This document provides an agenda and tips for an exam preparation workshop for the Malaysian University English Test (MUET). The agenda includes motivational speeches, lucky draws, and tips for preparing for different papers of the MUET exam. It outlines general tips for report writing in Paper 4, sample report writing topics, criteria for evaluating reports, and sample extended writing topics in Paper 2. It also provides tips for answering questions in Papers 1 (listening) and 3 (reading comprehension), including types of passages that may appear and difficult question types. The document aims to help students prepare for all aspects of the MUET exam.

1. EXAM PREPARATIONWORKSHOP
MALAYSIAN UNIVERSITY
ENGLISH TEST

2. AGENDA
1. Greeting
2. Prayers
3. The National Anthem “Negaraku” & The
School Song
4. Motivational Part 1
5. Preparation Tips for Paper 4
6. Lucky Draw
7. Motivational 2
8. Preparation Tips for Paper 3
9. Lucky Draw
10. Motivational 3
11. Preparation Tips for Paper 1
12. Lucky Draw
13. Gentle Reminders for Exam Etiquettes
14. Q&A
15. State Anthem “Ibu Pertiwiku”.

3. TIPS FOR PAPER 4
(WRITING)

4. QUESTION 1
REPORT WRITING

5. General Tips for Report
Writing
1. General Tips for Report Writing
2. MUET Report Writing Outline
3. Trial Exam Paper 4 Questions
4. Marking Scheme Trial P4

6. No. Criteria Yes (/) No
(X)
1 Does it have a title?
2 Does it have the controlling ideas?
3 Are the sentences containing the controlling
ideas clear?
4 Can I understand the sentences?
5 Do they reflect accurately what is shown by
the stimuli?
6 Does it have an overview?
7 Are all the key features analyzed, compared
and contrasted or synthesized?
8 Are the analysis presented in an organized
manner?
9 Can I understand the analysis ( the
sentences)?
10 Are the subjects of the sentences clear?
11 Are elements of analysis, comparisons and
contrasts present in the report?
12 Are all the key features analyzed and
integrated?

8. # TOPIC
NOV 2013 ANALYSE AND LINK
INFORMATION ON PET
OWNERSHIP AND THE REASONS
FOR KEEPING PETS.
JULY 2013 COMPARE AND CONTRAST THE
DOMINANT PASTIMES OF
YOUTHS IN 2004 AND 2009.
MARCH
2013
ANALYSE AND SYNTHESIS THE
LIFE EXPECTANCY AND CAUSE
OF DEATHS AMONG MEN AND
WOMEN IN THE DIFFERENT
REGIONS.
NOV 2012 ANALYSE QUALITIES OF
FACILITIES AVAILABLE IN THREE
COLLEGES AND LINK
INFORMATION TO FEES,
SCHOLARSHIPS AND NUMBER OF
REGISTERED STUDENTS.
JULY 2012 ANALYSE PRIMARY AND
SECONDARY SCOOL
ENROLLMENT IN THREE
REGIONS AND LINK THIS WITH

9. QUESTION 2: EXTENDED
WRITING

10. # TOPICS
Nov 2013 The most important factor which contribute
towards a person’s success is himself. Do you agree
with the statement? Justify your stand, giving relevant
examples where appropriate.
July 2013 Everyone should aim to become a millionaire by the age of
35. Discuss. You should write at least 350 words.
March
2013
Man’s careless attitude is the main cause of
destruction of the environment. Discuss
November
2012
Women make better leaders than men. Do you
agree? Discuss.
July
2012
Students’ participation in co-curricullar 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.
March
2012
Education is the most important factor in the
development of a country. Discuss.
End
2011
A person’s career choice should be determined
by his or her interest. Discuss.
Mid
2011
The most valuable thing in life is friendship. Do
you agree? Discuss.
End2010 In an arranged marriage, the choice of a husband or wife is
made by parents or elders. What do you think of this
practice in today’s society? Discuss.

11. # TOPICS
Mid
2010
The world today is turning more to electronic
communication s such as e-mail, Facebook and
Short Message System (SMS). What is your opinion of
this growing trend? Discuss.
End
2009
People commit crime for selfish reasons. Discuss.
Mid
2009
Information and communication technology (ICT) is the
cause of today’s many social ills. What is your opinion?
Support your answer with examples.
End
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?

12. Golden Rules
Indicate a clear stand on the given statement
 Total agreement
 Total disagreement
 Partial agreement
Provide consistent elaborations with the stand.
Provide at least two very well-developed or
three well-developed viewpoints.
Support view points with relevant explanations
and examples.
Discuss the issues with comparisons of opinions.
Ensure that ideas are convincing and persuasive.
Use varied vocabulary and sentence
constructions
Link the ideas effectively.

13. Pitfalls to Avoid
1. OFF TANGENT – not answering the question.
Example: Describing places of interest in Malaysia when
the task or topic is “ Tourism is a boon to Malaysia”.
2. Contradicting Thesis Statement
Example:
Examination is an inappropriate way to measure
students’ performance and should be replaced with
continuous assessment. I strongly agree with this
statement because examination brings more benefits
to students than continuous assessment…….
 Touch and Go points with little or no elaboration.
 Multiple word errors
 Frequent spelling errors
 Inappropriate choice of words
Example : Tourism gives much money to the country.
 Poor language structures.

14. Essay Organization
ESSAY ORGANIZATION
INTRODUCTORY
PARAGRAPH
1. Provide interesting opening statements to:
• Introduce the topic
• Provide some background information
• Give some interesting details to arouse interest
in the topic.
2. State your stand clearly (agree/disagree/partial
disagreement) to convey the tone of your
essay.
3. Write a thesis statement to convey the central
idea of the essay. You may preview your ideas
by stating the three main points.
BODY
PARAGRAPH 2
PARAGRAPH 3
PARAGRAPH 4
1. Should have at least 3 paragraphs with 3 well-
developed points.
2. Each paragraph should have a main idea/topic
sentence.
3. Each topic sentence would be elaborated with
relevant supporting details such as
explanations/reasons or justifications and
supported with relevant examples.
4. Ideas must be well-lined and organized , which
show a smooth flow of ideas.
5. Must show good organization.
CONCLUSION 1. Start with a concluding phrase ( In conclusion,
In short, In Summary, Last but not least, etc.).
2. Summarize the main ideas in different words
or restate the thesis.
3. Ask a thought-provoking question.

15. STEPS
#
STEP 1
Read and understand
the question
•Identify the key words
•Provide three viewpoints
•Explain each point with examples
•Write the thesis statement
Step 2
Set the Outline
•Provide a scenario of the issue in the
introduction.
•Mind map the ideas as a guide
•Write a topic sentence for each of the three
view points.
•Generate relevant ideas
•Conclude by restating the main points,
giving suggestions and stating the writer’s
hope.
Step 3 •Write each point clearly
•Provide clear and appropriate examples to
illustrate your point.
•Use analogy, quotes , proverbs, idioms
etc.. to enhance writing effects.
•Conclude each paragraph with a strong
message.
Step 4
Edit the Final
Product
•Ensure that the 5 paragraph essay
conventions is observed.
•Use sequence and transition markers to
show coherence and cohesion.
•Correct all misspellings

16. Memorize this:
Smoking in public places is a sensitive issue.
There are just so many smokers in Malaysia.
Most of these smokers do smoke in public.
They are indifferent to the effects of their
actions on people around them…..
SMOKING SHOULD BE BANNED IN ALL
PUBLIC PLACES. DO YOU AGREE?

17. AGREE DISAGREE
1.Detrimental to public health
-a hazard to non-smokers,
children and pregnant women.
-an intrusion to non-smokers’
rights for clean air
-a discomfort to non-smokers
-increases cost of healthcare
2. Negative impact on tourism
-filthier /dirtier washrooms and
toilets.
-dirtier walkways
-tarnishes the country’s image
-invasion of privacy
3. Environmental hazard
-pollutes the air
-pollutes waterways
-a waste of tax payers money to
clean.
1. Upholding human rights
-the right for personal freedom
-individual’s rights to spend and
be wherever they want to
be
-public places are for all
2. Avoid disputes between
operators of food outlets
and customers
-the norm and practice
-to stay in business
-good enough to have separate
sections for smokers and
non-smokers.
3. Revenue for the government
-taxes from all parties –
cigarette companies,
business premises, etc.
-provide crucial support for the
development of projects –in
spite of the health hazards
posed by smoking habits.

18. Malaysia has a very high rate of road accidents.
Road accidents are reported by the mass media
almost every day.These road accidents often
happen on highways and also on major town roads.
The high rate of road accidents had made a lot of
people worried and people are curious about what
really are the root cause of road accidents…..
Road accidents are caused by
human errors. What is your
opinion? Discuss.

19. Sample Topic 2
TRUE NOT TRUE
•Speeding
•Drunk driving
•Recklessness
•Tiredness
•Bad driving habits
•Impatience
•Disobey traffic
rules
•Poor road
conditions
•Bad weather
•Road design
deficiency
•Insufficient road
rules/indicators –
no warning signs
•Slippery roads
•Lack of
enforcement rules

20. What is success? Success means different
things to different people.Yet, in the
world today, people often think that a
successful person is someone who is very
rich. I agree/disagree with this view…
A successful person is someone
who is very rich. Discuss.

21. TRUE/AGREE NOT TRUE/DISAGREE
1. Money is essential to
happiness
-money gives us the opportunities
to travel or study overseas, to
have luxurious life, to meet
the rich and famous.
2. Money allows us to be a
philanthropy .
-do good deeds by donating
generously to help the needy
and poor, bring happiness to
everyone.
3. Contributes to natiion-building
-investments create many jobs for
the unemployed, bring
revenue to the government in
the forms of taxes and fees.
1. Someone who is intelligent
and inventive can also be
successful.
-able to overcome many obstacles
in life and solve problems in
studies which leads to better
grades, jobs and income.
2. Someone who is powerful.
-a leader who has thee authority to
command people and lead the
nation to greater heights.
3. Someone who is famous
-able to influence others.

22. MEMORIZETHIS:
People often say “no money, no talk”. People no
longer believe in mere words , promises or praises.
Nowadays, people feel more comfortable with having
everything in their life to be given monetary value.
Even in the workplace, people no longer feel happy to
be praised or to be complimented for their good
works.They want their good works to be rewarded
with extra money. But, is it effective to reward good
work with extra money? I think, it is/it isn’t effective
to reward good work with extra money…
It is effective to reward good
work with extra money.
Do you agree?

23. AGREE DISAGREE
1. Motivate people
-people expect to be rewarded for doing
their best.
-Rewards are token of appreciation for an
accomplished task.
-those who perform and given monetary
rewards will usually perform better in
the future.
-rewards make recipients feel important ,
appreciated and recognised. Motivation
is akin to teaching a person to fish and
catch the biggest fish for a more
fulfilling life.
2. Encourage healthy competition
-life is a competition where the survival of
the fittest matters.
-competition based on performance and
quality of work is endorsed as healthy
and productive.
-encourages employees to give their best at
work and be models to other workers.
3. More comitted
-sense of esprit de corps when employees
are united based on common interests
and responsibilities, enthusiasm and
devotion to the organization.
-hence , productivity increases with
monetary gains.
-the rewards can be in the form of
performance and annual bonuses.
1. Promotion will be
more appropriate
-its recognized as the best
reward for all the
commitments and
services rendered.
-promoted to a higher post
is an expectation as
one performs so that
one can showcase
his/her skills and
experience.
-it guarantees better
benefits in the long
term.
2. Reward and recognition
-a fully sponsored vacation
overseas with the
family,
-shares in the company
3. Leads to conflicts at the
workplace
-decline in work quality
-less frequent
communication
between employer and
colleagues.

24. Malaysia is supposed to be such a peaceful country
where everyone live in pure harmony and security.
Yet, recently, horrific news about crimes against
children have broken that illusion of security and
we, Malaysians have to face the reality that crimes
against children are on the rise in this country.
Crimes against children are rooted in various
factors and in my opinion the people responsible for
preventing such crimes are the ……, …….and
….
Crimes against children are on
the rise. Who are responsible
for preventing such crimes?

25. Definition
Crime –an offence or illegal act/activity/actions that are against
the law.
Responsible parties:
1. The family
-parents’ responsibility in looking after their children’s safety.
-make sure children are always within their sight when outside
the house.
-educate children on dangers of approaching strangers.
2. The school
-employ reliable security guards
-talks on crime prevention
-constant monitoring of students’ whereabouts.
3. The community
-be the eyes and the ears of children and parents.
-report lurking strangers in the neighborhood.
-have night patrols
4. The authorities
-conduct on-going crime prevention campaigns
-install CCTV at hotspots
-mobilize and station police personnel at strategic locations
during peak hours.

30. Simple Proofreading to Upgrade
Your Essays
1. Paragraph Layout
-5 paragraphs essay
-Paragraph starts with:
-Capital Letter –the first word
-Clear opening sentence
-Clear subjects
-Topic sentences
-elaboration
-examples
-Further /additional elaboration
2. Spelling of words
3. Grammar
-tenses = (is/are) (was/were) (has/have/had) (go, going, went, had gone)
-SVA
= They are/is not happy with the situation.
=The government is/was/ taking proactive measures to solve the problems.
4. Transition /logical markers
=The first, the second, the third
= One of the,,,, Apart from that,….In addition
= First of all, besides, not only that,
=Even though…but
= Also…etc.

31. PAPER 3
READING COMPREHENSION

32. Types of Passages
1. Non-linear texts /Combo Text
-skimming and scanning
1. Medium Length General Passage
-literal/direct comprehension+vocabulary
1. Long General Passage
-inference level
-drawing conclusion
-understanding passage development
-understanding analogies/new concepts
-understanding language functions
1. Fiction Excerpt
-understanding writer’s tone, attitude and
intention.
-understanding language functions

33. The types of difficult questions and

34. TIPS FOR PAPER 1

35. PAPER 1:l LISTENING

37. 1. General tips
TIPS FOR MUET LISTENING

38. MUET PAPER 1 ANSWERING TIPS
LISTEN TO THE INSTRUCTION
CAREFULLY

Instructions to candidates:

DO NOT OPEN THIS BOOKLET UNTIL
YOU ARE TOLD TO DO SO
The test consists of three parts: Part I, Part II
and Part III. Each part comprises a recording.
You will listen to each recording twice.
Answer the questions as you listen. Circle or
write your answers on the question paper.
→You are given one minute to read all
the questions when the test begins.

Read ALL the questions

39. For questions 1 and 2, write your answer
in NOT MORE THAN THREE WORDS.
Example:
Miss Chan’s talk can be described as interesting
and _____________________________
Harun was surprised how much money
_____________________________by the
hospitality industry.
For questions 3 to 6, write your answer
in NOT MORE THAN FIVE WORDS.
Example:
Regular customer Chance customer ______________

40. How to answer in not
more than 3 to 5 words..
1. Recall the exact sentence ..
If not
2. Recall the key words…(the most important
sounding word in the sentence)..
3. Write the words down in not more than 3 or 5
…
4. Check for grammatical or semantic sense…
5. If it is grammatically awkward..move the
words around (arrangement) or change the
tense form .
Example:
Original sentence: The hospitality industry is a
lucrative industry that could generate millions
of money ( 12 words).
Paraphrased to fit in Q2: how much money is
generated ….CONTINUES NEXT PAGE

41. PART 2
For questions 9 and 10 choose one letter A to F
from the box below to complete each sentence.
A reduce stress
B relax muscles
C increase happiness
D improve the immune system
E relieves pain and aid digestion
F reduce the need for health supplements
9 In the past, scientists knew that laughter was
able to _____A_____.
10 Recent research has shown that laughter
protects us against infections because it could
_______D____.

42. PART 3
For questions 15 to 20, write your
answer in NOT MORE THAN FIVE
WORDS.

15 The competition requires teams to
recognize
________________________________
16 The main purpose of the Fraser’s Hill
International Bird Race is not to win but to
encourage ________________________

43. GENERAL EXAMS ETIQUETTES

44. PLEASE GET ENOUGH SLEEP
AND REST FEW DAYS BEFORE
THE EXAMS

45. PREPARE WELL…

46. BRING YOUR ID….

47. WATER BOTTLES….

48. WAKE UP EARLY/SAHUR ON
TIME AND BE EARLY AT THE
CENTRE…

49. Line your ducks…

50. TRUST YOURSELF...

51. FOCUS….

52. DON’T DISTRACT OR BE
DISTRACTED …DON’T
CHEAT…

53. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF…

54. SHADE YOUR ANSWERS
NEATLY…..

55. WRITE YOUR ANSWERS
CLEARLY…

56. JUST GIVE IT ALL THE
BEST…

57. AFTER THAT…YOU MAY ..