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 ____________ ________________________________________________________________________
2
According to the speaker, most heritage sites are ________________________________
3
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
8
The most recently-listed heritage site is A Penang B Kinabalu Park
C
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
B
gas lighter
C
map
D
mobile phone
E
torchlight
F
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 ‘visuals’or ‘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 store’s 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 one’s 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 today’s 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 person’s 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 today’s 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 one’s 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? Man’s 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 person’s 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.
