Preparing for the 2024 JAMB CBT English Language exam requires a solid understanding of the syllabus, past trends, and consistent practice. The English Language section tests your proficiency in grammar, comprehension, and literary appreciation. Below is a breakdown of likely topics, question types, and tips to help you prepare effectively.
Key Topics in JAMB English Language
- Comprehension/Summary
- Reading passages and answering questions.
- Identifying main ideas, supporting details, and inferences.
- Summary writing (condensing a passage into a few sentences).
- Lexis and Structure
- Synonyms and antonyms.
- Word meanings in context.
- Sentence interpretation.
- Sentence completion (fill-in-the-blank).
- Grammar
- Parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, etc.).
- Tenses (present, past, future, perfect, continuous).
- Concord (subject-verb agreement).
- Active and passive voice.
- Direct and indirect speech.
- Punctuation and capitalization.
- Oral English (Phonetics)
- Vowel and consonant sounds.
- Stress and intonation.
- Syllable division.
- Phonetic transcription.
- Literary Devices
- Figures of speech (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, etc.).
- Literary terms (theme, plot, setting, characterization, etc.).
Likely Question Types
- Comprehension Passages
- You will be given a passage to read, followed by questions testing your understanding of the text.
- Example: What is the main idea of the passage?
- Lexis and Structure
- Fill-in-the-blank questions.
- Example: Choose the word that best completes the sentence:
She ___ to the market yesterday.
A) go
B) goes
C) went
D) gone
Answer: C) went
- Grammar Questions
- Questions on tenses, concord, and sentence structure.
- Example: Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?
A) She don’t like apples.
B) She doesn’t likes apples.
C) She doesn’t like apples.
D) She didn’t likes apples.
Answer: C) She doesn’t like apples.
- Oral English (Phonetics)
- Questions on stress, intonation, and phonetic transcription.
- Example: Which word has the same stress pattern as “education”?
A) Computer
B) Banana
C) Umbrella
D) Photography
Answer: A) Computer
- Literary Devices
- Identifying figures of speech or literary terms.
- Example: “The wind whispered through the trees” is an example of:
A) Simile
B) Metaphor
C) Personification
D) Hyperbole
Answer: C) Personification
Tips for Preparation
- Read Widely: Improve your comprehension skills by reading novels, newspapers, and articles.
- Practice Past Questions: Familiarize yourself with the exam format by solving past JAMB English questions.
- Learn Grammar Rules: Focus on tenses, concord, and sentence structure.
- Study Phonetics: Practice identifying vowel and consonant sounds, stress patterns, and intonation.
- Use CBT Software: Practice with JAMB CBT software to get used to the computer-based testing environment.
- Time Management: Practice answering questions within the allotted time.
Sample Questions
- Comprehension: Read the passage below and answer the question.
“The importance of education cannot be overstated. It is the key to unlocking opportunities and improving one’s quality of life. Education empowers individuals to make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to society.”
Question: What is the main idea of the passage?
A) Education is expensive.
B) Education is important for personal and societal development.
C) Education is only for the rich.
D) Education is not necessary.
Answer: B) Education is important for personal and societal development. - Lexis and Structure: Choose the word that best completes the sentence.
She was ___ by the news of her brother’s success.
A) surprised
B) surprising
C) surprise
D) surprises
Answer: A) surprised - Grammar: Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?
A) The boys is playing football.
B) The boys are playing football.
C) The boys am playing football.
D) The boys was playing football.
Answer: B) The boys are playing football. - Oral English: Which word has the same stress pattern as “photograph”?
A) Banana
B) Umbrella
C) Computer
D) Education
Answer: C) Computer - Literary Devices: “The stars danced in the sky” is an example of:
A) Simile
B) Metaphor
C) Personification
D) Hyperbole
Answer: C) Personification
By focusing on these areas and practicing regularly, you can improve your chances of performing well in the 2024 JAMB English Language exam. Good luck!