MALAYSIAN UNIVERSITY ENGLISH TEST

(MUET)
WORKSHOP
INSTITUT PENDIDIKAN GURU KAMPUS SARAWAK MIRI
30 AUGUST 2016

Prepared by
PN URSULINA WONG SAN SAN
GURU AKADEMIK TINGKATAN 6 (MUET)
SMK KUBONG, LIMBANG
Tips & Techniques for answering 800/1 MUET Listening

Requirements
Listen to various types of recorded oral text and answer 20 questions
Possible question type : 1 Information transfer (6 Qs)
2 Multiple-choice questions (8 Qs)
3 Short-answer questions (6 Qs)
Answer the questions (Information transfer & short-answer) by adhering to the number of
words allowed to fill in the blanks (3 words @ 5 words)
Strategies
Pre listening
Read the instructions carefully and pay attention to the number of words allowed to fill in
the blanks as this will vary.
Read the questions carefully underline key words in the questions so that you know
what to listen for.
Pay attention to the stem of the questions you may have to rephrase the information that
you hear.
Guess the context of the listening input and try to predict the information that you are
going to listen to.
Pay attention to the introduction of each part as this will give you useful information
about the situation and the speakers.
While listening
Listen carefully and jot down words which are relevant to the questions.
Focus on listening as you focus you will listen to the word(s) you are reading.
Focus on 2 questions at the same time sometimes the answers come in quickly one after
the other.
Write the answers as you listen you may not have enough time in the end (you can
check them during second listening).
Do not panic if you have missed a question, concentrate on the next one (remember there
will be a second listening!).
Abide by the sword count.
Write clearly you would lose marks if your answers are not legible.
Check your spelling and grammar.
Make sure your answers make sense.
Do not leave any question unanswered.

MUET March 2014

Paper 1 Listening

Part I

[8 marks]

For questions 1 to 3, write your answer in NOT MORE THAN THREE WORDS.
1

As a result of the International World Heritage Programme, heritage sites ____________

________________________________________________________________________

According to the speaker, most heritage sites are ________________________________

Apart from financial assistance, an indirect benefit of a heritage site is _______________

________________________________________________________________________

For questions 4 to 6, write your answer in NOT MORE THAN FIVE WORDS.
Heritage Sites in Malaysia

4 ___________________________________
Site
5 _______________________

Main feature
Largest known
cave chamber

Cultural features
Site

Main feature

Penang and
Malacca

Historical cities

Lenggong Valley

6 __________________

_______________________

Kinabalu Park

Plant and
animal
diversity

__________________

For questions 7 to 8, circle the correct answer.

7

The two sites of Penang and Malacca share a listing because they both
A
have a similar history
B
are located along the Straits of Malacca
C
were developed more than 500 years ago

The most recently-listed heritage site is

A
Penang
B
Kinabalu Park

Lenggong Valley

Part II

[6 marks]

For questions 9 to 12, circle the correct answer.

9

For safety and comfort, hikers should

A
B
C

10

avoid rough and rocky paths

put on thick socks
wear sneakers

Which would Encik Hussein probably wear when he goes hiking?

A
B
C

11

Heavy clothing
Loose T-shirt and shorts
Track pants and long-sleeved T-shirt

During a hike, a responsible leader should

A
B
C

12

assign pairs to take charge of the group

keep in touch with all members in his group
familiarise himself with the trail as he goes along

Good time-keeping would mean that each hiker should

A
B
C

complete the hike before night falls

wear a watch with luminous dials
be alert at all time

For questions 13 and 14, choose one letter A to F from the box below to complete each
sentence.
A

compass

gas lighter

map

mobile phone

torchlight

whistle

13

According to the speaker, the most vital item to carry is a _________________________

14

The best way to alert other hikers is to use a ____________________

Part III

[6 marks]

For questions 15 to 20, write your answer in NOT MORE THAN FIVE WORDS.

15

The purpose of the smart fork is to ___________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

16

The fork vibrates when the diner eats _________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

17

Climate change could cause Malaysia to _______________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

18

Many Malaysians do not value water as compared to electricity because _____________

________________________________________________________________________

19

The pet industry is expected to grow because Malaysians _________________________

________________________________________________________________________

20

Pet centres today differ from old-style pet shops in that they _______________________
_______________________________________________________________________

END OF QUESTION PAPER

Tips & Techniques for answering 800/4 MUET Writing

Question 1
Requirements
Write in concise/compact and accurate manner
Must pertain to the data presented in the visuals
Write in standard English, accurately and fluently
Write 200 words only
transfer info from non-linear source to a linear text
Include a title (brief but precise, no. of words are not counted)
Include analysis (A) breakdown of data, trends and key features (include time frame, if
any)
Include synthesis (S) make comparisons, identify relationship(s) in visuals

Strategies
Spend about 40 mins.
Read Q carefully and understand what is required
Understand what the axes on the graph(s) or the %s on the charts represent
Write an overview (OV) to summarise the general trend/main idea
Do not change the facts
Do not write assumptions
Decide on the correct tense to use
Include useful phrases to describe chart movements (plunge, rise, climb, etc)
Look for ways to compare data
Remember to give a title
Intro look at the key words in the question, title, axes and key
Trend/changes use precise vocabulary
Trends describe changes for numeric items, eg. Population, production volume,
unemployment, etc
Trends can be expressed using nouns or verbs
(eg. On use of verb Unemployment level fell. ;
eg. On use of noun there was a significant fall in the unemployment levels..)
Essay must have title, intro, overview (general trend), analysis & synthesis of key
features (from most significant to least significant), conclusion (rephrase general trend)

TITLE

Should be Concise and Relevant /Accurate

INTRODUCTION

- Look at the key words in the question; the title and the axes of the
visuals
- may use the term visualsor stimuli

OVERVIEW

- Main idea of the report or the controlling idea

- need to link the information in the visuals to come up with a suitable
overview

ANALYSIS

- Should contain:
(i) Key Feature (The features or type of information being described)
+
(ii) Trend (description of the changes or comparisons of data
presented using precise vocabulary)
+
(iii) Data (The information in figures or ranking or ratings given in the
visuals)
- Present accurate & relevant data, beginning with the most significant
- Do not list out the information given (mere listing or descriptions)

SYNTHESIS

- Make comparisons among stimuli identify relationships & link

information in all the stimuli

CONCLUSION

- Repeat the overview in a new way

- Use language of probability (IF providing a projection*)
- Incorporate the Excerpt (IF one is given)

Sample Question (Year end 2010)

Sample Question (March 2014)

Sample Question (March 2015)

Question 1
A survey was carried out to assess the quality of service provided by a
group of 100 guards of a private college after attending courses. The
respondents of the survey comprised local students, foreign students,
staff and visitors. Using only the information provided, analyse the
respondents rating of satisfaction with the quality of service provided by
the guards. In your answer, you are to link the information provided in
Table 1 and Table 2.

Analysis of Past Years Questions

Question 1
Year

Stimuli/ Task

October 2008

Chart Modes of transport; notes

Compare and comment on the changes in the modes of transport in 1950,
1975 & 2000.

May 2009

Graph Annual sales of a book store (2005 2007);

Chart - Sales of reading materials in 2007
Write about book stores annual sales of reading materials link data in both
charts.

October 2009

Table Ranking of qualities employers look for in job applicants &

Ranking of qualities applicants believe employers look for.
Describe information shown in the table.

May 2010

Chart Visits to 3 music websites by teenagers;

Table Promotional Activities by the music websites
Write about the frequency of visits to the music websites link data in both
visuals.

Nov 2010

Chart 1 Number of air travellers by airlines (2003 2008)

Chart 2 Air travellers rating of satisfaction
Relate information in both charts.

May 2011

Table 1 Profile of professionals;

Table 2 Ranking of goals according to age group
Link the profile of professionals with their goals.

Nov 2011

Chart Places where consumers buy their groceries (1985 & 2010)
Table Characteristics of shopping venues in 2010
Link the information given in both visuals.

March 2012

Table 1 Parental and Household Responsibilities of Young Married

Professionals (1990 and 2010)
Newspaper headlines in 2011
Link the information given in both visuals.

July 2012

Table 1 School enrolment by region (2006 to 2010)

Figure 1 (chart) Income level by region (2010)
Link school enrolment with income level.

Year
Nov 2012

Stimuli/ Task
Table 1 Rating of College Facilities
Table 2 Fees, Scholarships and Number of Registered Students
Link the information in Table 1 and Table 2.

March 2013

Table 1 Life expectancy by region and gender

Figure 1 (Chart) Distribution of deaths by region, gender and cause in 2010
Compare the life expectancy and cause of deaths among men and women in
the different regions.

July 2013

Figure 1 (Chart) Dominant pastimes of youths in 2004

Figure 2 (Chart) Dominant pastimes of youths in 2009
Compare and contrast the information given.

Nov 2013

Figure 1 (Chart) Pet Ownership

Table 1 Reasons for Keeping Pets
Link the information given in both visuals.

March 2014

Figure 1 (Chart) Number of Youths Visiting the Dentist

Table 1 Reasons for Visiting the Dentist
Link the information presented in both visuals.

July 2014

Figure 1 (Chart) Sales of Three Fast Food Outlets in the First Quarter
of 2012
Table 1 Promotional Activities of Three Fast Food Outlets in the First
Quarter of 2012
Link the information given in both visuals.

Nov 2014

Figure 1 (Chart) Size of the Areas of Deforestation in Three Different

Forest Reserves between 2008 and 2012
Table 1 Reasons Cited for Deforestation
Link the information given in both visuals.

March 2015

Table 1 Respondents Rating of Level of Satisfaction

Table 2 Courses Offered for Security Guards
Link the information presented in both visuals.

Year

Stimuli/ Task

July 2015

Bar Chart Tiger Population in Three Countries

Table Actions Taken to Protect Tiger Population
Link the information given in both visuals.

Nov 2015

Pie Chart 1 Activities During Free Time by Secondary School Students

Daily in 2014
Pie Chart 2 Activities During Free Time by University Students
Daily in 2014
Table - Students Rating of Benefits Gained by Engaging in Free Time
Activities
Compare the pattern of free time activities and their benefits as rated by the
two types of students.

March 2016

Line Graph Number of Heart Attack Cases among Men And Women
(2011 2015)
Table Activities Performed by Men and Women (2011 2015)
Link the information presented in both visuals.

July 2016

Line Graph Number of Investors and Types of Investments (1970 2010)

Table Reasons for Investing in 1970 and 2010
Compare the reasons for investing.

Tips & Techniques for answering 800/4 MUET Writing

Question 2
Strategies

Read and analyse the Q underline key words

Brainstorm to generate as many ideas as possible use wh- Qs
Select relevant ideas 3 main ideas + 3 elaborations each
Organise these ideas
Prepare an outline
Develop a thesis statement based on the outline
Write the draft
Use impressive vocabulary (idioms/ proverbs)
Have a variety of sentence structures
Sum up in the last paragraph
Revise, edit, proofread
Read good sample essays
Read current new

MUET Writing: Basic Essay Structure

Introduction

Opening sentences
Stand
Thesis Statement (the main idea of the whole essay)
Topic Sentence 1 (the main idea of the first paragraph)
Supporting points (at least 2) for the main idea
Elaboration of the supporting points
Examples (real life examples is preferable)
Concluding sentence

Body

Topic Sentence 2 (the main idea of the first paragraph)

Supporting points (at least 2) for the main idea
Elaboration of the supporting points
Examples (real life examples is preferable)
Concluding sentence
Topic Sentence 3 (the main idea of the first paragraph)
Supporting points (at least 2) for the main idea
Elaboration of the supporting points
Examples (real life examples is preferable)
Concluding sentence

Conclusion

Restatement of the thesis statement/ summary of the main points

Prediction or opinion
Recommendation or call for action

Sample Question 2 (November 2015)

There is a strong link between reading and academic success. Discuss.
You should write at least 350 words.
Points to be considered:
Agree
There is a strong link
between
reading
and
academic success;
1. Acquire
or
gain
knowledge
2. Expand the horizon
3. Improve memory and
concentration
4. Develop thinking skills
5. Improve
language
competence
6. Expand vocabulary
7. Develop
learner
autonomy

Disagree
There is no strong link
between reading and
academic success;

Agree to a
certain extent
A combination of
ideas (agree &
disagree)

1. Reading is for pleasure

2. Reading is difficult (in terms
of content and language)
Other factors:
1. Experience
2. Goals
3. Passion
4. Attitude
5. Diligence
6. Discipline
7. Determination
8. Motivation
9. Focus
10.Learning or cognitive ability
11.Practical training
12.Talent
13.Skills
14.Practice

* a clear opinion MUST be given (state opinion/ stand in the introductory paragraph)
** points given must be linked to ACADEMIC SUCCESS (give clear examples of academic
success)

Analysis of Past Years Questions

Question 2
Year

Question

May 2003

Qualities of good parents

October
2003
April/May
2004
October
2004

Impact of technology on changes in our lives

October
2005

We are losing most of our traditions and culture.

How far do you think this is true?

April/May
2006
Oct./Nov.
2006

Education today should focus on producing creative individuals.

April/May
2007

National Service trainees should be trained to use firearms as part of the National
Service Training Programme. Do you agree?

Oct./Nov.
2007
May 2008

Role models have an impact on ones life. Do you agree?

October
2008

People are becoming more materialistic. They are concerned with making more
money and what money can buy. What is your opinion on being materialistic?

May 2009

ICT is the cause of todays many social ills. What is your opinion?

Oct./Nov.
2009
May 2010

People commit crimes for selfish reasons. Discuss.

An article on how the country can perform well in the next Commonwealth Games.
The Environment plays a major role in developing a persons intelligence. Do you
agree?

In order for a country to achieve developed nation status, it is important that the
young workforce prepares itself to meet present day challenges. Do you agree?

Academic excellence guarantees a successful life. Do you agree?

Nov 2010

The world today is turning more to electronic communications such as the email,
Facebook and Short Message System (SMS). What is your opinion of this growing
trend?
What do you think of the practice of arranged marriages in todays society? Discuss.

May 2011

The most valuable thing in life is friendship. Do you agree?

Nov 2011

Year
March 2012

July 2012
Nov 2012
March 2013
July 2013
Nov 2013

March 2014

July 2014
Nov 2014
March 2015

Choosing a career should be based on ones interest. Give your opinion.

Question
Education is the most important factor in the development of a country.
Discuss.
Students participation in co-curricular activities has been made one of the
criteria for entry into universities. What do you think of this requirement?
Give your opinion and support it with reasons.
Women make better leaders than men. Do you agree?
Mans careless attitude is the main cause for the destruction of the
environment. Discuss.
Everyone should aim to become a millionaire by the age of 35. Discuss.
The most important factor which contributes towards a persons success is
himself. Do you agree with the statement?
The trend today among youths is to own the latest technological gadgets such
as mobile phones and other devices. Is this a healthy development among
young people? Give your opinion.
The imbalance between the number of boys and girls pursuing university
education creates social problems. To what extent is this statement true?
Discuss.
Playing computer games is beneficial for everyone. Discuss.
Many tragedies can be avoided if people take preventive actions. Discuss.

July 2015

The media is an educational tool. Do you agree with the statement? Justify
your stand by giving relevant examples where appropriate.

Nov 2015

There is a strong link between reading and academic success. Discuss.

March 2015

Competition is healthy. Do you agree with the statement? Justify your stand
by giving relevant examples where appropriate.

July 2015

The traditional male role has changed with modernization. Discuss.