What Are the Best Techniques to Answer JAMB Use of English Comprehension Passages

Candidates can effectively answer JAMB Use of English comprehension passages by previewing the accompanying questions before reading the text, applying skimming and scanning techniques to locate key topic sentences, analyzing contextual vocabulary within the author’s argument, and selecting evidence-based options rather than making personal assumptions.

The Use of English examination is universally compulsory for all Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination candidates, carrying 60 multiple-choice questions that contribute significantly to the candidate’s overall aggregate score. Among the various sections—which include lexis and structure, oral forms, and sentence completion—reading comprehension passages and the prescribed prose text frequently present the greatest challenge. Many candidates lose valuable marks due to poor time management, misinterpreting the author’s tone, or failing to differentiate between explicit factual statements and implied inferences.

The most effective strategy begins with reading the questions before reading the passage itself. By reviewing the question stems first, the candidate identifies the specific details, characters, chronological sequences, and lexical items that the examiners are testing. When the candidate subsequently reads the passage, their brain actively searches for these targeted elements, transforming passive reading into a purposeful information-retrieval exercise. This technique saves critical examination minutes, allowing candidates to navigate passages without repeatedly re-reading entire paragraphs.

While reading, candidates should apply skimming to grasp the overarching theme and scanning to locate specific evidence. Pay close attention to the introductory and concluding sentences of each paragraph, as writers commonly place their thesis and topic arguments in these positions. For vocabulary-in-context questions, candidates must avoid choosing the most common dictionary definition of a word; instead, substitute each multiple-choice option directly into the sentence to determine which word preserves the author’s exact contextual meaning. Furthermore, beware of distractor options that use exact words lifted from the passage but distort the logical relationship expressed by the author.

The educational standards maintained by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board emphasize reading comprehension to evaluate critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills required for tertiary academic study.

Undergraduate communication literacy benchmarks formulated by the National Universities Commission ensure that admitted students possess the advanced reading and writing proficiencies needed for degree research.

Consistent daily practice with past comprehension passages under strict timed conditions builds reading speed and sharpens analytical comprehension, empowering candidates to achieve exceptional scores above 75 in the Use of English paper.

Furthermore, candidates should allocate dedicated time each day to reading scholarly publications, reputable editorial opinions, and classic English literature to expand their vocabulary and sharpen contextual inferencing. Mastering these cognitive habits enables candidates to navigate intricate comprehension passages swiftly and accurately, securing a decisive competitive advantage in the national examination.

Consistent practice with past examination papers sharpens analytical precision, ensuring that candidates recognize subtle question distractors and maximize their overall Use of English score.