JAMB Most Repeated English Questions 2027: 60+ Past Question Patterns, Answers and UTME Practice

Preparing for the 2027 JAMB UTME requires more than memorising English grammar rules. Candidates need regular practice with comprehension passages, synonyms, antonyms, sentence completion, grammatical structures, idioms, word stress and other topics covered in the Use of English syllabus.

Some question patterns appear repeatedly in JAMB past papers, even when the wording and answer options change. Practising these patterns can help you understand how questions are structured and improve your ability to answer them under examination conditions.

This guide covers important JAMB English topics, provides 60 original practice questions with answers and explanations, and offers a revision strategy for the 2027 UTME.

Important: These are original UTME-style practice questions based on the current JAMB Use of English syllabus and commonly practised question patterns. They are not presented as leaked questions or a guaranteed list of questions that will appear in the 2027 examination. Exact questions may change.

JAMB Use of English 2027: Topics You Should Prepare For

The official JAMB Use of English syllabus groups the subject into three main sections:

1. Comprehension and Summary

2. Lexis and Structure

3. Oral Forms

These sections assess your ability to understand written English, interpret expressions, apply grammatical rules and recognise correct pronunciation patterns.

1. Comprehension and Summary

This section tests your ability to read passages, identify main ideas, understand words in context, make deductions and recognise the writer’s intention.

Important areas include:

• Main ideas and supporting details

• Implied meanings and inferences

• Writer’s tone, attitude and purpose

• Vocabulary in context

• Figures of speech and idiomatic expressions

• Summary and synthesis of ideas

2. Lexis and Structure

Lexis and Structure focuses on vocabulary, grammar and the correct use of English expressions.

Pay attention to:

• Synonyms and antonyms

• Clause and sentence patterns

• Word classes and their functions

• Tenses and aspects

• Subject-verb agreement (concord)

• Question tags

• Positive, comparative and superlative forms

• Correct spelling and punctuation

• Ordinary, figurative and idiomatic expressions

3. Oral Forms

Oral English tests your understanding of pronunciation and speech sounds.

The main topics include:

• Vowel sounds

• Consonant sounds and clusters

• Rhymes and homophones

• Word stress

• Emphatic stress

The official syllabus should remain your main revision guide. Do not prepare for only one section because you expect another to contain more questions.

60 JAMB Most Repeated English Question Patterns with Answers

The following questions are original practice exercises designed around the major topics in the JAMB Use of English syllabus. Attempt each question before checking its answer.

Section A: Synonyms

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

1. The principal COMMENDED the students for their excellent performance.

A. Punished
B. Praised
C. Questioned
D. Warned

Answer: B. Praised

Explanation: To commend someone means to praise or express approval of that person’s actions.

2. The government promised to MITIGATE the effects of the economic crisis.

A. Increase
B. Reduce
C. Ignore
D. Explain

Answer: B. Reduce

Explanation: To mitigate means to make something less severe, harmful or difficult.

3. The manager was RELUCTANT to approve the proposal.

A. Eager
B. Unwilling
C. Excited
D. Prepared

Answer: B. Unwilling

Explanation: Reluctant means unwilling or hesitant to do something.

4. The witness gave a CANDID account of the incident.

A. Honest
B. Confusing
C. False
D. Lengthy

Answer: A. Honest

Explanation: Candid means truthful, direct and sincere.

5. The chairman decided to POSTPONE the meeting.

A. Cancel
B. Delay
C. Begin
D. Announce

Answer: B. Delay

Explanation: To postpone means to arrange for something to happen at a later time.

6. The teacher asked the students to be DILIGENT in their studies.

A. Careless
B. Hardworking
C. Impatient
D. Silent

Answer: B. Hardworking

Explanation: A diligent person is careful, hardworking and persistent in carrying out responsibilities.

7. The new policy was introduced to CURB excessive spending.

A. Encourage
B. Control
C. Promote
D. Increase

Answer: B. Control

Explanation: To curb something means to control, limit or prevent it from increasing.

8. The politician made an AMBIGUOUS statement.

A. Clear
B. Uncertain
C. Brief
D. Accurate

Answer: B. Uncertain

Explanation: Ambiguous means unclear or capable of having more than one interpretation.

9. The students were ASTONISHED by the announcement.

A. Frightened
B. Surprised
C. Disappointed
D. Annoyed

Answer: B. Surprised

Explanation: Astonished means extremely surprised or amazed.

10. The company intends to EXPAND its operations.

A. Reduce
B. Close
C. Increase
D. Suspend

Answer: C. Increase

Explanation: To expand means to become larger or increase in size, scope or activity.

Section B: Antonyms

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word in capital letters.

11. The chairman was GENEROUS to his employees.

A. Kind
B. Stingy
C. Helpful
D. Friendly

Answer: B. Stingy

Explanation: Generous means willing to give or share. Stingy means unwilling to give or spend.

12. The witness gave a VAGUE explanation.

A. Confusing
B. Unclear
C. Definite
D. Doubtful

Answer: C. Definite

Explanation: Vague means unclear or imprecise, while definite means clear and certain.

13. The instructions were COMPLICATED.

A. Difficult
B. Simple
C. Lengthy
D. Confusing

Answer: B. Simple

Explanation: Complicated means difficult to understand or deal with. Its opposite is simple.

14. The soldiers remained HOSTILE towards the invaders.

A. Aggressive
B. Unfriendly
C. Friendly
D. Violent

Answer: C. Friendly

Explanation: Hostile means unfriendly or antagonistic. Friendly expresses the opposite attitude.

15. The new employee was HUMBLE.

A. Modest
B. Arrogant
C. Respectful
D. Gentle

Answer: B. Arrogant

Explanation: A humble person does not consider themselves superior to others. An arrogant person displays excessive pride.

16. The witness was RELUCTANT to speak.

A. Unwilling
B. Hesitant
C. Willing
D. Doubtful

Answer: C. Willing

Explanation: Reluctant means unwilling or hesitant. Willing expresses readiness to do something.

17. The instructions were AMBIGUOUS.

A. Unclear
B. Confusing
C. Precise
D. Doubtful

Answer: C. Precise

Explanation: Ambiguous means open to different interpretations. Precise means exact and clearly expressed.

18. The politician was PRAISED for his achievements.

A. Honoured
B. Commended
C. Criticised
D. Celebrated

Answer: C. Criticised

Explanation: To praise someone is to express approval, while to criticise is to express disapproval or identify faults.

19. The road was NARROW.

A. Small
B. Wide
C. Short
D. Rough

Answer: B. Wide

Explanation: Narrow describes something with little width. Wide is its opposite.

20. The student was OPTIMISTIC about the examination.

A. Hopeful
B. Confident
C. Pessimistic
D. Cheerful

Answer: C. Pessimistic

Explanation: Optimistic means expecting a favourable outcome, while pessimistic means expecting an unfavourable one.

Section C: Grammar and Sentence Completion

Choose the option that correctly completes each sentence.

21. Neither the principal nor the teachers _____ present at the meeting.

A. was
B. is
C. were
D. has

Answer: C. were

Explanation: With neither…nor, the verb generally agrees with the subject closest to it. Teachers is plural, so were is correct.

22. If I had known about the examination, I _____ earlier.

A. will arrive
B. would arrive
C. would have arrived
D. have arrived

Answer: C. would have arrived

Explanation: This is a third conditional sentence. It describes an unreal situation in the past.

23. The students, together with their teacher, _____ going to the library.

A. is
B. are
C. was
D. has

Answer: B. are

Explanation: The main subject is students, which is plural. The phrase together with their teacher does not change the subject’s number.

24. She has been working in this organisation _____ 2020.

A. for
B. since
C. during
D. by

Answer: B. since

Explanation: Since is used with a specific starting point in time. For is used with a period or duration.

25. The committee _____ submitted its report.

A. have
B. has
C. are
D. were

Answer: B. has

Explanation: Committee is treated as a singular collective noun when considered as one body.

26. Hardly had the teacher entered the classroom _____ the students became silent.

A. when
B. than
C. then
D. while

Answer: A. when

Explanation: The correct construction is hardly…when.

27. Each of the candidates _____ expected to submit an application.

A. are
B. were
C. is
D. have

Answer: C. is

Explanation: Each is grammatically singular and takes a singular verb.

28. The woman insisted _____ paying for the goods.

A. at
B. on
C. in
D. for

Answer: B. on

Explanation: The correct expression is insist on doing something.

29. By the time we arrived, the programme _____.

A. begins
B. has begun
C. had begun
D. will begin

Answer: C. had begun

Explanation: The past perfect tense describes an action completed before another past action.

30. The teacher asked whether I _____ the assignment.

A. complete
B. have completed
C. had completed
D. will complete

Answer: C. had completed

Explanation: In reported speech, the present perfect may change to the past perfect when reporting a past question.

31. The news _____ encouraging.

A. are
B. were
C. is
D. have

Answer: C. is

Explanation: News is an uncountable noun that takes a singular verb.

32. She is one of the students who _____ always punctual.

A. is
B. are
C. was
D. has

Answer: B. are

Explanation: The relative pronoun who refers to students, which is plural.

33. No sooner had the match started _____ it began to rain.

A. when
B. then
C. than
D. while

Answer: C. than

Explanation: The correct grammatical expression is no sooner…than.

34. The man to _____ I spoke is the new principal.

A. who
B. whom
C. whose
D. which

Answer: B. whom

Explanation: Whom is used as the object of the preposition to when referring to a person.

35. You have completed the assignment, _____?

A. have you
B. haven’t you
C. did you
D. don’t you

Answer: B. haven’t you

Explanation: A positive statement normally takes a negative question tag. The auxiliary have is repeated in the tag.

Section D: Idioms and Figurative Expressions

Choose the option that best explains the expression in capital letters.

36. The manager asked the workers to STOP BEATING ABOUT THE BUSH.

A. Stop working
B. Speak directly
C. Leave the office
D. Avoid responsibility

Answer: B. Speak directly

Explanation: To beat about the bush means to avoid discussing the main point directly.

37. The young politician was asked to KEEP HIS CARDS CLOSE TO HIS CHEST.

A. Play a game
B. Hide his intentions
C. Reveal his plans
D. Avoid making decisions

Answer: B. Hide his intentions

Explanation: This expression means keeping one’s plans, thoughts or intentions secret.

38. The examination was A PIECE OF CAKE for the brilliant student.

A. Very difficult
B. Very easy
C. Uninteresting
D. Unimportant

Answer: B. Very easy

Explanation: A piece of cake means something that is very easy to do.

39. The teacher told the students not to JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS.

A. Make decisions quickly
B. Avoid examinations
C. Refuse instructions
D. Leave the classroom

Answer: A. Make decisions quickly

Explanation: To jump to conclusions means to make a judgement without considering all the facts.

40. After several warnings, the principal decided to TAKE THE BULL BY THE HORNS.

A. Avoid the problem
B. Face the problem courageously
C. Punish everyone
D. Postpone the decision

Answer: B. Face the problem courageously

Explanation: The expression means confronting a difficult situation directly and confidently.

41. The new employee was ASKED TO LEARN THE ROPES.

A. Learn how to operate a machine
B. Understand how a job is done
C. Leave the organisation
D. Attend a training examination

Answer: B. Understand how a job is done

Explanation: To learn the ropes means to understand the procedures and practical details of a new job or activity.

42. The politician’s explanation was ONLY A RED HERRING.

A. A useful suggestion
B. A misleading distraction
C. An honest confession
D. A public announcement

Answer: B. A misleading distraction

Explanation: A red herring is information intended to distract attention from the real issue.

43. The workers decided to CALL IT A DAY.

A. Stop working
B. Start a new project
C. Celebrate an achievement
D. Change their timetable

Answer: A. Stop working

Explanation: To call it a day means to stop an activity, especially work, for the time being.

Section E: Word Classes and Sentence Functions

44. Identify the grammatical function of the underlined expression in this sentence:

The girl in the blue dress is my sister.

A. Adverbial phrase
B. Adjectival phrase
C. Noun clause
D. Verb phrase

Answer: B. Adjectival phrase

Explanation: The expression describes the noun girl by identifying which girl is being discussed.

45. Identify the part of speech of the word quickly in this sentence:

The boy ran quickly.

A. Noun
B. Adjective
C. Adverb
D. Pronoun

Answer: C. Adverb

Explanation: Quickly describes how the boy ran. It modifies the verb ran.

46. What is the grammatical function of the underlined expression?

I know that he is honest.

A. Noun clause
B. Adjective clause
C. Adverbial clause
D. Prepositional phrase

Answer: A. Noun clause

Explanation: The clause functions as the object of the verb know.

47. Identify the type of sentence:

Although it was raining, the students attended the lecture.

A. Simple sentence
B. Compound sentence
C. Complex sentence
D. Imperative sentence

Answer: C. Complex sentence

Explanation: The sentence contains one independent clause and one dependent adverbial clause introduced by although.

48. Which of the following is a preposition?

A. Beautiful
B. Beneath
C. Quickly
D. Because

Answer: B. Beneath

Explanation: Beneath is a preposition that indicates position or location.

49. Identify the tense in the sentence:

They have completed the assignment.

A. Simple past
B. Present perfect
C. Past perfect
D. Present continuous

Answer: B. Present perfect

Explanation: Have completed is the present perfect form, showing an action completed with relevance to the present.

50. Choose the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement.

A. The list of items are missing.
B. The list of items is missing.
C. The list of items were missing.
D. The list of items have missing.

Answer: B. The list of items is missing.

Explanation: The subject is list, which is singular. The phrase of items does not change the subject.

Section F: Oral English, Vowels, Consonants and Stress

51. Which word has the same vowel sound as the word seat?

A. Sit
B. Set
C. Beat
D. Sat

Answer: C. Beat

Explanation: Seat and beat contain the same long vowel sound /iː/.

52. Which word contains the vowel sound /ɪ/ as in sit?

A. Seat
B. Bit
C. Beat
D. Late

Answer: B. Bit

Explanation: Bit contains the short vowel sound /ɪ/.

53. Which of the following words begins with a consonant sound?

A. Hour
B. Honest
C. University
D. Heir

Answer: C. University

Explanation: University begins with the consonant sound /j/, often described as the y sound. The initial letters in hour, honest and heir are silent.

54. Which word contains the diphthong /eɪ/?

A. Cat
B. Day
C. Cut
D. Cot

Answer: B. Day

Explanation: Day contains the diphthong /eɪ/, which involves movement between two vowel positions.

55. Which of the following words rhymes with light?

A. Late
B. Lit
C. Night
D. Let

Answer: C. Night

Explanation: Light and night share the same final vowel and consonant sounds.

56. Which word has the stress on the first syllable?

A. About
B. Advice
C. Teacher
D. Decide

Answer: C. Teacher

Explanation: Teacher is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable: TEA-cher.

57. Which word has the stress on the second syllable?

A. Market
B. Table
C. About
D. Doctor

Answer: C. About

Explanation: About is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable: a-BOUT.

58. Which word contains a silent letter?

A. Knife
B. King
C. Keep
D. Kite

Answer: A. Knife

Explanation: The letter k is silent in knife. The word begins with the /n/ sound.

59. In the sentence, I wanted the BLUE shirt, not the red one, which word receives emphatic stress?

A. Wanted
B. Blue
C. Shirt
D. Red

Answer: B. Blue

Explanation: Stress on blue highlights the particular colour being selected and contrasts it with red.

60. Which word has a different vowel sound from the others?

A. Seat
B. Beat
C. Meat
D. Sit

Answer: D. Sit

Explanation: Seat, beat and meat contain the long vowel /iː/, while sit contains the short vowel /ɪ/.

How to Score Yourself

After attempting all 60 questions, use the following guide to assess your performance. This is a personal practice guide, not an official JAMB grading scale.

Do not simply memorise the answer letters. Understand why each option is correct and why the other options are unsuitable.

Most Important JAMB English Topics to Practise for 2027

Although every section of the syllabus deserves attention, some areas provide particularly useful practice opportunities because they test skills that candidates need throughout the examination.

1. Comprehension Passages

Comprehension requires you to understand what a passage says, identify its central message and make logical deductions.

Practise questions involving:

• The main idea of a passage

• The writer’s purpose

• The meaning of expressions in context

• The writer’s attitude and tone

• Conclusions that can be drawn from the passage

• Supporting details

A common mistake is choosing an answer based on personal opinion rather than information contained in the passage. Always use the passage as your evidence.

2. Synonyms and Antonyms

These questions test your vocabulary and ability to distinguish between similar and opposite meanings.

For effective preparation, learn words in context rather than memorising isolated definitions. For example, a word may have different meanings depending on how it is used in a sentence.

Create a vocabulary notebook and record unfamiliar words, their meanings, synonyms and antonyms.

3. Concord and Sentence Completion

Concord deals with agreement between subjects and verbs. It is a useful area to practise because small grammatical errors can change the correct answer.

Pay attention to:

• Singular and plural subjects

• Collective nouns

• Neither…nor and either…or

• Each, every and everyone

• Subject phrases separated by additional expressions

• Tenses and conditional sentences

4. Idioms and Figurative Expressions

JAMB may test your understanding of expressions whose meanings cannot be determined by interpreting each word separately.

Examples include:

Learn how these expressions work in complete sentences.

5. Oral English

Oral English requires practice because recognising a sound in writing is different from pronouncing it correctly.

Focus on the differences between short and long vowels, consonant clusters, diphthongs, word stress and emphatic stress.

Use a reliable pronunciation dictionary or audio lessons to hear the sounds. Do not depend entirely on how words are spelt.

JAMB Use of English Reading Text for 2027

The JAMB Use of English syllabus includes an approved reading text as part of the comprehension and summary section. Candidates should prepare for questions about the book selected for their examination year.

The latest reading text used for the 2025 and 2026 UTME was The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba. However, as of November 2026, the 2027 prescribed text has not been officially confirmed in the sources checked. Candidates should wait for JAMB’s announcement before assuming that the same book will be used again.

When JAMB announces the 2027 reading text, prepare by:

1. Reading the complete book.

2. Identifying the major characters.

3. Understanding the setting and sequence of events.

4. Recording important incidents and relationships.

5. Studying the themes and lessons.

6. Practising questions about specific events and characters.

Reading only a short summary may not be enough because examination questions can test details from different parts of the book.

How to Prepare for JAMB English and Score Higher in 2027

You can improve your performance by combining past-question practice with a consistent revision routine.

1. Study the official syllabus. Download the current Use of English syllabus from the JAMB IBASS portal. Make sure your preparation covers Comprehension and Summary, Lexis and Structure, and Oral Forms.

2. Practise past questions by topic. Do not attempt questions randomly every day. Spend time on synonyms, antonyms, concord, sentence completion, idioms, comprehension and pronunciation.

3. Read English passages regularly. Use newspapers, educational articles and other suitable reading materials to improve comprehension and vocabulary.

4. Learn from your mistakes. When you answer a question incorrectly, identify the grammar rule or vocabulary meaning you misunderstood.

5. Practise under time limits. Use a timer during practice so you become comfortable answering objective questions within the examination period.

6. Revise difficult words. Keep a list of unfamiliar vocabulary and revise it frequently.

7. Study the prescribed reading text. Once JAMB confirms the 2027 text, read the complete book and practise questions based on its events, characters and themes.

8. Take regular mock tests. A mock examination helps you identify weak areas and improve your speed and accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions About JAMB Most Repeated English Questions 2027

1. What are the most repeated questions in JAMB English?

Commonly practised question patterns include comprehension, synonyms, antonyms, sentence completion, concord, tenses, idioms, word classes, vowel sounds, consonants and stress.

2. Does JAMB repeat English questions every year?

JAMB may test similar grammar rules, vocabulary skills and comprehension patterns in different examination years. However, candidates should not expect every previous question to appear again word for word.

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

The current syllabus structure indicates a 60-question Use of English examination. Candidates should check official JAMB instructions for the 2027 examination format.

4. Which topics should I study first in JAMB English?

Start with comprehension, synonyms, antonyms, sentence patterns, concord, tenses, idioms and oral English. Continue revising all the remaining syllabus topics.

5. Are these 60 questions actual JAMB past questions?

No. They are original practice questions modelled on topics and question styles covered by the JAMB Use of English syllabus. They are provided to help candidates prepare, not as reproduced official examination questions.

6. Is Oral English compulsory in JAMB?

Yes. Oral Forms is one of the three main sections of the Use of English syllabus. Candidates should prepare for vowels, consonants, rhymes, word stress and emphatic stress.

7. Is the JAMB English reading novel compulsory?

The prescribed reading text is included in the Use of English syllabus. Candidates should study the book officially announced for their examination year.

8. What is the best way to practise JAMB English past questions?

Attempt questions under timed conditions, check your answers, study explanations and revise the topics where you make mistakes. Repeating this process can improve your accuracy.

9. Can I pass JAMB English by studying only repeated questions?

No. Repeated question patterns are useful for revision, but studying only those questions leaves you unprepared for other topics in the syllabus. Cover all three sections.

10. Where can I get the official JAMB English syllabus?

You can access the Use of English syllabus through the official JAMB Integrated Brochure and Syllabus System at IBASS.

Conclusion

Preparing for JAMB Use of English in 2027 requires consistent practice across comprehension, vocabulary, grammar and Oral English. Questions on synonyms, antonyms, concord, sentence completion, idioms, pronunciation and stress are important areas to include in your revision.

The 60 practice questions in this guide provide a starting point for testing your understanding. Attempt them independently, study the explanations and return to the questions you answered incorrectly.

Most importantly, use the official JAMB syllabus as your preparation guide. Do not depend entirely on claims about repeated questions or memorise answer options without understanding the English language rules behind them.