Wednesday, 24 April 2013

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, 19th 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!