If French is one of the 2026/2027 UTME, you need help with understanding grammar, comprehension, vocabulary, oral practice, and Francophone culture, using the JAMB 2026/2027 recommended textbooks for French which ensures you cover every section JAMB tests.
Interestingly, these textbooks come in handy especially in the areas candidates often struggle with, such as conjugation, pronunciation, and cultural interpretation. Plus, we have thoroughly highlighted the full JAMB approved books for studying for the subject in this article.
List of JAMB Recommended Textbooks for French 2026
A. i. Written Language
| S/N | Book Title | Author(s) | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Companion to French Grammar (4th Edition) | Ajiboye, T. | A clear and structured guide covering French grammatical rules, sentence formation, and written expression. |
| 2 | Nouvel Horizon, Book 4 (New Revised Edition) | Ajiboye, T. | Focuses on reading comprehension, grammar drills, and structured exercises aligned with senior-secondary French learning. |
| 3 | A Comprehensive French Grammar | Byrne & Churchill | A detailed reference that explains French grammar with examples, rules, and usage contexts. |
| 4 | Le Nouveau Bescherelle: L’Art de Conjuguer | Hatier | A complete guide to French verb conjugation, covering regular/irregular verbs and all tenses. |
| 5 | Grammaire Progressive du Français (Niveau Intermédiaire) | Maice, G. & Merlo, G. | Provides step-by-step grammar lessons with practice activities for intermediate learners. |
| 6 | On y va! Book 3 | Mazauric, C. & Sirejols, E. | Includes reading texts, vocabulary development, grammar review, and exercises for exam preparation. |
| 7 | A Comprehensive Revision Handbook of French Grammar | Ojo, S.A. | A revision-focused handbook simplifying complex grammar topics with examples and practice tasks. |
| 8 | Any Other French Grammar Materials | — | Any good grammar-based resource that explains rules, reading passages, and written French structures. |
A. ii. Oral French
| S/N | Book Title | Author(s) | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | An Introduction to Practice in Oral French | Ajiboye, T. | Covers pronunciation, oral drills, listening practice, and standard spoken French expressions. |
| 2 | Initiation à la Prononciation du Français Standard | Léon, M. | Teaches learners how to pronounce French correctly using phonetics and guided oral exercises. |
| 3 | Other Oral Practice Materials | — | Any resource emphasizing listening, conversation drills, and spoken French practice. |
B. Culture of Francophone Countries
| S/N | Book Title | Author(s) | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Comment vivent les Français | Girod, R. & Grand-Clement, F. | Explores French social life, traditions, daily living, and cultural systems in Francophone regions. |
| 2 | French Essays on Culture and Civilisation for Schools and Colleges | Mbuko, L. | Provides essays and explanations on French and Francophone culture, society, and civilization. |
| 3 | Any Other Materials on Francophone Culture | — | Newspapers, magazines, and journals covering real-life Francophone traditions and modern culture. |
C. Dictionary
| S/N | Book Title | Author(s) | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Any Good French/English or French Dictionary | — | Supports vocabulary building, translation, and comprehension for both written and spoken French. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need all the JAMB-recommended French textbooks to pass the exam?
A: No, choosing at least one grammar book, one oral practice book, and one culture resource is enough for complete coverage.
Q: Which French grammar book is best for beginners?
A: Companion to French Grammar (Ajiboye) and Grammaire Progressive du Français are excellent starting points.
Q: Which textbook helps most with French verb conjugation?
A: Le Nouveau Bescherelle: L’Art de Conjuguer is the most reliable text for mastering conjugation.
Q: How can I improve my French pronunciation for JAMB?
A: Use oral practice books like Ajiboye’s An Introduction to Practice in Oral French and Léon’s phonetics guide.
Q: Does JAMB test Francophone culture?
A: Yes, JAMB test Francophone as questions usually appears on cultural practices, lifestyle, and basic knowledge of Francophone countries.
Q: Are dictionaries allowed during the UTME French exam?
No. Dictionaries are for study purposes only—not permitted inside the exam hall.
Q: Which textbook is best for overall exam preparation?
A: A combination of Nouvel Horizon, Grammaire Progressive du Français, and Ajiboye’s oral practice book gives full coverage.
Q: Do I need to read French newspapers or magazines?
A: They are not compulsory but helpful for understanding real-life vocabulary and Francophone culture.
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