Although Malaysian students have been introduced to English subjects from primary to secondary education years, the MUET test seems to be intimidating for some pre-university students. As announced in early 2021 by Majlis Peperiksaan Malaysia, MUET has a new format for all of the papers that aligns with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). The newly established format is done to align MUET with international standards like IELTS and TOEFL.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry! There are countless resources, both online and offline, to help you master all four papers for Malaysian university English. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide from textbooks to YouTube tutorials for you to prepare effectively and confidently for the MUET exam.
Get to know the latest MUET format
The MUET is a language test organised by the Malaysian Examination Council (MEC). It is held 3 times a year in the months of March, July, and November. necessary that you get to know the latest format of your MUET paper. Why? Because the syllabus and the MPM MUET exam format can change! If you are unaware of the changes, you might end up practising with out-of-date resources that may be irrelevant for the current MUET exam syllabus.
Getting to know the new MUET format is the first step in your MUET preparation journey. Once you are familiar with the latest format for the MUET paper, you will be better equipped to look for reliable past years’ papers, notes and other resources and practice effectively.
Here is a look at the new MUET format.
| 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 |
Where to buy MUET books?
There are a number of MUET reference books available in the market that follow the MUET exam pattern with special focus on listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. These books consist of effective notes and comprehensive practices for self-assessment. Apart from that, these books also provide a variety of notes, tips, exercises and intensive practice, such as MUET speaking topics with answers as well as MUET past year questions to improve your performance in the examination.
Since many of these books are co-written by seasoned test designers and examiners, they have a solid advantage in assisting you in comprehending what the examiners are actually searching for.
Here are some reputable publishing house brands that produce quality MUET reference and revision books.
- Oxford Fajar
- Penerbitan Sasbadi
- Pelangi Publishing
- Penerbitan Ilmu Bakti
Where to Look for MUET Books Online?
Apart from purchasing these books in physical stores, you can also find them easily online. There are several online bookstores that offer a range of MPM MUET books and MUET past year questions.
Kinokuniya Malaysia Online
For example, Kinokuniya is a renowned international bookstore chain from Japan that offers a wide range of choices for MUET books. Suppose you plan to buy books online regularly through Kinokuniya Online. In that case, we encourage you to sign up for its membership, which gives you access to discounts and privileges reserved only for members.
MPH Online
MPH Online established its virtual bookstore in 2020, and since then, it has become the book lovers’ one-stop centre. There are also a lot of revision books available to purchase, including the MUET past year question bank and MUET speaking topics with answers.
With its membership program, you will be rewarded with a 10% discount on normal-priced items, a 15% one-time use on your birthday month and up to 25% off on monthly best sellers.
Popular Online
You may also consider Popular Online stores that offer fast delivery for ready-stocked titles, with candidates receiving books within 3 working days. You can preview the books online before deciding to buy them. Additionally, if you become a member, you will get the benefit of an immediate 10% discount for every book you purchase.
Bookurve
Bookurve is one of the most popular Malaysian online bookstores. Known for its affordability, it is a platform for book lovers to look for their favourite books. In addition to new books, the platform also sells used books, allowing candidates to purchase books at a cheaper price.
Printed books remain one of the most accurate and complete tools related to the MUET exam. Each of the books is usually written keeping the latest MPM MUET syllabus in mind, including comprehensive notes, MUET past year question analysis, and practice exercises. Moreover, these printed books are usually co-written by experienced examiners and educators who understand the MUET exam.
Where to Download MUET Past Year Papers?
Alternatively, if you prefer, you can download past year papers and notes online. Below are some of the websites where you can find MUET-related resources:
Portal Rasmi Majlis Peperiksaan Malaysia
One of the most reliable sources for accessing past year papers is the official portal of Majlis Peperiksaan Malaysia. Beyond offering downloads of past year papers, notes and guides on MUET, you can also do MUET registration and even check your MUET results through the portal, too.
Blog Bumi Gemilang
Another valuable resource, Blog Bumi Gemilang, is also known as a Malaysian examination hub because of its vast collection of almost all past year questions for various national examinations.
Where to Look for MUET Resources?
In addition to printed materials and websites, other resources can guide you in your MUET exam preparation journey. Here are some of the other sources of the MUET material that you can leverage to ace your MUET exam preparation journey.
Youtube Channels
YouTube has become an excellent medium for self-study, with several channels offering step-by-step walkthroughs that can help you with your MUET exam structure.
MUET Tutor
For example, MUET Tutor is a YouTube channel that provides structured lessons as if you were learning from a tutor taking in-person classes. MUET Tutor’s videos are arranged paper-wise, making it easier for students to access the materials easily.
MUET Tutorial Channel
Similarly, the MUET Tutorial Channel created by Cikgu Roslina shares content on all four MUET papers, along with tips on English grammar, low-frequency words, and vocabulary to help you get the MUET band that you are hoping to achieve.
Madam Aisah Blue
Madam Aisah Blue is a popular YouTube educator who helps you learn all about MUET in a fun way. On her channel, she teaches about essay writing skills, constructing sentences using the correct structures, MUET speaking topics with answers and write a MUET writing sample.
Telegram Channels
Telegram is another great messaging app where you can find a number of Telegram channels dedicated to sharing information and resources for MUET. Here are some of the Telegram channels you can check out:
Tips on Choosing the Right Resource
When choosing the right resources for your MUET exam, it is necessary to consider your learning style and current proficiency level. Here is what you should do to score a higher MUET band.
- Begin with books that teach basic grammar and vocabulary.
- Practice with IELTS-level materials to target higher bands.
- Make sure that the books follow the latest MUET format.
- Read online reviews before purchasing, especially when buying on Lazada, Shopee, and Carousell.
- Comparing prices across platforms can help you get the best deal.
Study Plan to Score Well in MUET Exam
A well-designed study plan can considerably improve your chances of scoring well in your MUET paper. We suggest you create a study plan where you focus on one or two topics per week, gradually building your skills in all four papers. Here is a sample MUET study plan for 4 weeks.
Week 1: Focus on Listening + Vocabulary
- Access YouTube channels like MUET Tutor, MUET Tutorial Channel and listen to BBC news and podcasts to improve your listening and speaking skills.
- Complete 1 listening paper every other day and note down any unfamiliar words that you encounter.
Week 2: Focus on Reading + Grammar
- In week 2, focus on reading and grammar. Build a personal word bank and focus on transition words.
- Attempt to complete a full Reading paper and time it.
- Review your answers & fix errors.
Week 3: Focus on Writing (1 essay per day)
- In the third week, focus on writing essays and emails/letters.
- Use real MUET questions or refer to practice books.
- Self-check using the MUET writing rubric or ask a tutor to provide feedback.
- Also, complete Paper 4 under timed conditions (75 mins)
Week 4: Focus on Speaking + Mock Tests
- In the final week, practice MUET speaking topics with answers. Take the help of a tutor if required to simulate the group discussion test.
- Work on elaborating your points, giving examples, and linking ideas properly.
The Role of Tutors
There are several resources available for you to prepare for the MUET paper. They are available either in physical printed materials or can also be downloadable from the internet. You can even look for a tutor for more personalised guidance.
Tutors are a great option for students who need help preparing for their MUET examination. Tutors could usually be a private teacher who teaches a single person or a very small group of people outside of school. Their role is to support students to reach their goals, overcome their academic weaknesses or prepare effectively for each component of the test, like speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
With a tutor, you can prepare for speaking test MUET with ease. Schedule a mock speaking test MUET with your tutor and ask for feedback to improve your speaking. You can even do a MUET listening practice with your tutor online.
To do well in the examination, you need to know all about the English test MUET - the format of the examination paper, the marking scheme and tips for pre-university students. This will give you a strong foundation in English proficiency and help you appear for your English test MUET with confidence.
With the right resources, you can score well in MUET. Choose the tools that match your learning style, stay consistent, and believe in your ability. Remember, MUET is more about preparation than intelligence.
Start now!
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