Part 111- Sample Answers to 800/4 (Question 2)

The second question for this paper requires a student to write at least 350 words, thus one needs to plan to answer in the tight time frame given - this obviously needs a lot of practice!

To answer this question (refer to notes in Part 1) you need : to determine the format required.

Para. 1    : introduction and theTHESIS statement ( for Band 3 and above).
Para.2 -4:Topic sentence,elaboration and examples.
Last Para: Conclusion- reaffirm thesis.

The following scripts follow these guidelines.

The above script is well-written as the student seems to have a flair with the english language. Very seldom that I come across such expressions from my students, for eg. here :

" Wow them with your abilities....Dazzle them with your communicating skills....."

To have written so well.. obviously she must be well- read- kudos to her!!! But then even if  english is not your cup of tea, you can still do well in this section if you just follow the guidelines given. The following script is a good example.

Hope this sample answers would give you some insight to what is required to score in this paper.

Happy writing!!!

Part 11- Sample Answers to 800/4 (Muet Writing)

Since last week, I was rather busy marking the exam papers..the weekends were really taxing as I marked the writing part. After marking about 50 scripts- I was on the verge of ... Luckily the last few scripts managed to save the day. I was really wondering if trend/ stand/ thesis statement really  something alien to them???? Anyway take a look at the questions and sample answers- perhaps you readers could learn a thing or two.

Note that above is the marking scheme for Question 1. Note that in your
answers, you should include the following ( refer to notes in Part 1) :
a)Title
b) Paragraph 1 ( introduction/overview and trend/stand) The trend should link all visuals shown.
c) Paragraph 2 :
 i)analysis should have Key Features (from the visuals), suitable trend words, and data(miss out any one would be considered incomplete)
ii)synthesis should consists of 2 analysis with linkers ( such as while, but, moreover)
d) Paragraph 3 (Conclusion)
The essay should be more than 150 words but should not exceed 200 words.

Please note that in the first paragraph the trend is rather incomplete as it does not link the data in the table and the newspaper headlines effectively. However this student managed to conclude with a trend in the last paragraph.Some of the analysis and synthesis are also incomplete. Anyway this student managed at least to get Band 3- without a trend like many other students, they would not surpass Band 3 for Question 1.

In the second script, the student managed to get her trend right the first paragraph.However the student needs to brush up on her analysis and synthesis (especially) if one hopes to score in this section. 

Good Luck!!!

MUET : PART 1 : AN INTRODUCTION TO MALAYSIAN UNIVERSITY ENGLISH TEST

My notes will be written for those preparing to sit for the MUET examination.  I will focus the important aspects with the hope that the readers would benefit from it and would manage to get good scores in the MUET examination. You need to score at least a Band 2 to get into reputable IPTA s and at least a Band 4 for certain faculties such as Law and English. The exam is now administered three times a year – in MARCH, JULY, and OCT./NOV. Please check the MPM website for the registration dates. The registration is opened online. You can get the PIN number  by paying RM 1 at any BSN branch or you could go directly to MPM in Selayang to register. The last registration  date for the July exam was last week, 19^th April 2013.

There are 4 papers for MUET:

i)                    800/1 – Listening – 20 Questions (30 minutes)

ii)                   800/2 – Speaking – 2 Questions :

a) Task A- Individual Presentation(2 minutes)

b) Task B- Group Discussion  ( 10 minutes: 2.5 mins. X 4 candidates)

iii)                 800/3 – Reading – 45 Questions (120 minutes)

iv)                 800/4 –Writing – 2 Questions (90 minutes):

a)      Question 1 ( On given stimulus)- 150-200 words

b)      Question2 ( extended essay) – more than 350 words.

TIPS ON PAPER 4 (WRITING)

For Question 1 ,please take note of the following::

v  It is important for you to understand the question and the format  required.

v  Study the visuals/ stimulus-Interpret the graphics/ visuals  given and  RELATE/LINK  them by comparing and explaining the data given.

v  Make short notes from the analysis. The data given  MUST be accurate.

v  Use a variety of appropriate words  to describe trends.

v  Pay attention to your grammar: tenses, sentence structures, spelling etc.

v  Do not add unnecessary words or use figurative language.

v  Leave out irrelevant information and your opinions in your answers.

v  Do not exceed the word count (150 -200 words only).

For Question 1, marks are awarded based on the following:

A)     Task Fulfilment   :  ( understanding of tasks given, developing of ideas, organising and presenting of ideas) – 20 marks.

B)      Language  Used  : (variety of words used (vocabulary), appropriate expressions, grammar and mechanics used)- 20 marks.

ESSAY OUTLINE FOR QUESTION 1

1)      Title

2)      Paragraph 1 :

i)                    Introduction- general statements.

ii)                   Overview / Overall  Trend (  Key  features + Trend words) You MUST relate all the stimulus given.

3)      Paragraph  2:

      On Analysis and Synthesis of Data : should have the following:

i)                    Key  Features ( key words used in the stimulus)

ii)                   Trend words ( eg. highest / lowest ,numbers/ changes shown)

iii)                 Percentage/ numbers from given data

     

4)      Paragraph 3:

      Conclusion : describe / reaffirm general trend shown.

For  Question 1 given below:

-          Study the chart and table given – you MUST link  / relate the information from the chart and table given.

PERINGATAN PENTING:

- Calon mesti menghubungkaitkan informasi/ data dalam kedua-dua visual. Kegagalan berbuat demikian menyebabkan anda tidak dapat markah yang baik untuk trend . Trend MESTI mengandungi

 i)  Key Features / KATA KUNCI  ( Fiction, Non-Fiction, Magazine, Mac, September dll)  DAN

 ii) Perkataan yang menunjukkan trend (highest/ lowest etc).

-  Analisis dan Sintesis mesti  mengandungi KEY FEATURES + TREND+ DATA (spt.- %)

-  Sintesis adalah perbandingan antara data dalam grafik yang diberikan . Semakin banyak sintesis semakin tinggi skor yang akan diperolehi.

-  JANGAN SEKALI MENAMBAH PENDAPAT ANDA- hanya guna maklumat yang diberi.

-  Semak kesalahan tatabahasa untuk markah yang tinggi – kurangkan / elakkan ‘single word error'

Using the tips given above, answer Question 1 given. I will post sample scripts at a later date for your guide. To my students please email your essay s to me.  HAPPY WRITING!