Tips for MUET speaking

The speaking test is divided into two sections: Task A & Task B, groups of 4 usually. Here is the time frame breakdown:

Sit down clockwise, A to D. There will be two examiners for each exam. Once seated, they will check your exam slips and ICs. Handphones, notes, stationery etc not allowed as a pencil, a piece of paper and the question will be placed on the table for each student.

1st minute - just read the question and make a mental note of the words you would like to ask the examiner about. (you should ask the examiner EVEN IF YOU UNDERSTAND the terms to get the right pronunciation and 'borrow' ideas from the examiners. most examiners are very helpful and will give you some ideas if you ask nicely) (say: Excuse me but what is the meaning of ... DO NOT SAY: What means of...? which is horrendous grammar!)

2nd minute - examiners ask all candidates (A-D) one by one if they understand the question or not. (again, make sure you ask about any word/phrases during this time)
 

2 minutes to write your notes on the blank A4 paper given (tip: divide the paper into 4 sections, label A, B, C and D, then write only in your section. think of three points and for every point give reasons and examples, make sure it's in note form only to avoid reading)
 

2 minutes for each candidate to present Task A - MUST AGREE WITH POINT GIVEN (advantage for candidate D cos will hv 8 mins to prepare but the point is generally harder to elaborate than candidate A's point, so there are always pros and cons. MAKE SURE YOU SPEAK FOR THE FULL 2 MINS, and it is ok to just elaborate 1 or 2 points well instead of 3 points but not well explained.)
 

Speak according to this format:
1. Greetings (Good morning to the examinerS and my fellow candidateS, etc.)
2. Repeat situation (Today we are talking about...etc.)
3. Main Point (The point I would like to discuss is... etc.)
4. 1st point (Firstly,.. , This is because,.., Moreover,..., For example,.. , Therefore,... )
5. 2nd point (Secondly,... , This means that,... , Furthermore,... , For instance,... , Thus,...)
6. 3rd point (Finally,... , This is due to the fact that... , In addition, Take for example..., Hence,... )
7. Conclusion (In a nutshell, etc.)

2 minutes to prepare notes for Task B (now you can write notes for all candidate's points, have a ranking system 1,2,3 and 4, 1 is for best choice and 4 for the least favourite, this will help you with your discussion)
 

10 minutes to discuss. In the quarantine room, pre-decide who will do the introduction, and someone to do the conclusion (this person MUST PAY ATTENTION TO THE TIME, as some examiners will NOT ALLOW you to do a conclusion if you go beyond the 10 min timeframe.)
 

TEST ENDS

TIPS :

YOU MUST MEMORISE THE LANGUAGE PHRASES LISTED BELOW if you want to score a high band.

Make sure you train your brain to think of 3 points with supporting reasons and examples. Always write in point form, not full sentences as 2 mins goes by way too fast!

Use your hands to gesture and explain your points. Marks will be awarded for 3 categories:
 

1. Task fulfillment - Did you understand the question and give a relevant and mature response?
 

2. Communicative ability - Did you have good eye-contact, body posture, gestures, cooperation?
 

3. Language - Do you have good command of the language with extended vocabulary?
 

Marks are given for Task A and Task B then added and divided to find the average.

LIST OF USEFUL LANGUAGE

TASK A:

1. Good morning to everyone.

2. Good morning I bid to one and all.

3. Good morning to the examiners and all my

fellow candidates.

4. A very good morning I wish to all examiners

and fellow candidates.

5. Today we are talking about…

6. The situation I have been given is…

7. According to the situation…

8. Based on the situation given

9. I have 3 reasons to justify my point.

10. First and foremost,…

11. Firstly,…

12. Secondly,…

13. My second point is…

14. Another reason is…

15. Finally,…

16. Lastly,…

17. Last but not least,…

18. Moreover,…

19. In addition,…

20. Furthermore,…

21. Therefore,…

22. Hence,…

23. Thus,…

24. However,…

25. Other than that,…

26. On the other hand,…

27. Conversely,…

28. Consequently,…

29. Subsequently,…

30. In contrast,…

31. For example,…

32. For instance,…

33. Take for example,…

34. … and so on.

35. … and many more.

36. … and others.

37. In conclusion,…

38. As a conclusion,…

39. In short,…

40. In a nutshell,…

TASK B:

1. Let’s kickstart this discussion by starting with..

2. Allow me to begin…

3. May I begin by saying…

4. I agree with you. (NOT:I’M agree)

5. That’s a great idea!

6. I see your point!

7. That’s an interesting perspective.

8. I like your suggestion.

9. Indeed!

10. I concur with your point of view.

11. I’m sorry but I disagree.

12. I’m afraid I have to disagree with your idea.

13. I don’t see eye to eye with you.

14. That’s not a good idea/suggestion.

15. I beg to differ.

16. I’m sorry for interrupting but…

17. Excuse me, may I interrupt please.

18. Pardon me for interrupting but..

19. I’d like to add something please.

20. May I say something?

21. Could you please hear me out?

22. So what do you think, Candidate X?

23. How about your point of view?

24. Candidate X, what is your opinion?

25. Does anyone agree with me?

26. Why don’t we consider the other points?

27. I don’t understand, can you please repeat?

28. I’m sorry I don’t understand, can you please elaborate again?

29. In conclusion, ALL OF US agree that…

30. To conclude, MOST OF US agree that…

31. In a nutshell, SOME OF US agree that… while the rest prefer…

32. As time is running out, it seems that ALL OF US can’t seem to agree on a single point so…

33. That’s the end of this discussion, thank you.

Muet: Speaking Component

Test Specifications

Candidates are assessed on their ability to make individual presentations and to take part in group discussions on a wide range of contemporary issues.

Assessment will cover the following:

(i) accuracy

• using grammatically correct language
• using correct pronunciation, stress and intonation

(ii) fluency

• speaking with confidence and fluency

(iii) appropriacy

• using language appropriate for the intended purpose and audience
• using varied vocabulary and expressions
• using varied sentence structures
• observing conventions appropriate to a specific situation

(iv) coherence and cohesion
• developing and organising ideas
• using appropriate markers and linking devices
• using anaphora appropriately together with other cohesive devices

(v) use of language functions

• defining, describing, explaining
• comparing and contrasting
• classifying
• giving reasons
• giving opinions
• expressing relationships
• making suggestions and recommendations
• expressing agreement and disagreement
• seeking clarification
• asking for and giving information
• persuading
• drawing conclusions
• stating and justifying points of view
• presenting an argument

(vi) managing a discussion
• initiating
• turn-taking
• interrupting
• prompting
• negotiating
• closing

(vii) task fulfilment

• presenting relevant ideas
• providing adequate content
• showing a mature treatment of topic

Muet Essays: How to get the highest score

90 is the highest score you can get for your MUET essay. You will have 90 minutes to complete your MUET essay. We should warn you that even those students who get the highest scores for the test and who are qualified as “Very good users” have problems with completing MUET essays.

Definitely, we do not mean to scare you and make nervous about the MUET essay you will have to write. We simply want to explain that you need to work hard and constantly improve your writing skills. Perfect writing is something that even some native English speakers cannot boast about.

Below, we have listed several strategies that will help you prepare a good MUET essay. Before that, let us remind you that the MUET writing test consists of two parts.

Part 1 – a piece of writing, not less than 150 words, where you have to present your interpretation of certain information.

Part 2 – an essay on a given topic, not less than 300 words.

Now, check winning strategies for writing perfect MUET essays.

Strategy 1: improve your grammar

A good MUET essay is a grammatically correct essay. If you do not feel confident enough about your grammar skills, take time to study and repeat necessary rules.

Strategy 2: improve your vocabulary
 
Poor vocabulary is one of the signs that your knowledge of a foreign language is not perfect. You certainly do not want to show this in your MUET essay. Using thesaurus is a good way out for those who can only operate with general words.

Strategy 3: read in English

Read English newspapers and magazines to “feel” the language, writing styles, to enrich your vocabulary.

Writing Tips

1. Before writing an essay, you must know its basic structure. A MUET reference book might show you this.

2. Do task 2 first, because it is worth more mark and easier

3. Don’t waste too much time on Task 1. Learn all specific writing structure for each type of task 1. In the real test, you just have to apply that structure with new data and suitable verb tenses. Read sample essays and take note good structure to have a wide range of academic structures for task 1. Some structure might be used in task 2 as well.

4. You must complete both tasks. I don’t care how difficult the test is, I don’t care how little time you got. You MUST complete your test at any cost. If you don’t, you will be penalized very heavily.

5. Again, practice writing. Do both 2 tasks in one hour. You can focus only on task 1 or task 2, but before the test, you should practice writing both tasks to familiar with time limit.

6. Practice makes perfect. In writing, this statement is completely true. But it is better if there is someone to check writing for you and you can learn from your mistakes.

7. Writing requires wide academic vocabulary. You also have to buy a vocabulary book to work on and enrich your vocabulary.

8. Avoid all informal ways of writing. There are some rules of writing you should follow. For example: no abbreviations, no 1st and 2nd pronoun or possessive (I, you, me, my, your), except in conclusion where you have to state your opinion.

9. Each body paragraph has to include: topic sentence, supporting sentences (2-3 sentences), development sentences (evidence: example, experience, data). In many languages (English included), there are many ways to develop a body paragraph, which results that topic sentence is not the first sentence. But you are advised to put topic sentence at the beginning of each body paragraph. Don't be creative in this case.

That is all I can think of. I hope you will be lucky in your exam and what I wrote will help you in one way or another. But REMEMBER, to reach success, you MUST make an effort. You should have a clear motivation and a strong will to overcome difficulties. When I did practice tests, I was exhausted. But no success comes easily. Practice is the only way to gain success. Don’t just wait for lucky break, it will never come if you don’t know how to grab it.

And the final point I want to mention is:

Relax before the test!

Attempting to do one or two practice test before the real test won’t help you increase your score. In return, it will make you feel stressed and unconfident.

Muet Tips

Normally, Candidates do not pass or fail the MUET. They are classified into six bands ranging from Band 1 to band 6.here are some tips...

Familiarisation

• Be familiar with the examination format - the time allocated for each section, the number of questions in each section, the types of questions, etc.
• Get acquainted with the kinds of topics covered in the different sections.
• Read the notes given in this book on the ways to prepare for the examination, the strategies to use when answering questions and the analysis of how candidates score in the examinations.

Preparation

Three months before the examination

• Attempt the model questions for Paper 1 (Listening) and Paper 3 (Reading)
• Check your answers
• Practise writing the summaries and essays for Paper 4 (Writing) in Model Tests given.
• Edit your summaries using the answer key as a guide.
• Ask a friend who is proficient in English to read and edit your essays.
• Practise the tasks in Paper 2 (Speaking) with a firend /groups of friends who are willing to work with you.
• Try to adhere to the time allotted for each of the questions.

One week before the examination

• Make sure you have attempted every type ofd question given in the MUET Tests.
• Re-attempt the questions which you may not have performed well.

One day before the examination

• Check to make sure you remember the examination format.
• Read again the notes given on these strategies to use when answering questions.
• Sleep early so that you are well rested on the day of the examination.

On the day of the examination

• Glance through one of the Model Test papers you have attempted.
• Make sure you have all the stationery that you may need - 2B pencils, sharpener, eraser, ballpoint pens (preferably black) stapler with stapler with staples and ruler.
• Eat a good breakfast so that you have the energy to sit through the whole exam.
• Compose yourself, be calm and try not to panic.

Good luck!

Examples of MUET Speaking Questions

How a fresh graduate can succeed in workplace besides good academics?

• Good communication skills
• Ability to cooperate with others
• Computer skills
• Self-discipline

How to encourage the students to read more?

• Set up a reading corner around the college
• Equip the library with more interesting materials
• Second hand book store
• Reward those who read more

What would make a good life partner?

• Religious
• Wealthy
• Good-looking
• Fun to be with

How to promote tourism in Malaysia?

• Build more tourist spots
• Build more affordable hotels
• Using Information Technology (IT)
• More facilities

How to attract customers?

• Reasonable price
• Extend business hours
• Fresh goods
• Helpful and courteous staffs

What challenge would be faced by youth in 21st century?

• Knowledgeable skills
• Resources
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
• Good in studies and active in co-curriculum activities

KALENDAR MUET 2009

PERKARA	MUET
	Pertengahan Tahun	Akhir Tahun
Pendaftaran Dibuka	12 Januari 2009	18 Mei 2009
Pendaftaran Ditutup	29 Januari 2009 (Semua Jenis Calon)	17 Jun 2009 (Semua Jenis Calon)
	29 Januari 2009 (Calon yang ingin memperbaiki keputusan MUET Akhir Tahun 2008)	23 Julai 2009 (Calon yang ingin memperbaiki keputusan MUET Pertengahan Tahun 2009) · Calon dikehendaki mengemukakan slip keputusan MUET Pertengahan Tahun 2009 sebagai bukti.
Ujian 800/2 Speaking	5,6, 7 Mei 2009 dan 11,12, 13 Mei 2009	6,7,8 Oktober 2009 dan 20,21,22 Oktober 2009
Ujian Bertulis 800/1 Listening 800/3 Reading 800/4 Writing	25 April 2009	7 November 2009

MUET

MUET consists of four components: listening, speaking, reading and writing. New test specifications have been introduced officially and will apply from MUET October/November 2008 onwards while old test specifications will still apply for MUET October/November 2007 and April/May 2008. The table below shows the detailed comparison between new and old format of MUET.

Test	Old Test Specifications	New Test Specifications	Possible Genres
Listening (800/1) Duration: Weighting: Number of texts: Number of questions: Question type:	45 marks 30 minutes 15% 3 15 Four-option multiple-choice	45 marks 30 minutes 15% 5 20 - Information transfer - Short answer - Four-option multiple-choice - Three-option multiple choice	Lecture, briefing, talk, discussion, interview, telephone conversation, announcement, instructions, advertisement, news, meeting, documentary
Speaking (800/2) Duration: Weighting: Number of tasks: Task format:	45 marks 30 minutes 15% 2 A: Individual presentation B: Group interaction	45 marks 30 minutes 15% 2 A: Individual presentation B: Group interaction	Contemporary issues
Reading (800/3) Duration: Weighting: Number of texts: Number of questions: Question type:	135 marks 120 minutes 45% 4 50 - Cloze - Information transfer - Four-option multiple-choice	120 marks 90 minutes 40% 6 shorter texts (at least one text with graphics) 50 - Three-option multiple-choice - Four-option multiple-choice	Articles from journals, newspapers and magazines, academic texts, electronic texts
Writing (800/4) Duration: Weighting: Number of questions: Question type:	75 marks 90 minutes 25% 2 Task 1: Summary of not more than 100 words Task 2: Extended writing not fewer than 250 words	90 marks 90 minutes 30% 2 Task 1: Interpretation of information based on specific stimuli provided (no less than 150 words) Task 2: Extended writing based on a given topic (no less than 350 words)	Report, article, letter, essay

Candidates are rated into six bands – band one being the lowest and band six being the highest -- according to their test scores. The total score is 300 and the table below shows MUET band description.

Band	Aggregated Score	Description
6	260 - 300	Very good user - Very good command of the language. Highly expressive, fluent, accurate and appropriate language: hardly any inaccuracies. Very good understanding of language and contexts. Functions extremely well in the language.
5	220 - 259	Good user - Good command of the language. Expressive, fluent, accurate and appropriate language but with minor inaccuracies. Good understanding of language and contexts. Functions well in the language.
4	180 - 219	Competent user - Satisfactory command of the language. Satisfactory expressive and fluent, appropriate language but with occasional inaccuracies. Satisfactory understanding of language and contexts. Functions satisfactorily in the language.
3	140 - 179	Modest user - Modest command of the language. Modestly expressive and fluent, appropriate language but with noticeable inaccuracies. Modest understanding of language and contexts. Able to function modestly in the language.
2	100 - 139	Limited user - Limited command of the language. Lacks expressiveness, fluency and appropriacy: inaccurate use of the language resulting in breakdown in communication. Limited understanding of language and contexts. Limited ability to function in the language.
1	Below 100	Extremely limited user - Poor command of the language. Unable to use language to express ideas: inaccurate use of the language resulting in frequent breakdowns in communication. Little or poor understanding of language and contexts. Hardly able to function in the language.

MUET Writing

MPM Speaking Module