Each year, JAMB includes questions from a selected novel. For 2025/2026, you should study The Life Changer JAMB Novel thoroughly. Common questions include:
- Themes and moral lessons in the story.
- Names and roles of characters.
- Important events in the novel.
How to Prepare for JAMB Use of English Repeated Questions
Practice Past Questions
The best way to prepare is by practicing past questions. Pay attention to patterns in repeated questions and understand why certain answers are correct.
Read the JAMB Novel Thoroughly
Ensure you read and understand the JAMB novel. Focus on the storyline, characters, and themes, as these are the areas JAMB usually tests.
Build Your Vocabulary
Learn new words daily and understand their meanings. This will help you in the synonyms, antonyms, and comprehension sections.
Work on Speed and Accuracy
JAMB exams are time-sensitive. Practice answering questions quickly while maintaining accuracy.
JAMB Most Repeated Questions for Use of English for 2025/2026 UTME
Practicing past questions is one of the best ways to prepare for the JAMB Use of English exam. Here are 20 examples of frequently repeated questions, along with their answers. These questions cover key areas like grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and sentence structure.
1. Choose the correct option to complete the sentence:
Despite the heavy rain, the match __________.
A) was cancelled
B) went on
C) was postponed
D) was delayed
Answer: B) went on
2. Select the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word:
The manager’s decision was arbitrary.
A) random
B) systematic
C) hasty
D) impulsive
Answer: B) systematic
3. Identify the part of speech of the underlined word:
She sings beautifully.
A) Adjective
B) Noun
C) Adverb
D) Verb
Answer: C) Adverb
4. Choose the option that best completes the sentence:
If I __________ you, I would apologize.
A) was
B) were
C) am
D) be
Answer: B) were
5. Select the correct synonym for the underlined word:
His benevolent nature made him popular.
A) cruel
B) kind
C) selfish
D) harsh
Answer: B) kind
6. Choose the appropriate preposition to complete the sentence:
She is interested __________ learning new languages.
A) on
B) in
C) at
D) for
Answer: B) in
7. Identify the error in the sentence:
Each of the students have submitted their assignments.
A) Each
B) have
C) their
D) assignments
Answer: B) have (should be “has”)
8. Select the option that best completes the sentence:
Hardly had he arrived __________ it started raining.
A) when
B) than
C) then
D) before
Answer: A) when
9. Choose the correct option to complete the sentence:
The committee __________ divided in their opinions.
A) is
B) are
C) was
D) were
Answer: A) is
10. Select the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word:
The lecture was quite tedious.
A) interesting
B) boring
C) enlightening
D) brief
Answer: B) boring
11. Choose the appropriate conjunction to complete the sentence:
She will attend the meeting __________ she is invited.
A) unless
B) if
C) although
D) despite
Answer: B) if
12. Identify the correct sentence structure:
A) She not does like apples.
B) She does not likes apples.
C) She does not like apples.
D) She do not like apples.
Answer: C) She does not like apples.
13. Select the correct option to complete the sentence:
Neither John nor his friends __________ present at the meeting.
A) was
B) were
C) is
D) has
Answer: B) were
14. Choose the word that best fits the sentence:
The teacher advised him to desist __________ bad company.
A) from
B) with
C) in
D) by
Answer: A) from
15. Select the option that best completes the sentence:
She is the __________ of the two sisters.
A) tall
B) taller
C) tallest
D) more tall
Answer: B) taller
16. Identify the part of speech of the underlined word:
He is a fast runner.
A) Noun
B) Verb
C) Adverb
D) Adjective
Answer: D) Adjective
17. Choose the correct option to complete the sentence:
By this time next year, I __________ my degree.
A) will have completed
B) will complete
C) have completed
D) completed
Answer: A) will have completed
18. Select the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word:
The opaque glass prevented us from seeing inside.
A) transparent
B) translucent
C) solid
D) thick
Answer: A) transparent
19. Choose the appropriate article to complete the sentence:
She is __________ honest woman.
A) a
B) an
C) the
D) no article needed
Answer: B) an
20. Select the correct option to complete the sentence:
The book, as well as the pens, __________ on the table.
A) is
B) are
C) were
D) have been
Answer: A) is
These questions are examples of what to expect in the JAMB Use of English exam. Practicing similar questions can help you build confidence and improve your chances of success. Review your JAMB past questions regularly and focus on understanding the concepts behind each answer.
FAQs
Are repeated questions exactly the same every year?
No, JAMB often rephrases questions, but the concepts and patterns remain similar.
Can I rely only on past questions to pass JAMB Use of English?
While practicing past questions is helpful, you should also focus on understanding the concepts and reading widely to cover all possible topics.
What is the best way to study for JAMB Use of English?
Start by practicing past questions, improving your vocabulary, and reading the recommended JAMB novel.
Conclusion
Preparing for JAMB Use of English by focusing on repeated questions is a smart strategy. Practice past questions regularly, read the JAMB novel thoroughly, and build your vocabulary to boost your confidence and score high marks.
Share this article with friends preparing for JAMB to help them succeed!