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An investigative reporter returns to the scene of a decades-old crime to put her own unsettled past to rest in this chilling suspense novel by New York Times bestselling author Mary Burton. Cold case reporter Sloane Grayson has come to a small mountain town in Virginia to solve a mystery.Thirty years ago, her mother was one of four women who vanished during a music festival. The event’s promoter was eventually convicted of their murders, and Sheriff CJ Taggart closed the case. But for Sloane, it’s still open. Because the bodies were never found.With Taggart now long dead, Sloane must make do with questioning the victims’ families and the few remaining witnesses once again. If they’re still willing to dredge up memories of a crime that made their town notorious. As for the incarcerated killer, he has always maintained his innocence. Sloane isn’t entirely convinced he’s lying.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) remains one of the most competitive examinations in Nigeria. Every year, millions of students fight for limited spaces in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Scoring high—especially scoring 280 and above—is not just a mark of academic excellence; it gives you a significant advantage during admission, especially into competitive courses such as Medicine, Law, Engineering, Nursing, Pharmacy, Computer Science, and Accounting.For JAMB 2026 candidates, the competition will be even tighter because more students are applying for limited slots. But the good news is: scoring 280+ on your first attempt is very possible if you follow the right strategies, understand JAMB’s marking structure, and adopt disciplined reading habits.This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to score 280 or above on your first attempt in JAMB 2026, from choosing the right subject combination, to using recommended textbooks, avoiding common mistakes, mastering CBT skills, following a smart timetable, and applying psychological, spiritual, and practical techniques that top scorers use.
CHAPTER 1: Understanding What It Takes to Score 280+
Before you begin preparing for JAMB 2026, you must understand what scoring 280+ truly requires. Many students want high scores, but only a few know what it takes academically, mentally, and strategically.
1.1 The Mindset of a 280+ Candidate
A student targeting 280+ must have a different mindset from an average student. This includes:
- Commitment to daily study
- Willingness to sacrifice distractions
- Discipline to follow a timetable
- Ability to revise repeatedly
- Confidence in one’s ability
- Belief that passing JAMB is a skill, not only raw intelligence
Most students fail JAMB not because they are dull, but because they lack strategy and consistency.If you want to score 280 or above, you must think like a winner from day one.
1.2 Understanding JAMB’s Marking System
Knowing how JAMB marks answers helps you plan your strategy.
- English Language = 60 questions = 60 marks
- Other subjects (3 subjects) = 40 questions each = 40 marks each
Total = 60 + 40 + 40 + 40 = 180 questions = 400 marksThis means for you to score 280, you need at least:
- 70% accuracy overall, or
- Answering around 126 questions correctly
But aiming for the bare minimum is risky. You must target 85–90% accuracy to be safe.
CHAPTER 2: How to Start Early and Plan Efficiently
Starting preparation early gives you an advantage over students who wait until one month before the exam.
2.1 When to Start Reading for JAMB 2026
The best time to start studying is 6–12 months before the exam.Early preparation allows you to:
- Understand concepts deeply
- Practice past questions repeatedly
- Solve mock CBT exams
- Build confidence
2.2 Set Clear Goals for Each Week
Goals help you stay focused. Examples:
- Finish two topics in Physics this week
- Read one recommended novel chapter per day
- Solve 200 past questions every weekend
- Take one CBT mock test weekly
2.3 Build a Study Timetable That Works
Your timetable should include:
- Daily reading hours
- Weekly revision
- Past questions sessions
- CBT mock practice
- Breaks and rest
A sample timetable:
- 2 hours English
- 2 hours major subject
- 1 hour second subject
- 1 hour third subject
- 30 minutes revision
Total: 6.5 hours daily
Students who score above 280 usually study an average of 4–7 hours daily.
CHAPTER 3: Choosing the Right Subject Combination and Textbooks
Your subject combination contributes to your performance. Choosing the wrong combination can lead to stress, confusion, and failure.
3.1 Correct Subject Combination Matters
Examples:
- Medicine & Surgery: English, Biology, Physics, Chemistry
- Law: English, Literature, Government/CRS, Any Arts subject
- Engineering: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
- Nursing: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Mass Communication: English, Government, Literature, CRS/Economics
If your combination is wrong, even a high JAMB score will not guarantee admission.
3.2 Best JAMB-Recommended Textbooks for 2026
Having the right textbooks improves understanding.
English Language
- The Invisible Man (JAMB recommended novel for 2026)
- New Oxford English
- Essential English
Biology
- Modern Biology by Ramalingam
- Essential Biology
- College Biology
Chemistry
- New School Chemistry by Ababio
- Practical Chemistry by Osei Yaw Ababio
Physics
- New School Physics by Anyakoha
- Essential Physics
Government
- Essential Government
- Comprehensive Government
Literature
- Poems, Plays, Prose recommended by JAMB for 2026
Using textbooks alone is not enough—you must combine them with past questions and CBT mock tests.
CHAPTER 4: Mastering the JAMB English Language Paper
The English Language paper carries the highest mark (60 marks), so you must score high in it to reach 280+.
4.1 Key Areas of English You Must Master
- Comprehension
- Lexis and Structure
- Oral English
- Interpretation
- JAMB Novel Questions
4.2 How to Score 50+ in JAMB English
- Read and understand the JAMB recommended novel at least three times
- Practice comprehension daily
- Learn synonyms, antonyms, and idioms
- Understand parts of speech
- Learn basic grammar rules
- Practice oral English past questions
If you score 50/60 in English, reaching 280 becomes much easier.
CHAPTER 5: How to Study Each Subject Effectively
5.1 How to Study Mathematics
(Applies to Engineering, Sciences, and some Social Science candidates)Tips:
- Understand formulas, don’t cram
- Practice 20–50 questions daily
- Focus on topics like indices, logarithms, algebra, geometry, trigonometry
5.2 How to Study Physics
- Study definitions and laws
- Memorize formulas
- Solve many numerical problems
- Use Physics videos for visualization
5.3 How to Study Chemistry
- Understand periodic table trends
- Memorize solubility rules
- Learn organic chemistry patterns
- Practice calculations (moles, concentration, gas laws)
5.4 How to Study Biology
- Summaries and diagrams work well
- Study 3 topics daily
- Focus on ecology, genetics, cell biology, physiology
5.5 How to Study Arts and Social Science Subjects
These subjects require:
- Reading repeatedly
- Understanding key terms
- Maintaining accurate dates and constitutions
- Solving past questions to understand patterns
CHAPTER 6: Past Questions and CBT Mock Practice
6.1 Why Past Questions Are Your Secret Weapon
JAMB repeats questions every year.
Top scorers usually solve 10–15 years of past questions.
6.2 How to Use Past Questions Properly
- Don’t just memorize—understand why answers are correct
- Solve under timed conditions
- Track your mistakes
- Re-solve difficult questions
6.3 CBT Mock Exams Are Important
Many students are not familiar with computers. This leads to:
- Panic
- Wrong navigation
- Time wastage
- Low scores
To score 280+, you must take at least 30 mock tests before the exam.
CHAPTER 7: Time Management Techniques During the Exam
Time management is a major reason students fail.
7.1 Distribute Time Smartly
You have 2 hours for 180 questions.Recommended time allocation:
- English: 40 minutes
- First major subject: 25 minutes
- Second subject: 25 minutes
- Third subject: 25 minutes
- 5 minutes review
7.2 Don’t Get Stuck on Difficult Questions
Skip and come back later.
Each question carries almost equal mark, so wasting time reduces your score.
7.3 Always Attempt All Questions
There is no negative marking in JAMB.
CHAPTER 8: Preparing Emotionally and Mentally
8.1 Fear is Your Enemy
Many students get low scores because of panic.Ways to reduce fear:
- Practice daily
- Take mock exams
- Maintain a positive mindset
- Believe in your preparation
8.2 Avoid Comparing Yourself with Other Candidates
Focus on your own journey.
CHAPTER 9: Exam Day Guidelines for Scoring 280+
9.1 A Day Before the Exam
- Sleep early
- Prepare your slip and required items
- Avoid social media distractions
- Revise lightly
9.2 Exam Day Morning
- Eat something light
- Arrive early
- Avoid unnecessary conversations
- Remain calm
9.3 Use Your Time Wisely Inside the Hall
- Read instructions first
- Start with English
- Use skip-and-return technique
- Submit only when you’re sure
CHAPTER 10: Common Mistakes Students Make and How to Avoid Them
10.1 Reading Only Past Questions
This limits your understanding.
10.2 Relying on “Expo” or Special Centres
This is the fastest way to fail.
10.3 Not Practicing CBT
Leads to confusion during the exam.
10.4 Not Learning the JAMB Novel
This affects your English score.
10.5 Poor Time Management
Reduces your score drastically.
CHAPTER 11: Proven Techniques Top Scorers Use
Top JAMB scorers (280–350) often use similar principles.
11.1 The 3R Method: Read, Revise, Repeat
Constant repetition helps information stick.
11.2 The 6–8 Hours Daily Reading Rule
High scorers read consistently.
11.3 The “30 Mock Tests Strategy”
This builds exam stamina.
11.4 Using Videos and Visual Resources
Makes difficult topics easier.
11.5 Solving Past Questions Multiple Times
Your brain becomes familiar with patterns.
CHAPTER 12: Final 30-Day, 7-Day, and 24-Hour Plan Before JAMB
12.1 Final 30 Days
- Complete past questions
- Take daily mock tests
- Revise all topics
12.2 Final 7 Days
- Focus on weak areas
- Read summaries and notes
- Practice English thoroughly
12.3 Final 24 Hours
- Relax
- Sleep early
- Pack your items
- Stay positive
Conclusion: You Can Score 280+ in JAMB 2026 on Your First Attempt
Scoring 280 and above is not luck—it is a result of strategy, discipline, consistency, and smart preparation. If you:
- Start early
- Follow the right timetable
- Study the right textbooks
- Practice many CBT exams
- Read the JAMB novel
- Avoid distractions
- Stay consistent
You can achieve a very high score on your first attempt.JAMB is not too difficult. It is predictable.
Learn the patterns, master the techniques, and your score will reflect your effort.With commitment, you can score 280+, 300+, and even 320+.
