Lexis and Structure Made Easy: Meaning, Examples, and Practice Tips

Lexis and Structure is one of those exam topics that sounds complicated but is actually one of the most learnable sections in the Use of English paper once you understand what it’s really testing.

Every year, candidates preparing for JAMB and WAEC lose easy marks here, not because the questions are hard, but because they don’t fully understand what “lexis” and “structure” mean or how the questions are framed. This article breaks it down in plain language, with examples you can actually use.

To see some of these ideas explained visually, check out the video above. It walks through the topic in a way that pairs well with the examples below, but everything you need to understand the basics is right here in this article too.

What Is Lexis and Structure?

“Lexis” simply means the vocabulary or words of a language – how words are used correctly in context. 

“Structure” refers to how those words are arranged to form correct, meaningful sentences.

Put together, Lexis and Structure tests two things at once: whether you know the right word to use, and whether you know how to fit it correctly into a sentence.

This is why the section can feel tricky. It’s not just about vocabulary size,it’s about correct usage and grammar working together.

Mastering Lexis and Structure for WAEC and JAMB UTME English

Both JAMB and WAEC include lexis and structure because it reflects real communication skills. In everyday English, writing an application letter, answering an exam question, or even texting,you need both the right words and the right sentence structure to be understood clearly.

A candidate might know a word’s meaning but still choose it wrongly in a sentence. That’s exactly the gap this section checks. It also carries a fair share of marks in the objective paper, so getting comfortable with it can meaningfully lift your overall score.

The underlying knowledge you need – vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure, is exactly the same either way. Preparing well for one naturally prepares you for the other.

Types of Questions Under Lexis and Structure

These questions usually come in a few recognizable formats.

Sentence Completion Questions

You’re given an incomplete sentence and asked to choose the correct word or phrase that fits both the meaning and the grammar.

Example:

She was accused ___ stealing the documents.

A. for B. of C. with D. about

Answer: B (of) — “accused of” is the correct fixed expression.

Word or Phrase Substitution

Here, you replace an underlined word or phrase with another word that has the same meaning, without changing the sentence’s structure.

Example:

The manager decided to let go of three staff members.

A. dismiss B. promote C. transfer D. train

Answer: A (dismiss)

Same Meaning or Opposite Meaning Questions

These test synonyms and antonyms, but within a full sentence, not isolated words. Context matters more than the dictionary definition.

Filling the Gap with Correct Structure

This type focuses purely on grammar – prepositions, tenses, and word order – rather than vocabulary choice.

Example:

By the time we arrived, the meeting ___ already ___.

A. has, started B. had, started C. have, start D. was, starting

Answer: B (had, started) – correct past perfect structure.

Common Mistakes Students Make

Most marks are lost here for a few repeated reasons:

•  Choosing a word that sounds similar but means something different (e.g., “affect” vs “effect”)

•  Ignoring the preposition that naturally follows a verb (e.g., “interested in” not “interested on”)

•  Focusing only on meaning and forgetting grammar, or the reverse

•  Rushing without reading the full sentence first, which changes how a word should function

If you find yourself unsure between two options, read the full sentence aloud in your head. The one that “sounds natural” in standard English is often correct.

How to Prepare for Lexis and Structure

Build Your Vocabulary Daily

Learn a few new words each day, but don’t stop at the meaning – study how the word is used in a sentence, including which prepositions or structures usually go with it. A vocabulary and synonyms guide can help you build this habit systematically.

Study Sentence Structure Rules

Revise tenses, prepositions, and common English fixed expressions (called collocations). Many past questions repeat similar structural patterns yearly.

Practice with Past Questions

Nothing prepares you better than solving real past questions. If you haven’t already, work through a JAMB and WAEC past questions hub – patterns repeat more often than you’d expect.

Time Yourself During Practice

Since both exams are timed, practice answering lexis and structure questions within a set time limit so you build speed alongside accuracy.

Practice Questions

Try these before checking the answers below.

1. He is well known ___ his generosity.

A. for B. with C. about D. to

2. The committee has ___ the proposal.

A. rejected B. reject C. rejecting D. rejects

3. She is fond of reading novels. (Choose the word/phrase closest in meaning to the underlined word)

A. tired of B. interested in C. afraid of D. bored with

4. The results were contrary to our expectations.

A. similar to B. opposed to C. related to D. equal to

5. He apologized ___ being late.

A. of B. for C. about D. on

6. The teacher insisted ___ the students submitting their work on time.

A. that B. on C. for D. with

Answers: 1-A, 2-A, 3-B, 4-B, 5-B, 6-B

Frequently Asked Questions

What is lexis and structure?

It’s a section that tests your knowledge of correct word usage (lexis) and correct sentence formation (structure), often combined in a single question. It appears in both JAMB and WAEC English papers.

How many questions come from lexis and structure?

The number varies slightly each year, but it’s usually a significant portion of the objective Use of English questions, making it worth serious preparation.

What is the difference between lexis and structure and vocabulary?

Vocabulary is just about knowing word meanings. Lexis and structure goes further – it tests whether you can use those words correctly within proper sentence grammar.

How can I improve my lexis and structure score?

Consistent daily vocabulary practice, reviewing grammar rules, and solving past questions regularly are the most effective ways to improve. Reading widely also helps you absorb correct sentence patterns naturally.

Where can I get lexis and structure past questions?

Past JAMB and WAEC papers, approved textbooks, and reliable education websites are good sources. Practicing under exam-like conditions makes the biggest difference.

Wrapping Up

Lexis and structure isn’t about memorizing endless word lists, it’s about understanding how English words and sentences work together naturally. With consistent practice, attention to common patterns, and a good grasp of grammar basics, this section can become one of your strongest areas in the Use of English paper, whether you’re sitting JAMB, WAEC, or both.