Let us ask you a question.
How can you tell if someone is truly proficient in a language?
Is it by how fluent they can speak the language? Or is it how well they can write non-stop in the language?
When it comes to measuring one's English language proficiency level comprehensively in Malaysia, there is one specific language test that comes to mind.
It's none other than the Malaysian University English Test (MUET). Commonly taken by many pre-university students for their undergraduate programmes admission in the country, it is a versatile and affordable test that evaluates the candidate's English proficiency in terms of the listening, reading, writing and speaking components.
In this article, we will introduce what MUET is and discuss in detail how MUET candidates are tested in the four components.
Differences Between Regular MUET Paper Test & MUET on Demand (MoD)
First, let's talk about the background of MUET.
MUET was officially introduced by the Malaysian government in 1999 and listed as a requirement for public university admission in 2001.
Fast forward a few years later, it is now an official English language prerequisite for both public and private tertiary education institutions in Malaysia apart from the International English Language Training System (IELTS).
Now, candidates can opt to sit for the regular physical MUET sessions (open in March, July or November) or the MUET on Demand (MoD) which candidates can take on a monthly basis.
You don't have to worry too much in terms of the MUET syllabus and examination format as well as learning resources because both MoD and the regular MUET are exactly the same in terms of test duration and the number of questions.
This leads us to our next question.
What are the biggest differences between the regular MUET papers and MUET on Demand (MoD)?
Firstly, MUET on Demand (MoD) was introduced in 2018 and gives candidates the option to sit for Computer Based Test (CBT) or physical tests.
For the CBT option, all the answers for the listening, writing and reading component will be recorded in the administered computer whereas for the speaking component, candidates can choose to be tested face-to-face or online.
Photo by Sergey Zolkin on Unsplash
Secondly, the fees of MoD are slightly more expensive than the regular MUET papers. Malaysian candidates need to pay RM250 to sit for the test while non-Malaysians need to pay RM 550 to sit for the test.
On the other hand, the regular MUET sessions cost only RM150 for Malaysians and RM350 for non-Malaysians.
Thirdly, MoD has a significantly faster results release date as compared to the regular MUET sessions. Usually, the results can be checked via the Malaysian Examination Council (MEC) portal within 18 working days.
Having said that, MoD is an ideal choice for those who are sitting for MUET for the second time or for those who need to process their university admission urgently.
For the latest MoD test dates for 2023, you can refer to this calendar.
What Can You Expect For The MUET Listening Component?
Starting in 2021, MUET is rebranded under a new examination format for all four components as well as a new banding scale.
The maximum score for each component is 90 marks respectively to add up to the total aggregated score of 360 marks. The test duration for the listening component is 50 minutes.
Here's what you can expect for the latest MUET listening paper.
Altogether there will be 5 PARTS of audio recordings, consisting of 30 questions.
- Part 1: Dialogue with text length from 600 to 650 words. Question type is 3 options multiple choice questions (Choose option A, B or C). Under this part, there will be 7 questions [10 minutes].
- Part 2: Monologue with text length from 600 to 650 words. Question type is also 3 options multiple-choice questions. Under this part, there will be 7 questions [10 minutes].
- Part 3: Monologue involving 3 speakers with text length from 350 to 400 words. Question type is multiple matching (for 5 options, choose option A, B, C, D or E). Under this part, there will be 3 questions [6 minutes.]
- Part 4: Dialogue with text length from 650 words to 700 words. Question type is 3 options multiple choice questions. Under this part, there will be 7 questions [10 minutes].
- Part 5: Short dialogue with text length from 250 to 300 words per dialogue. Question type is 3 options multiple choice questions. Under this part, there will be 6 questions. One short dialogue consists of 2 questions respectively. Each short dialogue is unrelated to each other and it takes roughly 60 seconds to listen to one dialogue.
Read more on the tips to score well for your MUET papers.
What Is The Format Of The MUET Speaking Component?
The journey to ace your MUET papers will not be complete if we don't talk about the MUET speaking component.
There are two parts to this test. The first part requires candidates to give an individual presentation based on a written prompt. The second part requires candidates to participate in a group discussion where each one will be given a prompt based on a mind map.
Two examiners will be present during the MUET speaking test, and one of them will give the topic to the candidates.
Important note: The topic of Part 1 and Part 2 are related.
- Part 1: Candidates will be given 2 minutes to prepare as soon as they are given the topic and another 2 minutes to present right after that.Candidates are expected to give a general response (broadly) and draw from their personal experiences. Eg: The importance of reading (Individual prompt).
- Part 2: Candidates are divided into groups of four members and are later given a visual stimulus and a mind map containing 5 prompts. Everyone will be given 3 minutes to prepare individually while the entire discussion will be approximately 8 to 12 minutes.Candidates can agree or disagree with each other's prompt but must eventually come to a conclusion. Eg: Ways to improve English proficiency level (Group topic discussion).
Don't forget to read up on the latest marking scheme for all the MUET papers.
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How Will You Be Tested For The MUET Reading Component?
Now, we'll move on to the reading component.
Altogether there are 7 parts and 40 questions.
- Part 1: Three short texts that are thematically linked. Need to answer 4 multiple-matching questions.
- Parts 2 and 3: Two texts that require candidates to answer 10 multiple choice questions (3 options).
- Part 4: Two independent texts. A total of 6 multiple choice questions (3 options), where 2 questions are based on the 1st text, 2 questions on the 2nd text and the last 2 questions comparing the two texts.
- Part 5: One text. Candidates need to complete a gapped text for 6 missing sentences (7 options are given).
- Parts 6 and 7: Two texts. Candidates need to answer 14 multiple-choice questions (4 options).
For this component, you need to have strong skimming and comprehension skills. In between, you need to accurately interpret the message and tone of the author. That way, you can choose the most accurate answer within a fast period based on the given text.
Reviewing The Structure Of Your MUET Writing Component
We have finally reached the last MUET component: Writing.
Under this component, candidates will need to write a letter or email for Task 1 [at least 100 words] and write an essay (discursive, argumentative or problem-solution) for Task 2 [at least 250 words].
For Task 1, candidates will be shown an email or letter with given notes and information. Some of the writing that candidates probably need to include for Task 1 include:
- Expressing gratitude, apologies
- Accepting or rejecting offers or invitations
- Providing relevant information based on a given request
- Describing personal experiences, happenings of a past event
- Giving advice, suggestions, feedback, reasons and improvements
The suggested time for Task 1 is 25 minutes.
For Task 2, candidates are required to organise and discuss their ideas critically based on the given essay format. Each argument (ideas/points) must be supported with relevant supporting evidence and examples.
For example, when it comes to argumentative essays, a clear position must be indicated by the end of the essay.
The suggested time for Task 2 is 50 minutes.
You have now reviewed all the question structures for the four MUET components. Now, what's next?
Tackle Your MUET Papers With An Experienced MUET Tutor
Whether you are taking the MUET papers as a pre-university student or a private candidate, there's no denying that a lot of practice is needed to achieve your targeted MUET band.
Instead of trying to figure out everything on your own, you can receive personalised MUET lessons from an experienced and reliable private tutor.
Whether you are looking for a MUET home tutor near your hometown or an online tutor that offers flexible lessons, we've got the perfect solution for you!
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Introducing to you — Superprof!
Superprof is an amazing tutoring platform that connects passionate learners and dedicated tutors across the globe including Malaysia.
In just a few steps, you can find a MUET tutor that fits your preferences in terms of teaching qualification, years of experience, tutoring methodology and hourly rates.
All you need to do is head to the Superprof Malaysia homepage and input your basic information such as your desired subject (English/MUET) and learning mode (physical/online). The system will lead you to a wide selection of MUET tutors according to your filtered criteria.
Now, you are not only equipped with the latest MUET exam format but also with the best tutoring platform to ace this test. Start your lessons with Superprof today!
Once you have completed the test and received your MUET band, it will certainly serve as the best proof of your English proficiency level!
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Chinese student looking for a MUET course and the newest MUET test paper for practice.