The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is a Nigerian examination board responsible for conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The UTME is a computer-based examination that tests the candidate’s knowledge in four subjects – English Language, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. In this article, we will discuss how JAMB English is marked.
Overview of the JAMB English Examination:
The JAMB English examination consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that test the candidate’s knowledge in areas such as comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and literature. The examination is divided into four sections, as follows:
Comprehension: This section tests the candidate’s ability to understand written texts and answer questions based on the texts.
Lexis and Structure: This section tests the candidate’s knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure.
Oral Forms: This section tests the candidate’s ability to recognize and interpret oral forms of English such as conversations, speeches, and interviews.
Literature: This section tests the candidate’s knowledge of literary devices, literary analysis, and critical reasoning.
Marking Scheme for JAMB English:
The JAMB English examination is marked out of a total of 100 marks, with each question carrying 1.67 marks. The marking scheme for JAMB English is as follows:
Comprehension: The comprehension section carries a total of 15 marks, and each question carries 1 mark. Candidates are expected to read the passage carefully and answer the questions based on the information provided in the passage. Candidates are awarded full marks for correct answers and no marks for wrong answers.
Lexis and Structure: The lexis and structure section carries a total of 35 marks, and each question carries 1 mark. Candidates are tested on their knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure. Candidates are awarded full marks for correct answers and no marks for wrong answers.
Oral Forms: The oral forms section carries a total of 10 marks, and each question carries 1 mark. Candidates are tested on their ability to recognize and interpret oral forms of English. Candidates are awarded full marks for correct answers and no marks for wrong answers.
Literature: The literature section carries a total of 40 marks, and each question carries 1 mark. Candidates are tested on their knowledge of literary devices, literary analysis, and critical reasoning. Candidates are awarded full marks for correct answers and no marks for wrong answers.
It is important to note that there is no negative marking in the JAMB English examination. Candidates are not penalized for wrong answers, and they are encouraged to attempt all the questions.
Tips for Scoring Well in JAMB English:
Here are some tips that can help candidates score well in JAMB English:
Read Widely: Candidates should read widely to improve their comprehension skills and their knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, and literary devices.
Practice Past Questions: Practicing past questions is one of the best ways to prepare for JAMB English. Candidates should solve as many past questions as possible to get familiar with the exam pattern and improve their speed and accuracy.
Improve Vocabulary: Candidates should improve their vocabulary by learning new words and their meanings. This will help them understand the passages better and answer the questions correctly.
Revise Grammar: Candidates should revise their grammar to improve their knowledge of sentence structure and other grammatical concepts.
Manage Time Effectively: Time management is crucial in JAMB English. Candidates should learn to manage their time effectively during the exam and allocate enough time for each section.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the JAMB English examination consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that test the candidate’s knowledge in areas such as comprehension, grammar , vocabulary, and literature. The examination is divided into four sections, and each section is marked according to a specific marking scheme. The marking scheme for JAMB English is designed to award full marks for correct answers and no marks for wrong answers. Candidates who want to score well in JAMB English should read widely, practice past questions, improve their vocabulary, revise their grammar, and manage their time effectively during the exam. By following these tips, candidates can improve their chances of scoring well in JAMB English and gaining admission into their preferred tertiary institutions in Nigeria.