The JAMB Arabic syllabus is tailored for candidates aiming to demonstrate competence in understanding and using the Arabic language. It focuses on linguistic, literary, and cultural aspects to ensure a well-rounded assessment of a candidate’s knowledge.
Objectives of the JAMB Arabic Syllabus
By the end of your study, you should be able to:
- Use Arabic effectively for communication.
- Understand and interpret Arabic texts correctly.
- Appreciate Arabic literary forms and culture.
- Apply basic grammatical rules in both spoken and written Arabic.
- Translate texts between Arabic and English proficiently.
Main Sections of the JAMB Arabic Syllabus (2025/2026)
1. Comprehension
- Understanding written Arabic passages.
- Answering questions on themes, context, and specific information.
2. Translation
- Arabic to English and English to Arabic.
- Focus on short sentences, idiomatic expressions, and basic texts.
3. Grammar (Nahw and Sarf)
- Parts of speech (noun, verb, particle).
- Sentence construction and syntax.
- Tenses, verb conjugation, noun cases.
- Usage of definite/indefinite articles, pronouns, prepositions.
4. Composition (Insha')
- Writing simple essays and letters in Arabic.
- Correct sentence structure and vocabulary usage.
- Familiar topics like family, school, religion, and culture.
5. Arabic Literature
- Classical and modern Arabic prose and poetry.
- Literary appreciation: theme, style, figurative language.
- Prominent Arabic authors and poets.
6. Arabic Culture and Civilization
- Islamic practices and history.
- Contributions of Arabs to science, philosophy, and art.
- Influence of Arabic on global languages and societies.
Recommended Arabic Textbooks for JAMB
- Al-Arabiyyah lil-Nash’een (Books 1–4)
- An Introduction to Arabic Grammar by G.E. Von Grunebaum
- Modern Arabic by Haywood and Nahmad
- Arabic Reader for West African Schools
- JAMB Past Questions & Answers (Arabic)
JAMB Arabic Exam Tips (2025)
- Master Basic Grammar: Understanding nahw and sarf is crucial to scoring well.
- Practice Translation Daily: Translate both ways (Arabic–English and vice versa).
- Read Arabic Texts: Newspapers, short stories, and Qur’anic verses can improve comprehension.
- Write in Arabic: Practice essays or short paragraphs to develop writing fluency.
- Use Past Questions: Solve JAMB Arabic past questions to understand the exam pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is Arabic a compulsory subject in JAMB?
A: No, Arabic is an elective subject. Choose it if it's relevant to your course or area of study.
Q2: Does JAMB Arabic include essay writing?
A: No. All questions are multiple-choice but may test your ability to identify correct usage and compositions.
Q3: Can I use the Qur'an to study for JAMB Arabic?
A: Yes, but it should be complemented with grammar and literature textbooks.
Q4: What score is considered good in JAMB Arabic?
A: A score above 70 is competitive, especially for language or religious studies programs.
Conclusion
The Official JAMB Arabic Syllabus for 2025/2026 is your roadmap to mastering the language component of the UTME. Focus on grammar, translation, literature, and comprehension. With consistent effort and the right study materials, you can excel in the exam and gain admission into your desired course.
