MUET Writing New Format 2021.pptx

MUET WRITING TEST PREPARATION:
Online Coaching Class
Madam Iman
(Nurul Iman Ahmad Bukhari)
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan
Content is adapted from Ace Ahead (Oxford Fajar 2020)
And Notes & Practices MUET (Ilmu Bakti 2020)

MUET WRITING 2021 FORMAT
Madam Iman 1/28/2021
• Task 1: Guided Writing
Write a letter or email of at
least 100 words based on the
stimulus given
• Task 2: Extended Writing
Write an essay (discursive,
argumentative or problem-
solution) of at least 250 words
based on the stimulus given.
2

TASK 1: GUIDED WRITING
3

Task 1
• Spend about 25 minutes
• Given a letter or an email containing 3 or 4 notes
• Must reply the letter or email
• At least 100 words
• Must use ALL the notes provided
4

Language Functions
• Expressing thanks, apologies, reactions and
preferences
• Accepting/Declining/Rejection invitations/offers
• Making requests
• Giving precise information
• Describing experience, feelings and events
• Providing advice, reasons, opinions and justification
5

Step 1: Understand the task
Analyse the stimulus
Identify keywords
Determine what you are required to do for the
task
6

Step 1: Understand the task
Analyse the
stimulus
 Who is the letter or email from?
 Who is the letter or email written to?
 What is the letter or email about?
Language is used in
the letter or email
 Informal or formal?
Formal – Official letters or emails written to a in a position
of authority
Informal – Friends or family members
Madam Iman
Examples:
Formal – Good morning, Encik Saiful. I appreciated your
visit yesterday.
Informal – Hi, Saiful. It was awesome that you managed to
visit yesterday! 1/28/2021
7

Step 2: Plan Your Response
Respond to the questions given in the task
Use all the notes provided
8

Example 9

Sender: Your friend, Omar
The situation/context:
Omar wants to know about the Public Speaking
Workshop he missed
1
2
3
4
Notes:
Great! …
Describe
Yes, because . . .
Tell Omar
10
Omar,
Omar
Omar

Using all the notes given, write a reply of at least 100 words in
appropriate style.
This is a reply to a friend. You can
use informal language in your reply.
Instructions to the candidate:
 Use all the notes given.
 Write a reply to your friend, Omar.
 The reply should be an email and at
least 100 words long.
The context: Toastmasters Public Speaking Workshop
The main ideas/paragraphs: In your reply,
1) Describe how the workshop was
2) Describe another interesting activity at the workshop
3) Describe whether or not you found Anand’s talk interestingand
state why
4) Tell Omar whether or not you plan to join him for the next
workshop 1/28/2021
Madam Iman
11

Paragraph Stimulus Note Given Sample Response
1
How was the
Public Speaking
Workshop?
I feel very sad
that…
Great! …
• Implies a positive
response, so:
- Talk about how well
the workshop was
received
- Explain why
(elaborate on your
opinion)
The workshop was a great event!
Many people enjoyed it.
2
Madam Iman
I heard that the
talk by Mr Tanaka
went really well!
Did you do any
other interesting
activities at the
workshop?
Describe
• Describe an
interesting activity or
two that could have
taken place during
the workshop.
• Give some details
A really interesting activity that
we did was called Table Topics,
where we had to perform
impromptu speeches. A few
participants were chosen to
deliver their speeches and it was
amazing to see them perform. Mr
Tanaka even gave them feedback
afterwards! 1/28/2021
12

Paragraph Stimulus Note Given Sample Response
3
I also heard that
Anand, our Public
Speaking Club
President, gave a
talk. Was it
interesting?
• The note says that
the talk was
interesting. Give a
reason for this, e.g.
funny stories, good
speaker, interesting
topic, etc.
Yes, Anand’s speech was very
interesting because he told many
funny anecdotes.
Yes, because . . .
4
I heard too that
our college is
planning another
workshop soon and
I definitely want
to join it. Would
you like to join
me?
• What is your response
to Omar? Do you
want to join him?
• You can provide a
reason for your
decision.
I definitely want to join you for
the next workshop. I heard that it
will take place next month. It is
really fun learning new things at
these workshops!
Madam Iman Tell Omar 1/28/2021
13

Step 3: Write Your Response
Use the right expressions and linkers
Structure your letter or email appropriately
1/28/2021
Madam Iman
14

You are replying to an email, so follow
the format given in the stimulus.
1
2
3
4
Insert your
responses. The
developed
paragraphs
should respond to the given
questions/notes in the stimulus.
Add a suitable conclusion.
Remember to sign off your email.
Provide a suitable greeting
1/28/2021
Madam Iman
15
Hi Omar!
Sara Wu
Sara Wu

Exercise
Faris
Faris
Madam Iman

Useful Expressions
To greet the recipient To begin a letter/an email To express thanks
 Dear …
 To whom it may concern …
 Dear Sir or Madam …
 How are things?
 It’s great to hear from you!
 I’m really sorry it’s taken me
so long to get back to you.
 Thanks you so much for …
 I really appreciate it.
 I am so grateful that/for …
1/28/2021
Madam Iman
17

To express a
preference
To express agreement To express disagreement
 I definitely prefer …
 I would rather …
 I prefer … to …
Madam Iman
 Yes, I agree.
 I was just going to say that.
 You could definitely be right
about …
 I’m afraid I disagree.
 No way!
 I can’t agree with …
1/28/2021
To express an apology
To express a reaction to
good news
To express a reaction to bad n
e
1
w
8
s
 I’m sorry for/that …
 Please accept my
apologies for …
 I beg your
forgiveness.
 I’m glad to hear that …
 I’m very happy to hear
about …
 That’s great!
 I can’t tell you how sad I am
 I’m extremely sorry to hear ab
that …
out
…
 It’s just awful to hear that …

To decline/reject an
invitation or offer
To make a request To give precise information
 I’m terribly sorry. I
have other plans.
 Thanks for asking.
I’m afraid I’m busy …
Madam Iman
 Would you mind … ?
 Do you think you could … ?
 Would it be possible for you
to … ?
 The purpose of this letter is
to …
 My reason for writing is to …
 This email will discuss the …
1/28/2021
To express like To express dislike To accept an invitation or of fer
19
 I enjoy/like . . .
 I am thrilled about …
 I think that … is
great!
 I’m not very keen on …
 I don’t really like …
 I’m not really into …
 Thanks you! I’d love to …
 Yes, thanks you. That would be
wonderful/great.
 Oh, certainly! Thank you.

To provide advice To provide a suggestion To provide a reason
 If I were you, I would …
 Why don’t you … ?
 Maybe you should …
 I would suggest that …
 I recommend that …
 In my opinion, you could …
 This is because …
 Since …
 This is a result of …
1/28/2021
Madam Iman
To describe an
experience
To describe feelings To describe an event
20
 I have an extensive …
 His practical …
 It was a great event!
 This makes me feel …
 I am happy/sad/angry/
disappointed about/ with …
 The … was awesome beca
 There were singing and
use …
colouring contests for children
and …
 It is called …

To decline/reject an
invitation or offer
To make a request To give precise information
 I’m terribly sorry. I
have other plans.
 Thanks for asking.
I’m afraid I’m busy …
Madam Iman
 Would you mind … ?
 Do you think you could … ?
 Would it be possible for you
to … ?
 The purpose of this letter is
to …
 My reason for writing is to …
 This email will discuss the …
1/28/2021
To express like To express dislike To accept an invitation or of fer
21
 I enjoy/like . . .
 I am thrilled about …
 I think that … is
great!
 I’m not very keen on …
 I don’t really like …
 I’m not really into …
 Thanks you! I’d love to …
 Yes, thanks you. That would be
wonderful/great.
 Oh, certainly! Thank you.

To provide an opinion
To provide justification
 In my opinion …
 I reckon …
 I believe that …
 The main reason I feel this way is …
 The facts suggest …
 There is a lot of evidence to support …
To conclude a letter/an email To sign off
 Well, I’ve got to go now.
 Hope to hear from you soon.
 Write soon!
 All the best,
 Regards,
 Yours sincerely,
 Best wishes,
22

Helpful Hints – Dos and Don’ts for Task 1
Do
• Read, analyse and understand the stimulus
• Identify the target reader/audience
• Plan your response before you start writing
• Answer all the questions given in the
letter/email
• Use all the notes to develop your response
• Respond in an appropriate style (letter or email)
• Review your writing
Don’t
• Start writing immediately
• Ignore the notes
• Copy the rubrics
• Memorize model answers
• Write less than 100 words
• Add irrelevant information
• Ignore the sender in the stimulus
23

TASK 2: EXTENDED WRITING
24

Task 2
• Spend about 50 minutes
• Given a stimulus in the form of a few sentences and
statements establishing the idea or problem
• Must read the task and write an essay (discursive,
argumentative or problem-solution).
• At least 250 words
25

Language Functions
 Discussing ideas
 Evaluating arguments or solution to problems
 Providing advice, reasons, opinions and justifications
 Giving examples and supporting information
26

What is a Discursive Essay ?
A discussion on a particular topic with
neutral stand.
• Introduce the topic
• State your opinion
• Present a thesis
statement
Introduction
• Provide a topic
sentence
• Elaborate ideas
• Provide Examples
• Add a linking sentence
to repeat main point.
Body
Paragraphs • Reaffirm and
summarise your
opinion
• Present an unbiased
perspective
Conclusion
27

Function/Type Examples
To introduce a similar idea furthermore, besides that, in addition, moreover,
another, likewise, similarly
To introduce a contrasting
idea
however, instead, nevertheless, on the contrary, on
the other hand, yet, despite that, in spite of,
although, while
To show order of importance first and foremost, the most significant, most
importantly
To introduce a reason Since, because, due to the fact
To introduce an effect as a result, hence, consequently, thus, therefore
To introduce an example
Madam Iman
for example, for instance, such as, an example 1/28/2021
To show division of ideas first, next, in addition, furthermore, finally
28

An essay presenting convincing
arguments with a stand.
• Introduce the topic
• State your stand
clearly
statement
Introduction
• Make a claim
• Elaborate ideas
Body
Paragraphs • Summarize the main
ideas
• Restate your stand
Conclusion
What is Argumentative Essay ? 29

To present conflicting views • Opponents of this idea claim/maintain that …
• There are people who oppose based on …
To signal your counter
argument/rebuttal
• Despite the fact that …
• It is argued that/can be argued that …
To express your opinion • I believe …
• In my opinion …
To present arguments for • The main/important advantage of …
• An additional advantage of …
30

To present arguments
against
• One major disadvantage of …
• I am against this idea because …
To compromise • They do have a point in …
• To a certain extent they are right.
To completely disagree • After seeing this evidence, there is no way we can
agree with what they say.
• Their argument is irrelevant.
To conclude • All things considered …
• As was previously stated …
31

What is a Problem-Solution Essay ?
• Introduce the problem
• Explain why needs to
be solved.
statement
Introduction
• Provide a solution
• Elaborate on the
solution
Body
Paragraphs • Restate the Problem
• Restate why/how the
solutions are
important.
Conclusion
An essay that requires the writer to
discuss the given problem(s) and then
provide solutions.
32

What is a Problem-Solution Essay ?
You need to discuss the problem with regards to a particular
topic.
Suggest possible solutions to these problems.
It consists of arguments and evidence that support the writer’s
proposed solution(s).
The causes or thecurrent state of the given problem(s) should
be explained in the essay.
The proposed solutions solution(s) should be sensible and
convincing.
33

Step 1: Analyse the question
Understand what the question wants.
Identify keywords.
Understand the instructions
34

You listened to a speech made by a teacher
during a recent school assembly. The
following comment was made by the
teacher:
Students should spend less time listening
to music.
Write an essay expressing your viewpoint on
the statement. Write at least 250 words.
Context – the speaker’s
background and target
audience
The statement to be discussed
The instruction to the
candidate – the type of essay
to write (argumentative)
3E5xample

Step 2 : Plan your essay
 Decide which essay type answer the question.
 Structure your essay appropriately.
36

Step 3 : Write your essay
 Introduction
 Main body
 Conclusion
37

Introduction
 The introduction should outline your essay.
 Include a strong thesis statement.
Main Body
 This is the main part of your essay. 38
 You should write two to three paragraphs in this section.
 Each paragraph should have a different main point. Develop or
extend those points.
 Use the TEEEL format for each paragraph:
Topic Sentence
- State your main point.
Elaboration
- Elaborate on your topic sentence / main point.
Example
- Give one brief example for your main point.
Explanation
- Give a brief explanation of the example.
Linking Sentence
- Write a sentence that summarizes and reinforces the main point.
Madam I
m
Ca
onnclusion
 Summarize your points. 1/28/2021
 Restate your thesis statement/opinion/stand.

Step 4: Check your work
 Revise and edit.
 Proofread your work.
39

With easy access to the internet and smartphone apps, students nowadays are
spending a lot of time listening to music. Many parents believe that this hobby
takes up valuable studying time and can negatively affect their children’s grades.
I disagree with the view that students should spend less time listening to music
because music helps to relieve stress, stimulate the mind and enhance learning.
Firstly, music distracts the mind from the stress of studying. When students
feel stressed from hours of studying, their minds start to wander in search of a
distraction. Music provides this distraction by giving the mind something to focus
on. Students can also listen to music while they study, as it does not pull their
focus away like a television would. Music keeps students alert, which helps them
to focus. Thus, listening to music often encourages effectivestudying.
4An
0swer

Secondly, listening to music enables the mind to analyse and think better.
Students can absorb information faster and perform their tasks more efficiently.
Many students support the notion that listening to their favourite songs make
difficult tasks easier to manage. They become more motivated after enjoying their
favourite tunes. This means that students who spend more time listening to music
are likely to study better.
However, it is believed that spending too much time listening to music could
cause students to neglect their studies as it can be just as distracting as other
hobbies. This is untrue as many students who excel in their studies claim that they
spend a lot of time listening to music to enhance their studying experience.
Therefore, there is no reason why students should spend less time listening to
music.
In conclusion, music enhances learning in various ways. Listening to music is
not a waste of time, so I disagree that students should spend less time listening to
music.
(306 words)
41

Characteristics of a strong thesis statement
Statement takes a stand
- Clear and defines the stand on the issue
Example:
The Feel Good Herb Tea Supplement promotes rapid weight
loss that results in the loss of muscle and lean body mass,
which poses a potential danger to those who drink it.
Statement justifies
discussion
Madam Iman
- Shows how the writer will develop and justify the
discussion.
- Reader will be interested in reading on to see how the
points are supported.
Example:
Tun Mahathir Mohamad, one of our most influential leaders,
played a key role in the development of modern Malaysia.1/28/2021
42

Statement expresses one
main idea
- Shows a connection between the ideas.
- Good and engaging thesis statements contain words like
because, since, so, although, unless and however.
Example:
The internet is filled with tremendous marketing potential, so
Malaysian companies should exploit this potential by using web
pages that offer both advertising and customer support.
Statement is specific
- It narrows the subject to a specific and manageable topic.
Example:
Pollution persists in our country because of indiscriminate
burning and the discharge of dangerous chemicals into the
environment.
1/28/2021
Madam Iman
43

Characteristics of an effective topic sentence
Summarizes the
paragraph
- Directly mentions the writer’s proposed solution
- Follows it up with clear examples.
- Making a strong link back to the essay topic.
Example:
Secondly, lifestyles have to change to reduce excessive consumption. This incudes
cycling instead of driving, shopping wisely and avoiding single-use items. . . . Thus,
being less wasteful helps to conserve resources and preserve the environment.
Uses clear,
specific
language
Madam Iman
- Clearly and directly convey the main idea of the paragraph.
- The words used are specific in meaning (analyse, think) and not general (function
well).
Example:
Secondly, listening to music enables the mind to analyse and think better. Students
can absorb information faster and perform their tasks more effectively1
./28/2021
44

Thought-provoking
- Invites the reader to consider why/how
- The reader will ponder on these points while the paragraph
elaborates on those ideas.
Example:
However, being materialistic can be detrimental to humanity as a
whole, as some people are so focused on chasing wealth that they
show regard for others.
Supports the thesis
statement
- The link to the thesis statement is very clear.
- Follow with further detail to support it.
Example:
To improve the state of the environment, sustainable development,
mindful consumption and stricter laws need to be implemented and
carried out. Lastly, implementing and enforcing stricter laws will
deter people from harming the environment through industrial
waste.
1/28/2021
Madam Iman
45

Characteristics of an effective conclusion
Restates the
thesis
statement
- Should link back to the introduction by rephasing the thesis
statement in a way that shows a deeper understanding.
- Do not simply repeat or copy the thesis statement as that
does not advance either the reader’s understanding or your
argument.
- Linking back to the introduction strengthens your essay.
Summarizes
the main body
of the essay
Madam Iman
- Should not introduce a new idea.
- Details don’t need to be repeated in the conclusion either as
they are all explained in the main body.
- Just summarize the main points in the conclusion.
1/28/2021
46

Shows a varied
use of language
- Should not use the same language.
- Show a deeper understanding of the topic or question.
- You will get a better score or higher band by demonstrating
that you have a wide vocabulary and know how to use it
appropriately.
- If not sure how to use complex vocabulary and grammatical
structure, don’t use them.
Answers the
question
- A strong conclusion is crucial to show that you haveboth
understood and answered the question.
- Your conclusion should state how you feel about the question.
- Can also suggest something to think about-something with
wider implications that is related to the question.
47

Useful Expressions
To agree with a statement or
point of view
To disagree with a statement or point of view
 Obviously . . .
 There is no doubt that . . .
 It is undeniable that . . .
 It is certainly true that . . .
 The argument is not relevant as . . .
 The question whether . . .is highly debatable . . .
 I disagree with the statement . . .
 They are correct to a certain extent but . . .
48

To explain ideas
To give examples and supporting
information
Giving reasons
 This is due to . . .
 It is because/caused by . . .
Explaining the result
 Therefore . . .
 As a result, . . .
 Consequently, . . .
Further explanation
 In other words . . .
 In addition/ To add to that . . .
Madam Iman
 This supports the idea that . . .
 For example, . . .
 . . .such as . . .
 In particular . . .
 For instance, . . .
1/28/2021
49

Exercise
1/28/2021
Madam Iman
50

THANK YOU & GOOD
LUCK FOR YOUR MUET
EXAM!
Best wishes,
Madam Iman
Madam Iman 1/28/2021 51
Please give me feedback about this module.
How it helps or how I could improve it. Thank you!
Click on this link:
https://padlet.com/iman5/MUET_NEWFORMAT_WRITING_FEEDBACK
or SCAN ME:

MUET Writing New Format 2021.pptx

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