6 Effective MUET Tips You Should Try

English proficiency has become increasingly important in today's world. It is beneficial for academic and job-seeking purposes. 

Therefore, one way to assess one's English language proficiency in Malaysia is through the Malaysian University English Test (MUET). 

Although university students are familiar with the test's structure, many are not prepared for it. 

It is a very worrisome issue and does not guarantee their readiness to answer questions properly. 

Hence, this article will highlight essential MUET tips and practices you should consider before or during taking the test. 

Following these tips can boost your confidence and improve your English language proficiency. It will also help you succeed in your academic and professional pursuits.  

Let's start! 

Understanding MUET Format

The Malaysian University English Test (MUET) consists of four formats, which are Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. 

Below is the paper code and time allocation for each test: 

Paper code	Time allocation
800/1 (Listening)	50 minutes
800/2 (Speaking)	30 minutes
800/3 (Reading)	75 minutes
800/4 (Writing)	75 minutes

For your information, the Listening, Reading, and Writing Test can be taken on the same day. 

Meanwhile, the Speaking test is scheduled on separate dates, usually over a two-week period. 

However, the schedule applies to university students taking the regular MUET. 

If you take the MUET on Demand (MoD), you can complete all four tests on the same day. 

Even so, this option is subject to the availability of rooms for the Speaking test and the number of candidates taking it. 

MUET Weighting Score 

Each MUET exam format carries 25%, which is the maximum score of 90. 

Below is the overview of the weighting score for percentage and maximum score: 

Paper code	Weighting percentage	Maximum score
800/1 (Listening)	25%	90
800/2 (Speaking)	25%	90
800/3 (Reading)	25%	90
800/4 (Writing)	25%	90
		Total aggregated score: 360

Upon the aggregated score after the examination is completed, the university students can refer to the table below to view the Band and CEFR levels. 

Aggregated Score	Band	CEFR Level	Remarks
331 - 360	5+	C1+	Proficient
294 - 330	5.0	C1
258 - 293	4.5	B2	Independent
211- 257	4.0
164 - 210	3.5	B1
123 - 163	3.0
82-122	2.5	A2	Basic
36-81	2.0
1-35	1.0

The CEFR, or Common European Framework References, is an international standard indicating the candidates' language ability. 

It has six levels; A1 is the lowest, while C2 (or C1+) is the highest.

MUET Tips and Practices You Can Try 

• Listen to English audio materials

One way to improve English language proficiency is to improve listening skills. 

You can listen to English audio materials on a regular basis. This practice helps you to be familiar with different accents and dialects. 

With that, you can comprehend spoken English in various contexts easily. 

Additionally, you are allowed to take notes during the test. You can retain important key points by jotting down key points while listening. 

Aside from that, you must allocate your time wisely to ensure you have sufficient time to answer all questions. 

If you encounter a difficult question, you must move on and focus on the next one. Then, you can come back to it and answer it properly. 

• Practice speaking English 

The Speaking test in the MUET evaluates your ability to express ideas and opinions. 

Hence, you must converse with your friends or family members in English. 

You need to try to speak in English as much as possible. And do not be afraid if you make mistakes during the conversations. 

Doing this will encourage you to speak English more often and confidently. 

Besides, recording your speaking during practice sessions is also an excellent way. 

You can evaluate your language fluency, pronunciation, and identify areas that need improvement. 

When you listen to your recorded voice, pay attention to your tone, intonation, and speech clarity. If you notice any errors, you must work on them quickly. 

• Practice your speed reading

Rules of thumb to improve your English writing is you have to read. You can start by reading newspapers and books written in English. 

This step will expose you to various topics and writing styles and help you understand different writing techniques. 

Another important tip is to practice your speed reading. Speed reading is important for improving reading efficiency, especially in examinations. 

How does speed reading work? 

Speed reading involves understanding text quickly when you read it the second time. It is also helpful to understand basic writing concepts and inference. 

You can practice inference by reading a passage within a specific time frame. 

Then, you must summarize the main idea in your own words or identify the author's purpose in writing the text. 

The Reading test in MUET requires you to infer information, where you need to draw conclusions based on the information given. 

Hence, this is when speed reading comes in handy. 

• Polish your English writing skill

As mentioned above, reading and writing go hand-in-hand. You cannot simply hope that your writing skills will improve without putting in any effort. 

Although, if you have studied writing format and topics, it does not guarantee that you will be a great writer. Writing skills get rusty over time if you don't polish them consistently. 

Writing is a continuous and repetitive process that requires constant improvement. 

Even if you receive praise from teachers or colleagues, you must keep enhancing your writing skills to captivate and present your ideas effectively. 

In other words, you must involve proofreading after completing your completing your writing. 

This process helps you to correct grammatical errors and sentence structures, ensuring your essay flows smoothly. 

• Stay updated with current issues 

The MUET exam prioritizes contemporary issues. Therefore, you must stay informed on the current events. 

The examination often includes questions that test your knowledge of contemporary issues, such as society and culture. 

You should read online news or authorized social media accounts regularly. 

You can also watch news and documentaries to gain valuable knowledge and understanding of current events. 

By staying updated, you can demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the world and answer the MUET examination questions confidently. 

• Do mock tests 

Taking mock tests can significantly enhance your preparation for the actual MUET exam. 

You can attempt as many mock tests as possible to understand the format and types of questions that may appear. 

It helps you to identify your strengths and weaknesses and plan your study strategy accordingly.

Additionally, practicing mock tests can assist you in developing effective time management skills, which is beneficial during the test.

Hence, make sure to dedicate enough time to taking mock tests as a part of your exam preparation. 

In conclusion, participating in the Malaysian University English Test is a serious subject. You need to equip yourself with knowledge, skills, and confidence. 

Following the tips and practices outlined above can enhance your English language proficiency and increase your chances of success. 

Remember that regular practice is key. With consistent effort and dedication, you can do well on the test and achieve an excellent score.