MUET, which stands for Malaysian University English Test, is an English proficiency test commonly taken by students in Malaysia to demonstrate English proficiency for university admission and employment purposes. MUET test scores help universities make informed decisions about a candidate’s ability to use English in a variety of contexts.
The MUET test is regulated by the Malaysian Examinations Council (MEC), which provides regulations test specifications for the Malaysian University English Test. The test assesses skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
As announced by Majlis Peperiksaan Malaysia (MPM), MUET underwent a major change in its format as of January 2021. This was done to align it with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Changes include the scoring band, assessment weightage, as well as the paper and examination structures.
This update aimed to deliver an English language assessment that is more functional and recognised internationally. The updated MUET test continues to be a vital English test for Malaysian students, helping them register, prepare, and succeed in demonstrating their language skills.
MUET Exam Format at a Glance
In January 2021, MUET underwent a significant revamp to align it more closely with CEFR standards and be in sync with real-world English usage.
Summary of Key Changes:
- Earlier, the maximum aggregated score was 300 with a Band from 1 to 6. Now, after the CEFR-aligned band system, the maximum aggregate score is 360 and ranges from Band 1.0 to 5+.
- Earlier, every paper had different marks; now all are equal marks with 25% weightage (25%) for all four components
- Revised test structures and question types
- More practical and communicative assessment across all papers
| Aspect | Old Format | New Format |
|---|---|---|
| Band Range | Band 1 to Band 6 | Band 1.0 to Band 5+ |
| Aggregate Score | Maximum of 300 | Maximum of 360 |
| Paper Structure | Traditional | Revised with CEFR alignment |
| Component Weightage | Varies | Equal weightage (25% each) |
| Assessment Focus | Grammar and exam-based | Real-world use and communicative in nature |
Do you want to know more about the MUET exam? Read the complete guide to MUET to understand what it is all about.
Key Changes in the MUET Format
Let’s take a look at the format changes in more detail.
There are four components in the MUET Malaysia examination. The table below shows the paper code, paper name, the assessment weightage and the duration of each paper.
| Paper Code | Paper Name | Assessment Weightage | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800/1 | Listening | 25% | 50 minutes |
| 800/2 | Speaking | 25% | 30 minutes |
| 800/3 | Reading | 25% | 75 minutes |
| 800/4 | Writing | 25% | 75 minutes |
You will need to complete all the papers in order to obtain an overall band score. You will not be awarded sijil MUET if you fail in any of the four papers.
MUET Listening Test
Quick Overview
Test Duration – 50 minutes
Assessment Weightage – 25%
Total Parts - 5
Total Questions – 30
Listening Texts - 7
In the listening test, you will be assessed on your ability to understand a number of oral texts. The length and complexity of the texts vary from one another.
The total time for the test is 50 minutes. It carries 25% of the assessment weightage of the overall MUET result.
The listening test consists of 5 parts. During the test, you will be listening to recorded texts twice. There will be a total of 30 questions to answer. The questions consist of:
- Information transfer questions
- Short answer questions
- 3-option multiple-choice questions
| Section | Type of Audio | Question Type | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | 1 dialogue between 2 people | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs - 3 options) | 7 |
| Part 2 | 1 monologue consisting of a talk, lecture or a briefing | MCQs - 3 options | 7 |
| Part 3 | 3 monologues from three people | Multiple matching - 5 options | 3 |
| Part 4 | 1 dialogue | MCQs - 3 options | 7 |
| Part 5 | 3 short dialogues between 2 people | MCQs - 3 options | 6 |
| Total | 9 audios | 30 questions |
The table above shows the structure of the listening test.
MUET Speaking Test
Quick Overview
Duration: 30 minutes
Weightage: 25%
Parts: 2
The MUET speaking questions will evaluate your ability to make an individual presentation and also interact in a group discussion in two parts.
Part 1 - To deliver an individual presentation
- You will be given a textual stimulus that consists of a brief statement on the topics and an aspect of the topic for you to talk about.
- You are given two minutes to prepare for your presentation and another two minutes to present.
- You will need to present individually to your group members.
Part 2 - To take part in a group discussion
- You will be in a group of two to four students.
- Each of your group members will receive visual and textual stimuli. The stimuli contain a brief statement about the topic and a mind map consisting of ideas for a discussion.
- Each of the group members is given three minutes to prepare their points. The group discussion is limited to 8 to 12 minutes.
- During the discussion, you may support or oppose other group members’ opinions. At the end of the discussion, all the group members should be able to come up with the best conclusion.
A total time of 30 minutes is given for the speaking test. It contributes 25% to the assessment weightage of the overall MUET result.
The speaking section in the MUET test can be intimidating for some pre-university students. You can be better prepared, though, by going through questions that may be asked during the test using the MUET past year papers available at www mpm edu.
MUET Reading Test
Quick Overview
Duration - 75 minutes
Weightage - 25%
Total Questions - 40
Texts -10 across 7 parts
The MUET reading test is meant to assess a student’s ability to comprehend texts in the higher education context, covering both formal and less formal text types.
The duration of the reading test for 75 minutes.
In this paper, you are required to read a number of passages and answer questions regarding the texts. The passage may be taken from newspapers, magazines or other sources.
The MUET reading test consists of 7 parts with 10 texts and 40 questions. The questions are usually in the form of 3-option multiple-choice, 4-option multiple-choice and multiple matching questions.
| Section | Text | Question Type | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Three short texts of the same text type, thematically linked, amounting to a total of 100 to 150 words | Multiple matching Three texts preceded by 4 multiple matching questions | 4 |
| Part 2 and 3 | Two texts each of 300 to 450 words | MCQs - 3 options | 10 |
| Part 4 | Two independent texts based on the same theme (not necessarily of the same text type) amounting to a total of 700 to 800 words | Two MCQs based on Text 1, two MCQs based on Text 2, and two MCQs comparing the two texts (3 options) | 6 |
| Part 5 | One text of 500 to 600 words | A gapped text with 6 missing sentences (7 options) | 6 |
| Part 6 and 7 | Two texts of 700 to 900 words each | CQs - 4 options | 14 |
| Total | 10 texts | 40 questions |
The table above shows the overview of the MUET reading test.
MUET Writing Test
Overview
Duration - 75 minutes
Weightage - 25%
Tasks - 2
For the writing test, you will be tested on your writing skills. In this paper, you are required to perform two writing tasks.
Task 1 - Writing a letter or an email
- For task one, you will be given a text stimulus in the form of a letter or an email. It will contain three or four notes and aspects of what you need to write.
- The length of your letter or email is at least 100 words.
- You are given 25 minutes to write your letter or email.
Task 2 - Writing an essay
- In this task, you will be provided with a textual stimulus. It may consist of a statement on the idea or a problem that you have to respond to.
- You are expected to write an essay of at least 250 words.
- You are given 50 minutes to write your essay.
A total of 75 minutes of time is allocated for the writing test.
There is no exact or strict format that you need to follow to write these essays. But, it is best that you know how to write a MUET essay in discursive, argumentative and problem-solving styles.
The MUET Aggregated Score
The MUET candidates’ level of proficiency is evaluated using aggregated scores that range from 1 to 360. Each of the aggregated scores corresponds to Bands from 1 (the lowest) to 5+ (the highest).
| Aggregated Score | Band | CEFR Level | User |
|---|---|---|---|
| 331 – 360 | 5+ | C1+ | |
| 294 – 330 | 5.0 | C1 | |
| 258 –293 | 4.5 | B2 | |
| 211 –257 | 4.0 | ||
| 164 – 210 | 3.5 | B1 | |
| 123 – 163 | 3.0 | ||
| 82 – 122 | 2.5 | A2 | |
| 36 – 81 | 2.0 | ||
| 1 – 35 | 1.0 |
The table above shows the alignment of the aggregated score with the CEFR Global Scale.
CEFR-Based Descriptors
Proficient (Band 5.0 – 5+)
- Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning.
- Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
- Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
- Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Independent(Band 3.5 – 4.5)
- Can understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation.
- Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
- Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue, giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
Basic(Band 1.0 – 3.0)
- Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).
- Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
- Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
It is possible to achieve Band 5 in the MUET test, but it requires good preparation and an understanding of how the MUET papers are marked. To get help with your MUET test preparation, it is a wise move to opt for a tutor.
Top Tips to Prepare for MUET Successfully
Listening:
- Listen to British/Malaysian English podcasts
- Familiarise yourself with different accents
- Take notes while listening
- Practice with past year MUET listening papers
Speaking:
- Practice answers with peers or tutors
- Record your responses to get used to the 2-minute format
- Practice with a timer
- Avoid repeating words and try to use a variety of vocabulary
Reading:
- Read a variety of material like editorials, reports, and journals
- Practice speed reading and scanning techniques
- Pay importance to keywords
- Be careful of tricky answer choices
Writing:
- Practice writing in all 3 essay types (discursive, argumentative, and problem-solution styles)
- Use linking words and maintain coherence
- Focus on grammar and sentence variety
Final Thoughts on MUET 2021 Format
The 2021 MUET format change was necessary as it offers a more realistic and globally aligned framework for assessing English language proficiency. Whether you’re aiming for Band 3.5 or Band 5+, knowing the MUET exam format is crucial.
Do you need help with your preparation? Consider an English tutor from Superprof, a reputable online tutoring website that offers a wide selection of more than 16 million tutors for over 1000 subjects, including English.
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