JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Arabic Studies 2020
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2020 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
Ready to test yourself? Take the full JAMB Arabic Studies 2020 CBT quiz — timed, just like the real exam.
Start Quiz
1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

What is the nominative case ending for an indefinite singular noun in Arabic?

A. فتحة
B. كسرة
C. ضمة
D. سكون
Explanation

An indefinite singular noun in the nominative case takes 'ضمة' with tanwin (e.g., 'كتابٌ'). 'فتحة' is accusative, 'كسرة' is genitive, and 'سكون' is vowelless.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

Which of the following is a relative pronoun in Arabic?

A. هذا
B. الذين
C. في
D. لأن
Explanation

'الذين' (those who) is a relative pronoun for plural masculine nouns. 'هذا' is a demonstrative pronoun, 'في' is a preposition, and 'لأن' is a conjunction.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

What is the function of the particle 'لـ' in a sentence?

A. Possession or purpose
B. Negation
C. Emphasis
D. Contrast
Explanation

'لـ' indicates possession (e.g., 'to/for') or purpose (e.g., 'for the sake of'). It is not used for negation, emphasis, or contrast.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

Identify the direct object in the sentence: 'الطالب يحفظ القرآن.'

A. الطالب
B. يحفظ
C. القرآن
D. None
Explanation

In 'الطالب يحفظ القرآن' (The student memorizes the Quran), 'القرآن' is the direct object receiving the action of 'يحفظ' (memorizes).

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

Which case is indicated by the ending 'ـين' for sound masculine plural nouns?

A. Nominative
B. Accusative
C. Genitive
D. Both B and C
Explanation

The ending 'ـين' indicates both accusative and genitive cases for sound masculine plural nouns (e.g., 'لمدرسين'). 'ـون' is used for nominative.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

What is the plural form of the noun 'بيت' (house)?

A. بيوت
B. بيتان
C. بيتون
D. أبيات
Explanation

The plural of 'بيت' (house) is 'بيوت' (houses), an irregular plural. 'بيتان' is dual, 'بيتون' is incorrect, and 'أبيات' refers to verses.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

Which of the following is a defective verb?

A. دعا
B. كتب
C. ضرب
D. فتح
Explanation

A defective verb ends with a weak letter (و or ي). 'دعا' (to call) ends with 'ا' (from و), making it defective. The others are sound verbs.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

What is the past tense third person plural masculine form of the verb 'رأى' (to see)?

A. رأوا
B. رأت
C. رأين
D. رأون
Explanation

The verb 'رأى' in past tense third person plural masculine is 'رأوا' (they saw). 'رأت' is singular feminine, 'رأين' is plural feminine, and 'رأون' is incorrect.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

Which particle is used to express condition in Arabic?

A. إذا
B. لكن
C. و
D. إن
Explanation

'إذا' (if) expresses condition in Arabic sentences. 'لكن' means 'but,' 'و' means 'and,' and 'إن' is for emphasis.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

What is the grammatical role of 'الرسم' in the sentence 'رسمت الرسم على الورق'?

A. Subject
B. Direct object
C. Prepositional phrase
D. Verb
Explanation

In 'رسمت الرسم على الورق' (I drew the drawing on the paper), 'الرسم' is the direct object receiving the action of 'رسمت' (drew).

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

What is the Arabic word for 'mosque'?

A. مدرسة
B. مسجد
C. سوق
D. مكتبة
Explanation

'مسجد' means 'mosque.' 'مدرسة' is school, 'سوق' is market, and 'مكتبة' is library.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

Translate the sentence 'أنا ألعب كرة القدم' into English.

A. I play basketball.
B. I play football.
C. I play tennis.
D. I play volleyball.
Explanation

'أنا ألعب كرة القدم' translates to 'I play football.' 'ألعب' means 'play,' and 'كرة القدم' means 'football.'

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

What is the meaning of the word 'أرض' in English?

A. Sky
B. Sea
C. Earth
D. Star
Explanation

'أرض' means 'earth.' 'Sky' is 'سماء,' 'sea' is 'بحر,' and 'star' is 'نجم.'

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

Which is the correct translation of 'The door is closed' into Arabic?

A. الباب مفتوح
B. الباب مغلق
C. الباب جديد
D. الباب قديم
Explanation

'The door is closed' translates to 'الباب مغلق,' where 'مغلق' means 'closed.' The others mean open, new, and old.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

What is the opposite of the word 'صغير' (small)?

A. كبير
B. قصير
C. طويل
D. خفيف
Explanation

The opposite of 'صغير' (small) is 'كبير' (big). 'قصير' is short, 'طويل' is tall/long, and 'خفيف' is light.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

Choose the correct Arabic translation for 'I am hungry.'

A. أنا جائع
B. أنا سعيد
C. أنا تعبان
D. أنا حزين
Explanation

'I am hungry' translates to 'أنا جائع.' The other options mean happy, fatigued, and sad.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

What is the meaning of the verb 'تكلم' in English?

A. To walk
B. To speak
C. To write
D. To read
Explanation

'تكلم' means 'to speak.' The other actions are 'مشى' (walk), 'كتب' (write), 'قرأ' (read).

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

Which word completes the sentence: 'اشتريت ___ من المتجر' (I bought ___ from the store)?

A. طعامًا
B. الحديقة
C. الغرفة
D. الكرسي
Explanation

'طعامًا' (food) logically completes 'اشتريت ___ من المتجر' (I bought food from the store). The others are less likely purchases.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

Translate 'The mirror is in the bathroom' into Arabic.

A. المرآة في المطبخ
B. المرآة في الحمام
C. المرآة في الحديقة
D. المرآة في الفصل
Explanation

'The mirror is in the bathroom' translates to 'المرآة في الحمام,' where 'الحمام' means 'bathroom.' The other locations are incorrect.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

What is the plural of 'يد' (hand)?

A. أيدي
B. يدان
C. يدون
D. أياد
Explanation

The plural of 'يد' (hand) is 'أيدي' (hands), an irregular plural. 'يدان' is dual, 'يدون' is incorrect, and 'أياد' is rare.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

Which poet is known for his poetry praising the Umayyad Caliphs?

A. Al-Farazdaq
B. Abu Nuwas
C. Ibn Zaydun
D. Mahmoud Darwish
Explanation

Al-Farazdaq is renowned for his praise poetry for the Umayyad Caliphs. The others focused on different themes or periods.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

What is the name of the pre-Islamic poet known for his love poetry?

A. Imru’ al-Qays
B. Zuhayr ibn Abi Sulma
C. Al-Nabigha al-Dhubyani
D. Labid ibn Rabi’a
Explanation

Imru’ al-Qays is celebrated for his vivid love poetry in his Mu’allaqa. The others focused on wisdom, praise, or nostalgia.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

Which work by Al-Ghazali focuses on reviving religious sciences?

A. Ihya Ulum al-Din
B. Tahafut al-Falasifa
C. Kitab al-Shifa
D. Muqaddimah
Explanation

Al-Ghazali’s 'Ihya Ulum al-Din' aims to revive religious sciences. 'Tahafut al-Falasifa' is a critique, and the others are by different authors.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

What is the primary theme of Al-A’sha’s poetry?

A. Love and wine
B. Tribal pride
C. Mysticism
D. Philosophy
Explanation

Al-A’sha, a pre-Islamic poet, is known for his poetry celebrating love and wine. Tribal pride, mysticism, and philosophy were less central.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

Who wrote the modern Arabic novel 'Miramar'?

A. Naguib Mahfouz
B. Taha Hussein
C. Tayeb Salih
D. Muhammad Husayn Haykal
Explanation

Naguib Mahfouz wrote 'Miramar,' a novel exploring Egyptian society. The others wrote different works.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

Which literary form is characterized by love poetry with a specific rhyme scheme?

A. Qasida
B. Ghazal
C. Maqama
D. Rubai
Explanation

The Ghazal is a form of love poetry with a specific rhyme scheme, common in Arabic and Persian literature. Qasida is longer, Maqama mixes prose and poetry, and Rubai is quatrains.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

Which poet is known for his Andalusian love poetry?

A. Ibn Zaydun
B. Ahmad Shawqi
C. Al-Mutanabbi
D. Mahmoud Darwish
Explanation

Ibn Zaydun is celebrated for his romantic poetry in Al-Andalus. The others are known for different styles or periods.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

What is the name of the work by Ibn Tufail on philosophical allegory?

A. Hayy ibn Yaqzan
B. Kitab al-Shifa
C. Tahafut al-Tahafut
D. Risala fi al-Aql
Explanation

Ibn Tufail’s 'Hayy ibn Yaqzan' is a philosophical allegory about self-discovery. The others are by different authors or on different topics.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

Which Abbasid poet is known for his philosophical poetry?

A. Al-Ma’arri
B. Abu Nuwas
C. Al-Farazdaq
D. Jarir
Explanation

Al-Ma’arri is famous for his philosophical and ascetic poetry, especially in his Luzumiyyat. The others focused on wine, praise, or satire.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

What is the name of Ahmad Shawqi’s famous play?

A. Masra’ Cleopatra
B. Al-Ayyam
C. Zaynab
D. Miramar
Explanation

Ahmad Shawqi’s 'Masra’ Cleopatra' is a famous poetic play. The others are prose works by different authors.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

What is the Arabic term for the daily prayers in Islam?

A. Hajj
B. Salah
C. Zakat
D. Sawm
Explanation

Salah refers to the five daily prayers, a Pillar of Islam. Hajj is pilgrimage, Zakat is charity, and Sawm is fasting.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

Who was the second Caliph of Islam?

A. Abu Bakr
B. Umar ibn al-Khattab
C. Uthman ibn Affan
D. Ali ibn Abi Talib
Explanation

Umar ibn al-Khattab was the second Caliph (634–644 CE), following Abu Bakr. Uthman and Ali followed later.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

What is the name of the Islamic prayer performed at night?

A. Fajr
B. Zuhr
C. Maghrib
D. Isha
Explanation

Isha is the night prayer, one of the five daily prayers. Fajr is dawn, Zuhr is noon, and Maghrib is sunset.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

Which event is associated with the Battle of Hunayn?

A. Muslim defeat by Quraysh
B. Muslim victory over Hawazin
C. Peace treaty with Quraysh
D. Migration to Medina
Explanation

The Battle of Hunayn (630 CE) was a Muslim victory over the Hawazin tribe. The other options refer to different events.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

What is the term for the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad?

A. Sunnah
B. Hadith
C. Tafsir
D. Fiqh
Explanation

Hadith refers to the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. Sunnah includes his practices, Tafsir is Quranic interpretation, and Fiqh is jurisprudence.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

Which city was the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate?

A. Medina
B. Damascus
C. Baghdad
D. Mecca
Explanation

Damascus was the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate (661–750 CE). Medina was earlier, Baghdad was Abbasid, and Mecca was religious.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

What is the name of the tax paid by non-Muslims in an Islamic state?

A. Zakat
B. Jizya
C. Sadaqah
D. Ushr
Explanation

Jizya is the tax paid by non-Muslims for protection in an Islamic state. Zakat is for Muslims, Sadaqah is voluntary, and Ushr is agricultural.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

Which battle is known as the first major conflict between Muslims and Quraysh?

A. Battle of Uhud
B. Battle of Badr
C. Battle of Khandaq
D. Battle of Yarmuk
Explanation

The Battle of Badr (624 CE) was the first major conflict between Muslims and Quraysh, resulting in a Muslim victory. The others occurred later or with different opponents.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

What is the term for the exegesis of the Quran?

A. Tafsir
B. Hadith
C. Sunnah
D. Ijma
Explanation

Tafsir is the scholarly exegesis of the Quran. Hadith is prophetic sayings, Sunnah is practices, and Ijma is scholarly consensus.

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2020

Which companion is known as 'Al-Siddiq' (the Truthful)?

A. Abu Bakr
B. Umar ibn al-Khattab
C. Uthman ibn Affan
D. Ali ibn Abi Talib
Explanation

Abu Bakr is called 'Al-Siddiq' for his unwavering truthfulness and loyalty. The others have different titles.

Now practice in exam mode

You've studied the answers — now test yourself under real exam conditions with the timer running.

Start JAMB Arabic Studies 2020 Quiz
Back to 2020 Start Page