JAMB UTME flashcards
JAMB UTME · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Concord (subject-verb agreement)
- The verb agrees with its subject in number. Phrases between subject and verb do not change this: 'The box of pens is here.'
- Semicolon function
- A semicolon links two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction. It shows the ideas belong together but could stand alone.
- Colon function
- A colon introduces a list, an explanation, or a quotation after a complete clause. It signals that what follows explains or expands the preceding statement.
- Idiom
- An expression whose meaning cannot be worked out from its individual words. 'Kick the bucket' means to die, not to strike a pail.
- Phrasal verb
- A verb combined with a particle that creates a new meaning, such as 'give up' (surrender) or 'look into' (investigate). The particle changes the sense.
- Register
- The level of formality suited to a context. Formal writing avoids contractions, slang, and casual phrasing, while informal speech permits them.
- Word stress
- The syllable given greatest emphasis in a word. Stress can change meaning or word class, as in 'REcord' (noun) versus 'reCORD' (verb).
- -ed pronunciation rules
- The past-tense ending is /t/ after voiceless sounds (walked), /d/ after voiced sounds (played), and /ɪd/ after /t/ or /d/ (wanted).
- Synonym in context
- A word with a similar meaning to another in a specific sentence. The correct option must fit the passage's sense, not just the dictionary's first meaning.
- Antonym
- A word with an opposite meaning to another, such as 'generous' and 'stingy'. Antonym questions ask you to identify the contrast in the given context.
- Cloze passage
- A text with words removed for the reader to restore. Predicting the needed word class first makes selecting among options more reliable.
- Comprehension strategy
- Read the questions before the passage, then locate the sentence supporting each answer. This focuses attention on evidence rather than general knowledge.
- Summary question
- A task asking you to condense a passage's main points. Correct options capture central ideas, not minor details or examples.
- Apostrophe use
- An apostrophe shows possession ('the student's book') or marks a contraction ('don't'). It does not form ordinary plurals.
- Dangling modifier
- A descriptive phrase that does not clearly attach to the word it modifies. 'Walking home, the rain started' wrongly suggests the rain was walking.
- UTME total score
- The UTME is scored across four subjects, each marked over 100, giving a maximum total of 400. Use of English is compulsory.
- Compulsory UTME subject
- Use of English is the only subject every candidate must take. The remaining three depend on the intended course of study.
- Medicine subject requirement
- Medical programmes typically require Biology, Chemistry, and Physics alongside Use of English. Confirm exact requirements in the institution's brochure.
- Engineering subject requirement
- Engineering courses usually require Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. Some institutions specify Further Mathematics as an advantage.
- Law subject requirement
- Law commonly requires Literature in English plus one Arts or Social Science subject. Requirements vary by university, so check the brochure.
- Economics subject requirement
- Economics programmes normally require Mathematics, Economics, and one other Social Science or commercial subject alongside Use of English.
- Negative marking
- A scoring rule that deducts marks for wrong answers. The JAMB UTME does not use it, so attempting every question carries no penalty.
- National cut-off mark
- The minimum UTME score set for admission to degree programmes, commonly around 140. Individual institutions may set higher departmental cut-offs.
- Departmental cut-off
- The score an individual department requires above the national minimum. Competitive courses such as Medicine set much higher thresholds.
- Change of course
- A JAMB process allowing candidates to switch intended course or institution after the UTME, subject to cut-off marks and available quotas.
- O'Level subject alignment
- The subjects declared on the UTME form should match the O'Level results presented for screening. Mismatches can disqualify an applicant.
- JAMB brochure
- The official document listing courses, their required subjects, and institutional rules. It is the authoritative source for subject combinations.
- Agricultural Science combination
- Agriculture programmes usually require Biology, Chemistry, and either Physics or Agricultural Science. Requirements differ between institutions.
- Social Science combination
- Social Science courses such as Government or Sociology typically require Government or Economics plus one other relevant subject.
- Choice of institution order
- Candidates rank institutions on the UTME form. The first choice is considered first for admission, so order reflects preference.
- Post-UTME screening
- A follow-up assessment or verification by the institution after the UTME. Performance there can affect admission alongside the UTME score.
- Subject relevance rule
- Only three subjects count toward the UTME score, and they must be relevant to the intended course. Irrelevant subjects may be rejected.