JAMB UTME English Language (Use of English) Past Questions and Answers Free 2025 1

JAMB UTME English Language (Use of English) Past Questions and Answers Free 2025 1 | Best of JAMB Exam Success Study Guide – Introduction: Get High Score in JAMB Use of English

Preparing for the JAMB UTME English Language (Use of English) exam is one of the most important steps toward gaining admission into Nigerian universities and polytechnics. To help you score high and stand out, Eduonwheels presents the JAMB Use of English Past Questions and Answers Free 2025 1 Edition—your best and most reliable study guide for mastering every aspect of the exam. Whether you live in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano or any part of Nigeria, this comprehensive resource is designed to give you the confidence and exam-ready skills you need.

Our expertly compiled study guide provides updated past questions, accurate answers, and clear explanations across all the key Use of English sections—Comprehension, Cloze Test, Lexis and Structure, and Oral Forms. With Eduonwheels’ JAMB Success Guide, you can practise authentically, understand JAMB’s question patterns, and significantly improve your performance in one of the most competitive subjects.

Whether you’re a first-time candidate or rewriting to boost your score, this free 2025 collection empowers you to learn smarter, answer questions faster, and achieve the high score required for your dream course and institution. Start practicing now and take a confident step towards JAMB exam success with Eduonwheels.

 

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Get Your Free Access Now! This essential JAMB UTME Use of English Past Questions and Answers guide covers Comprehension, Cloze, Lexis and Structure, and Orals, complete with detailed answer explanations to help you secure a high score in the 2025 exam. Images: 1

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JAMB UTME English Language (Use of English) Past Questions and Answers Free 2025 1 – Question Key

Questions: Numbered 1 – 60

COMPREHENSION

Passage 1

INSTRUCTION: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

In many developing countries, education is often regarded as a luxury rather than a necessity. This perception stems from decades of underinvestment in public schools, resulting in dilapidated buildings, poorly trained teachers, and inadequate learning materials. While some argue that formal education is not the only route to success, it cannot be denied that it remains a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. Countries that have prioritized educational reforms, such as Rwanda and Bangladesh, have recorded remarkable improvements in literacy rates and economic growth. The challenge, therefore, lies not in the availability of resources alone, but in the willingness of leaders to make education a genuine national priority.

Questions Numbered: 1 – 5

1. According to the passage, why is education often seen as a luxury in developing countries?

A. Because parents prefer to send their children to work

B. Because there is no interest in formal education

C. Because of long years of poor funding and neglect

D. Because the government discourages public education

2. What is implied by the phrase “breaking the cycle of poverty” as used in the passage?

A. Reducing poverty through foreign aid

B. Using education to escape poverty passed from one generation to another

C. Making poor people wealthier through investments

D. Preventing people from returning to school

3. Which of the following best summarizes the main idea of the passage?

A. Poverty can be reduced through foreign donations

B. Leaders must fund private schools adequately

C. Education should be reserved for the rich

D. Education is essential and must be treated as a national priority

4. What does the passage suggest about Rwanda and Bangladesh?

A. They have abolished private schools

B. They have achieved success through educational reforms

C. They depend heavily on foreign teachers

D. They focus more on vocational training

5. According to the writer, what is the major obstacle to improving education?

A. Lack of textbooks and buildings

B. Absence of trained teachers

C. Leaders’ unwillingness to prioritize education

D. Shortage of foreign support

SENTENCE COMPLETION

In each of questions 6 – 10, fill the gap with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap.

6. The manager, along with his assistants, __________ expected to arrive by noon.

A. are            B. were

C. is              D. have been

7. If he __________ earlier, he would not have missed the flight.

A. arrives         B. had arrived

C. arrived         D. was arriving

8. The principal advised that every student __________ present at the assembly.

A. be           B. was

C. is            D. are

9. Not only did the speaker criticize the government, __________ he also proposed viable solutions.

A. and              B. but

C. also              D. moreover

10. Each of the contestants __________ to submit their forms before Friday.

A. have           B. are

C. were           D. has

LITERATURE – THE LEKKI HEADMASTER

The following questions are based on the novel, The Lekki Headmaster. Choose the correct answer from the list of options.

11. Who is the principal of Stardom Schools?

A. Mrs. Ibidun Gloss

B. Mr. Adewale Bepo

C. Mr. Audu

D. Mrs. Grace Apeh

12. What nickname was given to Mr. Bepo during his tenure at Stardom Schools?

A. The Lekki Principal

B. The Stardom Leader

C. The Lekki Headmaster

D. The Lagos Educator

13. Why was Mr. Bepo considering relocating abroad?

A. To pursue further studies

B. Due to family pressure and to join his wife and children in the UK

C. To accept a higher-paying job offer

D. To escape the challenges at Stardom Schools

14. How did the school management address the issue of student lateness?

A. Implementing stricter attendance policies

B. Lowering the boarding fees

C. Extending school hours

D. Introducing fines for latecomers

15. What was the outcome of the legal case involving a student asked to write on the marker board?

A. The teacher was dismissed

B. The student received a scholarship

C. The matter was settled out of court with specific terms

D. The school won the case in court

16. Which staff member first responded to Mr. Bepo’s distress during the assembly?

A. Mrs. Titi, the school nurse

B. Mrs. Grace Apeh, the Vice Principal

C. Mr. Audu, a teacher

D. A concerned student

17. What action did Mrs. Titi take during the assembly when Mr. Bepo was sobbing?

A. She ignored him

B. She fetched a handkerchief and offered it to him

C. She called for medical assistance

D. She dismissed the assembly

18. What financial institution within the school did the staff contribute to?

A. Stardom Savings Bank

B. Stardom Cooperative Society

C. Stardom Credit Union

D. Stardom Staff Fund

19. What incident caused embarrassment for the school involving the English teacher, Fafore?

A. He was late to class regularly

B. He made a grammatical error in a note to students

C. He was caught sleeping during lessons

D. He disciplined a student harshly

20. What was the primary setting of Chapter 1 in the novel?

A. A classroom

B. A school assembly

C. The principal’s office

D. The school yard

SENTENCE INTERPRETATION

Choose the option that best conveys the meaning of the underlined portion in each of the following sentences.

21. The teacher’s warning fell on deaf ears.

A. was misunderstood

B. was ignored

C. was welcomed

D. was responded to

22. Though he had failed many times, he was determined not to throw in the towel.

A. get angry

B. fight back

C. give up

D. cry aloud

23. When I saw her in that expensive dress, I knew she was putting on airs.

A. feeling cold

B. showing off

C. dressing poorly

D. looking sick

24. The new policy has stirred the hornet’s nest in the education sector.

A. caused confusion and anger

B. brought progress

C. improved morale

D. helped discipline students

25. The principal said he would call the shots in the meeting.

A. take photographs

B. be the timekeeper

C. be in control

D. allow others to speak

26. Bola’s success in the exam is a feather in her cap.

A. something to be proud of

B. a strange surprise

C. a reason to quit school

D. a symbol of shame

27. His explanation did not hold water.

A. was very detailed

B. was watery and vague

C. could not be proven

D. was full of lies

28. She was advised to face the music after breaking the rules.

A. go for music lessons

B. enjoy the punishment

C. accept the consequences

D. sing to the crowd

29. That argument between the two friends was just a storm in a teacup.

A. very serious and dangerous

B. a mild disagreement

C. an unexpected outcome

D. unnecessary and exaggerated

30. James is so unreliable; he always beats around the bush.

A. hides in the forest

B. avoids the main issue

C. plays with leaves

D. goes hunting for fun

Choose the option that is most appropriate for the context in which it is used.

31. In legal proceedings, the term “plaintiff” refers to:

A. the judge in a case

B. the person accused of a crime

C. the lawyer defending the case

D. the person who brings a case to court

32. In the hospital register, the term “diagnosis” refers to:

A. a list of prescribed drugs

B. the process of treating a disease

C. the identification of an illness

D. the arrangement for surgery

33. In the banking field, a “fixed deposit” refers to:

A. money that can be withdrawn anytime

B. a loan given by the bank

C. money kept for a specific period and not withdrawn

D. money used to open a current account

34. In the engineering context, the term “blueprint” means:

A. a type of building material

B. a drawing showing the design of a structure

C. a form of contract

D. a machine used in construction

WORD STRESS PATTERN

In questions 35 – 37, choose the word that has the primary stress on the first syllable.

35. A. enjoy          B. control

C. doctor        D. repair

36. A. engineer      B. understand

C. lecture         D. entertain

37. A. postpone     B. mistake

C. offer            D. arrange

PHONETICS – VOWEL SOUND

In questions 38 – 40, choose the word that contains the sound represented by the underlined letters.

38. The vowel sound in seat is also heard in:

A. sit            B. bit

C. beat         D. set

39. The vowel sound in cup is also found in:

A. put           B. park

C. cut            D. coat

40. The vowel sound in call is also in:

A. girl         B. cot

C. hall         D. goal

WORD RHYME

In questions 41 – 45, choose the word that rhymes with the given word.

41. Peak

A. pick          B. pack

C. leak          D. peck

42. Train

A. rain        B. pen

C. ran         D. ran

43. Tough

A. cough        B. rough

C. though       D. enough

44. Whole

A. mole       B. doll

C. pull         D. wall

45. Tide

A. bid        B. lied

C. did        D. lid

SENTENCE COMPLETION

In questions 46 – 50. choose the word that best completes the sentence.

46. The committee was dissolved because of its inability to reach a __________ on key issues.

A. debate          B. compromise

C. majority        D. confusion

47. He was advised to be __________ in his speech so as not to offend the audience.

A. critical            B. blunt

C. diplomatic      D. persuasive

48. The manager was commended for his __________ handling of the crisis.

A. casual           B. tactful

C. reckless         D. slow

49. Her comments were too __________ to be taken seriously.

A. sarcastic          B. trivial

C. intense            D. precise

50. The scientist was awarded a Nobel Prize for his __________ to climate change research.

A. insight

B. invention

C. contribution

D. attachment

SYNONYMS (NEAREST IN MEANING)

In questions 51 – 53, choose the word that is nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics.

51. His comments were inflammatory and caused widespread outrage.

A. sincere             B. annoying

C. provocative      D. offensive

52. She remained adamant in her decision despite pressure from the board.

A. firm          B. rude

C. polite        D. reckless

53. The teacher gave a concise summary of the lesson.

A. lengthy        B. accurate

C. brief            D. detailed

In questions 54 – 56, choose the most appropriate option to complete the sentence.

54. Hardly had the bell rung __________ the students rushed out.

A. than         B. when

C. then         D. while

55. He would have succeeded if he __________ harder.

A. had tried         B. tried

C. has tried         D. tries

56. I wish I __________ the truth earlier.

A. know              B. knew

C. had known      D. have known

ANTONYMS (OPPOSITE IN MEANING)

In questions 57 – 60, choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the word or phrases in italics.

57. The government’s decision was lauded by the citizens.

A. rejected         B. criticized

C. welcomed      D. delayed

58. He is a very frugal man.

A. modest     B. extravagant

C. poor         D. stingy

59. The manager gave a candid account of the incident.

A. honest           B. false

C. secretive        D. unclear

60. Her attitude was quite hostile.

A. harsh         B. friendly

C. angry        D. indifferent

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You will find in our other Use of English Past Questions and Answers:

• JAMB UTME English Language (Use of English) Past Questions and Answers: Repeated Questions 2001 – 2025

• JAMB UTME English Language (Use of English) Past Questions and Answers: Topics, including New Topics

• JAMB UTME English Language (Use of English) Past Questions and Answers: Most Repeated Topics and Questions 2001 – 2025

• JAMB UTME English Language (Use of English) Past Questions and Answers PDF 2001 – 2025

• JAMB UTME English Language (Use of English) Past Questions and Answers: Likely Questions 2026 – 2030

• Preparatory Tests on JAMB UTME English Language (Use of English) Past Questions and Answers: MCQ

• JAMB UTME English Language (Use of English) Past Questions and Answers: Area of Concentration

JAMB UTME English Language (Use of English) Past Questions and Answers Free 2024 1 – Answer Key

Answers: Numbered 1 – 94

1. C
2. B
3. D
4. B
5. C
6. C
7. B
8. A
9. B
10. D
11. B
12. C
13. B
14. A
15. C
16. A
17. B
18. B
19. B
20. B
21. B
22. C
23. B
24. A
25. C
26. A
27. C
28. C
29. D
30. B
31. D
32. C
33. C
34. B
35. C
36. C
37. C
38. C
39. C
40. C
41. C
42. A
43. B
44. A
45. B
46. B
47. C
48. B
49. B
50. C
51. C
52. A
53. C
54. B
55. A
56. C
57. B
58. B
59. C
60. B

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JAMB UTME English Language (Use of English) Past Questions and Answers Free 2025 1 – Answer Explanation Key

Answer Explanations: Numbered 1 – 60

1. C – The passage states that the perception of education as a luxury “stems from decades of underinvestment”, i.e., poor funding and neglect.
2. B – “Breaking the cycle of poverty” metaphorically refers to using education to interrupt intergenerational poverty.
3. D – The central argument is that education is essential and must be prioritized by leaders for national progress.
4. B – Rwanda and Bangladesh are cited as examples of countries that improved through educational reforms.
5. C – The last sentence identifies the real challenge as leaders’ unwillingness to prioritize education—not just resource scarcity.
6. C – Subject is The manager (singular); “along with his assistants” is a prepositional phrase and does not affect verb agreement.
7. B – Third conditional: If he had arrived earlier… he would not have missed… (past unreal condition).
8. A – After advised that, the subjunctive mood is used: every student be present.
9. B – Correct correlative conjunction: Not only… but (also)… — “also” is optional after “but”.
10. D – Each is singular; verb must agree: Each… has to submit…
11. B – Mr. Adewale Bepo is the principal of Stardom Schools.
12. C – He is famously known as The Lekki Headmaster—the title of the novel itself confirms this.
13. B – Mr. Bepo considered relocating to join his wife and children in the UK due to family reasons and personal strain.
14. A – The school introduced stricter attendance policies to reduce lateness (e.g., assembly enforcement, punctuality checks).
15. C – The case involving the marker board incident was settled out of court, with mutual agreements and apologies.
16. A – Mrs. Titi, the school nurse, was the first to notice and respond to Mr. Bepo’s distress.
17. B – She compassionately fetched a handkerchief and offered it to him while he sobbed.
18. B – Staff contributed to the Stardom Cooperative Society, a mutual support fund.
19. B – The English teacher, Fafore, wrote a note containing a grammatical error (“your” instead of “you’re”), embarrassing him.
20. B – Chapter 1 opens with Mr. Bepo breaking down during a school assembly.
21. B – “Fell on deaf ears” means the warning was ignored.
22. C – “Throw in the towel” is an idiom meaning to give up (from boxing).
23. B – “Putting on airs” means pretending to be superior or showing off.
24. A – “Stirred the hornet’s nest” = caused anger, controversy, and unrest.
25. C – “Call the shots” = be in charge or control.
26. A – “A feather in her cap” = an achievement to be proud of.
27. C – “Did not hold water” = was not logical or credible (could not withstand scrutiny).
28. C – “Face the music” = accept unpleasant consequences.
29. D – “Storm in a teacup” = a lot of fuss over something trivial — i.e., unnecessary/exaggerated.
30. B – “Beats around the bush” = avoids the main issue or point.
31. D – A plaintiff is the person who initiates a lawsuit in court.
32. C – Diagnosis is the identification of a disease from symptoms/tests.
33. C – A fixed deposit is money deposited for a fixed term, with withdrawal restrictions.
34. B – A blueprint is a technical drawing showing design plans (esp. architecture/engineering).
35. C – doctor (ˈdɒk.tər) — stress on first syllable. Others: enjoy, control, repair (stress on second).
36. C – lecture (ˈlek.tʃər) — first syllable. Others: engineer (2nd), understand (2nd), entertain (2nd).
37. C – offer (ˈɒf.ər) — first syllable. Others: postpone, mistake, arrange (2nd).
38. C – seat and beat both contain the long /iː/ vowel. sit, bit, set have short /ɪ/ or /e/.
39. C – cup and cut both contain the short /ʌ/ vowel. put has /ʊ/, park /ɑː/, coat /əʊ/.
40. C – call and hall both have the /ɔː/ vowel (in standard British/Nigerian English). girl has /ɜː/, cot /ɒ/, goal /əʊ/.
41. C – peak /piːk/ rhymes with leak /liːk/. pick, pack, peck have short /ɪ/ or /e/.
42. A – train and rain both end in /eɪn/. pen and ran have different vowels (/e/, /æ/).
43. B – tough /tʌf/ rhymes with rough /rʌf/. cough /kɒf/, though /ðəʊ/, enough /ɪˈnʌf/ — only rough has identical vowel+consonant sound.
44. A – whole /həʊl/ rhymes with mole /məʊl/. doll /ɒl/, pull /ʊl/, wall /ɔːl/ — differ in vowel.
45. B – tide /taɪd/ rhymes with lied (past of lie) /laɪd/. bid, did, lid have short /ɪ/.
46. B – A compromise is an agreement where both sides give something up — needed to resolve disagreement.
47. C – Diplomatic speech avoids offense through tact and sensitivity.
48. B – Tactful means skillful in handling delicate situations — fits “commended for… handling”.
49. B – Trivial comments lack seriousness/importance — hence “not taken seriously”.
50. C – A contribution is a significant input or addition to a field (standard collocation with research awards).
51. C – Inflammatory means intended to provoke or incite strong reactions — closest is provocative. (Note: offensive is close, but provocative better captures intent to stir emotion).
52. A – Adamant means unshakably firm in opinion — synonym is firm.
53. C – Concise means brief and to the point.
54. B – Fixed phrase: Hardly… when… (not than or then).
55. A – Third conditional: He would have succeeded if he had tried harder.
56. C – For past-regret wishes: I wish I had known… (past perfect).
57. B – Lauded = praised enthusiastically → opposite is criticized. (Rejected is possible but less direct; criticized is the strongest antonym in context).
58. B – Frugal = economical, sparing → opposite is extravagant (spending excessively). (Stingy is negative synonym, not antonym).
59. C – Candid = open, honest → opposite is secretive (withholding truth). (False is stronger dishonesty; secretive fits tone).
60. B – Hostile = unfriendly, aggressive → opposite is friendly.

 

‘JAMB UTME English Language (Use of English) Past Questions and Answers Free 2025 1 | Best of JAMB Exam Success Study Guide – Introduction: Get High Score in JAMB Use of English’