Success in MUET 2022

PELANGI BESTSELLER

SUCCESS in

MUET
Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved.CEFR–Aligned

Malaysian MUET NEW
University
English EXAM FORMAT
Test

Dr. Hooi Carol
Roslina Abdul Latiff

tQfroarRcaklscl loisdteensing

Contents

PREFACE iii ❖ (Part 1: Individual Presentation) 53
ABOUT THIS BOOK iv • Example of Individual Presentation 54
• Brainstorm and Organise Ideas
1Paper LISTENING 1 (Exercises 1 – 2) 57
• Use of Language Function
(Exercises 3 – 5) 62
❖ (Part 2: Group Discussion) 67
• Initiating a Discussion 68
• Maintaining a Discussion 72
• Turn-taking 74
• Closing a Discussion
• Example of Group Discussion 76
• Use of Language Function 78
(Exercises 6 – 7) 81
• Strategies for Speaking Tasks
❖ MUET Practices 1 – 20
❖ Introduction Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved.2
❖ Tackling the Listening Paper 3 3Paper READING 103
❖ Making Sense of the Listening Texts 4 ❖ Introduction 104
❖ Transition or Signal Words 4 ❖ Developing Reading Skills 106
❖ Note-Taking Techniques 7 • Skimming a Text to Get the
❖ Scoring the Listening Paper 8 General Idea, Pattern of Organisation 106
❖ Strategies Used in the Listening Paper 9 and Point of View
❖ Developing the Listening Skills 11 • Skimming and Scanning Using 107
• Exercise 1 – Listening for the Gist of Contextual Clues 108
11 • Identifying Main Ideas
the Texts 11 • Identifying Keywords to 109
• Exercise 2 – Listening for Ideas 12 Summarise
• Exercise 3 – Listening for Purpose • Identifying Organisational Clues 110
• Exercise 4 – Listening for Specific 13 to Summarise
15 • Distinguishing Between Main 111
Information Ideas and Supporting Details
• Exercise 5 – Listening for Inference 15 • Deriving Meaning of Words Using 112
• Exercise 6 – Listening for Tone to Contextual Clues 113
16 ❖ Making Inferences 114
Understand a 18 ❖ Distinguishing Facts from Opinions 115
Speaker’s Attitude ❖ Thinking Skills 115
• Exercise 7 – Listening for Stress on ❖ Paraphrasing 115
Specifics ❖ Drawing Conclusions
❖ MUET Practices 1 – 4 (Part 1 – Part 5) ❖ Strategies for Answering Reading 116

2Paper SPEAKING 41 Comprehension Questions
❖ Introduction 42
❖ The MUET Speaking Paper 43
• Seating Arrangement 43
❖ Evaluation Criteria 43
• Rubrics for Aggregated Scores 44
• Division of Groupings 45
• Time Given for Group Discussion 45
❖ Part 1: Individual Presentation 46
• Tackling the Speaking Paper 46
• Preparing Your Text for Presentation 46
• Presenting your Speech 48
• Useful Expressions for Individual 49
❖ A Complete Speaking Paper 53

ix

• General strategies 116 ❖ Writing Thesis Statements, Topic
• Strategies for Gapped Text Questions 117 Sentences and Supporting Details
• Strategies for Multiple Matching ❖ Writing Topic Sentence 195

Questions ❖ Writing Supporting Details 197

• Strategies for Multiple-choice 118 ❖ The Process Approach to 198

Questions 119 Extended Writing 199
❖ Example and Analysis of a Reading Paper 121 ❖ Achieving Coherence in Paragraphs 204
❖ Reading Strategy ❖ MUET Practices
❖ Excercises 1 – 10 133 • Task 1: Practices 1 – 19 218

❖ MUET Practices 1 – 22 136 • Task 2: Practices 1 – 18 218

143 230
Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved.
4Paper WRITING 175 GRAMMAR PRACTICES 236

❖ Introduction 176 1 Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives 236
• Evaluation Criteria 2 Adverbs 238
• Assessment 176 3 Word Order 240
4 Infinitives 243
• Task Fulfilment 176 5 Gerunds 245
6 Subject-Verb Agreement 247
• Rubrics for Aggregated Scores 176 7 To, In, At (for places) 250
8 Simple Present Tense 252
❖ TASK 1: Guided Writing 177 • Present Simple Questions 254
9 Simple Past Tense 255
• Steps in Answering Task 1 178 10 Continuous Tense 257
• Answering Task 1 Effectively 11 Present Perfect Tense 260
178 12 Passive Voice 263
Constructing an Effective Subject 180 13 Connectors 265
(Exercises 1 – 2) 14 Conjunctions 267
Writing Proper Salutations
(Exercises 3 – 4) 181

Writing an Effective Introduction 182
(Exercises 5)
Constructing Body of Letter or Email 183
(Exercises 6 – 9)
Writing an Effective Closing
(Exercises 6 – 9) 185 MODEL TEST 270
COMMON ENGLISH IDIOMS 289
Dos and Don’ts 186
(Exercises 10)
❖ TASK 2: Extended Writing
• Skills Required in Extended Writing 187 TAPESCRIPT 291

❖ Developing Writing Skills 188 ANSWERS 322

x

About This Book

SUCCESS IN MUET is specificially designed to help students and teachers use the book effectively.

MUET Paper 1 Listening Note-taking Techniques MUET Paper 1 Listening

LISTENING ytyOooonuuwerirnoaitbfecithldhiotoeyowstskoniniiligdlnsetntnhhoteaitftceyoifssroprgreemoccitinfaiagcnnytdsowedtbeearetialsftioelmsrstteaehnldalttiqionyunoeteuhsdteif.oiILnntidsiss.trewenlieisnvegatnhPteatrpoeefaorirides
Penerbitan LISTENINGPelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved. LISTENING fIrnonmottehteafkiirnstg,litsrtyentoinwg.rite down only the main points, in note form, Listening Practice on
LISTENING Use dashes YouTube
Paper 1 Quick overview of 1 Example: rather than writing down the whole sentence. 32 Minutes of English
the component of Listening Practice for
MUET (800/1) each paper [Tfhloeofdlo–odsusbusbidsiedded– at eight o’clock last night. Beginners
8 p.m.] whtatptcsh:/?/vw=wbwEB.y8o-SuWtuMbeY.choI m/
2 Leave out certain words
(a) articles that are less important. SCAN ME

Examination Requirements [Ecxaatm– pchlea:sAedc–atdcohgass]ed the dogs. Suggested websites
(b) verbs to be wbeithacQpCi-orTcesHRaseitIbeNleasKCn: sMi-oTeaHpdIdNKeMfaotphrwahfeutrerctahner
1Part Dialogue Example: She informatioTnranospnort topic
(MCQs – 3 options) [she – sister – is mischievous and so is her sister.
mischievous]
(c) signal words
2Part Monologue [Esxhaem–pinles:isNtsev–ecrothoekliensgs,]she insists on cooking.
(MCQs – 3 options) 3 Use abbreviations where possible. Air Land
Rail Road
3Part Monologue Example:
(Multiple matching – 3 options)
M4’sieaaTECgnlhxlrgeead–srameMeateenpnpaadarlolefaerme:y–ysvseieininvatnu,dnemprmmaoblaaaa.ekwcmprehao.yoir–stm,afmheollarieosrityrt.dtenoef.bouis–n.ortgidtolheicatt,oatpsioilo.sskmfata.nbn–doveieeelgvxtigeta–.,nmYmivnopeaugltkeeecsr.aisnneca.rgfraibVirm–asonetbeolcxtefataembrplueulnadryerrsetfaenrednincge for
4Part Dialogue
(MCQs – 3 options)

5Part Short Dialogue
(MCQs – 3 options)

i-THINK: Bubble map List

Cook eggs
Deep fry Soft boil • deep fry
DURATION • poach
to‘’Eadlmucoasttioannyisthtihnegawbiitlihtoyutto listen • hard boil
losing your temper or 50 MUET CPaopoerk1 ListenSincgrambled • soft boil
your self-confidence.” -Robert Frost- Poach eggs eggs 3 CBWA h••aTTTtoeshhhcgmweergeaaesssssmltuteatapthbfftfefeleewrwfmieerrarseetrkbpsetertaoinndbgdildeiiptm‘mngIoneagenrlmoisatsoaonthtaernrshalenolaitsadeutpaovMtnrebreywsrdy’irsnshiosstgccanaaDthutnfitosasfheitvdstetvoateoioiioyrmny.mtnhhgreoeeet.rhraltpsdaic.t.yed?
minutes
SLetIwhtvitsieeiltrrslebaynbatdithesnaieeysgurgesflioiefsifordeerf.toeswhLueviinudseotderestlynhyteoieinidmrnbgspekaiaoncitnlrhaldtsdeatecnnhomoatnmemitecopesLlrlkdyeeiiaehslsrlveptnetneehlidaonankpigtniingwaongnuew,gdrruhelcsaPiaoestdtmaietishnnpmebgineuemaginrnnoidgscskatswitaliilronisdinttiosanhurgaaert.t MUET Paper 1 Listening LISTENING tLrRheoeaaoftcekHshbroheboauedartiwctldfhkoaetrsokcueatphsysheepittehitrmr.haeeOserwesm.htoeenslhesohttwee

WEIGHTING 4 When approached by customers the staff looked
A annoyed 7
25% B busy
1
the workplace. C delighted
Tliosteunndaecrtisvtaenlydawndhattoisapbpeliyngcesratiadinbelitstetern, iitnigs Strategy to help
important therefore to students master 5 Mrs ttDhheeevyyiw’ws eceroreemtwoprolaoicnnlgutltaytbelroaebudetltlhede aisles was that
strategies. the skill tested A
B

[totoaAwctchitvaievtleyisLpbiaseytienangtitnesganitdio] n Apply Listening Achieve g5aAr3vosehtcruoeadrguyyersssphpheoeorprwsopysenintahsgrpa.detontihdnesgover C the fruit aisle contained drinks
Strategies Understanding
Iiinnntcfeolurremdseatitnaivgdedinfiatfioocrntmsaal tiongastMoabroyroiscinuneDdtgrieywctvahshittaaseotatrtsiehhdh.aae“d.t.nwihteaagespodvpeleeesrsnwysetuidtophassotaeuyttth..”e 6 Mrs tstDhhheeeevrsheiuawpwdeaerbsrmoeuuapogrnskheleytttamtdtwaitodhneyontcothhatesipnrhrgipoesevroibdpeelceaainunysteshheoqpupeiuneg
related to the text A
Tinhcerseeasaerteheiimr puonrdtearnsttasntdrainteggoiefsthtehaLtiscteannidnigdatetexsts.could adopt to B with her
C bags
owfiltlhbeetteexsttsemd oosntllyisitnenPianrgt for
You 3. 7 Is MYNrNseoosD,,, asbeonvuditslhssihkeheeehlyhohopotopepseersesthtttuhahrtaanttthctoeohtrhatenhewrgeecislsuul wsbpteeiolrmlimmbeeaprrsrmkoweavtide?lmle.deonttsh.e
gist A
B
Listening Strategies Description Ybsooeypluet3icwoptnieflslroolwpimslhteei.acnYhsoteobulee3wcsmttilifoliohtnnsaoowvfleohfitgavotuetehse C
Listening for the person is talking about.
gist of the texts • TtWIhsh ehitsham ites ai ssti pnhtheeiae dl kiceseoatrne onvtafeinlrtkshgia enttihgso panate b meyocoauhuitn. dhlyoi sa t bowo oguretkt? same.
•
• or his hobby? 7
What is the
• central focus of the Tips on how Listening for stress on specifics Track 8
to answer
listening text? certain skills fhLooirswtqeuntoestmotioaankstee1lferpiteohdo7mn. eaccoanrovneri.saAtsioynoubeltiswteenen, cFhaozorsieathned

Listening for • Listen for ideas that is being said about his mother on
ideas correct answer

• aWtWDotpohoh ipatachtit c besi. esus ipgntehggaee kds etsiiprsoscen uaa gskissree erbde’se ? wioniptghi ng eiiaovcenhn o?oft htehre? Some words or sentences will be 1 Fazri was asking about how to cook frieQd mRaccaroondi ferosm for
• picked out and are stressed. A university
•
gtThrheeiasstitesrreosifmsteepdnoidrntofaonnrecmeto.atsiohnowis that B work quick access to
of a C home
listening texts

Listening for • HpWIosufe fhrretpearh toien ysi gseo s utooph tfeehwaw erkirheleslaar sth boiiaensss hbkolieeifsnil tpntgeh?g nefis onsaprgid e .ehfcoehrlp ? thoer Uhenldpeyrostuanadntinicgiptahteepwuhrpatowseilcl obueld 2 CBTAherttteoooiessantlaolcopkowiusttcrsuhatudgeedenneesntttsuttesdfrietnoonmttchsooetoovsketbrulesidgpcehoentmntmdehienogaguolsosoi.dnngifnoocdo.oking.
purpose • said next.
• Icrfeatanhsepornpesudrgipcivotestnheatisthttahoteyproeeurwswuoaiuldllden,ebyeeodu
to take note of.

16

9

iv

MUET Paper 2 Speaking Example of Part 2 GROUP DISCUSSION Model TestMUET Model Test

Model Test for

STgiortoumuaptaiiodnnitsacinusas hsoeamltehyheliafletshtyylhe,ayboitus.need healthy habits. In your candidates to

Paper 1: Listening (800/1) practise right
(50 Minutes) before they sit for

No Instructions to candidates: the MUET exam
smoking
Moderate Healthy habits Regular sAYEThonaheuescewthwtpeepisrrlatoltrvclhtioisedcntoeeqsdnmius.tetpsosrtoiiesofaenfscihsvaearrespeccayoororrtdudsi:inlnPigsgat.terwnt i,Ic,aeP.nadrtinIId,iPcaatret III, Part IV, and Part V. answer
alcohol for healthy exercise your answers on the Multiple-Choice
intake
SPEAKING lifestyle You will be given time to read the questions when the test begins.

Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved.Important conceptsHealthy Healthy Part I Track 37
summarised for weight diet
easy recall Listen to a conversation between Mei Ling and her parents.
for questions 1 to 7. As you listen, choose the correct
Opening a discussion answer
Introducing the subject AhCetaatnlhtdehidyeanhtdeaboBif:ttthoGhtaenAaoghTeeomenhidreaomveoedehiataedsdaileantimcdtluaonithtugnmaholsatytsidtyaihhrtsoamniihbyiyedisrnotnaeacnaiainedlulniaiieaattn,nnishnnehithtstgysehrtcaeea..oyreiteaaonghnTdltlhfrytehtotihtedhgghamwhyadiyrhneeeleaoelttktlihinmcsinfnpifetiyuyseedrsositoeo,smtereslydutpiitvsyftlposoeeeiiflaeonomog.serlnrttn.erIlytpitnttaoahofilaolaoennmuebr,lrntsrltmyefafewcadoasneoono,creadtpmtdisfsoolhitrnynivrqueoineieaumabifoegtrcleadsntat.tpcn,hhil,Wavoltyepthuiiorhttraehbstyioeveaeaokataiwsnbewdnler.ttiieieyghAetnl.pl. 1 eMxpeiecLteidngbewcaaussenot back sooner than
Expression opinions Candidate A: Walnicilsfeoseeocpnl.leat,WisirmInstahusparuiooynlpeu,rdpstimalnopyntsaaetesir.ntncayEsetyoealxuiepown’rrhficoenyiarsgsrkiiihnocgaeaughalttllrds.ytehaBagaiytuulcytttll,haiiivfrreseeesgkgettyeyxuoylmeleahr.trcaomWiveseexaaeeyahrrhncoesaioautvsrltteetoihbnnityseoeg 5 The word jam can best be replaced with
Giving reasons A disgrace
Elaborating A she was afraid to drive fast
B she had lunch with her friends B situation
Expressing partial agreement C she had lots of groceries to buy C tight spot
Justifying
2 CBfAMoreitdhhhhLreeeeiinvacdelgcheirc’dsaf’istndnmsgeoetenohatdttteshbteehregrvecoiabwlcufleaisnmetbhdaeesldhlcsiaherluedrnwdheiuprsebrtashned 6 BmAThileesaMtsnhoteyenaittfiieamtLmt.”hieneiemngrtphcla“ioreIudslldtdyhodnagrt’toiveefvsoehunris-whnaehvweeeJlei5ne0gp0
C Mei Ling can
Jeep go camping in the new

3 The wthoerdfrrieunindesdhi(pline 30) refers to 7 Which graphic shows
A sequence of the accident?
the correct
B the pizza party
C the camping trip A

4 Mei ssLshhhineeeghhwaiarssserncteokoaeplcldyaayrhueffpoorsrrfertttihhebeenewdrcea’sepuecaskaieerrsnd
A
B
C

74 270

MUET Tapescript

Comprehensive 1 Track 1 CfcooormmPpaporletnt1ee:nTLtaispteenscinrgipt[Pause
1 NOUNS, VERBS, ADJECTIVES notes & practices ettbtatpornhhenyeceaiiraomntaspiuocgmmpprtnrtailpaivaoogekrliveedtseebysumsmterboifsvyooretioan.tivfhmmAeerteetahmialngaatlyaniht-tnwohelptaihteothtshtieraywloelemsdrnsiillkc.eidctakiio.lltmelSniswmIpetIeeoaexlwmar,lt-tm,hIsblpiaelilikaaeilknsrceeotqgaiwlutclsahiihioksproeieaswnngteseigenpIthltlgcoaeianarmlipntsngs
Listening for the gist of the texts seconds]
He climbs the mountain. (climb – verb)
Listen to three people; Farhan, Sean and Sheila, talking
about their favourite types of sports.
For questions 1
is most likely to to 3, choose the sport that each speaker
only once. enjoy from the list A to E. Use the letters

[Pause 15 seconds] 5

Now listen carefully and indicate your answers. Now you will listen to the recording again.
[Audio is repeated]

adjectives and Voice 1: Farhan
nouns, verbs, Farhan :bbubbpccaktrIesuearohniiselonntnmieidakpdgditvhIreegoeeooasoersisdipuntafodwyrepttnhmseoeftipetifiaedtunhtenehrco.rriyetkrtfehiBtooeitnbhegiswuylenieyahtionirsntghnstsugt.epeegrttrIorslrhowafefeakniue.oofnlhnTmdpgelkouhorhhpaiaawmwnaeottdsinredchtnaaeetddhafenhqwieisetnfsuat.sahasottaaTybelbetlsaohtiluroeuootlneuaiwsitmtttndteyyrIsogiha.eoswbfdp.iatunheeieeIvemlxifoocaeitneceaphpwengivnnoslitd,enee,yonhtmkoattthsyoihchuteoteciaiehsspnurnitxedeeetrgfwpaeiostcbnrlehnipatleetleyoatnhlfss,setst
1 Notice the sentences: I work hard. (work – verb) Voice 2: Sean 2 Track 2
adverbs in Sean f:amlfgeaawiteIlwMkeerwotyeiotleaoltasayumtbhorltyovikhntepfksiepadedpmwaervasesoloybooIiesoetncom,emua.pehreIcmxrlIoytoeneaidchwtta,utticomehhetlasadsitienesnsroaon,trodyoxtgglsshrfiepoit.oiottmnrnnethoooojegiIaiorosuxsfvedhyiflaegesniaosrhkppsctgtcephooiheaaitmsroernnsaiesitirttdysro.actaiMswcnostndtaitumtodhmstiowhrvhnermanaeaiehneetrt.yoboorokwTieIvenluniischcenikngvugtoaredheedo,olnurttiltea,sstwwvoheiltmten.diaohahsiHteeinerae,triauriokInpssnelgnwermptegatesenIroehmarosfmivrcaorlnostelaeecrtesyngrnet,
nouns • Regular verbs Listening for ideas

Rina took a long break last July. Present Tense Past Tense Past Participle Dialogue 1
walk walked walked qqzjLoueuiubseetrrssetnatnii.aoolnniAtsssots.1aayannondudiA2nlz.itsheYtraoevrnu,i,enawoczhwobooheokaisnevegeept1hec5roe,snercdceouogrncartrdeedcsdittnogbalnyoasowmRkeoairsztsiti,fhnoegra
verb adjective touch touched touched [Pause 15 seconds]
She drove slowly to Terengganu.
• Irregular verbs
pronoun adverb Past Participle
Past Tense flown Now listen carefully and indicate your answers.
2 N• oCpuenoomsp: mle,o ann imnoalusns: refer to things, Present Tense flew hung
cake women school kettle pen fly Rozi : Were you present during the time when the zebra
went missing?
• Proper nouns: names of people, places hang hung
and things Azhar : wZfeoWonuacucesclrulluaol,z,rtsetrwuthebhrdeereeamdszaobotwisuotesnthirwoneethgIasekrtznoanerrubeoZtnmrwuoadle,fuemawmxndabadiycssetaIrsglpyhtohpinlfweeotenaoh.arkelSneanidodnte,.gtrsIhaheswiueniapnttrphocdoaidttshteeahanlIetlt
Melaka Amin SK Tambun January 4 Adjectives are words that describe nouns.
• Adjectives normally come before a
• Cbcaeonucnnootuatnbbtleee dcn,oouaunnntdesd uasrnuec conhuoanustn:asb ltehanto cuanns
water butter furniture sand air noun:
• Pronouns are used to replace nouns We had a great session this morning.
he she it we you they Rozi : Do you have any idea how it managed to disappear?
Azhar : I cannot tbheecwerirtaeifne.nWcehmateIandtotoknkoewepisthtehaztebthraesreinis.
• A[adftjeerc ttivhees vmeraby saltsoo cboem, leo aofktesr, as eneomusn, a hole in
feel]: Rozi :
He seems hungry. They look tired. Is there no security footage that could give us a clue
regarding the details of the incident?
Azhar : bemtUhnlinaeonnfudoapgrsglhtpaeucdotneotatfctoboeuurltydttthohnsedeoogcmwtea. imeWraheeloelarwatodstf.ohtehthheeaexvmpaecetrcaspanomodninewrtraeatsshspaaoctlanlwrsoeaivbfsuelaerl
• Wexet recmane lya)d bde foinrete anns iafidejresc ti(veeg:. very, Voice 3: Sheila Rozi
THhee bforiuegdh rticaen iesx vterreymheolyt.big cake. Sheila : mprlIoerolatea.msctItiisvpwineorhloenyetf.ensartWiItlhlhch,ueaiwglnteehycipfIloaeennmrosetfoaqayfsnuphtiborlayerivntpigcntuhogatamtmltoopatyelmlstooieftwoliftvvshaeeomg, uaaIerignohtlsuoitktnsaemdtnaiydyta : Do you have any suspicions as to who may be
responsible for this?
3 Verbs are action words:
run smile live chat clap jump

291

236

v

MUET Paper 1  Listening Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved.
LISTENING
LISTENING

Paper 1

MUET (800/1)

Examination Requirements

1Part Dialogue
(MCQs – 3 options)

2Part Monologue
(MCQs – 3 options)

3Part Monologue
(Multiple matching – 3 options)

4Part Dialogue
(MCQs – 3 options)

5Part Short Dialogue
(MCQs – 3 options)

‘’Education is the ability to listen DURATION
to almost anything without
losing your temper or 50
your self-confidence.”
-Robert Frost- minutes

WEIGHTING

25%
1

LISTENING  MUET Paper 1  Listening

Introduction

Paper 1 of the MUET Listening Paper aims to assess the candidates’
ability to understand spoken speech that will be experienced during
their studies in the degree programmes. Understanding spoken
speech would involve both the formal contexts namely listening to
lectures, discussions held, talks, briefings and the more informal
contexts such as listening to podcasts, telephone conversations etc.

Listening Test Specification
Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved.
MUET Duration: Overview
800/ 50 minutes

PAPER 1

Structure of The paper is 30 Multiple
the paper made up of Choice

5 parts Questions

You need to inform the 25% 90 marks Marks
invigilators if the volume of the weighting allocation
recording is too low for you.
Put your hand up to get their
attention.

The listening texts ranges from familiar topics to more unfamiliar
topics and involve both monologues and dialogues. All questions are
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). The paper consists of 5 parts.

What is the difference Part I • 1 dialogue between 2 people
between listening and • 7 MCQs with 3 options
hearing?
Listening: It is when you Part II • 1 monologue consisting of a talk / lecture / briefing
make an effort to hear • 7 MCQs with 3 options
something.
Hearing: To receive and Part III • 3 monologues from 3 people clearly named
become alert of a sound being • Answer 3 questions from a selection of 5 answers
made.
(A – E)

Part IV • 1 dialogue
• 7 MCQs with 3 options

Part V • 3 short dialogues between 2 people
• 6 questions (2 questions based on each dialogue)

2

Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved. Tackling the Listening Paper MUET Paper 1  Listening 
LISTENING
Listening Texts Descriptions In the musical comedy film
‘My Fair Lady’, a scholar of
The listening texts are made up of dialogues and monologues. Part I, phonetics Professor Higgins
Part IV and Part V are dialogues between 2 people who are clearly believes that a person’s accent
named and their roles clearly stated. and tone of voice could
Part II is based on a monologue by one person whose role is also determine the person’s place
clearly stated and Part III is based on 3 monologues by 3 people. in society.
There is a gradual increase in the level of difficulty for the choice of He decides to prove this by
words used from Part I to Part V. The production of the listening trying to coach a poor flower
texts starts from a slower pace with more stress used on words and girl Eliza Doolittle with a
phrases that gradually moves on to a more natural pace of speech. strong cockney accent (used
Topics chosen will also be moving from familiar topics in Part I to by working-class Londoners)
less familiar topics in Part V. to speak well.
Eliza underwent a strict
Step by Step (The Listening Paper) regime of having to listen to
phonemic sounds and to utter
Step 1: Pre-listening words as the professor intends
• Candidates will be given 15 – 30 seconds to read the MCQs for them to sound. He found it a
gruelling task having to teach
each part beforehand. Eliza.
• Read through the questions and the options given carefully. At a ball, Eliza was mistaken
• Get the main idea of the dialogue. as a Hungarian princess! But
• Underline the key words so that you are aware of what you she walked out on him due to
his callous treatment of her.
should be listening out for later. Professor Higgins in the end
realised that she has become
Step 2: First Listening very important in his life.
• You will be listening for specific information.
• Practise active listening.
• Identify the key words and phrases (from step 1) in the dialogues.
• Write down the key information.
• Select the best answer from the selection of answers.

Step 3: Second Listening
• This is your chance to get the information that you missed.
• Finish answering the questions that you missed.
• Check all your answers.

3

 MUET Paper 1  Listening

LISTENING Making Sense of the Listening Texts

There are two ways in which a candidate can make sense of what
they are listening to. These two ways of processing information from
the listening texts are known as the ‘bottom-up’ and the ‘top-down’
approach.

One way you can improve your Bottom-up Approach
listening skills is to practise • This is done when the candidate tries to understand
‘active listening’.
This is where you consciously try the speech word by word that he will string together
to listen to not only the words to form phrases and then to become sentences which
the other person is saying, but he will then make sense of.
the complete message being • The understanding is done in a linear process.
communicated. • Meaning will only be achieved at the end of this process.
Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved.
Top-down Approach
• This is done when the candidate tries to actively

understand the meaning of speech as he hears the
words and clues that come his way.
• He will use help from his background knowledge, the
context of the dialogue and the roles of the speakers
to help his understanding.

Show that you are listening to the Candidates may choose whichever approach that they feel
other person talking by: comfortable with to adopt. However, try to incorporate the two
• Retaining eye contact with the approaches to ensure that the main idea of the dialogues get through
and the specific details are identified.
person One of the reasons why the roles of the speakers in the listening
• Smile with your eyes texts are all specified is so that it will give clues to the candidates and
• Nod a little (not too much) help them understand the situation and the context of the dialogues.
• Responding By understanding the connection between the speaker and the
contexts, candidates may predict the content of the speech and also
increase their understanding.

Transition or Signal Words

Transition and Signal words are words and phrases that give the
connection between ideas.
Recognising and understanding transition or signal words are key
to ensure a candidate’s understanding of the Listening Texts. These
words will help a candidate follow the thoughts of the speaker.

Example

I love watching television. It uses up my time.

4

These two sentences give the idea that the speaker loves watching MUET Paper 1  Listening 
television because it uses up his time that he otherwise would have
nothing to do. To make the idea clearer the transition words ‘because’ Consider replacing the signal
or ‘as’ could be used to join the two ideas. Compare this idea when word with ‘primarily as’.
another transition word is used. What do you think it means
now?
Example

I love watching television even though it uses up my time.
Now the speaker still loves watching television, but the drawback
is watching it uses a lot of his time. Using transition words will
therefore make one idea move smoothly from one to another and
give new meanings to sentences. Understanding these transition
words and phrases will also provide clues of what the speaker is
going to say next.
Understand these transition words:
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LISTENINGTransitionExamplesContexts
Words

Addition words • and Shows that the Addition words signals that you
• as well as speaker’s thought will hear more information about
• additionally is going to the topic.
• in addition continue and in More details will be provided so
• plus the same direction it is best to write them down, so
• also you do not miss any.
• furthermore
• besides that
• moreover

Emphasis words • above all Telling a detail
• in particular that is especially
• especially important
• indeed
• notably 11 12 1
• primarily 10 2
• most of all
93

• Similarly 84
765

• Likewise

• as with The speaker Time is of the essence in the
listening paper. Information
Comparison words • in the same way is showing the found in the listening texts will
• as well similarity between be presented in a quick and brief
manner.
• in common two items Don’t let your mind wander. Give
your full attention to the texts.
• just as

• in the same manner as

5

LISTENING  MUET Paper 1  Listening • but
• yet
When listening to 3 suggestions Contrast words • although Shows the change
by someone, will it help your Time words • however of direction in the
understanding if the person Example words • in contrast speaker’s thoughts
uses time words? Summary words • whereas
E.g. First, Secondly ... • instead
Result words • except
After the use of example words, • conversely
you know that there is going to • on the other hand
be a short or long list coming. • alternatively
Start writing down the list. • on the contrary
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Consequently means as a • first • next Tells the sequence
result of something that was • second • at first of items taking
done before. • third • later place
e.g. • currently • next
He worked hard on his • while • lastly
YouTube channel and • as
consequently garnered a lot
of views. • for example Signals that an
Use this word to replace ‘as a • for instance example will be
result’ to give a variety to your • such as given to make the
vocabulary use. • specifically idea clearer
• primarily
• in fact

• in brief Tells the sequence
• in short of items taking
• to sum up place
• in the end
• eventually
• before long
• ultimately

• consequently Shows the results
• as a result and effects of
• hence a step that was
• thus taken
• so
• therefore
• for that reason
• in view of that
• because
• so that
• resulting in
• accordingly

6

MUET Paper 1  Listening 

Note-taking Techniques
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LISTENINGOne of the skills that is going to be tested in the listening paper isListening Practice on
your ability to identify specific details mentioned. It is wise therefore YouTube
to write down in note form any details that you find relevant to aid
you in choosing the correct answers for all questions. 32 Minutes of English
Listening Practice for
In note taking, try to write down only the main points, in note form, Beginners
from the first listening. https://www.youtube.com/
1 Use dashes rather than writing down the whole sentence. watch?v=bEB8-SWMYhI

Example: SCAN ME
The flood subsided at eight o’clock last night.
[flood – subsided – 8 p.m.]

2 Leave out certain words that are less important.

(a) articles i-THINK Map
Example: A cat chased the dogs. Create an i-THINK Map where
[cat – chased – dogs] possible:
(b) verbs to be
Example: She is mischievous and so is her sister. Transport
[she – sister – mischievous]

(c) signal words Air Land
Example: Nevertheless, she insists on cooking.
[she – insists – cooking]

3 Use abbreviations where possible. Rail Road
Example:

M’sian –Malaysian a.m. – morning p.m. – evening e.g – example
no. – number i.e. – that is vet – veterinarian

4 Create a mind map or a list for details and examples.
Example:
There are several ways for you to cook an egg. You can first of

all deep fry it, poach it, hard boil it, soft boil it, make scramble
eggs and even make omelettes.

i-THINK: Bubble map List

Deep fry Soft boil Cook eggs
• deep fry
• poach
• hard boil
• soft boil
Poach Cook Scrambled • scramble
eggs eggs
eggs
• omelette ‘I am all ears’ is an idiom that
Hard means a person is very ready
boil Omelette to listen to what the other
person is trying to say.



7

LISTENING  MUET Paper 1  Listening Scoring the Listening Paper

Listen to free English Podcasts to Ensure that you are following these guidelines to score high marks
improve your listening skill: for the Listening Test.
6-Minute English 1 Be ready. You have a task of listening for ideas and specific
http://www.bbc.co.uk/
learningenglish/english/ information. This is unlike listening for pleasure and
features/6-minute-english/ep- enjoyment. So direct all your attention to the listening texts.
191226 2 Stay focussed throughout the test. Put all your other thoughts
aside as you might easily miss out on certain information and
details needed.
3 Be an active listener. Active listening involves you in the
process of gathering information from your past knowledge
and processing information to get the right meaning from
what is said.

Stages in the Listening Process


Respond /
Answer
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When you cup your hand Interpret
behind your ear, the shape of Understand
the curve will capture more Process
sound waves and funnel them Listen
inside your ear.
It makes sounds become
louder.

8

MUET Paper 1  Listening 

Strategies used in the Listening Paper

Listening is found to be the one skill that we use the most in our
everyday life. Listening and comprehending what is being said are
the foundation for the other skills namely speaking, reading and
writing.
It is therefore very important to develop our listening skills that will
be used widely in academic learning and communications during
our studies.
To understand what is being said better, it is important therefore to
listen actively and to apply certain listening strategies.
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LISTENINGActive ListeningApply ListeningAchieve
[to actively pay attention Strategies Understanding

to what is being said]

These are important strategies that candidates could adopt to You will be tested on listening for
increase their understanding of the Listening texts. gist of the texts mostly in Part 3.
There will be 3 monologues by
Listening Strategies Description 3 people. You will have to select
• This is the listening that you do to get from a selection of five options
Listening for the which best fits what the person is
Gist of the Texts the main idea of the speech. talking about.
• What is the conversation mainly about?
• Is the speaker talking about his work

or his hobby?
• What is the central focus of the

listening text?

Listening for • Listen for ideas that are being said Understanding the purpose could
Ideas about a topic. help you anticipate what will be
said next.
Listening for • What is the speaker’s opinion of the If the purpose is to persuade, you
Purpose topic being discussed? can predict that there would be
reasons given that you will need
• What suggestion is being given? to take note of.
• Do the speakers agree with each other?
• Here you will be listening for the

purpose of what is being said.
• What is the reason of the speech?
• Is the speaker asking for help or

offering others his help?

9

 MUET Paper 1  Listening

LISTENING Listening for • This type of listening will require you
Specific Information to pay extra attention on details being
said.

• How many students are there in total?
• Why did the speaker say he was late?
• Is the show tonight or on Tuesday?
• What time is the game starting?

Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved.Listening for• Listening for inference means you are
Inference using your own knowledge and clues
from the speech to gain understanding
rather than it being said directly.

• Can you identify the relationship of
the speakers just by their conversation?

• What is implied when the speaker says
the room is too stuffy?

Listening for Tone • Noticing the speaker’s tone of voice
to Understand a will give you a clue on how he is
Speaker’s Attitude feeling about the topic.

• Did the speaker enjoy the meal or not?
• Is there any hesitation in his speech?
• Did he really want to go?

Listen to the tones used in the Listening for Stress • Listen for which item is more
dialogues. It will indicate the on Specifics important than others.
speakers’ moods, feelings and
intentions. • Which step should be done first?
The stress made in the • Who was the winner, the runner up
person’s voice could show
that the coming information is or the second runner up?
particularly important. • What needs to be done after and not

before?

10

Developing the Listening Skills MUET Paper 1  Listening 
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LISTENING1Pick out key words and key
phrases in the listening text to
Listening for the Gist of the Texts Track 1 get its main idea.
As you listen, ask yourself “what is
Listen to three people; Farhan, Sean and Sheila, talking about their the text mainly about?”
favourite types of sports.

For questions 1 to 3, choose the sport that each speaker is most likely
to enjoy from the list A to E. Use the letters only once.

Sports List
A Archery
B Fencing
C Bowling
D Boxing
E Tennis doubles

Sports most likely enjoyed by: What words are mentioned to
1 Speaker 1 describe the particular sports?
2 Speaker 2 As the speakers continue to
3 Speaker 3 describe what they like, retain a
vision of the sports in your mind
2 based on the descriptions made.

Listening for Ideas You can recognise the main ideas
of what the speakers are talking
Dialogue 1 Track 2 about almost immediately.
The clues will be mentioned
Listen to an interview being conducted by Rozi, a journalist and earlier on in the text.
Azhar, a zookeeper, regarding a missing zebra. As you listen, choose Recognising the ideas being
the correct answer for questions 1 and 2. discussed will help your overall
understanding of the texts.
1 Was Azhar likely working when Zulu went missing?
A Yes, he was likely working at the zoo when it happened.
B Yes, but he was likely working at his other job.
C No, but he was visiting the zoo at the time.

2 How did the culprit manage to avoid identification?
A He probably worked at the zoo and knew when it would
be empty.
B He probably worked at the zoo and knew the security
camera’s blind spot.
C He probably worked at the zoo and knew how to cut wires.

11

 MUET Paper 1  Listening

LISTENING Dialogue 2 Track 3

Listen to a conversation between Maria and Kelvin discussing Kelvin’s
decision to buy a motorbike. As you listen, choose the correct answer
for questions 3 and 4.

Once the ideas in the texts are 3 Why did Kelvin want to buy a motorbike?
revealed, you can be sure that A His sister’s car was too small.
there would be more information B He could not afford to wait to take public transport to
given about these ideas work.
afterwards. C He had just enough money to afford one at sale price.
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will be discussed next once you 4 What did Maria suggest Kelvin do to not feel bad about his
know the main ideas. sister driving him to work?
A He could pay her for part of the car.
B He could pay her the fare he would have paid if he had
taken public transport.
C He could pay for her petrol.

3

Listening for Purpose Track 4

Listen to a conversation between a grandmother and her grandson,
Sarish, as they try to cook a dish based on a recipe that they have just
learnt from a cooking show. As you listen, choose the correct answer
for questions 1 to 7.

What is the purpose of the 1 The chicken needs to be thawed first as
speakers talking? A it is hard to cook frozen chicken.
If they are discussing a recipe, B it takes a long time to thaw frozen chicken.
there would be a list of C it is hard to thaw frozen vegetables and chicken at the
ingredients coming next. same time.
Some words in the listening
texts may be replaced in the 2 What was the vegetable included in the recipe?
question with a synonym. A Frozen vegetables
B Tomatoes
C Broccoli

3 To prevent from ruining the flavour of the cooking Sarish should
A slowly increase the amount of each ingredient.
B follow the exact measurements given in the recipe.
C not alter the recipe.

12

4 The best recipes were taught MUET Paper 1  Listening 
A from cookbooks There speakers might also
B verbally give specific information and
C online highlight them in a number of
ways.
5 People sometimes had to come up with their own What is the synonym for ‘orally’
measurements when used in the texts?
A they forgot the original measurements taught to them. Listen out for specific details such
B they did not think the original dish was good enough. as numbers relating to dates and
C they wanted to make new dishes. time etc.
What is the word to describe
6 According to Sarish’s grandmother one could become a good ‘once in two weeks’?
chef
A with a lot of practice.
B as they are born with the talent.
C if the person follows recipes closely.

7 Sarish wishes to practise cooking
A once a month.
B once every year.
C once every fortnight.
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LISTENING4

Listening for Specific Information Track 5

Listen to a conversation between a radio host, Joanne, and a listener, Listen out for the reason again in
Khalis, who has been shortlisted for a competition and is now being the second listening of the text if
interviewed on the show. As you listen, choose the correct answer for you are not sure of the answer.
questions 1 to 7.
Who is Ferdinand Magellan?
1 Khalis was speaking from
A his home He was a Portuguese
B his office explorer who led the Spanish
C the radio station expedition to the East
Indies from 1519 to 1522.
2 Khalis has been an architect for the past This resulted in the first
A 8 years circumnavigation of the Earth
B 7 years although he died before it was
C 33 years completed.

3 Why did Khalis not pursue a career as an explorer?
A He did not like to become an explorer.
B He preferred being an architect.
C He did not have the money to do so.

13

LISTENING  MUET Paper 1  Listening 4 The contestants had to send a picture of themselves dressed up
A pillar of support is sometimes as
used as a pillar of strength. A an explorer
This expression is used to B Magellan
describe someone who always C a Spanish man
gives support and comfort to
others in times of need. 5 The top prize winner of the competition will be travelling
around
Idiomatic A Spain
Expressions B Europe
C Malaysia
Live out of a suitcase is an
idiom used to describe 6 Khalis wants to bring his father on the trip because his father
someone who will stay in A laughed at him when he took part in the competition.
several places for a while. B was a consistent pillar of support.
Then they would be moving C had always wanted to travel.
next to a different place with
just the enough supply they 7 Which of these looks would get a contestant shortlisted?
can put in a suitcase. This A B
may be due to the nature Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved.
of their jobs.

What type of person would live C
out of a suitcase?

Pictorial answers require you to
listen carefully to details given.
It also tests you on your overall
understanding of the texts.

14

5 MUET Paper 1  Listening 
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LISTENINGListening for InferenceTrack 6The insurance agent was
smart to have mentioned “..it is
Listen to a conversation between Nalini, an insurance agent, and important to always hope for
John, a potential customer. As you listen, choose the correct answer the best but expect the worst”.
for questions 1 to 3. We could clearly see that she
was suggesting that positive
1 John is hesitant about getting a medical insurance plan because experiences will happen but
A he is still young and healthy. at the same time a very bad
B he feels that all insurance plans are a waste of money. outcome could also take
C he has never fallen sick before. place reinforcing the fact that
John should sign up for the
2 Some of John’s elderly relatives insurance.
A faced a very small debt upon leaving the hospital.
B fell sick after buying insurance plans.
C were unable to afford adequate treatment.

3 When John said it would give them a bigger headache if they
had to start it again from scratch, he was referring to
A his illnesses
B the family’s savings
C a new insurance policy

6

Listening for Tone to Understand Track 7
a Speaker’s Attitude

Listen to a voice message being left by an unsatisfied customer,
Mrs Devi, for the manager of Super Foods Supermarket. As you listen,
choose the correct answer for questions 1 to 7.

1 The voice message was addressed to What is the difference between
A the owner of Super Foods Supermarket ‘...ignoring the customers’ and
B the staff of Super Foods Supermarket ‘ignored by the customers’?
C the manager of Super Foods Supermarket What words could be used to
describe Mrs Devi’s feelings
2 Why did Mrs Devi go to the supermarket? going through the many aisles
A She had never been there before and wanted to see it. looking for the items?
B She was shopping for a dinner party.
C She wanted to make her first trip there.

15

LISTENING  MUET Paper 1  Listening 3 What was the first problem that Mrs Devi noticed?
Refer back to the time when she A The staff were standing around chatting.
reached the cashier. B The supermarket did not have staff to help.
Look out for key phrases to show C The staff were being ignored by customers.
that she was upset there.
4 When approached by customers the staff looked
A study shows that the A annoyed
average person spends over B busy
53 hours per year doing C delighted
grocery shopping.
Mrs Devi said “..needless to say..” 5 Mrs Devi’s complaint about the aisles was that
to indicate that it goes without A they were wrongly labelled
saying that she was very upset B they were too cluttered
about what had happened at the C the fruit aisle contained drinks
grocery store.
6 Mrs Devi was upset at the cashier because
A there were only two other people in the queue with her
B she had bought many things
C the supermarket did not provide any shopping bags

7 Is Mrs Devi likely to return to the supermarket?
A No, but she hopes that changes will be made.
B No, and she hopes that other customers will do the same.
C Yes, so she hopes that there will be improvements.
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7

Listening for Stress on Specifics Track 8

Listen to a telephone conversation between Fazri and his mother on
how to make fried macaroni. As you listen, choose the correct answer
for questions 1 to 7.

Some words or sentences will be 1 Fazri was asking about how to cook fried macaroni from
picked out and are stressed. A university
This is often done to show that B work
the stressed information is of a C home
greater importance.

2 There is a kitchenette in the student housing
A to allow students to cook light meals.
B to stop students from overspending on food.
C to encourage students to become good in cooking.

16

3 What did his mother mean by “Jumping in the deep end”?Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved. MUET Paper 1  Listening 
A She noticed that Fazri was good at swimming and at LISTENING
cooking. Idiomatic
B She noticed that Fazri would like to learn something Expressions
difficult immediately.
C She noticed that Fazri did not want to waste his time Jumping into the deep end
frying eggs. means to do something
complex without being
4 How do you clean the prawns? prepared for it.
A Firmly pull off the heads but leave the tail.
B Rinse the prawns in boiling water with salt. Sauté means to fry something
C Peel off all the outer shell of the prawns. quickly in oil.
The word originates from the
5 It is important not to over fry the onions and garlic because French word sauté that means
A the cooking will become salty ‘to jump’. This is in reference
B the onions and garlic will turn rubbery to the tossing of food while
C the fried macaroni will taste bitter frying it very quickly in a
shallow pan.
6 Fazri will need to boil the macaroni first because
A he will forget to cook it if he waited Listen for the stress on the
B it will take 7 minutes to get ready correct process of cooking the
C he can then stir all the ingredients together dish.

7 Select the correct process of cooking the fried macaroni.
A
Dice the onions and garlic ➡ prepare the prawns
➡ fry the ingredients ➡ add in the prawns ➡ boil
the macaroni ➡ add in the macaroni to the fried
items in the pan ➡ stir well

B The speakers might use certain
Boil the macaroni ➡ dice the onions and garlic phrases to indicate the stress on
prepare the prawns ➡ fry the ingredients ➡ add the specifics.
in the prawns ➡ add in the macaroni to the fried
items in the pan ➡ stir well

C They might also use stress on
Prepare the prawns ➡ boil the macaroni ➡ dice the certain words to indicate the
onions and garlic ➡ fry the ingredients ➡ add in importance of the specific
the macaroni to the fried items in the pan ➡ add information.
in the prawns ➡ stir well

17

MUET Paper 4  Writing 

WRITING

Paper 4

MUET (800/4)

Examination Requirements

1Part Guided Writing
Response:
To write letter or email of
at least 100 words
(CEFR A2-C1)

2Part Extended Writing
Response:
To write essay
(discursive,
argumentative or
a problem-solution
of at least 250 words)
(CEFR B1-C1)
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WRITING
DURATION
‘’Writing is a skill, not a talent, and this
difference is important because 75
a skill can improved by practice.”
minutes
-Robert Stacy McCain-
WEIGHTING

25%
175

 MUET Paper 4  Writing

Introduction

Inspirational Quote 1 The main aim of Paper 4 of the MUET Writing test is to assess
candidates ability to communicate in writing in the higher
Read over your compositions, education context, covering both more formal and less formal
and wherever you meet with writing genres.
a passage which you think is
particularly fine, strike it out. • Less formal writing task: situations and subjects relating to
and typical of the academic and educational environment
– Samuel Johnson (1709–1784) –
• Formal writing task: familiar and unfamiliar topics in
Write about what you know. different academic areas
When you write about things,
facts, situations or experiences 2 Candidates will be given 25 minutes to do Task 1 and
you know about, you will write 50 minutes to do Task 2.
with authority. Your writing will
be interesting, because you are Evaluation Criteria
interested.
1 Candidates will be assessed on their ability to carry out the
detailed instructions given.

2 Candidates will be assessed on task fulfilment, organisation,
structure and lexis.
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Task Fulfilment Organisation Structure Lexis

• Ability to • Ability to • Ability to • Ability

address or use cohesive respond to use a

respond to the devices and using a range of

task organisational range of appropriate

• Ability to patterns structures – vocabulary

WRITING develop the • Ability to plan simple and • Ability to

response and organise complex display

whenever the ideas • Ability to accuracy

task allows • Ability to use display of spelling,

• Ability to paragraphings control, grammar

respond flexibility and

appropriately and sentence

with relevant precision of structure

content structures

• Ability to display used

appropriate

tone and style

of writing

3 There are no explicit penalties for shorter or longer responses.
4 Marks will not be awarded for the points that are distorted.
5 No marks will be awarded for unnecessary words, literary frills

or irrelevant references and opinions of your own.

176

MUET Paper 4  Writing 

Rubrics for Aggregated Scores (Band 5+)

Can write complex texts clearly and smoothly
with a high degree of accuracy and in an
appropriate and effective style

Can use structure in a logical and orderly
manner which helps the reader to find
significant points
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WRITING
Can highlight the relevant salient issues,
expand and support points of view at length
with relevant points, reasons and examples,
and complete the text with appropriate
conclusion

TASK 1: Guided Writing

1 Candidates will be assessed on your ability to respond to the Inspirational Quote
notes given in the email.
A scrupulous writer, in every
2 Candidates are expected to write at least 100 words and sentence that he writes, will ask
responses will be evaluated as a whole. There are no explicit himself at least four questions,
penalties for responses that are more than or less than 100 thus:
words. 1. What am I trying to say?
2. What words will express it?
3 Language functions that will be assessed include the following: 3. What image or idiom will
• expressing thanks, apologies, reactions, and preferences
• accepting/declining/rejecting invitations/offers make it clearer?
• making requests 4. Is this image fresh enough
• giving precise information
• describing experiences, feelings, and events to have an effect?
• providing advice, reasons, opinions, and justifications
4 The tone and style of writing can vary from informal to formal. – George Orwell, British Novelist &
5 Production relates mostly to concrete matters. Essayist –

177

 MUET Paper 4  Writing Steps in Answering Task 1: Letter or Email

Use plain language Study the stimulus • Know exactly which aspect of the
• Avoid any literary frills like carefully stimulus you have to focus on

figurative language. • Underline key words
• Appropriate for the intended
Study the notes • Underline the key words
purpose and audience. • Establish the link between the stimulus

and the notes
• Make short notes from the analysis
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• Develop and organise your Organise your • Check your response against the notes
ideas. response • Leave out irrelevant information,

• Use appropriate markers and comments and opinions
cohesive devices. • Insert appropriate linkers

Draft your response • Make sure that you have responded
based on the notes given

• Use all the notes given
• Write at least 100 words

• Grammatical correctness is Revise your draft • Make any alterations you think
important. necessary
WRITING
• Keep to the tense that is • Correct all mistakes in spelling,
appropriate for the essay. grammar and sentence structure

Write out the • Do not write in point form
email/letter • Make sure your email/letter is accurate
• Ensure the prose flow logically from

one point to another

Answering Task 1 Effectively

1 Study the questions carefully.
(a) Analyse the task given.
(b) Underline the key words.
Example:

Amir, a member of the science project team was absent for
the first meeting. Read the email from him asking about
what was discussed at the meeting.

178

From: Amir MUET Paper 4  Writing 
Subject: Science project team meeting
Notes:
Hi! Great!
How did the meeting go yesterday? Sorry that I couldn’t make it Explain
for the first meeting. No, because ...
Has the team decided on the type of project? I hope the team has Tell Amir
taken my suggestions into consideration.
If the division of workload has been decided, do let me know my
role in the project.
By the way, when will the team meet next? Please keep me
informed of the preparation needed before we meet.
Till then, hope to hear from you.
Amir
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WRITING 2 Study the notes.
(a) Establish the link with the stimulus.
(b) Jot down your response.
(c) Establish the link between your response.

3 Organise your response.
(a) Organise your response according to the sequence of the

notes
(b) Provide details for each response to the notes

4 Draft your response.

(a) Write an effective subject
Example:

Details of science project first team meeting

(b) Write a proper salutation
Example:

Hi Amir!
(c) Write an effective introduction
Example:

The meeting went well yesterday. We had a good
discussion and decided on a few matters.

179

 MUET Paper 4  Writing (d) Write body of email
• Check that the details are (i) Organise your response
(ii) Insert appropriate linkers
correct.
• Make sure that your response (e) Write an effective closing
Example:
supports the note.
• Remember to insert linkers/ I’ll keep you posted. Bye.

discourse markers to link ideas, 5 Revise your draft.
sentences and paragraphs. (a) Make sure you have responded to all notes
(b) Modify draft if necessary
Emails are reflection of your (c) Write at least 100 words
professionalism, values, and (d) Check for errors
attention to detail.
Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved. 6 Write out the email.
(a) Read it as you write
(b) Ensure prose flow logically
(c) Proofread it one more time before sending

WRITING Constructing an Effective Subject

1 The subject line gives clear, direct overview of the email
content.

2 The aim of the subject line is to get the recipient to open and
read the email.

3 An effective subject line should be 3 to 8 words in length.
Subject lines that are too brief or too lengthy cause confusion.
Avoid one-word subjects.

Bad Examples Good Examples

• Meeting • Short biodata for grant
application
• Urgent!
• Senior Management
• For your perusal Meeting: 29 May 2021

• Information needed to draft • Project Report: Deadline
report for project conducted Friday 5:00 p.m.
recently to be submitted to
the CEO

180

MUET Paper 4  Writing 

1

Write an effective subject for the following:
(a) An email calling for an annual general
meeting for the Origami Club at your
college next Tuesday (21 April 2022) at
3:00 p.m.
(b) An email enquiring on the status of a visa
application to Russia
(c) An email inviting a friend to a wedding
dinner on Sunday, 28 June 2022, 7:00 p.m.

2

Write an effective subject for the following:
(a) An email asking for revisions on a
monthly sales report
(b) An email asking for donations for the
Kiwanis Club
(c) An email seeking volunteers for
community patrol in your housing area
Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved.
WRITING
Writing Proper Salutations

1 Salutations should be professional and concise.
2 The appropriate salutation actually depends on the situation.
3 Address the recipients using their names whenever possible.
Examples:

• Good morning. / Good afternoon. / Good evening.
• Dear Ms. Lee,
• Greetings,
• Hi / Hey Joe, (salutation format)
• Hi / Hey, Joe. (sentence format)
4 If you don’t know the name of the person you are addressing, or
addresses a diverse group, use a generic, yet polite salutation.
Example:

• To whom it may concern,
• Dear all,
• Hello, everyone,

181

 MUET Paper 4  Writing

3
Write an appropriate salutation for the following:

(a) An email to a childhood friend, Amy

(b) An email to your English professor,
Dr. Harun

(c) An email to Mrs. Wong, the principal of
your school

4
Write an appropriate salutation for the following:
(a) An email to all your classmates inviting

them to your birthday party
(b) An email to all the participants of the

English Language Summit
(c) An email enquiring on the price of an

antique rocking chair
Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved.
WRITING Writing an Effective Introduction

1 Start with a brief one-sentence pleasantry if you have not
communicated with the recipient recently.

Examples:
• It was a pleasure meeting you at the recent business
summit.
• Thank you for your time yesterday.
• Thank you for sharing the survey results with us.
• I appreciate your efforts in getting in touch.
• I hope this email finds you well.

• I hope you’re well!
2 State the purpose of the email clearly and directly after the

pleasantry. This is the B.L.O.T. – Bottom Line On Top.

182

MUET Paper 4  Writing 

5

Write an effective introduction for the following:
(a) An email to a subject matter expert you
met the day before asking for feedback on
a manuscript
(b) An email to an old friend asking for help
in the turtle conservation project
(c) An email to a colleague inviting her to be
in the stem cell research team
Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved.
WRITINGConstructing Body of Letter or Email

1 The body of the email should be direct, informative and
contain all pertinent information.

2 The purpose of the email should be clear, specific, concise and
direct.

3 The email should address only one thing. The purpose can be
a task, request or information.

Examples:

• Please add your input to the assignment.
• Can you attend the staff briefing tomorrow?
• Did you have anything to add to the draft?
4 Include relevant additional information that requires the
attention of the recipient (referenced attachments or links).
5 Conclude with a clear call to action – specific action and the
timeline. Clarify task responsibility by directly naming the
intended person.

Bad Examples Good Examples

• Can I have your views on • John, can you please review
this? this report by tomorrow,
Thursday, 5 p.m.?
• Let me know if you can do
it. • Liz, please update the data
in the attached file and
send it back to me by next
Monday, 9 a.m.

183

 MUET Paper 4  Writing

6
Determine the purpose of the email for the following:
(a) I also felt that the tone could be more

formal.
(b) The report needs more specific

information about our sales figures.
(c) I have a question about the assignment

that is due next Monday.
Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved.
7
Determine the purpose of the email for the following:
(a) I hope you can forgive me for all the

wrongs that I have committed.
(b) I have decided to join you for the tour to

Balkan.
(c) Can you present the report on my behalf

at the meeting tomorrow?

WRITING 8
Write a clear call to action for the following:
(a) An email seeking revision to the

manuscript after feedback from the
reviewers
(b) I need your approval on this before I can
proceed.
(c) I have scheduled a meeting with the
Health department for this Friday
regarding Covid-19. It’s at 11:00 a.m. in
Room 2123.

184

9Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved. MUET Paper 4  Writing 
WRITING
Write an appropriate question for the following: 185

(a) I would like to consult you on some of the
questions you gave us for the assignment.

(b) The teachers are planning a farewell
dinner for the principal who is retiring
next week. We are still deciding on which
restaurant is best.

(c) We are looking for a keynote speaker to
talk on neuromarketing in the upcoming
Marketing Summit. The speech is
scheduled for Friday (26 June 2022) at
10:00 am in Seminar Room 3414.

Writing an Effective Closing

1 Write a brief, polite phrase to close the email.
Examples:

• Thanks.
• Thank you.
• Thank you for your time.
• I look forward to hearing from you.
• See you tomorrow.
2 Include a sign-off of your name at the end of the email. The
phrasing should match the formality of the email.
Examples (Phrasing):
• Respectfully yours,
• Warm regards, / wishes,
• Kind regards, / wishes,
• Best, / Best regards, / wishes,
• Regards,
• Yours, / Yours sincerely, / truly,
• Sincerely,
• Cheers,
Examples (Signature):
• Dr. Don Golding (most formal)
• Dr. Golding
• Don Golding
• Don (least formal and most common)

 MUET Paper 4  Writing

10

Write a brief, polite phrase to close the following:
(a) An email to a friend who is studying
in Toronto
(b) An email applying for a job at TSMC
Holdings
(c) An email congratulating a colleague
on a promotion
Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved.
• Etiquette, style and format are Dos and Don’ts
essential in email writing.
1 Think about your message before you write it.
• In all business writing, the 2 Make good use of subject line.
audience is top consideration. 3 Maintain a professional tone appropriate for your audience.
4 Use italics, underlining or bold to emphasise important points.
• Before you hit ‘send’ button,
take a moment to write a It is better to use bold or italics.
subject line that accurately 5 Always practise the ‘one-thing rule’ – only one purpose for
describes the content.
each email.
• Remember – your message 6 Adopt a professional but brief email style.
is not the only one in your 7 Strive for clarity and brevity in your writing.
recipient’s mailbox. 8 Write in short paragraphs – use paragraphs to separate

• A clear subject line will prove thoughts.
that your email is worthwhile. 9 Use lists and bullet points to streamline information and

WRITING headings to break up concepts.
10 Use a numbered list if sequence is important and bullet points

for unordered lists.
11 Always proofread what you have written before you click

"send."
12 Do not overcommunicate by email.
13 Avoid excessive use of punctuation or emojis. They should

never be used in formal business emails.
14 Avoid using multiple text colours in an email.
15 Do not use an old email thread for a new topic.
16 Do not overspin pleasantries at the start of the email.
17 Avoid informal language, slang, jargon, and inappropriate

abbreviations in formal business emails.

186

MUET Paper 4  Writing 

Task 2: Extended Writing

1 Candidates will be assessed on your ability to write an essay
(discursive, argumentative, or problem-solution).

2 Candidates are expected to write at least 250 words and
responses will be evaluated as a whole. There are no explicit
penalties for responses that are more than or less than
250 words.

3 Language functions that will be assessed include the following:
• discussing ideas and evaluating arguments or solutions to

problems
• providing advice, reasons, opinions, and justifications
• giving examples and supporting information
4 The expected tone and style of writing is generally formal.
5 Production should cover more abstract and conceptual

matters.
Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved.
WRITING
Skills Required in Extended Writing

All forms of free composition require certain skills. These skills
are relevance, adequacy, interest, organisation, and correctness and
clarity of language.

Relevance Write to the point and do not include anything
that is not asked for in the question.

Adequacy Your essay must be rather substantial. A long
essay may still be inadequate or skimpy if it
contains repetitions of the same point.

Interest Capture the audience’s interest and compel
him to go on reading. Some of the skills that
make an essay interesting are originality of
thought, individuality of feeling, liveliness and
freshness of approach.

187

 MUET Paper 4  Writing

Organisation Your points must be properly organised so
as not to leave vague impressions in your
audience’s mind.
• Does the essay flow logically and easily from

one point to the other?
• Can the audience follow and see where your

argument is going?
• Is the organisational principle right for your

essay?
Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved.
Correctness Incorrect grammar, wrong use of words, poor
and clarity of punctuation and a sloppy style destroy the
image of the essay. If your command of the
language language is weak, choose a simple style using
short sentences and simple words.

WRITING Find out more about Developing Writing Skills
discourse markers here:
https://dictionary.cambridge. Using Discourse Markers in Writing
org/grammar/british-
grammar/discourse-markers/ 1 Discourse markers are commonly referred as ‘linking
discourse-markers-so-right- words’ and ‘linking phrases’, ‘cohesive devices’, or ‘sentence
okay connectors’.

SCAN ME 2 Discourse markers are used to bind together a piece of writing
– linking ideas, sentences and paragraph.

3 Though discourse markers promote the coherence of a text,
they must only be used when necessary. Overuse of discourse
markers can make a piece of writing seem too heavy.

4 Different discourse markers are used to express different
relationships between ideas.

5 Essentially, there are two types of discourse markers – those
which organise the text and those which express the writer’s
point of view.

188

MUET Paper 4  Writing 

For organising the text For expressing the writer’s
point of view

Type of Discourse Type of Discourse
relationship markers relationship markers

Sequencing to begin with, firstly, Introducing further in addition, additionally
secondly, first, second, evidence (adding moreover, furthermore,
then, next, after that, at something) further to this, further,
this point, subsequently, besides, besides that,
later, finally, lastly, in also, apart from that,
conclusion other than that, on top of
that, what is more
Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved.
Re-expressing WRITINGthat is to say, or rather,Comparing alikewise, similarly, in the
to put it another way further point with a same way, in a similar
previous one vein

Specifying namely, that is, that is Denying however, nevertheless,
to say, which is to say, expectation/ yet, although, though,
in other words Making an even though, in spite of
unexpected contrast that, nonetheless, in spite
(concession) of the fact that, despite
the fact that, regardless of
the fact that

Referring in this respect, in that Admitting the actually, as a matter of
connection, as has been unexpected fact, in fact
said, apart from this

Resuming returning to the previous Correcting from instead, on the contrary
point, to resume expected to
unexpected

in contrast, instead of,

such as, for example, Contrasting (making instead, alternatively, by
for instance, namely,
by way of illustration, a contrast between comparison, on the other
specifically
Exemplifying two separate hand, on the contrary,

things, people, yet, at the same time,

ideas, etc.) conversely, however, but,

still

Summarising to sum up, in sum, to Dismissing in any case, despite this,
summarise, to conclude, anyhow, at any rate, no
in conclusion, in short, matter what, anyway,
in a nutshell, all in all, whatever the case may
briefly, overall be, in any event

Focusing let us first consider, Establishing a so, consequently, then,
turning now to causal link therefore, thus, hence

189

 MUET Paper 4  Writing

For expressing the writer’s point of view

Type of relationship Discourse markers

Giving a reason (saying why something is the because, this is because, for this reason, for
case) the reason that, this is due to the fact that, in
view of the fact that, since, it follows that, on
account of this, given that, as, In so far as

Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved.Indicating a result (saying what the result ofas a result, so that, for this reason,
something is) because of this, in view of that, so, then,
as a consequence of this, in consequence,
consequently, therefore, thus, hence,
accordingly

Stating a purpose with this in mind, with the intention of, in
order to, to this end, so as to

Stating a condition if, if not, unless, in that case, in the event
of, as long as, provided that, given that,
assuming that, then, otherwise,

Expressing a degree of certainty (making of course, certainly, admittedly, presumably,
what you say stronger) clearly, without doubt, as a matter of fact,
in fact, indeed, definitely, undeniably,
indubitably

WRITING Expressing an attitude surprisingly, inevitably, amazingly,
fortunately, disappointingly, luckily

Rubrics for Task Fulfilment Introducing Paragraphs
(Band 5+)
1 In extended writing, a continuous prose will be organised into
Shows excellent a series of paragraphs. Each paragraph will contain a number
response to the of sentences focusing on the same topic or main point.

task 2 In each paragraph, express the main idea in one key sentence
(topic sentence) at the beginning or end of the paragraph.
Shows mature Develop ideas
treatment of the effectively 3 Support the main idea with examples, clarifying details,
reasons, personal references, and so on.
topic Band
5+ 4 Link these supporting ideas appropriately, so that they flow
logically and easily from one to the other.
Presents Information
viewpoints effectively
effectively
linked

190

5 Paragraphs should also be logically linked together and follow MUET Paper 4  Writing 
on from each other. Refrain from writing in too many short
paragraphs. Rubrics for Language and
Organisation (Band 5+)
6 Traditionally, an essay has four or more paragraphs, which
correspond in function to the parts of the paragraph. Language
accurate; hardly
7 The parts of a paragraph are:
(a) Topic sentence : expresses the main idea in a sentence. any spelling
Begin your paragraph with a topic sentence that expresses errors

your main idea. Topic sentences will usually be short and Paragraphs Meaning
state the subject of that paragraph. A topic sentence will very coherent comes across
help you decide what details to include in developing the very clearly
idea stated in the topic sentence.
(b) Supporting points : secondary ideas to support, develop Paragraphs Band Uses wide
or amplify the idea in the topic sentence. show clear 5+ variety of
Supporting sentences will be based on the points made unity with sentence
beneath the heading in the second stage plan. By letting evidence of structures
your topic guide the choice of support, you will be able to planning effectively
write a paragraph that sticks to its main idea.
(c)  Conclusion : one sentence, usually found in longer
paragraphs. In long paragraphs, include a final sentence
as a conclusion by briefly repeating the main idea of that
paragraph or giving some final information.
8 The standard academic essay has an introduction that includes
a thesis statement, body paragraphs and a conclusion. What
you have to say will determine how many paragraphs there
will be. The parts of an essay are:
Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved. Able to link Very
WRITINGideas veryappropriate
effectively and varied
vocabulary

Introduction The introduction of the essay typically includes
the thesis statement. Thesis statement expresses
the main idea of the essay in a sentence. It is
often the last sentence in the introductory
paragraph.

Body Each body paragraph will have its own topic
paragraphs sentence and secondary ideas to support it.

Conclusion The last paragraph is to end a long essay.

191

 MUET Paper 4  Writing Introduction
1 The introduction needs to be very engaging, so that you grab
Inspirational Quote
the audience’s attention and keep it throughout the rest of your
Of all those arts in which essay. Use attention-getting device such as:
the wise excel, Nature’s chief • a fact
masterpiece is writing well. • a quotation
• a definition
– John Sheffield, Duke of • a question
Buckinghamshire (1648–1721) – • an anecdote
• a scenario
Issac Asimov is one of the • background information
most famous science fiction 2 The introduction of the essay typically includes the thesis
writers of all time. He was statement. When you feel you are ready to introduce the
admired for his imagination specific focus of the essay, then you write the thesis statement.
and vision, as well as the 3 The thesis statement:
sheer volume of material that • can appear as the first sentence
he wrote. Over the course • can come at the end of the introductory paragraph
of 50 years, he wrote over • can be near the top of the second paragraph
500 books, essays and short 4 Wherever you decide to put your thesis statement, make
stories. sure that every subsequent paragraph supports your thesis
statement.
5 It is important to write an introduction that is in proportion to
the whole of the essay. A good introduction paragraph:
• constitutes about 20 per cent of your total essay
• contains at least three sentences
• ideas progressing from general to specific
• leads the audience into the essay
WRITING Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved.
Writing Effective Introductions
Assertion 1 Write an introduction that catches the interest of your
claim a statement saying
that you strongly believe audience, establish the subject, and leads naturally to your
something to be true. thesis statement. The best way to achieve this is to write in a
short, simple, clear and direct style that goes straight to the
heart of the topic.
2 Be sure your thesis statement makes a logical assertion. A
thesis statement gives the main idea of the entire essay and
suggests the topic of each body paragraph.
3 A good introduction should accomplish the following goals:
• capture and sustain the audience’s attention
• express the thesis statement clearly and concisely
• give necessary background information
• establish an appropriate tone and level of formality

192

MUET Paper 4  Writing 

4 To capture the audience’s attention, you may:
• begin with an anecdote
• ask an astounding question
• quote an expert on your topic
• describe a dramatic/an imaginary scenario
• begin with a shocking statement
• adapt a familiar quotation/phrase to your topic
• set the scene with interesting background information

Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved.Body Paragraphs Write with your audience in
WRITING 1 After the introduction, go on to the main body of the essaymind. This will determine the
style and level of difficulty. For
which may include three or four further paragraphs. instance, if you are writing for
2 No matter how many paragraphs there are, the body paragraphs young children, you have to
use simple words and write
must develop on the idea put forth in the thesis statement. Each in short sentences. If you are
paragraph should contribute to the development of the thesis writing an article for a magazine
statement. It should be distinct and not repeat information for adults, you can write using
from other body paragraphs. long sentences and use a large
3 Create a progression of thoughts in your writing that end in a vocabulary range.
strong conclusion. Repeating key phrases from the previous
paragraph in the next can create a progression. trite
4 Each paragraph follows the one before with logical transitions, dull and boring because it
either elaborating on or supporting it, or adding new has been expressed so many
information that builds toward the conclusion. times before; not original
5 Transition words and phrases are used to relate ideas so
that ideas flow smoothly between sentences and between
paragraphs.
6 To create the transition between paragraphs (one leading from
the previous theme to the current theme), you may need a
word/sentence or two. Whatever you do, do not rely on trite
transitions.
7 Each paragraph should contain one controlling idea, which
usually appears in a topic sentence at the beginning or the end
of the paragraph. All the additional sentences in the paragraph
should relate to this one main idea. For truly effective writing,
supporting material must be relevant. If you see a sentence
that does not seem to relate to the topic sentence, it is probably
irrelevant.
8 Arrange sentences in a logical order using the organisation
patterns that paragraphs often follow. No one order will work
for every paragraph.

193

 MUET Paper 4  Writing 9 Support each topic sentence with examples, reasons, facts,
Agatha Christie, the English statistics or the opinion of experts. Choose examples that will
playwright, author, and appeal to your audience. Give your writing your voice by using
novelist suffered from real examples from your experience. If you are using another
‘dysgraphia’ (a disease related author’s ideas, connect them to your experience.
to the functioning of the brain
that damages the ability of 10 Each paragraph should be complete and unified, with its
a person to write). For this own topic sentence that supports the thesis statement in the
reason she would always introduction.
dictate her work to another
person to write it down for 11 Wrap up each body paragraph with a mini-concluding
her. sentence summing up only what you have discussed in that
Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved. paragraph.
WRITING
12 The concluding sentence of paragraph indicates the end of a
paragraph and prepares the audience for a smooth transition
to the next paragraph.

13 Remember to vary the length of the sentence and to write
clearly and without ambiguity.

14 Keep a balance among the body paragraphs. Avoid having one
paragraph very long and the next very short. Each paragraph
can be anything between five and seven sentences.

15 Points to remember while writing a paragraph:
• write a catchy introductory sentence
• avoid repetition of words and ideas – use synonyms
• maintain continuity and logical flow
• use appropriate cohesive devices for smooth transition

Conclusion
1 The last paragraph sums up your discussion.
2 The conclusion can be short, but not too short, that it seems

abrupt, or as if, you are in a hurry to finish.
3 It should draw the essay to a clear and precise ending, giving

the audience a feeling of completion and leads the audience
away from the essay.
4 Construct powerful conclusions that would impress your
audience.
5 To conclude, you can:
• briefly restate your thesis and main supports
• add an additional support point to your argument
• briefly show an opposing view from the opinion you argued
• propose a possible solution to the problem mentioned

194

Writing Effective Conclusions MUET Paper 4  Writing 

1 Writing a strong conclusion is as important as writing a strong Inspirational Quote
introduction.
Everywhere I go I’m asked if
2 Weak conclusions simply repeat the thesis statement from the I think the university stifles
introduction. writers. My opinion is that they
don’t stifle enough of them.
3 Strong conclusions sums up the thesis statement and present There’s many a bestseller that
either some new insight, or at the very least something more could have been prevented by a
to think about. good teacher.

– Flannery O’Connor –
Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved. 4 A good conclusion should accomplish the following goals:
WRITING • reaffirm the thesis statement – in a new way
• provide new perspectives on the topic
• offer the audience a sense of completeness
• influence the audience emotionally to act on the topic

5 The following are some strategies that you can adopt to
construct a powerful conclusion:

• remind your audience of your thesis statement
• end the essay with a striking or thought-provoking conclusion
• provide some new understanding of your topic
• stay on target instead of suggesting some other topic
• challenge and get the audience involved
• ask a dramatic question at the end
• quote an authority on your topic
• provide a relevant anecdote
• provide a workable and realistic solution
• challenge the audience to action
• guide your reader to look to the future

6 Try not to begin your conclusion with clichèd and trite phrases
such as:
• In conclusion • In a nutshell
• To summarise • I conclude by
• In sum

Writing Thesis Statements, Topic Sentences and
Supporting Details

Writing Thesis Statements linchpin
a person or thing that is the
1 Essentially, the thesis statement is the linchpin of your entire most important part of an
essay and the final sentence of the introduction. organisation, a plan, etc,
because everything else
2 Make sure your thesis statement is strong and clear before you depends on them or it.
begin drafting the remainder of your essay.

195

WRITING  MUET Paper 4  Writing Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved. 3 No thesis statement can stand alone; every one of them needs
support. List your argument with its supporting evidence in
Inspirational Quote this sentence. Sound logic and carefully chosen supporting
details strengthen the foundation of your thesis statement.
I always write a good first line,
but I have trouble in writing the 4 Take care in writing paragraphs that support your thesis
others. statement. Good paragraphs engage your audience for the rest
of the essay, and ultimately convince them to agree with your
– Moliere, French Playwright – conclusion.

anecdotes 5 To support your main idea and strengthen your writing, you
a short, interesting or amusing may
story about a real person or
event. (a) Provide details and examples
Provide specific examples that illustrate your thinking
A new word is added to the
dictionary every two hours. and make your writing more vivid and convincing.
(b) Provide facts for support
Choose facts and evidence carefully. Include only facts

that are relevant to the thesis statement. Make it relevant,
or leave it out.
(c) Provide reasons to agree
Consider all the reasons that the audience might not
agree. Compare those potential concerns with your own
list of reasons and decide whether to address or dismiss
them.
(d) Include anecdotes and descriptions
Include personal anecdotes and descriptions that relate
directly to the topic and illustrate a particular point about
the topic.
(e) Include expert opinions and quotations
Support your thesis statement by including expert
opinions and quotations from authorities.
(f) Include visual aids
Prove your point with some kind of visual aid in addition
to your use of words – a chart, a diagram, a drawing, a
photo, or a map.

6 There is no specific technique to support a thesis statement.
Evidence may be necessary to strengthen the argument, but
the number may vary. Generally, a minimum of three related
ideas or supporting evidence will be adequate to ascertain the
strength of the argument.

7 Include a variety of support in your argument. This may include:
• specific examples
• verifiable facts
• expert opinions
• expert analyses

196

• personal anecdotes MUET Paper 4  Writing 
• persuasive reasons
• acknowledgment of opposing views Inspirational Quote
• direct quotations from the text
8 To evaluate the effectiveness with which you have supported “I kept always two books in
my pocket, one to read, one to
your thesis statement, apply these standards to your draft: write in.”
• enough supporting information
• very specific and relevant supporting paragraphs – Robert Louis Stevenson –
• a strong voice and an appropriate tone
• good evidence to counter arguments
• no offensive language or generalisations
Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved.
WRITINGWriting Topic SentencesWhen writing, spell small
numbers out. Small numbers
1 The topic sentence: refer to numbers smaller than
• is a complete sentence and not a question 10. This is a simple rule that will
• must predict or promise what follows make the writing look more
• is the main sentence of a paragraph formal and presentable.
• details the main controlling idea of the paragraph
• sets up the main idea and overall point of the paragraph
• gives an indication about the point being conveyed in the

paragraph
2 The topic sentence should not be too general or too specific.
• general enough to show the paragraph’s main idea instead

of just one of its details
• specific enough for the audience to understand the main

idea of the paragraph
3 The topic sentence is made up of two parts – a limited subject

and a precise opinion.
• select a subject that is within the confines of the short article
• express your opinion on what you think about the limited

subject
4 To write the topic sentence, first, state the limited subject and

then state the precise opinion.
5 There are two kinds of topic sentences:
• a statement of opinion – opinion in the topic sentence will

be supported by the paragraph
• a statement of intent – provides a context for understanding

what follows
6 Generally, the topic sentence has two main functions:
• It helps the writer focus on the idea written about.
• It helps the audience understand what the paragraph is all

about.

197

 MUET Paper 4  Writing 7 In a paragraph, the three main functions of a topic sentence
are:
Who vs. That
• to substantiate an essay’s thesis statement
✗ • to unify the content and directs the order of the sentences
• Ali is the student that • to advise the audience on how the subject will be discussed
8 The topic sentence should capture the audience’s attention to
plays the violin.
• Her shoes are the ones sustain their interest in reading further.
9 Topic sentences are most often written at the beginning of
who make the squeaking
noise. the paragraph. However, topic sentences may be placed in the
middle or at the end of a paragraph.
✓ 10 Do not use phrases such as “I think” or “in my opinion” when
• Ali is the student who writing topic sentences unless they are crucial to the idea that
is conveyed.
plays the violin. 11 Characteristics of a good topic sentence:
• Her shoes are the ones • introduces the topic of a paragraph
• uses clear, specific and coherent words
that make the squeaking • catches the audience’s attention
noise. • uses thought-provoking words
• leaves questions in the audience’s mind
• provides clear relationships among its elements
• predicts and summarises the rest of the paragraph
• provides a transition from the previous paragraph
Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved.
WRITING Inspirational Quote Writing Supporting Details

Detail makes the difference 1 What follows a topic sentence are a number of supporting
between boring and terrific sentences that support, develop or amplify the main idea in
writing. It’s the difference the topic sentence with specific details.
between a pencil sketch and
a lush oil painting. As a writer, 2 These sentences must relate to each other and the topic
words are your paint. Use all the sentence in a manner established by the topic sentence.
colours.
3 The topic sentence sets the tone for the organisation of the
– Rhys Alexander, supporting sentences and unifies the direction of the paragraph
American Blog Writer – and its content together to form a concise, yet comprehensive,
statement about your writing assignment.

4. To write a convincing paragraph, you are strongly advised
to provide at least three strong details to support the main
idea. You should have at least five to seven sentences in your
paragraph.

5 Use facts, anecdotes, reasons, expert opinions, quotations,
descriptions, definitions, examples, and visual aids to make
the paragraph sustainable.

198

 MUET  Answers

PAPER Part 5 26 B
Dialogue 1 28 C
1 Listening 25 A 30 B

1 D 1 3 A Dialogue 2
2 B 27 A
3 A
2 7 C Dialogue 3
3 C 29 B
Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved. 7 C
Dialogue 1 2 B 3 B 2
1 A 4 C 3 A
Dialogue 2 7 A Part 1 2 A 3 A 4 C
3 B 3 B 1 C 6 A 7 C 11 C
7 B 5 B 10 A 21 B
14 C
1 B 3 3 B 4 B Part 2 9 B 17 D 4 C
5 A 2 C 7 C 4 B 8 A 13 A 20 C 11 A
6 A 10. B 12 A 24 A 21 C
14 B 4 A
4 17 A 4 C Part 3 16 E 3 B
2 A 20 A 15 A 7 A
6 B 24 C 4 C 10 C
1 B 11 C Part 4 19 A 14 C
5 B 21 B 18 B 23 A 17 E
22 A 20 B
5 24 B
1 A 2 C Part 5
Dialogue 1
6 25 C 26 A
2 B
1 C 6 C Dialogue 2 28 A
5 A 27 B
1 A 7
5 C 2 A Dialogue 3 30 A
6 B 29 C

3

MUET Practices Part 1 2 C
1 A 6 A
1 5 B
2 B
Part 1 6 C Part 2 9 B
1 C 9 A 8 B 13 A
5 A 13 A 12 A
Part 2 16 C
8 A 19 C Part 3 16 A
12 C 23 A 15 B
Part 3
15. D Part 4 19 B
Part 4 18 A 23 C
18 B 22 B
22 A
Part 5 26 B
Dialogue 1
25 A

322

Dialogue 2 28 B MUET  Answers 
27 C 30 A
Dialogue 3 • Promote walking/cycling
29 C • Improve vehicle standards
– Reduces petrochemical pollutants in the air
4 – Less emission of carbon monoxide
• Use public transport
Part 1 2 A 3 A 4 C • Adopt more efficient stove and fuel alternatives for
1 B 6 C 7 C 11 A
5 B 10 C cooking and lighting
14 B 21 B – Raise awareness of the health risks of household air
Part 2 9 A 17 B
8 A 13 B 20 B pollution
12 B 24 C • Stop waste burning /open burning
Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved. – Fewer fire outbreaks caused by open burning
Part 3 16 A
15 E 2

Part 4 19 C Organise ideas
18 A 23 A (i) Timing
22 A • Can shop at anytime of the day
• No time constraint
Part 5 26 A – Even at midnight in your pyjamas
Dialogue 1 • Opportunity to shop quickly at one’s convenience
25 C
24 × 7
Dialogue 2 28 B • Can do shopping easily even when busy
27 A (ii) Speed
• Saves time
Dialogue 3 30 C – Can do your shopping in minutes
29 B – Do not have to wait in a line
– N o need to wait till the shop assistant is ready to
PAPER
attend to you
2 Speaking – No need to find a parking place nearby
• No travelling time needed
1 – Doesn’t require you to actually go to the store
– No need to drive to the store to pick up
Organise ideas • No need to put up with traffic jams
(i) Effects of air pollution • Can even receive it the same day you order it
• Increases death from indoor and outdoor air (iii) Shopping experience
• ‘No pollution’ shopping
pollution – N o need for any kind of physical material – helps
• Causes global warming
• Increases health risks the environment!
– Increases health care costs • Convenient for buying information products like
– Unnecessary suffering and discomfort
(ii) Promoting awareness of air pollution e-books
• Creates a culture of responsibility – Can download the information immediately after
– Promotes commitment to social responsibility
– Instills a sense of responsibility from young the payment is made
• People will be more cautious so as not to break the – Saves storage space
• Can avoid the crowds especially during festivals and
laws
• Creates awareness and reduces the blame game special events
• Enhances understanding of environmental protection – Crowds force us to do a hurried shopping
• Enhances awareness on the importance of clean air – C an send a gift easily on special occasions –
• Raise awareness about the health risks
(iii) Measures to reduce air pollution birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
• Promote green spaces • No pressure sales
– Enhance the health and wellbeing of people living – Don’t have to put up with eager sales promoters
• No need to carry heavy shopping bags
and working in cities
– Limiting the impact of heat waves by reducing 3
1 self-discipline is important
urban temperatures 2 In my opinion
3 The main reason is
4 For example
5 Besides
6 This means
7 To elaborate
8 Hence
9 All in all
10 In conclusion

323

 MUET  Answers Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved. (d) Justifying
Well, I suppose you’re right. But, first you need to be
4
1 staying connected with others ambitious. It is the foundation and building block of
2 Personally, I think any successful person. We can’t build a vision without
3 First the desire for personal achievement.
4 Second (e) Inferring
5 For instance One has to be ambitious to be visionary. Am I right?
6 All thanks to (f ) Evaluating
7 Finally Yes, you’ve got a point there. Being ambitious is a
8 Consequently, necessary ingredient for success. But, I think staying
9 This ties in with positive is a more important factor that drives success.
10 Certainly It is much easier to achieve our goals if we are positive
11 Moreover about things.
12 All in all (g) Initiating
13 In conclusion Well, self-discipline is also vital. Nothing can take the
place of self-discipline. This I think is what separates the
5 successful from the non-successful ones. It is the root
1 Today I am here to talk to you about how exercising of all the other traits.
(h) Prompting
increases energy. Thinking of it, you are right. The most successful people
2 Exercise can be a real energy booster.; energy level are those who realise that they alone are responsible for
their success or failures. They know that the pathway to
increases with exercise. success is to conquer self first. The truth is, they are the
3 Even improves the energy level of people with ones that rise each day long before the sun.
(i) Negotiating
persistent fatigue and those suffering from serious What about the need to be agile? Considering today’s
illnesses, in particular, chronic fatigue syndrome. dynamic environment, one has to be agile to cope
Exercise also increases the energy levels of patients with the changes. In order to succeed in a constantly
with progressive illnesses, such as cancer, HIV/AIDS and changing world, the ability to change and adapt is
multiple sclerosis. important.
4 Exercising regularly boosts our endurance. It helps (j) Turn-taking
deliver oxygen and nutrients to our tissues and I have something to say on that too. Indeed, agility
improves the efficiency of our cardiovascular system. is an important element to succeed in a dynamic
5 When we are energised, everything seems easier – environment. Successful people are able to respond
carrying groceries, taking care of kids, doing household swiftly to changes in the environment without losing
chores as well as going up and down stairs. momentum or vision. Nonetheless, self-disciplined is
6 Exercise improves our muscle strength. With the essential.
newfound energy from exercising, more gets done. (k) Interrupting
7 We are energised to participate in more social activities Sorry to interrupt, but we have come to an agreement.
and community work. Being healthier and more Taking everything into account, I believe all of you
energetic, we renew our interest in leisure activities agree that the self-disciplined is really the crux of it all.
with family and friends. (l) Summarising
8 It strengthens our mental health. To sum up, highly successful people are visionary,
9 As our minds sharpen with exercise, it helps combat ambitious, positive, self-disciplined and agile.
diseases such as depression and anxiety (m) Concluding
10 Exercise definitely boosts our energy. It increases our After all is said and done, I think we can conclude
endurance, muscle strength and mental health. that self-disciplined is the top character trait of highly
11 I believe exercise can increase our energy level. successful people.

6 7
(a) Expressing opinions
In my opinion, being visionary is the most important (a) Expressing opinions
Personally, I think lifelong learning increases our
factor. A person who is visionary has missions to
accomplish and takes steps to get there. wisdom. Lifelong learning increases our knowledge
(b) Giving reasons and our ability to use that knowledge in diverse and
We can’t be successful if we have no dreams and desire meaningful ways.
to achieve something in life. (b) Giving reasons
(c) Elaborating Lifelong learning creates a curious, hungry mind. The
People who are visionary have a compelling vision more we discover, the more we want to explore. Our
for whatever they strive for. They have a clear final drive and desire to learn fuels itself. It keeps us craving
destination and set goals on how to get there. They can for more knowledge. It fuels creativity and innovation.
see beyond the ambiguity and challenges of today to
reap the fruits of tomorrow.

324

SUCCESS in CC039022

MUET

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University English Test (MUET). Based on the latest syllabus
and new exam format, this book is complete with contents
organised systematically and ample practices to enhance
mastery of the various language skills.

Key Features
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