JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Use of English 2027: Official Reading List and Best Books for UTME Preparation

Use of English is a compulsory subject for candidates sitting the JAMB UTME, regardless of their intended course or institution. Preparing for the examination requires more than reading grammar textbooks. Candidates need to develop their comprehension, vocabulary, summary, oral English and general communication skills while becoming familiar with the examination format.

One important point for 2027 candidates is that the recommended reading list and the official syllabus should be checked separately. A textbook may be useful for preparation without being an officially prescribed JAMB text.

The official JAMB Integrated Brochure and Syllabus System (IBASS) currently lists 19 recommended texts for Use of English. The list below follows the recommended-text section of the official syllabus available on IBASS. It is important to distinguish this current official list from claims that JAMB has issued a separate 2027 textbook list. The available syllabus is the guide to use unless JAMB publishes an update specifically for the 2027 UTME.

Complete list of JAMB recommended textbooks for Use of English 2027

The following are the 19 titles listed in the current official JAMB Use of English syllabus. The authors, publication years and publishers are included to help candidates identify the correct books when buying or borrowing them.

These are the titles in the recommended-text section of the current IBASS Use of English syllabus. The list does not mean candidates must purchase all 19 books. A carefully selected combination of textbooks, the official syllabus and past questions can provide a more manageable preparation plan.

Best JAMB Use of English textbooks to study first

Although JAMB provides a list of recommended books, candidates may not have enough time or money to obtain every title. The practical approach is to select books that support the major areas of the examination.

The following suggestions group the official titles according to the skills they are intended to help candidates develop. They are study recommendations, not a separate ranking issued by JAMB.

1. English Lexis and Structure for Senior Secondary Schools and Colleges by A. Bamgbose

This is one of the titles candidates can prioritise when working on grammar, vocabulary and sentence construction. Lexis and structure form an important part of the Use of English examination, so understanding how words function in different contexts is essential.

Candidates should use this book to strengthen their understanding of grammatical expressions, sentence patterns and appropriate word usage. It can also support revision of synonyms, antonyms and other vocabulary-related questions.

2. New Oxford Secondary English Course Book Six by A. Banjo and others

This is another useful title for candidates seeking a broad English language resource. It is included in JAMB’s recommended list and is suitable for general revision of secondary-school English.

Candidates can use it alongside the official syllabus to identify areas where they need additional practice. Rather than reading the entire book without a plan, they should concentrate on topics that correspond with the examination requirements.

3. Senior English Project 3 by N. J. H. Grant, S. Nnamonu and D. Jowitt

Candidates preparing for the UTME can include this book in their general English revision. It is one of the established titles listed in the official syllabus.

It should be used as a supporting resource for improving language knowledge and practising relevant English skills. Candidates should still check every topic against the current syllabus to avoid spending too much time on material outside the examination requirements.

4. Round-up English: A Complete Guide by O. O. Idowu and others

The title is included among JAMB’s recommended texts and can serve as an additional reference for candidates revising different aspects of English.

It is particularly useful to have a general reference book available when a candidate needs to revisit a topic or clarify an area of difficulty. Combine it with timed objective practice to improve accuracy and speed.

5. Objective Tests for School Certificate English by S. H. O. Tomori

This title is particularly relevant to candidates who want to practise objective English questions. Its full title identifies its focus on lexis, structure and idiom.

Candidates should use it to practise selecting correct answers, identifying errors and applying English language rules. However, practice should not be limited to memorising answers. Understanding why an option is correct is more valuable than simply remembering a previous question.

6. Practice in Spoken English for Intermediate and Advanced Learners by M. O. Attah

Oral English is an important part of the JAMB Use of English syllabus. This book is one of the recommended resources for candidates who want to improve their knowledge of spoken English.

Candidates should pay attention to the pronunciation of words, sound distinctions and other areas of spoken language. Reading about pronunciation is useful, but listening to correct pronunciation and practising aloud can make learning more effective.

7. Oral English for Schools and Colleges by B. Elugbe

This is another recommended title for candidates revising oral forms. It can be included in a preparation plan that gives sufficient attention to vowels, consonants, word stress and other pronunciation-related topics.

Candidates who find phonetic questions difficult should avoid leaving oral English until the final weeks before the examination. Regular practice can help them become more familiar with sound patterns.

8. Essential Oral English for Schools and Colleges by O. J. Caesar

This title is also listed in the official syllabus. It is a useful option to consider when selecting an oral English reference book.

Candidates should focus their revision on the oral forms specified by JAMB, rather than studying pronunciation without a clear examination objective.

9. Common Errors in English by S. Nnamonu and D. Jowitt

A strong understanding of correct English usage can help candidates avoid mistakes in sentence completion, interpretation and other objective questions.

This title can support revision of common language problems. Candidates should pay attention to how words and expressions are used in standard English, and practise applying the correct forms in sentences.

10. Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary by Daniel Jones

Pronunciation is a major part of oral English preparation. A pronouncing dictionary can help candidates check how words are pronounced and understand pronunciation symbols.

Candidates who have difficulty distinguishing sounds can use this resource as a reference. It should be studied alongside the oral English topics in the JAMB syllabus.

What topics should candidates study for JAMB Use of English 2027?

Buying recommended textbooks is only one part of preparation. Candidates must also understand the topics JAMB expects them to study.

The current official syllabus divides Use of English into three main sections:

1. Comprehension and Summary

2. Lexis and Structure

3. Oral Forms

Each section tests different language skills. Candidates should prepare for all three instead of concentrating only on grammar or vocabulary.

Section A: Comprehension and Summary

Comprehension tests a candidate’s ability to read a passage, understand its meaning and answer questions based on the information provided.

The syllabus identifies different passage types, including description, narration, exposition and argumentation or persuasion.

Candidates should understand how to identify the main idea of a passage, recognise supporting details and interpret the writer’s message. They may also need to identify the meaning of words and expressions as they are used in a particular passage.

Important areas to practise include:

• Identifying the main points and topic sentences in a passage.

• Understanding the meaning of words and phrases in context.

• Recognising the writer’s attitude and opinion.

• Making deductions and logical inferences.

• Identifying implied meanings.

• Understanding figures of speech and idiomatic expressions.

• Combining separate pieces of information to form a complete idea.

A common mistake candidates make is answering comprehension questions based on what they already know instead of what the passage actually says. The correct approach is to read the passage carefully and select answers supported by its content.

Candidates should also practise reading within a reasonable time. The ability to understand a passage quickly is important because the UTME is a timed examination.

Section B: Lexis and Structure

Lexis and Structure covers vocabulary, grammar and the correct use of English expressions. Candidates should understand the meaning of words and how they function in different sentences.

The official syllabus includes the following areas:

Synonyms: Candidates should identify words that have similar meanings. They must pay attention to the context in which a word appears because two words with similar meanings may not always be interchangeable.

Antonyms: These are words with opposite meanings. Candidates should expand their vocabulary and practise identifying opposites in different contexts.

Homonyms: Candidates should understand words that share the same spelling or pronunciation but have different meanings.

Clause and sentence patterns: This area tests the ability to recognise how words and groups of words are arranged to form meaningful sentences.

Word classes and their functions: Candidates should understand nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions and other grammatical categories.

Mood, tense and aspect: These topics relate to how verbs express time, attitude and the nature of an action or state.

Number and agreement: Candidates should understand singular and plural forms and how subjects agree with their verbs.

Degree: This includes positive, comparative and superlative forms of adjectives and adverbs.

Question tags: Candidates should know how to form appropriate short questions added to statements.

Punctuation and spelling: Candidates should understand the correct use of punctuation marks and the standard spelling of English words.

Ordinary, figurative and idiomatic usage: This tests whether candidates can understand expressions according to their literal, figurative or idiomatic meanings.

A useful preparation method is to study one topic at a time and answer practice questions immediately after revision. For example, after studying subject-verb agreement, candidates should attempt questions involving singular and plural subjects.

Section C: Oral Forms

Oral Forms tests candidates’ understanding of English pronunciation and spoken language. It is an area that requires regular practice because some candidates are more familiar with written English than with pronunciation.

The official syllabus includes the following topics:

Vowels: Candidates should study monophthongs and diphthongs. They should understand how vowel sounds differ and how they are represented in phonetic transcription.

Consonants: This includes individual consonant sounds and consonant clusters. Candidates should learn to distinguish sounds that may appear similar.

Rhymes: Candidates should understand words that have similar ending sounds. The syllabus also includes homophones, which are words that sound alike but have different meanings or spellings.

Word stress: Candidates should learn how stress is placed on syllables in monosyllabic and polysyllabic words.

Intonation and emphatic stress: These topics concern how the voice rises, falls or places emphasis on particular words in spoken expressions.

Candidates should not depend entirely on reading phonetic explanations. Listening to correct pronunciation, repeating words and practising with reliable oral English materials can improve their understanding.

JAMB Use of English examination structure

The current IBASS syllabus provides an examination structure of 60 questions. Candidates should understand this arrangement to guide their revision.

This breakdown comes from the current syllabus available through JAMB’s IBASS portal. Candidates should check for any official changes before the 2027 examination.

The structure shows why it is not advisable to prepare for Use of English by studying grammar alone. Comprehension, the reading text, vocabulary and oral forms all have their own place in the examination.

What is the JAMB Use of English reading text for 2027?

The current official Use of English syllabus names The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba under the comprehension and summary section. The examination structure also provides 10 questions for a reading text.

Candidates preparing early should become familiar with the book while monitoring JAMB’s official announcements for the 2027 UTME. The appearance of the title in the current syllabus is useful guidance, but candidates should not assume that every reading-text arrangement for an earlier examination year will automatically remain unchanged in 2027.

When studying a prescribed reading text, candidates should do more than read the story once. They should understand the plot, major events, characters, relationships, themes and important details. They should also practise answering questions that test their understanding of the text.

A good reading plan includes:

• Reading the complete text rather than relying only on a summary.

• Identifying the main characters and their roles.

• Understanding the setting and major events.

• Following the development of the plot.

• Identifying important themes and lessons.

• Revising significant details that may be tested.

• Answering objective questions based on the text.

Candidates should also confirm the final 2027 reading-text instruction through JAMB before the examination.

How many Use of English textbooks should a JAMB candidate buy?

There is no need to purchase all 19 recommended books. JAMB provides the list as a collection of useful references, not as an instruction that every candidate must own every title.

The number of books to buy should depend on a candidate’s existing knowledge, available resources and areas of difficulty.

A candidate with a good understanding of grammar may need only one general English reference and a separate oral English resource. Someone who struggles with vocabulary, sentence construction and comprehension may benefit from additional materials.

A practical selection could include:

These are suggested combinations based on the titles and their stated subject areas. Candidates should choose books they can understand and use consistently.

How to prepare for JAMB Use of English 2027

A good preparation strategy should cover all three syllabus sections. Candidates who begin early have more time to identify weak areas, practise questions and improve their reading speed.

1. Download and study the official JAMB syllabus

The syllabus should be the foundation of every candidate’s preparation. It identifies the topics to study and helps candidates avoid spending too much time on unrelated material.

Download the current Use of English syllabus from the JAMB IBASS portal. Keep a copy on your phone or print it for regular reference.

As you complete each topic, mark it on your personal revision checklist. This makes it easier to identify topics that still require attention.

2. Read recommended textbooks selectively

Do not attempt to read every recommended textbook from beginning to end without a plan. Select the books that address your weak areas and follow the topics in the official syllabus.

For example, a candidate who struggles with pronunciation should spend more time on oral English resources. Someone who has difficulty with sentence completion should revise grammar and vocabulary.

3. Practise JAMB past questions

Past questions help candidates become familiar with the style of objective questions and the pressure of answering within a limited time.

However, candidates should avoid memorising answers without understanding the principles behind them. When you get a question wrong, return to the relevant topic and study why the correct answer is appropriate.

Keep a record of repeated mistakes. This can help you identify patterns in your weaknesses.

4. Improve your vocabulary

A strong vocabulary can support performance in synonyms, antonyms, comprehension and sentence completion.

Develop the habit of learning new words and using them in sentences. Pay attention to their meanings, pronunciation, spelling and appropriate contexts.

It is also useful to revise words that have similar or opposite meanings. This can help you avoid confusion when answering objective questions.

5. Read English passages regularly

Reading improves comprehension and helps candidates become familiar with different writing styles.

You can practise with newspaper reports, educational articles, essays and other suitable English materials. After reading a passage, try to identify its main idea, supporting details and the writer’s opinion.

This habit can also improve reading speed and concentration.

6. Give oral English consistent attention

Do not postpone oral English until the final stage of preparation. Study vowels, consonants, rhymes, word stress and intonation throughout your revision period.

Use reliable pronunciation references and listen carefully to how words are spoken. Practise identifying differences between similar sounds.

7. Take timed practice tests

The UTME is a computer-based examination, so candidates should become comfortable answering questions on a screen.

Timed practice helps improve speed, accuracy and decision-making. It also reveals whether you spend too much time on particular questions.

After each practice session, review your performance. Focus on understanding mistakes rather than simply counting the number of correct answers.

Common mistakes candidates should avoid

Some candidates study for months but fail to use their preparation time effectively. Avoiding the following mistakes can make revision more productive.

Ignoring the official syllabus: Reading random English textbooks without checking the syllabus can lead to wasted effort. Use the official syllabus as your guide.

Studying only grammar: Use of English includes comprehension, summary, lexis and structure, oral forms and a reading text. Every section deserves attention.

Memorising past questions: Repeated questions can be useful for practice, but memorisation alone does not guarantee success. Learn the rules and concepts behind the answers.

Neglecting pronunciation: Candidates who focus only on written English may struggle with oral forms. Include pronunciation practice in your weekly timetable.

Buying too many textbooks: Owning many books does not automatically improve examination performance. Select a manageable number and study them properly.

Ignoring the prescribed reading text: The reading-text questions form part of the examination structure. Candidates should read the applicable text and understand its details.

Failing to practise under time limits: Knowing the correct answers is not enough if you cannot complete the examination within the available time. Practise with timed tests.

Frequently asked questions about JAMB Use of English textbooks 2027

1. How many textbooks does JAMB recommend for Use of English?

The current official IBASS Use of English syllabus lists 19 recommended textbooks. Candidates do not have to buy all of them. They should select suitable books based on the syllabus and their areas of difficulty.

2. What is the best textbook for JAMB Use of English 2027?

There is no single book that covers every candidate’s needs. English Lexis and Structure for Senior Secondary Schools and Colleges by A. Bamgbose is one option for grammar and vocabulary revision. Candidates should also consider an oral English resource and a book for objective practice.

3. Is Use of English compulsory in JAMB?

Yes. Use of English is a compulsory UTME subject for candidates, regardless of their intended course of study.

4. How many questions are in JAMB Use of English?

The current official syllabus provides for 60 questions in Use of English. Candidates should confirm the applicable examination instructions before the 2027 UTME in case JAMB announces changes.

5. What are the main topics in JAMB Use of English?

The three main sections are Comprehension and Summary, Lexis and Structure, and Oral Forms. Candidates should also prepare for questions based on the prescribed reading text.

6. Is The Lekki Headmaster the JAMB Use of English novel for 2027?

The current official syllabus names The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba. Candidates should monitor JAMB’s official announcements to confirm the reading-text instructions applicable to the 2027 UTME.

7. Can I pass JAMB Use of English without buying all the recommended textbooks?

Yes. The recommended list contains several reference materials, but candidates do not need to own every title. A few suitable textbooks, the official syllabus and consistent past-question practice can provide a structured preparation plan.

8. Which textbook is useful for JAMB Oral English?

The official list includes Practice in Spoken English for Intermediate and Advanced Learners by M. O. Attah, Oral English for Schools and Colleges by B. Elugbe and Essential Oral English for Schools and Colleges by O. J. Caesar.

9. Where can I get the official JAMB Use of English syllabus?

Candidates can access the current syllabus through the JAMB Integrated Brochure and Syllabus System, known as IBASS. They should use the official JAMB platform rather than relying entirely on unofficial copies.

10. Should I study all the recommended books before the UTME?

No. Candidates should prioritise the topics in the official syllabus and choose books that help them understand those topics. A focused study plan is generally more manageable than trying to complete every recommended textbook.

Final advice for candidates preparing for JAMB Use of English 2027

A good result in Use of English requires consistent preparation across comprehension, vocabulary, grammar and oral English. Candidates should not depend on a single textbook or assume that memorising past questions will be enough to handle the examination.

Start with the official syllabus, select a few suitable books from the recommended list and practise questions regularly. Give particular attention to areas where you make repeated mistakes. Read the prescribed text carefully and make time for pronunciation practice.

Most importantly, check JAMB’s official IBASS portal and examination announcements for updates that may affect the 2027 UTME. This will help you prepare with the most relevant syllabus and reading instructions available.