The Malaysian University English Test (MUET) is an English proficiency test taken by pre-university students in Malaysia planning to study for a degree programme in private or public universities within Malaysia. Conducted three times a year, the exam tests students on four key English language skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing using scores ranging from 1 to 360, corresponding to Bands 1 to 5+.
Scoring an A in the MUET writing paper might look tough, but by utilising the right strategies, it's completely achievable. Whether you're aiming to enter university or boost your English proficiency, acing the MUET writing paper will propel you to the top band.
In this guide, we will explore the new MUET writing format and share tips, MUET writing sample strategies, and MUET essay examples to help you master the MUET writing paper.
Overview of MUET English Paper
The MUET English paper tests candidates on four English language skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing - in four different papers:
- MUET listening test
- MUET speaking test
- MUET reading test
- MUET writing test
Of these, the MUET writing paper evaluates your ability to communicate in written English in the context of higher education and also to express ideas in formal and informal contexts.
For a deeper understanding of MUET, don’t miss our comprehensive guide covering all aspects of the exam
MUET Writing Paper 4
Let us look into the exam specification of the writing paper. The duration of the MUET writing paper is 75 minutes, and the maximum mark for the paper is 90. All four papers share the same maximum mark. It contributes 25% to the overall MUET results.
The table below shows the new format of the MUET writing test overview.
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Task 1 | 1 guided writing (A letter or an email) | 30 |
| Task 2 | 1 extended writing (discursive, argumentative, or problem-solution) | 60 |
| Total | 2 questions | 90 marks |
MUET Writing Format Criteria Breakdown
To score an A in the MUET writing paper, you need to:
- Write well-organised, cohesive paragraphs
- Show language variety
- Answer all parts of the question accurately
Here is a detailed breakdown of the MUET writing band descriptors for better clarity.
| Criteria | Band 3 | Band 4 | Band 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Task Fulfillment | Partially addresses task with limited ideas | Addresses most parts with minor oversight | Fully addresses the task with well-developed ideas |
| Language Use | Limited vocabulary and frequent errors | Errors present but meaning is clear | Proper use of grammar and wide vocabulary |
| Organisation | Lacks cohesion | Mostly organised | Well-organised and cohesive paragraphs |
Detailed Breakdown of Tasks in Paper 4
Task 1 - Letter or Email Writing Guideline
In Task 1 of the MUET writing paper, you will receive a textual stimulus in the form of a letter or an email. The maximum number of marks you can obtain for Task 1 is 30 marks. This task requires you to answer in around 100 words, so precision is the key. The most important thing is that you must include all the notes provided in the question.
Although there is no specific format, here is a guideline for you to write a letter or an email.
First of all, read the question carefully. Next, analyse and identify the following information:
Who is the email/letter receiver?
What is the email/letter about?
What language register should be used?
Identify the keywords in the notes given.
With the above information, plan your response.
- Use the notes to plan your answer.
- Aim to write one paragraph for each note.
- Include discourse markers, use appropriate register (formal or informal) and correct sentence structure.
- The recommended time to spend on this task is about 25 minutes.
For tips, refer to a MUET writing sample answer that fits this task type.
You may want to look out for the assessment MUET paper with the latest 2021 format available on the internet for your reference.
Now, let’s move on to Task 2 for the MUET writing paper.
Task 2 - Non-formatted Essay
In Task 2 of the MUET writing paper, you will be provided with a textual stimulus and required to write an essay based on it. This task typically involves one of three common types of essays. You are advised to spend about 50 minutes on this section, and your response must be at least 250 words in length.
The types of writing that you may be required to write are:
Discursive Writing
Discursive writing requires you to analyse a given topic and present your views on the subject. In discursive writing, you are educating the reader and providing them with information on a particular subject.
To ace the discursive paper,
- Introduce the topic with a hook – it could be stating a fact, asking a question or a relatable quote.
- Specify your points and back them up with valid reasons, pieces of evidence or examples.
- Express your personal opinion and use expressions like “I am of the opinion that,” or “It is my view that,”. But remember not to overuse these expressions.
- Be sure to write one point in one paragraph. Avoid mixing your points in a big chunk of paragraphs.
- In the conclusion, summarise your points in a short paragraph. Try to create a connection between the introduction and the conclusion.
Refer to a MUET essay example for guidance.
Argumentative Writing
In argumentative writing, you persuade readers to understand and support your point of view about a certain topic. You must, of course, state relevant reasons and provide credible evidence to back your standpoint.
Since writing an argumentative essay is quite tricky, try these approaches when writing one:
- Start by making a claim in the introduction paragraph. Capture the reader’s attention by providing the background information on the topics and present your thesis statement. Your thesis statement should be one sentence of a short summary of your main point.
- Write 2 to 3 paragraphs to explain why you stand by your points.
- Influence your readers to agree with your viewpoint in the main body. The different paragraphs should cover one point each.
- Use the last paragraph in your essay to reiterate your thesis and write a short conclusion of all your points in the main body paragraphs.
Problem Solution
For a problem-solution essay, you need to propose a solution to overcome a problem.
Describe the problem that you want to solve in the introduction paragraph. Convince your reader why it is important for them to pay attention to the problem and why they need to take any action to resolve it.
Then, start outlining your proposed solution in the main body. Aim to come up with three to four paragraphs to discuss the solution. You can include this reasoning to support your essay:
- The solution is practical
- The solution is workable
- The solution is cost-effective
- The solution is feasible
Limit your conclusion to one paragraph. Close your essay with a rhetorical question or point out a call to action for your reader to take an action.
Remember to include all the notes given in the questions. However, do paraphrase the words. Avoid copying word-for-word directly from the questions. You can use a synonym or change the order of the sentence.
Remember to review MUET writing sample answers and MUET essay examples for each of the above types to score A* in the MUET writing paper.
Final Revision Checklist Before Submitting Your MUET Writing
Before you turn in your essay, check your paper for the following:
- Have I answered all the points in the question?
- Have I used the correct format?
- Have I paraphrased instead of simply copying text?
- Is my response at least 100 words for Task 1 and 250 words for Task 2?
- Have I written a strong introduction (with a hook), a well-defined body, and a logical conclusion?
- Have I used strong vocabulary?
Tips to Score an A in MUET Essay Writing
Scoring an A in the MUET writing paper requires a clear understanding of the two main marking criteria: task fulfilment and language and organisation.
Task fulfilment refers to how accurately you answer the given writing task, while language and organisation refer to how you structure your content and present your ideas with the right use of vocabulary.
To prepare effectively for the essay writing paper, refer to the MUET marking scheme and the MUET writing format to understand how the papers are being marked.
To improve your performance:
Practice writing essays regularly
Practice mock tests under the given time limit
Make a vocabulary list to enhance your article
Review past year MUET essay papers
Practice MUET writing sample answers
During the Exam
- Follow the recommended word count and complete your essay within the allotted time.
- Grammatical errors can cost you marks. Check your essay carefully for grammatical errors.
- Write simple sentences and avoid overusing idioms and expressions.
- Support with ideas with relevant details and avoid fluff.
MUET Writing Guide
Essay writing isn’t that easy as you require ideation and organisation skills to produce a well-structured essay. If you find essay writing challenging, you might want to take the help of an English tutor who will help you with MUET writing tips.
A great place to start looking for an English tutor is by visiting a reputable online tutoring website, such as Superprof, which connects students with a wide selection of tutors. With over 16 million tutors across 1000 subjects, you’re sure to find someone on our website who fits your learning needs.
Whether you are preparing for listening, speaking, writing or reading skills, a tutor is here to help. To find your preferred tutor on Superprof, simply visit our website and click on the ‘Find a tutor’ button.
A list of available tutors will appear based on your selected subject and location. Based on your choices, choose a tutor whose teaching style aligns with your needs and voila, you are ready to begin!
Once you find your preferred tutor, click on the ‘Book a Class’ button on the top right of the tutor’s profile. Talk to your tutor about your educational background, needs and availability in detail. This will help your tutor understand your needs better and offer you writing tips and extended English essay notes.
You can rely on your tutor for just about everything related to the MUET examination—from reviewing your MUET writing samples and providing MUET writing sample answers to help you improve your MUET essay examples.
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