JAMB, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, holds an exam that millions of Nigerian students prepare for every year. One of the essential parts of the JAMB UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) is the use of a recommended novel, which is usually part of the English Language section. This novel provides questions that test your comprehension, understanding of themes, characters, and events. For the 2023/2024 academic session, JAMB has chosen “The Life Changer” by Khadija Abubakar Jalli.
But what exactly is “The Life Changer” all about? Why is it relevant for JAMB, and how can you prepare for the questions that might come from it? Well, get comfortable because we’re diving deep into the world of this intriguing novel to help you ace that part of your exam.
What is JAMB Novel “The Life Changer”?
“The Life Changer” is a novel that explores the twists and turns of life, particularly how decisions can shape our destiny. Written by Khadija Abubakar Jalli, the book primarily focuses on a family, led by a mother, Salma, and her children, who navigate the challenges of life and education in Nigeria. It’s about the changing dynamics that education brings into our lives and the decisions that alter our paths forever.
The novel takes on themes of corruption, friendship, love, and determination. It’s written in a simple, conversational style, which makes it easy for young readers to connect with. This is especially crucial for JAMB candidates, as understanding the characters and themes can boost your score in the exam.
Why Does JAMB Include a Novel in Their Exam?
You might wonder, “Why is a novel necessary for a standardized test?” Well, reading comprehension is an essential skill. JAMB uses novels to assess how well students can understand complex narratives, analyze characters, and interpret events. The questions asked from the novel test your ability to grasp the essence of the story, recall specific details, and even infer meanings from what the characters do or say.
Reading novels also enhances your vocabulary and comprehension skills, which are critical in not just JAMB, but any academic pursuit. “The Life Changer” offers a way to practice these skills in a context that feels more like storytelling than a textbook exercise.
Key Themes in “The Life Changer”
1. Education as a Life Changer
The title of the novel is a clear indication of one of its central themes—education. The novel shows how education can transform lives, as Salma, one of the major characters, influences the direction of her family and friends’ futures. The author delves into how pursuing education opens new doors and changes the way individuals think and act.
2. Corruption
A major theme in “The Life Changer” is corruption, especially in institutions like universities. The book sheds light on how corrupt practices can derail students’ dreams and disrupt the fairness in education. This theme resonates deeply with many students and adults alike, making it relatable and thought-provoking.
3. Friendship and Loyalty
Throughout the novel, we witness strong bonds of friendship, especially among Salma and her university friends. These relationships face challenges, but loyalty and support are recurring elements that define these friendships. The author uses these characters to explore how friends can shape our experiences and decisions in life.
4. Love and Relationships
The novel also touches on romantic relationships and the complications that can arise, particularly when education, culture, and societal expectations are at play. It portrays how love and relationships intertwine with life’s larger decisions, particularly for young people finding their way.
5. Integrity
Through different characters, “The Life Changer” presents the importance of integrity in education and life. Salma’s journey and the experiences of other students reflect the choices between right and wrong and the impact those choices have on their futures.
Main Characters in “The Life Changer”
1. Salma
Salma is the main protagonist of “The Life Changer.” She is intelligent, confident, and outspoken, traits that make her a central figure in her family and at the university. Salma’s life experiences serve as a focal point for exploring how education and life choices intersect.
2. Ummi
Ummi is the mother of the protagonist. She is the epitome of wisdom and is often the voice of reason throughout the novel. Ummi’s advice and teachings to her children form the foundation for many of the novel’s lessons about life, values, and education.
3. Talle
Talle is a quiet, reserved character who becomes entangled in a corruption scandal. His story arc explores how even the most unsuspecting people can be swept into life’s darker corners when they are not vigilant.
4. Habib
Habib plays a significant role in the corruption theme of the novel. He is depicted as someone who manipulates the system for personal gain, showing how individuals can influence institutions negatively if they lack moral standing.
5. The University Friends
Salma’s circle of friends at the university, including Tomiwa, Ngozi, and Ada, represent the different backgrounds and experiences that shape a student’s life. Through their interactions, the novel highlights the diversity and unity found in friendships despite the challenges they face.
Summary of the Plot
The novel starts with Ummi, a mother of four, telling the story of her daughter, Salma, and how her admission to university changes the course of her life. Salma is a confident young woman who, like most university students, faces several challenges—from dealing with corrupt lecturers to navigating friendships and relationships.
One day, Salma finds herself in a difficult situation involving a bribe, which leads to a series of events that put her integrity to the test. As the story unfolds, we see Salma grow and mature, learning valuable lessons about life, love, and the importance of making the right choices.
Why “The Life Changer” is Important for JAMB Candidates
Studying “The Life Changer” for JAMB offers more than just an opportunity to pass a section of the English exam. The novel gives insight into real-life scenarios that many Nigerian students may encounter, making it relatable and educational beyond the exam hall. The themes of integrity, education, and friendship teach lessons that resonate with students in real life, and mastering the content of this novel helps students answer JAMB questions with ease.
How to Study “The Life Changer” for JAMB
1. Read the Book Thoroughly
Start by reading the novel carefully. Don’t just skim through the pages—immerse yourself in the characters, the story, and the themes. Take notes on the major plot points, characters, and any significant quotes that stand out.
2. Highlight Key Themes
Make sure to identify and understand the main themes of the novel. The themes of education, corruption, and integrity are likely to feature in the questions JAMB will ask, so take time to grasp these concepts.
3. Practice Answering Sample Questions
Look for sample JAMB questions related to the novel and practice answering them. This will help you get used to the format of the questions and reinforce your understanding of the story.
4. Join Study Groups
If possible, join a study group with fellow JAMB candidates. Discussing the novel with others can offer new insights and help clarify anything you might have missed during your own reading.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Studying “The Life Changer”
1. Not Reading the Entire Novel
Some students make the mistake of relying on summaries or skimming through the book. Don’t do this! To fully understand the plot and themes, you need to read the novel in its entirety.
2. Ignoring Minor Characters
While Salma and Ummi are the central characters, don’t overlook the minor characters, as they also play crucial roles in the development of the story and themes.
3. Forgetting to Revise
After your first read, make sure you revise. Go back to your notes, reread key parts, and test yourself on the important themes and events.
Conclusion
The Life Changer is more than just a JAMB novel; it’s a story that reflects the realities of education, personal growth, and the power of choices in shaping our lives. For JAMB candidates, this novel offers a valuable opportunity to test comprehension skills and engage with meaningful themes that go beyond the exam. By studying this novel carefully and practicing with sample questions, you’ll not only be prepared for the JAMB English section but also gain insights that can serve you throughout your academic journey.
FAQs
How many questions are asked from the novel in JAMB?
Typically, JAMB asks between 10 to 15 questions from the novel, focusing on characters, themes, and specific events in the story.
Is “The Life Changer” difficult to understand?
No, The Life Changer is written in a simple, conversational style, making it easy to understand for most readers.
Can I rely on summaries to study the novel?
While summaries can be helpful, it’s essential to read the full novel to capture all the nuances and details that might come up in JAMB questions.
What themes should I focus on when studying the novel?
Focus on themes like education, corruption, friendship, integrity, and love. These are central to the novel and likely to appear in exam questions.
Where can I find sample questions for the novel?
Sample questions can often be found in JAMB past papers, online study platforms, or study groups specifically preparing for JAMB.
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