JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Arabic Studies 2022
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2022 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
Ready to test yourself? Take the full JAMB Arabic Studies 2022 CBT quiz — timed, just like the real exam.
Start Quiz
1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

What is the nominative case ending for a sound feminine plural noun in Arabic?

A. ـات
B. ـون
C. ـين
D. ـان
Explanation

Sound feminine plural nouns end in 'ـات' in the nominative case (e.g., معلمات, 'teachers'). 'ـون' and 'ـين' are used for masculine plurals, and 'ـان' is for dual nouns.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

Which of the following is an interrogative pronoun in Arabic?

A. هذا
B. من
C. على
D. لأن
Explanation

'من' (who) is an interrogative pronoun used for questioning. 'هذا' is a demonstrative pronoun, 'على' is a preposition, and 'لأن' is a conjunction.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

What is the function of the particle 'عن' in an Arabic sentence?

A. Indicates time
B. Indicates place
C. Indicates separation or topic
D. Indicates possession
Explanation

'عن' denotes separation (e.g., 'away from') or topic (e.g., 'about'). It does not indicate time, place, or possession.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

In the sentence 'الأستاذ يشرح الدرس', what is the direct object?

A. الأستاذ
B. يشرح
C. الدرس
D. None
Explanation

In 'الأستاذ يشرح الدرس' (The teacher explains the lesson), 'الدرس' (the lesson) is the direct object receiving the action of 'يشرح' (explains).

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

Which vowel marks the nominative case for a singular noun in Arabic?

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

The nominative case (مرفوع) for a singular noun is marked by 'ضمة' (ـُ). 'كسرة' indicates genitive, 'فتحة' indicates accusative, and 'سكون' is vowelless.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

What is the plural form of the noun 'مدينة' (city)?

A. مدن
B. مدينات
C. مدينون
D. مدان
Explanation

The plural of 'مدينة' is 'مدينات' (cities), a sound feminine plural. 'مدن' is an irregular plural, and the others are incorrect.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

Which of the following is a hollow verb in Arabic?

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

A hollow verb has a weak middle letter (و or ي). 'قال' (to say) has 'ا' (from ي), making it hollow. The others are sound verbs.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

What is the third person plural past tense conjugation of the verb 'جلس' (to sit)?

A. جلسوا
B. جلست
C. جلسن
D. جلسون
Explanation

'جلس' in the third person plural past tense is 'جلسوا' (they sat). 'جلست' is singular feminine, 'جلسن' is plural feminine, and 'جلسون' is incorrect.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

Which particle expresses purpose in Arabic?

A. كي
B. أن
C. إذا
D. حتى
Explanation

'كي' expresses purpose (e.g., 'in order to'). 'أن' introduces a clause, 'إذا' is conditional, and 'حتى' means 'until' or 'so that.'

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

In the sentence 'أعطيت الكتاب للطالب', what is the grammatical role of 'الكتاب'?

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

In 'أعطيت الكتاب للطالب' (I gave the book to the student), 'الكتاب' is the direct object of 'أعطيت' (gave).

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

What is the Arabic word for 'market'?

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

'سوق' means 'market.' 'بيت' is house, 'مدرسة' is school, and 'مسجد' is mosque.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

What is the English translation of 'أنا أشاهد التلفاز'?

A. I watch the radio
B. I watch the television
C. I watch the book
D. I watch the car
Explanation

'أنا أشاهد التلفاز' translates to 'I watch the television.' 'أشاهد' means 'watch,' and 'التلفاز' is 'television.'

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

What does the Arabic word 'شمس' mean in English?

A. Moon
B. Star
C. Sun
D. Cloud
Explanation

'شمس' means 'sun.' 'قمر' is moon, 'نجم' is star, and 'غيمة' is cloud.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

What is the correct Arabic translation of 'The door is open'?

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

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

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

What is the opposite of the Arabic word 'طويل' (tall/long)?

A. قصير
B. كبير
C. صغير
D. عريض
Explanation

The opposite of 'طويل' is 'قصير' (short). 'كبير' is big, 'صغير' is small, and 'عريض' is wide.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

What is the Arabic translation of 'I am hungry'?

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

'I am hungry' is 'أنا جائع.' The others mean happy, tired, and thirsty.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

What does the Arabic verb 'اشترى' mean in English?

A. To sell
B. To buy
C. To give
D. To take
Explanation

'اشترى' means 'to buy.' 'To sell' is 'باع,' 'to give' is 'أعطى,' and 'to take' is 'أخذ.'

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

Which word completes the sentence: 'ذهبت إلى ___ يوم الأحد' (I went to ___ on Sunday)?

A. السوق
B. الكتاب
C. القلم
D. الطعام
Explanation

'السوق' (market) fits 'ذهبت إلى ___ يوم الأحد' (I went to the market on Sunday). The others are not logical destinations.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

What is the Arabic translation of 'The pen is on the desk'?

A. القلم تحت المكتب
B. القلم على المكتب
C. القلم في المكتب
D. القلم بجانب المكتب
Explanation

'The pen is on the desk' is 'القلم على المكتب,' with 'على' meaning 'on.' The other prepositions are incorrect.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

What is the plural form of 'شجرة' (tree)?

A. أشجار
B. شجرات
C. شجرون
D. أشجر
Explanation

The plural of 'شجرة' is 'أشجار' (trees), an irregular plural. 'شجرات' is incorrect, and the others are non-existent.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

Which Abbasid poet is renowned for his panegyric poetry?

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

Al-Mutanabbi is famous for his panegyric poetry praising patrons in the Abbasid period. The others focused on different themes or eras.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

Which pre-Islamic poet is known as the 'King of Poets'?

A. Imru’ al-Qays
B. Antara ibn Shaddad
C. Zuhayr ibn Abi Sulma
D. Al-Nabigha al-Dhubyani
Explanation

Imru’ al-Qays is called the 'King of Poets' for his mastery in pre-Islamic poetry, notably his Mu’allaqa. The others are notable but lack this title.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

Which work by Al-Ma’arri satirizes society and religion?

A. Risalat al-Ghufran
B. Luzumiyyat
C. Kitab al-Hayawan
D. Kalila wa Dimna
Explanation

Al-Ma’arri’s 'Luzumiyyat' is a poetic collection satirizing society and religion. 'Risalat al-Ghufran' is allegorical, and the others are by different authors.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

What is the primary theme of Antara ibn Shaddad’s poetry?

A. Mysticism
B. Love and chivalry
C. Philosophy
D. Religious devotion
Explanation

Antara’s pre-Islamic poetry centers on love (for Abla) and chivalry, reflecting his warrior life. Other themes were less prominent.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

Who wrote the Arabic prose work 'Al-Ayyam'?

A. Taha Hussein
B. Naguib Mahfouz
C. Ahmad Shawqi
D. Mahmoud Darwish
Explanation

Taha Hussein authored 'Al-Ayyam,' an autobiographical work. The others are known for different literary works.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

Which literary form consists of short, witty narratives in prose and poetry?

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

The Maqama, as in Al-Hamadhani’s works, is a witty narrative combining prose and poetry. Qasida and Ghazal are poetic forms, and Khutba is a sermon.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

Which poet is known for modern Arabic nationalist poetry?

A. Ibn Zaydun
B. Ahmad Shawqi
C. Al-Mutanabbi
D. Abu Nuwas
Explanation

Ahmad Shawqi is celebrated for his nationalist poetry in modern Arabic literature. The others belong to earlier periods or styles.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

Which work by Ibn al-Muqaffa discusses governance through fables?

A. Kalila wa Dimna
B. Adab al-Katib
C. Kitab al-Bayan
D. Al-Muwatta
Explanation

Ibn al-Muqaffa’s 'Kalila wa Dimna' uses fables to discuss governance and ethics. The others are unrelated or by different authors.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

Which Umayyad poet is famous for his love poetry?

A. Umar ibn Abi Rabi’a
B. Al-Mutanabbi
C. Abu Nuwas
D. Al-Ma’arri
Explanation

Umar ibn Abi Rabi’a is renowned for romantic poetry in the Umayyad period. The others are from different eras or styles.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

What is the name of Naguib Mahfouz’s famous novel trilogy?

A. Cairo Trilogy
B. Children of Gebelawi
C. Miramar
D. The Thief and the Dogs
Explanation

Naguib Mahfouz’s 'Cairo Trilogy' is a renowned novel series depicting Egyptian life. The others are his works but not trilogies.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

What is the Arabic term for the Islamic declaration of faith?

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

The 'Shahada' is the declaration of faith, the first Pillar of Islam. Salah is prayer, Sawm is fasting, and Zakat is charity.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

Who was the third Caliph of Islam?

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

Uthman ibn Affan was the third Caliph (644–656 CE), following Abu Bakr and Umar. Ali was the fourth.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

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

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

Fajr is the dawn prayer, one of the five daily prayers in Islam. Zuhr, Asr, and Isha occur at different times.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

Which event marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar?

A. Battle of Badr
B. Conquest of Mecca
C. Hijra
D. Revelation of the Quran
Explanation

The Hijra (migration to Medina in 622 CE) marks the start of the Islamic calendar. The other events are significant but not the calendar’s origin.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

What is the term for analogy in Islamic jurisprudence?

A. Ijma
B. Qiyas
C. Fatwa
D. Tafsir
Explanation

Qiyas is the use of analogy in Islamic jurisprudence to derive rulings. Ijma is consensus, Fatwa is a ruling, and Tafsir is Quranic interpretation.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

Which city is the second holiest in Islam?

A. Mecca
B. Medina
C. Jerusalem
D. Kufa
Explanation

Medina, home to the Prophet’s Mosque, is the second holiest city in Islam. Mecca is the holiest, Jerusalem is third, and Kufa is historical.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

What is the nominative case ending for a dual noun in Arabic?

A. ـين
B. ـون
C. ـان
D. ـات
Explanation

Dual nouns take 'ـان' in the nominative case (e.g., كتابان). 'ـين' is for accusative/genitive dual, 'ـون' is for masculine plurals, and 'ـات' is for feminine plurals.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

Which of the following is a possessive pronoun in Arabic?

A. هو
B. ك
C. متى
D. إلى
Explanation

'ك' (your) is a possessive pronoun attached to nouns (e.g., كتابك). 'هو' is a personal pronoun, 'متى' is interrogative, and 'إلى' is a preposition.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

What is the function of the particle 'في' in an Arabic sentence?

A. Negation
B. Location or time
C. Purpose
D. Emphasis
Explanation

'في' indicates location (e.g., 'in') or time (e.g., 'during'). It is not used for negation, purpose, or emphasis.

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Arabic Studies · 2022

In the sentence 'المعلم يعلم الطلاب', what is the direct object?

A. المعلم
B. يعلم
C. الطلاب
D. None
Explanation

In 'المعلم يعلم الطلاب' (The teacher teaches the students), 'الطلاب' is the direct object receiving the action of 'يعلم' (teaches).

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 2022 Quiz
Back to 2022 Start Page