150 JAMB Use of English Past Questions & Answers 2026: Score 80+ Easily!

The JAMB Use of English (officially titled “Use of English” in the English Language paper) is a compulsory section for all candidates in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). It typically consists of 60 questions, but the full English Language paper often includes around 100 questions in total when combined with the compulsory novel section (e.g., questions on “The Life Changer” or similar recommended texts in recent years). Many students refer to practicing “150 questions” by combining multiple years’ Use of English objectives or full sets.

Practicing past questions is one of the most effective ways to score 70+ in this section. The questions cover:

• Comprehension passages (usually 2–3 passages with 5–10 questions each)
• Lexis and structure (synonyms, antonyms, idioms, phrasal verbs)
• Sentence interpretation and closest meaning
• Oral forms (stress patterns, consonants/vowels, emphatic stress)
• Fill-in-the-gaps (grammar: tenses, prepositions, concord)
• Novel-based questions (10–15 questions)

Why Practice 150 Past Questions?

JAMB often repeats question patterns, synonyms, stress rules, and comprehension themes. Solving at least 150 varied questions builds speed, accuracy, and familiarity with distractors.

Below is a curated selection of 15 high-frequency and recent-style JAMB Use of English questions (drawn from patterns in 2024/2025 exams and classic repeats). These represent key types. For full sets of hundreds, check reliable sources like myschool.ng, schoolngr.com, or myschoolgist.com (many offer free PDFs with 100–200+ questions).

Question 1–5: Lexis and Structure (Synonyms/Antonyms)

1. Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word:
   The politician’s speech was lucid and well-structured.
   A. confusing
   B. clear
   C. lengthy
   D. vague Answer: B (Lucid means clear and easy to understand.)
2. Select the antonym of the word benevolent:
   A. kind
   B. generous
   C. malevolent
   D. helpful Answer: C (Benevolent = kind/good; antonym = malevolent = evil/harmful.)
3. The manager turned down the proposal. Nearest in meaning:
   A. accepted
   B. rejected
   C. improved
   D. delayed Answer: B (Turned down = rejected.)
4. From recent patterns: “The student’s excuse was rather flimsy.”
   A. strong
   B. weak
   C. believable
   D. detailed Answer: B
5. Antonym of prolific:
   A. productive
   B. barren
   C. creative
   D. fertile Answer: B

Question 6–10: Grammar/Concord/Prepositions

6. Choose the correct option: Neither the teacher nor the students _ present yesterday.
   A. was
   B. were
   C. is
   D. has been Answer: B (In “neither…nor,” verb agrees with nearer subject.)
7. Fill in the gap: The book is _ the table.
   A. on
   B. in
   C. at
   D. by Answer: A (Standard preposition for surface.)
8. He is one of the boys who _ always late.
   A. is
   B. are
   C. was
   D. has been Answer: B (“One of the boys who” takes plural verb.)
9. The news _ good.
   A. is
   B. are
   C. were
   D. have Answer: A (News is uncountable/singular.)
10. She prefers tea _ coffee.
    A. than
    B. to
    C. over
    D. from Answer: B (Prefer…to)

Question 11–15: Oral Forms & Interpretation

11. Which word is stressed on the second syllable?
    A. Record (noun)
    B. reCORD (verb)
    C. CONduct (noun)
    D. conDUCT (verb) Answer: B (Verb form stresses second syllable.)
12. Identify the word with the sound /ʃ/:
    A. Church
    B. Sure
    C. Measure
    D. All of the above Answer: D
13. Emphatic stress: “JOHN bought the car.” Who bought it?
    A. Mary
    B. John
    C. Someone else
    D. No one Answer: B (Emphasis on JOHN.)
14. From comprehension style: “The man was a Jack of all trades but master of none.” Meaning:
    A. Skilled in many things
    B. Expert in one
    C. Knows little about many
    D. Lazy Answer: C (Common idiom.)
15. In recent novels like The Life Changer: What does “the note of salvation” refer to? (Pattern-based)
    A. A bribe
    B. A prayer
    C. An excuse note
    D. Exam malpractice tool Answer: Often linked to patterns in novel questions; check full text for exact.

Tips to Master JAMB Use of English (Aim for 150+ Practice Questions)

1. Download full PDFs from trusted sites (e.g., studentdash.net has compilations up to 11MB with answers).
2. Practice daily: 50 questions/day → 150 in 3 days.
3. Focus on weak areas (e.g., stress patterns or idioms).
4. Time yourself (60 questions in ~40 minutes).
5. Read the recommended novel thoroughly (usually 10–15 questions come from it).
6. Use CBT apps or sites like studentdash.net for timed mocks.

If you need more specific years (e.g., 2025 full set) or explanations for any question, let me know I can guide you further or suggest exact resources. Good luck with your UTME prep!