Use of English is a compulsory subject every UTME candidate needs, and as such, it is required that you score higher in the subject, hence to achieve that, you need to study using the JAMB 2026/2027 recommended textbooks for Use of English which later on will be disclose in this guide.
These approved textbooks help you understand sentence structure, build your vocabulary, improve your writing clarity, and train your ear for phonetics skills that directly influence your final score. With the right resources, topics like comprehension passages, cloze tests, lexis and structure, and oral English become far easier to comprehend.
List of JAMB Recommended Use of English Textbooks 2026
| S/N | Book Title | Author(s) | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Practice in Spoken English for Intermediate and Advanced Learners | Attah, M. O. | Focuses on pronunciation, stress patterns, and spoken fluency suitable for oral English preparation. |
| 2 | English Lexis and Structure for Senior Secondary Schools and Colleges (Revised Edition) | Bamgbose, A. | Covers grammar, vocabulary building, idioms, and structural patterns tested in JAMB. |
| 3 | New Oxford Secondary English Course Book Six | Banjo, A. et al | Offers reading comprehension passages, grammar practices, and writing guidance. |
| 4 | Essential Oral English for Schools and Colleges | Caesar, O. J. | Explains oral English sounds, transcription, and correct pronunciation techniques. |
| 5 | Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary | Daniel Jones | Provides accurate phonetic transcriptions and pronunciation standards for oral English mastery. |
| 6 | Mastering English Usage and Communication Skills | Egbe, D. I. | Focuses on grammar rules, sentence construction, and effective communication. |
| 7 | Oral English for Schools and Colleges | Elugbe, B. | Details vowel and consonant sounds, intonation, and common oral English challenges. |
| 8 | Senior English Project 3 (New Edition) | Grant, N. J. H.; Nnamonu, S.; Jowitt, D. | Provides reading comprehension activities and guided writing exercises. |
| 9 | Round-Up English: A Complete Guide | Idowu, O. O.; Sogbesan, T. S.; Adofo, A. K.; Burgess, D. F.; Burgess, L. J. | Covers vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and exam-focused revision tips. |
| 10 | Oral English at Your Fingertips | Idris, U. | Breaks down phonetics, stress, rhythm, and sound patterns in simple steps. |
| 11 | Grammar and Composition in the G.S.M. Age | Igiligi, E. C.; Ogenyi, S. O. | Focuses on modern English usage, grammar correction, and composition writing. |
| 12 | Oral English for Schools and Colleges: A Teaching and Learning Approach | Jauro, L. B. | Explains oral English concepts with examples and practice drills. |
| 13 | Common Errors in English | Nnamonu, S.; Jowitt, D. | Addresses frequent grammatical, lexical, and structural mistakes made by students. |
| 14 | University Matriculation Use of English (Fourth Edition) | Obinna, M. F. | Provides direct UTME-style practice questions and exam strategies. |
| 15 | Countdown English Language (Revised Edition) | Ogunsanwo, O.; Duruaku, A. B. C.; Ezechukwu, J.; Nwachukwu, U. I. | A popular JAMB prep text covering comprehension, structure, summary, and oral English. |
| 16 | The Silent Teacher | Olatoye, S. | Offers grammar guidance and vocabulary development with practice exercises. |
| 17 | Intensive English for Senior Secondary School 3 | Oluikpe, B. O. A.; Nnaemeka, B. A.; Obah, T. Y.; Otagburuagu, E. J.; Onuigbo, S.; Ogbonna, E. A. | Combines comprehension, grammar, and summary writing aligned with secondary school syllabuses. |
| 18 | Objective Tests for School Certificate English: Practice in Lexis, Structure and Idiom (Reprinted Edition) | Tomori, S. H. O. | Provides hundreds of objective questions ideal for JAMB-style practice. |
| 19 | Catch-Up English for SSCE/UME | Ukwuegbu, C.; Okoro, O.; Idris, A. U.; Okebukola, F. O.; Owokade, C. O. | Helps students revise key topics quickly, especially lexis and structure. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need to buy all the recommended Use of English textbooks?
A: No. Most candidates combine two or three textbooks—especially Countdown English, Round-Up English, and Daniel Jones for oral English.
Q: Which textbook is best for JAMB comprehension practice?
A: New Oxford Secondary English, Senior English Project, and Countdown English provide strong comprehension exercises.
Q: Which book should I use for phonetics and oral English?
A: Daniel Jones’s Pronouncing Dictionary and Essential Oral English are among the best options.
Q: Are these textbooks enough for a high score?
A: Yes, they fully cover grammar, comprehension, structure, summary, and phonetics which are the core areas JAMB tests.
Q: Does JAMB repeat questions in Use of English?
A: JAMB does not repeat past questions word-for-word, but concepts and question types remain consistent.
Q: What topics should I focus on the most?
A: Comprehension, lexis and structure, oral English, and summary passages carry the highest marks.
Q: Are older editions okay for study?
A: Older editions still work, but newer ones may include updated examples and improved explanations.
Q: Can I pass Use of English without reading textbooks?
A: It’s risky. Textbooks give you deeper understanding, especially in grammar and comprehension, which online summaries alone cannot provide.
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