Success in MUET

CEFR-ALIGNED

SUCCESS

in MUET

Malaysian University English Test

Dr Hooi Carol
Roslina Abdul Latiff

QR codes for all listening tracks FREE DIGITAL
RESOURCES

at Online Resource

www.epelangi.com

PREFACE iii – Useful Expressions for Individual 48
ABOUT THIS BOOK iv • A Complete Speaking Paper 52
(Part 1: Individual Presentation) 52
PAPER 1 LISTENING 1 – Example of Individual Presentation 52
– Brainstorm and Organise Ideas 53
• Introduction 2 (Exercises 1 – 2)
• Tackling the Listening Paper – Use of Language Function 52
• Making Sense of the Listening Texts 3 (Exercises 3 – 5)
• (Part 2: Group Discussion) 59
• Transition or Signal Words 4 – Initiating a Discussion 61
– Maintaining a Discussion 65
• Note-Taking Techniques 4 – Turn-taking 67
– Closing a Discussion 71
• Scoring the Listening Paper 7 – Example of Group Discussion 73
– Use of Language Function
• Strategies used in the Listening Paper 8 (Exercises 6 – 7) 75
– Strategies for Speaking Tasks 77
• Developing the Listening Skills 8 • MUET Practices 1 – 20 80

– Exercise 1 – Listening for the gist of the 10

texts 10
– Exercise 2 – Listening for ideas
11
– Exercise 3 – Listening for Purpose 12
– Exercise 4 – Listening for specific
information
13 PAPER 3 READING 101
– Exercise 5 – Listening for inference 14
– Exercise 6 – Listening for tone to
understand a • Introduction
speaker’s attitude • Developing Reading Skills 102

– Exercise 7 – Listening for stress on 15 – Skimming a Text to Get the 104

specifics 16   General Idea, Pattern of Organisation
• MUET Practices 1 – 4 (Part 1 – Part 5) 18   and Point of View
– Skimming and Scanning Using 104

  Contextual Clues 105
– Identifying Main Ideas
PAPER 2 SPEAKING 40 – Identifying Keywords to 106

• Introduction 41  Summarise 107
• The MUET Speaking Paper 42 – Identifying organisational clues
– Seating Arrangement 42   to summarise
• Evaluation Criteria 42 – Distinguishing Between Main 108
– Rubrics for Aggregated Scores 43
– Division of Groupings 44   Ideas and Supporting Details 109
– Time Given for Group Discussion 44 – Deriving Meaning of Words Using
• Part 1: Individual Presentation 45   Contextual Clues
– Tackling the Speaking Paper 45 • Making Inferences 110
– Preparing Your Text for Presentation 45
– Presenting your Speech 47 111
• Distinguishing Facts from Opinions 112
• Thinking Skills
• Paraphrasing 113

• Drawing Conclusions 113

113

ix

• Strategies for Answering Reading • Writing Thesis Statements, Topic
Comprehension Questions Sentences and Supporting Details
– General strategies 114 • Writing Topic Sentence 188

114 • Writing Supporting Details 190
– Strategies for Gapped Text Questions 115
– Strategies for Multiple Matching • The Process Approach to 191

Questions 116 Extended Writing 192
– Strategies for Multiple-choice • Achieving Coherence in Paragraphs 197
Questions • Discursive Essay
117 200
• Example and Analysis of a Reading Paper 119 • Other Types of Essays
• Reading Strategy • MUET Practices 211

• Excercises 1 – 10 126 – Task 1: Practices 1 – 19 215

• MUET Practices 1 – 22 129 – Task 2: Practices 1 – 18 215

136 227

PAPER 4 WRITING 168 Grammar Practices 233

• Introduction 169 1 Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives 233
– Evaluation Criteria 2 Adverbs 235
– Assessment 169 3 Word Order 237
4 Infinitives 240
– Task Fulfilment 169 5 Gerunds 242
6 Subject-Verb Agreement 244
– Rubrics for Aggregated Scores 169 7 To, In, At (for places) 247
8 Simple Present Tense 249
• TASK 1: Guided Writing 170 – Present Simple Questions 251
9 Simple Past Tense 252
– Steps in Answering Task 1 170 10 Continuous Tense 254
11 Present Perfect Tense 257
– Answering Task 1 Effectively 171 12 Passive Voice 260
13 Connectors 262
171 14 Conjunctions 264
Constructing an Effective Subject 173
(Exercises 1 – 2) MODEL TEST 267
Writing Proper Salutations COMMON ENGLISH IDIOMS
(Exercises 3 – 4) 174 TAPE SCRIPT 288
ANSWERS
Writing an Effective Introduction 175 290
(Exercises 5)
Constructing Body of Letter or Email 176 321
(Exercises 6 – 9)
Writing an Effective Closing
(Exercises 6 – 9) 178

Dos and Don’ts 179
(Exercises 10)
• TASK 2: Extended Writing
180
– Skills Required in Extended Writing 180
• Developing Writing Skills
181

x

SUCCESS

in MUET

Malaysian University English Test

Dr Hooi Carol
Roslina Abdul Latiff

PREFACE

The year 2021 marks the start of the new Malaysian University English Test (MUET) that is
aligned to the Common European Framework of References (CEFR). The CEFR is a measure that
is commonly used to describe what a language learner can do at different stages of their learning
of the language. The CEFR is language-neutral which means that it is a yardstick that could be
applied for any languages. Most importantly, the CEFR is a reference tool that is predominantly
used internationally which makes the ‘MUET-CEFR aligned’ paper to be pragmatically recognised
globally.
What this means is that MUET has undergone an inevitable 360° modification. The four
different papers based on the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing still prevail but a
learner will notice the stark changes that have been made to the format, test specifications and how
the questions are being presented just to name a few.
This SUCCESS IN MUET is all you need to prepare yourself for MUET as it provides a
comprehensive in-depth view of what to expect in the new test papers. Apart from the sample test
paper included, this book also includes well-explained strategies and how to develop each of them
in order to score the paper and answer the questions correctly.
The sections in this book are self-explanatory and are intended for the classroom as well as
for private study. They cover a wide range of topics that students may find stimulating enough to
explore the topics even more by using the links provided on the sidebar. The world is your oyster!
QR codes provide links to the listening texts. This is a refreshing addition to the book as
students could access the listening texts via their smartphones and so learning could take place
anywhere anytime. The listening section covers a variety of genres from a casual conversation
between two people to a prepared speech by a guest speaker. The speaking section trains students
to speak effectively and to fulfil the tasks set in the questions. The reading section offers a wide
range of texts designed for students of different levels. The writing section prepares the students
for everyday use of emails and letters and also to express opinions on a subject matter clearly.
Additionally, more practices are included in this book for students to gain a lot of practice
in answering test-type questions. The grammar section that is written in an engaging and simple
way addresses the grammar items found to be problematic among students and thus writing the
desired grammatically correct sentences will be attainable.
This book involves careful planning and incorporates creativity with years of pedagogical
knowledge. With the features that have been specified above, it is without a doubt that this book is
a must-have for students who intend to do well in MUET.
The Authors

iii

ABOUT THIS BOOK

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

MUET Paper 1 Listening LISTENING MUET Paper 1 Listening

Introduction

LISTENING You can check your clstaPeohpbcaneeitplietuireectryxrhests1ttsw,ouosdoduufiuincetslhhscddueeaiisrnMnsssitvloUaitoshnnlEtvedseTenshdibpLneeooilggdstkrth,teeeonetntahpislnpekporgsdefo,oePcgcrbaarmhsraptimteseah,frlimatncaetoigelmwenssp.tislaehlUtnxoobtdnnseadesneteshxcareeopmsstnesamervtnliheyoedrenrisleniccaseatgtiidnenondsfndpoiisundrorgmaekittneetcaonsg.l’

registration and print out the Listening Test Specification
slip here:

mhtetpn:u//_wmeubemt/pinmd.emx.ppmhp.edu.my/

SCAN ME MUET
800/
Suggested websites PAPER 1 Duration: Overview
50 minutes

with QR Code that canWhat is the difference Structure of The paper is 30 Multiple
between listening and the paper made up of Choice
be achceaerinsg?sed for further
information on topicListening: It is 5 parts Questions
make an effort
something. when you
to hear

Quick overview of the mbHeeacadoremi.nega: Tleortreocfeaivseouanndd being 25% 90 marks Marks
component of each paper weighting allocation

PAPER 1 MUET (800/1) MtTohpueilctlisipsaltenendCiinhngovioctelevxeQtsburoeatsnhtigomensosnfr(ooMlmoCguQfaesms).ailnTiadhredtpioaaplpoicgesruetcoso.nmAsliolsrtqseuouefsnt5fiaopmnasirlatisar.er

Part 1 • 71 MdiaCloQgsu we ibthet 3w eoepnti o2 npseople
•

Examination Requirements Part 2 • 71 mMoCnQoslo wguiteh c 3o nospitsitoinngs of a talk / lecture / briefing
•

Part 1 Part 4 DURATION 50 Part 3 • (A3A nms–woEne)or l3o gquueess tfiroonms f3r opmeo pa lese clelecatirolyn noafm 5e adnswers
Dialogue (MCQs – 3 options) Dialogue (MCQs – 3 options) •
minutes

Part 2 Part 5 WEIGHTING 25% aPriYnetuotvcteuoingyrnotid7lieuaoientrnodgh.CrBHAtasisonioftdiontwhoufOoOeOplroovmntnwnfootccltcegufheoeemenerteeayetdvvohomeoueefr.iretroyhysenySftoeahrar.trins. higwhPtPis.aahrrttto54pract••••i c 6e371 cqsMdohuiooaCeklrsoQtti ingdosug niw?eas li ot(hg2 u 3qe uso epbstetiitoownnesse nba 2s eM‘WpodneUh cooaEetpnTiinsl eetPthwaaecopwhewor edr1edikatso’lL?odisgetseucneriin)bge
Monologue (MCQs – 3 options) Short Dialogue (MCQs – 3 options) 2
4
LISTENING Part 3 1 LISTENING
MMUoEnToP“lMoagpoeusrte1p(eMoLpisuleteltdnipoinlngeotmliasttecnhLswitipnosietgtheau–nktnheid3enrei’gsonrtspfaetottnaitrdonittntduoosdnau)eenderst•a••• n dNwfDID;esoieti ildhtdtllhi ie nctyehghigrlnieeie vs ag ertsab eep nntoayehyulwaole ytkuh i t ets ewhhrpsa taeiee htn naacettkojtli ouienptoyo-ertin e’c S stng .h toitoetnenpot? ho mnhehreineeso pa Rowslly .pfo ” Cervhoe onevci eohcyit?es?-
Listening for specific information Track 5 Informative facts

Ldsipisaetleaonkgeutroes’stm.hIetowtoodinllse,insfedueisclieandtgeisntahtnehde Listening for stress • LiWWoWmirs hhphtteiohoacnt reh wt n assaeneftscoeet o dprttn hs hs deahtw o norwh uuboiinlncetdh nhn deeb eorrresn i, . utdeteph oma?enf tere uirfis nr asnntme?dr o nuroept qiKLnuihtseeatsretlvinisoi,entwowseha1doctooohnna7vst.ehbreseaesthniooswnh.obArettslwiysetoeeudnlfaiostrreaand,icocohmhooopssetet,iJttoihoaenncnaoenr,rdeacnitsdannaoswlwisetberenifnoeriirrgnn,etclealurteedsdetitnaogdtdhineitfiooternmxatal tion
intentions. on specifics •
•
Strategy to helpThe stress made in the • before? 1 CBWA hyHHHdeeeidwlhoKaivstehhessaeslhhisitisoscjjhpoooubborbsasuuneetdtowawatcaanankrtetsesetpotraoartssatekiaenentathehxbeipsrwelcoaoorkrme.ldrp. ientsittieoand?.

person’s ytLhoiseutesanerceoonunotdtfolsirusttreheneoinrfegtahoseofantnhasegwtaeeixnr.tiinf
Who is Ferdinand Magellan?
students masterthat the
voice could show is
coming information
thpeartiscuklarilyllimtpeorstantte. d
Developing the Listening Skills 2 How could contestants get
show? shortlisted to be interviewed on the

1 A pTTTihhhceeteuyyyrhhehaaaodddf tttoothoessmuupbbasmmesslviitteaasa.ptweicsrttiutear-beuoopuftathbMeomuatgseMelllvaaegnsealalnandnd.aswurbimte-itupa.
B
Tips on how Listening for the gist of the texts Track 1 C
to answer
certain skills Listen to three people; Farhan, Sean and Sheila, talking about their
favourite types of sports.
1 to 3, choose the sport that each speaker is most likely
For questions the list A to E. Use the letters only once. 3 CBWA hyHHHdeeeiddphirKadedhfnearroelritasedhdnamobvteeaipntnuhygrebsamuoneooakanrscechayabirtteoeoecurdtt.oaistsaaonn. dexwpalsoraepr?ut off.
to enjoy from

Pick out key words and key to Sports List cacTIeeHonlihtrxxmdehcippsuiowpeelrmoudselaergsinfesttruheiraoaoldvwthmnPei.eghodt1aoodri5ttniuilte1oehgdt9dnehutbetoEeohefasfef1ietsorh5tsSrt2eep2Eai.tnawristahhs
phrases in the listening text A Archery
get its main idea. B Fencing
C Bowling
As you listen, ask yourself “what is D Boxing 4 iWntheraetstwianstraavbeelnlienfgit? that Khalis got out of maintaining his
the text mainly about?” E Tennis doubles A It made him
B It made him realise that his job was not worth keeping.
C It made him save money.
motivated to exercise.
Sports most likely enjoyed by:
Wdehsactriwbeortdhseapraermticeunltairosnpeodrttso? 1 Speaker 1 QR codes for 5 Why does Khalis want to abtrinhgimhiswfhatehnerhoenttohoektrpipa?rt
Advbiesasssitocherndeibosoepfnetwhtahhekeaestrdpsteohcsreoctysnrilitpiniknteiyuo,oenruestrtomaminaindade. 2 Speaker 2 quick access to A cHoims pfaetthiteiornl.aughed
3 Speaker 3 listening texts in the A pillar oafpsiullpapr oorftsitsresonmgteht.imes
used as

B His father had always wanted to travel. ogdTtihevhsieescsrresisxbuipneprtsepiosmosmrietoesanoonnifdsenucwesoeehmddo.ftoaorlwt taoys
C His father was a consistent pillar of support.

Vocabulary refere13nce for
10 better understanding

iv

MUET Paper 2 Speaking

Example of Part 2 GROUP DISCUSSION

STgiortoumuaptaiiodnnitsacinusas hsoeamltehyheliafletshtyylhe,ayboitus.need healthy habits. In your Model Test for candidates Paper 1: Listening (800/1)
to practise right before they (50 Minutes)
sit for the MUET exam

No Instructions to candidates:
smoking
Healthy habits The test consists of five parts: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5. Each part
for healthy recording. answers on the answer sheet.
test begins. comprises a
lifestyle YAYoonuuswwweiirlllltbhlieestgqeinuveetnsotiteoiamncsheatrsoeycrooeruaddliintshgteetnwq, uiacenes.dtioinndsiwcahteenyothuer
Moderate Regular SPEAKING
alcohol exercise
intake

Important concepts Part 1 Track 37
summarised for
Healthy Healthy easy recall fLoirstqeunetsotioancso1nvteors7a.tiIonndibcaettwe eyeonurMaenisLwienrgs and her parents. As you listen, choose the correct answer
weight diet on the answer sheet.

AhCetaatnlhtdehidyeanhtdeaboBif:ttthoGhtaenAaoghTeeomenhidreaomveoedehiataedsdaileantimcdtluaonithtugnmaholsatytsidtyaihhrtsoamniihbyiyedisrnotnaeacnaiainedlulniaiieaattn,nnishnnehithtstgysehrtcaeea..oyreiteaaonghnTdltlhfrytehtotihtedhgghamwhyadiyrhneeeleaoelttktlihinmcsinfnpifetiyuyseedrsositoeo,smtereslydutpiitvsyftlposoeeeiiflaeonomog.serlnrttn.erIlytpitnttaoahofilaolaoennmuebr,lrntsrltmyefafewcadoasneoono,creadtpmtdisfsoolhitrnynivrqueoineieaumabifoegtrcleadsntat.tpcn,hhil,Wavoltyepthuiiorhttraehbstyioeveaeaokataiwsnbewdnler.ttiieieyghAetnl.pl. 1 eMxpeiecLteidngbewcaaussenot back sooner than 5 The word jam can best be replaced with
Candidate A: Walnicilsfeoseeocpnl.leat,WisirmInstahusparuiooynlpeu,rdpstimalnopyntsaaetesir.ntncayEsetyoealxuiepown’rrhficoenyiarsgsrkiiihnocgaeaughalttllrds.ytehaBagaiytuulcytttll,haiiivfrreseeesgkgettyeyxuoylmeleahr.trcaomWiveseexaaeeyahrrhncoesaioautvsrltteetoihbnnityseoeg A disgrace
Opening a discussion A she was afraid to drive fast
Introducing the subject B she had lunch with her friends B situation
Expression opinions C she had lots of groceries to buy C tight spot
Giving reasons
Elaborating 2 CBfAMoreitdhhhhLreeeeiinvacdelgcheirc’dsaf’istndnmsgeoetenohatdttteshbteehregrvecoiabwlcufleaisnmetbhdaeesldhlcsiaherluedrnwdheiuprsebrtashned 6 BmAThileesaMtsnhoteyenaittfiieamtLmt.”hieneiemngrtphcla“ioreIudslldtdyhodnagrt’toiveefvsoehunris-whnaehvweeeJlei5ne0gp0
C Mei Ling can
Expressing partial agreement Jeep go camping in the new
Justifying
3 The word ruined (line 30) refers to 7 Which graphic shows
A the friendship sequence of the accident?
the correct
B the pizza party
C the camping trip A

4 Mei ssLshhhineeeghhwaiarssserncteokoaeplcldyaayrhueffpoorsrrfertttihhebeenewdrcea’sepuecaskaieerrsnd
A
B
C

73

267

MUET Tape Script

Comprehensive 1 Track 1 ettbtatpornhhenyeceaiiraomntaspiuocgmmpprtnrtailpaivaoogekrliveedtseebysumsmterboifsvyooretioan.tivfhmmAeerteetahmialngaatlyaniht-tnwohelptaihteothtshtieraywloelemsdrnsiillkc.eidctakiio.lltmelSniswmIpetIeeoaexlwmar,lt-tm,hIsblpiaelilikaaeilknsrceeotqgaiwlutclsahiihioksproeieaswnngteseigenpIthltlgcoaeianarmlipntsngs
notes & practices seconds]
1 NOUNS, VERBS, ADJECTIVES Listening for the gist of the texts fCcooormmPpaporletnt1ee:nTLtaispteensincgript[Pause
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.aoolnniAtsossts.1aayannondudinA2tlz.ieshYrtvaoeirnue,,wnaoczhbwooeohionkasgeveeepct1ohe5nre,sderucceocogrtnaerrddedcsitbtnoygalnoRasoawmksehairsitsdtif,hnoegra
verb adjective touch touched touched [Pause 15 seconds]
She drove slowly to Terengganu.
• Irregular verbs
pronoun adverb Past Participle
Past Tense flown
2 N• oCpuenoomsp: mle,o ann imnoalusns: refer to things, Present Tense flew hung Now listen carefully and indicate your answers.
cake women school kettle pen fly hung
Rashid : Were you present during the time when the zebra
• Proper nouns: names of people, places hang went missing?
and things
Melaka Amin SK Tambun January 4 Adjectives are words that describe nouns. Azhar : wZfeoWonuacucesclrulluaol,z,rtsetrwuthebhrdeereeamdszaobotwisuotesnthirwoneethgIasekrtznoanerrubeoZtnmrwuoadle,fuemawmxndabadiycssetaIrsglpyhtohpinlfweeotenaoh.arkelSneanidodnte,.gtrsIhaheswiueniapnttrphocdoaidttshteeahanlIetlt
• 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 Rashid : 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]: Rashid :
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 Rashid :
3 Verbs are action words: THhee bforiuegdh rticaen iesx vterreymheolyt.big cake. Sheila : mprlIoerolatea.msctItiisvpwineorhloenyetf.ensartWiItlhlhch,ueaiwglnteehycipfIloaeennmrosetfoaqayfsnuphtiborlayerivntpigcntuhogatamtmltoopatyelmlstooieftwoliftvvshaeeomg, uaaIerignohtlsuoitktnsaemdtnaiydyta Do you have any suspicions as to who may be
run smile live chat responsible for this?

clap jump 290

233

v

 MUET Paper 2  Speaking

Examination Requirements

Part 1 Part 2 DURATION 30

Individual Presentation Group discussion (CEFR B2) minutes
(CEFR B1 & B2) • 3 minutes to prepare
• 2 minutes to prepare • 8 –12 minutes to discuss
• 2 minutes to present

WEIGHTING 25%

“Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either
40 success or failure in the mind of another”
- Napolean Hill -

MUET Paper 2  Speaking 

Introduction

1 The main aim of MUET Paper 2 is to test the communication Candidates can take down notes SPEAKING
skills of students. for the group interaction while
listening to other candidates
2 Test takers are assessed on their ability: making their presentations
• to give an oral presentation of ideas individually
• to interact in small groups in both more formal and less Check out this link for
regulations and test
formal academic contexts specification.
3 Topics for the discussion may include: http://portal.mpm.edu.my/
• people and culture documents/10156/3fd4da51-
• financial awareness and consumerism 7768-4be2-ace5-
• science and technology 5021ed73d9ad
• health and environment
• education SCAN ME
4 The following skills are emphasised:

PART 1: INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATION

• expressing opinions • justifying
• giving reasons • summarising
• elaborating • concluding

PART 2: GROUP DISCUSSION

• expressing opinions • initiating
• giving reasons • prompting
• elaborating • negotiating
• justifying • turn-taking
• inferring • interrupting
• evaluating • summarising
• concluding

5. Candidates will be required to perform two tasks:

Part 1 Individual 2 minutes to 2
presentation based prepare the minutes
on a written prompt given task to talk

Part 2 Group discussion 3 minutes 8 – 12
based on a written to prepare minutes
question and five to discuss
prompts in mind map

41

 MUET Paper 2  Speaking 6 For the group interaction:
• three minutes for the candidates to prepare for the given task
QUICK GUIDE • eight to twelve minutes for the group discussion
7 Candidates are expected to:
Listening attentively while • interact with each other to discuss a topic/situation related
the other candidates
are presenting and take to Part 1 and come to a consensus
down notes for the group • take down notes for the group interaction while listening to
interaction. At the end of the
discussion, the group has to the other candidates’ presentations
come to a consensus. • prepare points to support or oppose the other candidates’

views

Seating Arrangement

The arrangement for the speaking component is as follows:

Evaluation Criteria

Candidates will be assessed on three different components.

Production • Shows understanding of the topic
• Presents viewpoints or arguments in a style

appropriate to the context
• Develops ideas logically and convincingly
• Shows mature treatment of the topic

Interaction • Participates in the discussion
• Demonstrates familiarity with the topic
• Relates their contribution to those of other

speakers
• Conveys finer shades of meaning
• Formulates ideas and opinions
• Sustains viewpoints or arguments

42

Linguistic • Accuracy: MUET Paper 2  Speaking 
Knowledge – Using grammatically correct language
– Using correct pronunciation, stress and Inspirational Quote

intonation “Only the prepared speaker
• Range: deserves to be confident.”
– Using varied sentence structures
• Fluency: – Dale Carnegie –
– Speaking with confidence and without

unnecessary/undue hesitation

Note: F or the group interaction, marks will be awarded individually Be prepared, relax and enjoy!
for each candidate in the group.

Rubrics for Aggregated Scores (Band 5+) SPEAKING

Production:
Can present a clear, smoothly flowing
description or argument in a style appropriate
to the context and with an effective logical
structure which helps the recipient to notice
and remember significant points

Band 5+ Interaction:
• Can take part effortlessly in any conversation

or discussion and demonstrates good
familiarity with idiomatic expressions and
colloquialisms
• Can express themselves fluently and convey
finer shades of meaning precisely
• When faced with a problem can backtrack
and restructure around the difficulty so
smoothly that other people are hardly aware
of it

43

 MUET Paper 2  Speaking

Division of Groupings

Students will be divided into groups of 2 to 4 depending on the
number of students for the session.

Number of Group Formation Number of
Test Takers Groups
4+4+4+4+4 5
20 4+4+4+4+3 5
19 4+4+4+3+3 5
18 4+4+3+3+3 5
17 4+4+4+4 4
16 4+4+4+3 4
15 4+4+3+3 4
14 4+3+3+3 4
13 4+4+4 3
12 4+4+3 3
11 4+3+3 3
10 3+3+3 3
9 4+4 2
8 4+3 2
7 3+3 2
6 3+2 2
5 4 1
4 3 1
3 2 1
2

Time Given for Group Discussion

Students will be divided into groups of 2 to 4 depending on the
number of students for the session.

Group Size Time Given for Discussion
4 8 – 12 minutes
3 6 – 10 minutes
2 4 – 8 minutes

44

PART 1: INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATION MUET Paper 2  Speaking  SPEAKING

Tackling the Speaking Paper Inspirational Quote

Preparation “If you don’t want to preach, put
stories in your speech.”
1 You will be given two minutes to prepare for the presentation.
Read the question carefully and underline the keywords, in – Andy Harrington –
particular the situation and prompt.
Substantiate provide
2 Take note of the aspects that should be included in your evidence to support or prove
presentation while reading. the truth of

3 Think of as many ideas as you can for the prompt given.
Write down the points quickly.

4 Think logically and give two or three reasons to substantiate
your point.

5 Provide examples to support your reasons.
6 Organise your points in a logical sequence.
7 Include an introduction and conclusion.

Preparing Your Text for Presentation Read the situation
carefully
1. Understand your Situation
• The situation is a brief statement on the topic and is made Focus on Underline
the task the key
in two or three sentences. words
• The prompt (an aspect of the topic) for each test taker
Take note of Analyse the
consists of no more than 10 words starting with “Talk the prompt situation and
about ...”. task carefully
• Steps in understanding your situation:

Example
Situation:
Exercising on a regular basis is part of a healthy lifestyle.

Outline some benefits of exercising.

Candidate A
You have to give a presentation to your class. Talk about

how exercising improves self-esteem.

45

 MUET Paper 2  Speaking 2. Brainstorming for Ideas

Idiomatic • Brainstorm for ideas.
Expressions • Use mind mapping to link your ideas to the topic.
• Develop sub points and examples to support your ideas.
Put one’s best foot forward
– to do something as well as

you can

Improves
self-esteem

Effects How?

Short-term Long-term Improves Realistic
confidence exercise plan

Infuses Improves Increases Monitor Exercise with
positivity mood self-trust progress friends

Relaxes Finds inner Feels good Celebrate
our mind peace accomplishments

Appreciate physique
and abilities

Muscle mass Endurance

3. Organise your Ideas

• Organise your ideas for a more systematic and effective
presentation.

• Create a structure for your presentation – Introduction, Body
and Conclusion.

Introduction Introduce the Point 1 Elaborate
main points Example

Prompt Body State and develop Point 2 Elaborate
the points Example

Conclusion Summarise the Point 3 Elaborate
main points Example

• Elaborate on each point and substantiate with relevant examples.

46

MUET Paper 2  Speaking 

Example Effects of Short-term effects: Inspirational Quote
exercise on • relaxes our minds
Improves self-esteem • helps us find inner “You can speak well if your
self-esteem How exercise tongue can deliver the message
can improve peace of your heart.”
self-esteem • improves mood
• infuses positivity – John Ford –
Long-term effects:
• feels good and SPEAKING

motivated
• improves confidence
• increases self-trust
• have a realistic

exercise plan
• work out with friends
• monitor progress
• celebrate

accomplishments

Presenting Your Speech

1. Greet your examiners and state your suggestion or opinion.
2. Present main point and elaborate your point with plausible

reasons and examples.
3. Present your ideas systematically as follows:

Step 1 Introduction • Remember you only have 2
• Greet your examiners. minutes. Take your time.
• State your suggestion or opinion.
• Smile and make eye contact
Step 2 Body with the examiner.
• Present the first point.
• Explain, elaborate and justify viewpoints. • Your main point is very
• Support with examples. important.
• Repeat for the second and third point.
• Support with example.

Give a 30-second ‘elevator
summary’

Step 3 Conclusion Why do you need to summarise
• Summarise your points. your point?
• Thank your examiners.

47

 MUET Paper 2  Speaking 4. For the two minutes presentation, do not present your ideas in
Picture yourself in a living room point form.
having a chat with your friends.
5. Relax and try not to be nervous.
6. Speak clearly in complete sentences. Stress words at the right

places.
7. Express your ideas logically and systematically.
8. Remember to make eye contact with the examiners.
9. Conclude by summarising your points and thanking the

examiners.

STEP 1 Useful Expressions for Individual
Begin your presentation by
greeting the examiners and 1. Greet your examiners and state your suggestion or opinion.
candidates. 2. Present main point and elaborate your point with plausible

reasons and examples.

(a)  To greet

• Good morning, Good afternoon, Good evening.
• Good morning. My name’s ... and I’m going to talk about ...
• Good morning. My name’s ... and today I’m going to be talking

about ...
• Good morning. My presentation this morning concerns ...
• Good morning. I’d like to start by introducing myself. My

name’s ... and the topic for my presentation today is ...
• This morning I am going to talk about an issue which concerns

everyone ...
• This presentation focuses on the issue of ...

STEP 2 (b)  To state the situation or task given
State the situation / task given. • I’m glad to have this opportunity to ...
• I would like to take this opportunity to talk to you about ...
• Today, I’d like to talk (to you) about ...
• Today I am here to talk to you about ...
• My topic today is ...
• I am delighted to be here today to tell you about ...
• I’d like to share some thoughts on (topic)
• What I am going to talk about today is ...

48

(c)  To introduce a point of view MUET Paper 2  Speaking 

• I feel that ... • It seems to me that ... STEP 3
• I don’t feel that ... • In my opinion ... Start your presentation by
• I’d say ... • In my humble opinion ... starting your view point or by
• I believe ... • For me, ... introducing your first point. Then
• I reckon ... • If you ask me ... move on to your main point.
• What I reckon is ... • As far as I’m concerned ...
• Personally, I think ... • From my point of view ... SPEAKING
• I think that ... • From my viewpoint, ...
• I don’t think that ... • In my view, ...
• I’m certain that ... • What I think is ...
• I maintain that ... • I tell you what I think, ...
• I’m sure that ... • To my way of thinking, ...
• I believe that ... • Know what I think? ...
• I don’t believe that ... • To my mind ...
• I suppose ... • If you don’t mind me saying ...
• I guess ... • I think it would be fair to say
• I must say ...
• I would say that ... that ...
• It’s quite clear that ... • The way I see it ...
• I’m utterly convinced that...

(d)  To introduce the first point

• Let me start by ... • I’d like to begin by ...
• Let’s start with ... • First of all ...
• So, let’s start by looking at ... • First, I will talk about ... Inspirational Quote
• Now, I’m going to start by ... • First we’re going to look at ...
• First, let me tell you about ... • Turning then to my first “When the trust account is high,
• To begin with ... point, ... communication is easy, instant,
• I’ll begin with ... and effective.”

– Stephen R.Covey –

(e)  To signal a main point To stress the words ‘most’, ‘main’
• My main point is ... and ‘important’.
• It is important to ...
• What I would like to stress is ...
• The focus of my remarks is ...
• Now I’d like to focus on ...
• The main problem I’d like to focus on is that of ...
• The most important factor is ...

49

 MUET Paper 2  Speaking (f)  To illustrate a point

• Using different expressions • Let me illustrate, ... • Let me explain.
shows you are a proficient • To illustrate, ... • To give you more information,
speaker. • As an illustration, ... • Let me tell you a little more
• To illustrate this point, ...
• Do not overuse the same • To elaborate, ... (about it).
expression. • Let me elaborate. • Let me give you some details.

(g)  To provide an example

Be creative! Explain your points • For example, ... • A good example of this is ...
through short stories, clips and • For instance, ... • Let me give you an example,
anecdotes. • To give you an example, ... ...

Your vs You’re (h)  To start a new point
• My next point is ...
✗ • Next, I would like to ...
• My next point is in regards to ...
• Your beautiful. • This leads me to my next point, which is ...
• Can I have one of you’re • I want to turn now to ...
• Let’s now turn to ...
pen? • Turning now to ...
• Now let’s turn to the issue of ...
✓ • Turning our attention now to ...
• So now I’d like to turn to my next point, which is ...
• You’re beautiful (You are • I would now like to move on to the next point ...
beautiful). • Moving on now to ...
• Moving on, I’d like to take a look at ...
• Can I have one of your • Now I’d like to move on to ...
pen? • That brings me to ...
• Having looked at ... let’s now think about ...

(i)  To refer to what you have said
• This ties in with ...
• As I said at the beginning, ...
• This relates to what I was saying earlier ...
• Let me go back to what I said earlier about ...
• Let me reiterate ...
• To recap ...

50

MUET Paper 2  Speaking 

(j)  To signal cause and effect

• The reason why ... is ... • Accordingly, ...
• The reason why ... is that ... • Therefore, ...
• Because, ... • Due to that ...
• Because of ... • On account of that ...
• Since, ... • Owing to this, ...
• … is why ... • For this reason ...
• As a result, ... • That’s why ...
• As a consequence, ... • This is why ...
• Consequently, ... • That’s the reason why ...

(k)  To signal that you are about to move on to a possible SPEAKING
solution

• I suggest that ... • I have no doubt whatsoever Asking or answering questions
• I recommend that ... that ... engages the listener by
• This means that ... encouraging further thoughts
• There’s no question that ... • It’s apparent that through ... on the subject. This makes your
presentation more interesting
and thought-provoking.

(l)  To signal that you are drawing a conclusion from what
has been said earlier

• I come to the conclusion that ...
• I reached the conclusion that ...
• To summarise the above ...
• To wrap it all up, ...
• All things considered, ...
• Considering all of these, ...
• Everything considered, ...
• Taking everything into account, ...
• Taking this into account, ...
• After all is said and done, ...
• All in all, ...
• To put it all together ...
• To make the long story short ...

(m)  To conclude

• In conclusion, ... • To summarise the main FINAL STEP
• In a nutshell, ... points of my presentation ... Remember to conclude your
presentation.

• To conclude my presentation, • To sum up, ...
... • I’d like to conclude by ...

51

 MUET Paper 2  Speaking

A Complete Speaking Paper

Example of Part 1 INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATION

Greet examiners and other Situation
candidates Exercising on a regular basis is part of a healthy lifestyle. Outline
State your suggestion some benefits of exercising.

Present the main point Example of Response (Candidate A)
Elaborate on the main point You have to give a presentation to your class. Talk about how
exercising improves self-esteem.
Further elaboration and use of
linkers Good morning, teachers and friends. Exercising on a regular basis
Emphasising a point is part of a healthy lifestyle. There are certainly some benefits of
Provide an example exercising. In my opinion, regular exercise improves one’s self-
esteem. Exercise regularly improves our appearance and boost
State second point our confidence and improve our self-esteem.
Elaborate on second point My main point is that exercise can significantly increase our
Further elaboration self-esteem both in the short and long term. In the short-
term, exercise relaxes our minds, helps us find inner peace and
Provide a suggestion improves our mood. Our mood improves because regular exercise
Emphasising a point stimulates various brain chemicals that make us more relaxed
and feel happier. Moreover, it infuses positivity in our mindset.
State third point A positive mindset enhances confidence, improves our mood,
Elaborate on third point increases optimism and reduces the incidence of hypertension,
depression and other stress-related disorders. For example,
52 exercise gives us an improved sense of wellbeing because it can
block negative thoughts or distract us from daily worries. At the
end of the day, we feel better with more energy, a better mood,
good quality sleep and a more relaxed body.
Secondly, in the long term, exercise makes us feel good about
our physical self. With improved muscle mass and endurance, we
begin to appreciate our physique and abilities. Feeling motivated,
we get excited about workouts and challenge ourselves to further
improve. The more we work our body, the more our body can
do. Therefore, consider training two or three days weekly to
strengthen each muscle group using a variety of exercises and
equipment. Moreover, our confidence grows as we pursue our
exercise goals. We trust that we can achieve those goals and this
is important because self-trust is a key ingredient to a healthy life.
Finally, I would like to stress that we can effectively use exercise
to enhance our self-esteem. Here are some ways. First, we need
to have a realistic exercise plan to succeed. With a goal in mind,
we need to dedicate our time and energy to achieve those goals.

Second, we can work out with friends physically or virtually to MUET Paper 2  Speaking 
keep motivated. Seeing each other’s progress encourages better Providing suggestions and further
performance. Third, we have to monitor our progress. The elaboration
changes we see overtime gives us a sense of accomplishment.
Finally, we must not forget to celebrate our accomplishments. End speech
We can decide in advance how we would reward ourselves in Summarise points
reaching a certain milestone.
In conclusion, I believe that regular exercise improves self-esteem.
Let me emphasise that regular exercise not only enhances our
physical fitness, but also, our mental health and general sense of
wellbeing. Knowing that we are leading a healthy lifestyle through
regular exercise definitely boosts our self-esteem.
Thank you.

Brainstorm and Organise Ideas SPEAKING

1

Read the situation below and brainstorm for ideas. Then, organise your
ideas in the chart given. Use the ideas given to complete the chart.

Situation
Clean fresh air is fast disappearing. Suggest some ways to resolve
the problem of air pollution.

Candidate A i-THINK (Brace map)
You have to give a presentation to your class. Talk about the
importance of reducing air pollution. Point 1 Elaborate and
example
Effects of air
pollution Elaborate and
example
Topic Point 2

The Promoting Point 3 Elaborate and
importance awareness of example
of reducing air pollution
air pollution

Measures to
reduce air
pollution

53

 MUET Paper 2  Speaking

Brainstorm for ideas (Guided)

• Increases health risks
• Increases death from indoor and outdoor air pollution
• Causes global warming
• Increases health care costs
• Unnecessary suffering and discomfort
• Creates a culture of responsibility
• Improve vehicle standards
• Less emission of carbon monoxide
• Promotes commitment to social responsibility
• Promote green spaces
• Promote walking/cycling
• Instills a sense of responsibility from young
• Enhances awareness on the importance of clean air
• Enhances understanding of environmental protection
• People will be more cautious so as not to break the laws
• Creates awareness and reduces the blame game
• Stop waste burning /open burning
• Fewer fire outbreaks caused by open burning
• Use public transport
• Reduces petrochemical pollutants in the air
• Adopt more efficient stove and fuel alternatives for cooking and
lighting
• Raise awareness of the health risks of household air pollution
• Raise awareness about the health risks
• Enhance the health and wellbeing of people living and working
in cities
• Limiting the impact of heat waves by reducing urban temperatures

2
Read the situation below and brainstorm for ideas. Then, organise your
ideas in the chart given. Use the ideas given to complete the chart.

Situation
Online shopping is getting more popular. Suggest some reasons
why people prefer to shop online.

Candidate A
You have to give a presentation to your class. Talk about the
incredible convenience of online shopping.

54

MUET Paper 2  Speaking 

Timing

The incredible Speed
convenience Shopping
experience
of online
shopping

Brainstorm for ideas (Guided) SPEAKING

• Can shop at anytime of the day
• ‘No pollution’ shopping
• No time constrain
• Even at midnight in your pyjamas
• Saves time
• Can do your shopping in minutes
• Do not have to wait in a line
• No need to wait till the shop assistant is ready to attend to you
• Can avoid the crowds especially during festivals and special events
• Crowds force us to do a hurried shopping
• No need to find a parking place nearby
• Convenient for buying information products like e-books
• Can download the information immediately after the payment is
made
• No need for any kind of material goods
• Saves storage space
• Helps the environment!
• Opportunity to shop quickly at one’s convenience 24 × 7
• Can do shopping easily even when busy
• No travelling time needed
• No need to put up with traffic jams
• Can send a gift easily on special occasions – birthdays,
anniversaries, etc.
• No pressure sales
• Don’t have to put up with eager sales promoters
• No need to carry heavy shopping bags
• Doesn’t require you to actually go to the store
• Can even receive it the same day you order it

55

 MUET Paper 2  Speaking

Use of Language Function

3

Complete the task below using the appropriate language function.

Situation
There are certain qualities that define a successful entrepreneur.
Outline some of these qualities.

State your suggestion Candidate A
You have to give a presentation to your class. Talk about the
Expressing opinions importance of self-discipline to succeed.
Giving reasons and signaling a
main point Good morning everyone. There are certain qualities that define
Giving an example a successful entrepreneur. To be a successful entrepreneur,
Starting a new point and (1) is important.
elaborating (2) , nothing in the world can take the place
Justifying of self-discipline – talent, genius, and education will not.
Elaborating
Signaling cause and effect (3) self-discipline enables us to persevere
with actions, thoughts and behaviour that fuel success.
Summarising (4) , it enhances our inner strength to
Concluding triumph over addictions, procrastination and laziness.
(5) , self-discipline powers us to be decisive
and follow through in whatever we do. We have to remind ourselves
constantly to perform the activities that will bring us success.

(6) that committing ourselves to actions
that drive our own success gives us the greatest possible chance of
achieving it.
(7) , remember, we determine our own level
of self-discipline and it is one thing that we have a considerable
amount of control.
(8) , it is not easy to be a successful
entrepreneur but self-discipline can fuel success. And, it is crucial
because it will determine your ability to reach your goals.
(9) , we need to strengthen our self-
discipline to ensure success. It will become part of us if we cultivate
self-discipline in our daily life.
(10) , I believe that self-discipline is the key
to be a successful entrepreneur.

56

MUET Paper 2  Speaking 

4
Complete the task below using the appropriate language function.

Situation
More and more people these days participate in social
networking. Suggest some reasons why people participate in
social networking.

Candidate A State your suggestion SPEAKING
You have to give a presentation to your class. Talk about staying
connected with others. Expressing opinions
Good morning. This presentation focuses on the reasons why Giving reasons and stating a main
people participate in social networking. Specifically, I will talk about point
(1) as the main reason why people
participate in social networking. Starting a new point
(2) social networking fulfills a simple basic
human desire – the need to connect with other human beings and Giving an example
to be among others or part of a group. Showing appreciation
(3) , we can connect with people all over the world for Starting a new point
free. With the advent of technology and the Internet, the world has Signaling cause and effect
become boundaryless. Staying connected has become so convenient Referring to what has been said
for everyone. It comes in handy when we cannot have face-to-face earlier
communication. We can easily communicate with family and friends
wherever they are in real time. It is cost effective and time efficient.
(4) , it is easy to navigate. We can easily connect with
anyone, anywhere, anytime with just a soft touch of the screen. Even
from the comfort of our couch, we can get connected effortlessly
with people to form a web of connections.
(5) , it is a good way to make connections with
people who have similar interests and goals.
(6) the Internet and social media, we can
participate in online chat groups that fulfil our specific interests.
(7) , staying connected with others helps fortify and
maintain personal relationships, even with people who are far away.
(8) , it could lead to a great friendship and/or
relationship that may prove valuable in the long run.
(9) an opportunity to meet new people around the
world. It enhances general networking with others and gives people
a great platform to learn from one another and to stay up-to-date.

57

 MUET Paper 2  Speaking (10) , we gain from exposure to many new
Justifying viewpoints, ideas and opinions. (11) , it helps
Summarising overcome timidity because we gain social confidence from interacting
with other people online.
Concluding
(12) , people use social networking to stay
connected because it is free, easy to navigate and fortifies personal
relationships. Staying connected with others promotes new
friendships and renews old ones easily. We can communicate quickly
and with friends and family all for free.

Social networking is here to stay with the mobile version gaining
popularity. Among others, it helps people establish better
relationships with their family and friends and allows likeminded
people to create or join online groups to share their interests. The
reason for their popularity is inevitable. (13) ,I
believe staying connected with others is the main reason people use
social networking.

5
Read and understand the situation and then complete the task below.

Situation
Exercising on a regular basis is part of a healthy lifestyle. Outline
some benefits of exercising.

Candidate A
You have to give a presentation to your class. Talk about how
exercising increases energy.

State your suggestion Good morning. (1)
Expressing opinions
Justifying .

From my point of view, (2) .
Our energy level increases with exercise.

Research reveals that regular exercise (3)

Giving reasons and stating a main To begin with, (4) .
point .

58

With healthier hearts and lungs, we have more energy for our daily MUET Paper 2  Speaking 
chores. (5) Illustrating a point

Besides, (6) . Starting a new point
. We no longer
drag our feet towards the end of the day.
For example, (7) Giving an example

. SPEAKING
We are able to keep up with the children and this fosters closer
family ties.

Moreover, (8) . We become more Starting a new point
alert and focus without any extra effort. Giving an example
Summarising
A good example of this is (9) Concluding

.

To put it all together, (10)

.

In conclusion, (11) .

PART 2: GROUP DISCUSSION

Group Discussion Initiating a Discussion Participate actively in a discussion.
Preparation Maintaining a Discussion
Turn Taking Inspirational Quote
Closing a Discussion
“Before anything else,
1 You will be given three minutes to prepare for the given task preparation is the key to
on your own. The topics for Part 1 and Part 2 are related. success.”

2 Based on the notes taken while listening to the other test – Alexander Graham –
takers making their presentations, prepare at least three or
four points. You may support or oppose the other test takers’
views.

3 You may use some ideas provided in the mind map or come
up with your own ideas.

4 Be ready with some examples to substantiate your points.

59

 MUET Paper 2  Speaking

Discussion

When your nonverbal cues 1 You have 8 to 12 minutes for the discussion.
match up with what you are
saying, they enhance trust, 2 You may choose a member of your group to start off the
clarity and rapport. When they discussion.
don't, they can create tension,
mistrust and confusion. 3 Do not hold on to the conversation for too long. Be tactful
and considerate.

• Introduce and discuss a point but give the other members
a chance to elaborate on it.

• Giving all your points at one go will leave other members
in your group with nothing to say.

4 To ensure smooth interaction, you need to cooperate with
the other members of the group.

5 Participate actively in the discussion.
• Give your viewpoints on the points presented by the

other members in your group.
• Discuss other points not mentioned by the other members

in your group.
• Seek clarification for points that you do not understand.
• Show your agreement or disagreement and give your

opinion on a point.

6 Keep the discussion lively.
• Ask each other questions.
• Invite someone to contribute a point.

7 Body language is also important.
• Nod your head to show agreement.
• Use hand gestures to emphasise your points.

8 Maintain eye contact with the other members of your group
during the discussion. Do not talk to yourself.

9 Do not mumble. Make sure the examiners can hear you and
pronounce the end consonant of each word, like “s”, “p”, “b”
and “t” clearly. Intonation is also important. You should not
sound like a robot.

10 At the end of the discussion, try to decide on the best
suggestion.

60

Initiating of Discussion MUET Paper 2  Speaking  SPEAKING

Useful Expressions to Initiate a Discussion Check out this link on how to
There are certain social conventions that need to be observed when lead a discussion.
attending social functions, talking to friends or engaging in group https://teachingcommons.
interaction. stanford.edu/resources/
teaching/small-groups-
To start a discussion and-discussions/how-lead-
discussion
• Shall we start?
• Right, let’s begin. SCAN ME
• Let me start with ...
• Let’s begin with ...
• Let’s discuss ...
• Let’s start by discussing ...
• We are here to discuss ...
• Our task today is to discuss ...
• Excuse me, would you like to start first?
• Excuse me, can we discuss the topic now?
• Excuse me, could you please tell me ...
• Excuse me, can I say something ...
• With due respect, allow me to begin.
• I would like to put forward the point that ...
• Good morning. I would like to begin/start by saying that ...
• I would like to begin by stating my view of the matter.
• Good morning, thank you for coming.

To ask for an opinion The golden rule to scoring in your
• What do you think of ... discussion is to be organised and
• So, what do you think of ... vary your expressions to make
• What do you think about ... your discussion interesting.
• And, what about you? Asking for other’s opinions is a
• What have you got to say on ... way of maintaining a discussion.
• What do you reckon about ...
• How do you feel about ...
• Do you have any thoughts on ...
• What’s your opinion on ...
• What’s your opinion of ...
• Give us your opinion on ...
• How Yuan, what’s your opinion on the issue?
• What are your views on ...
• Where do you stand on ...
• What would you say to ...
• Would you like to comment on ...

61

 MUET Paper 2  Speaking

• What are your ideas ...
• Are you aware of ...
• Do you agree, Irene?
• Adib, would you like to contribute to the discussion?

How to brainstorm ideas in 2 To ask for support and details
minutes. • Why do you think that?
• Use wh-questions • Could you elaborate?
• Try to think of two main ideas. • Could you give (me) an example?
• Can you illustrate that?
• What evidence do you have?
• Could you tell me a little more about it?
• What else can you tell us (about that)?
• Is there anything else you can tell us?
• Is there more to it?
• Could you give (us) some details?
• Could you explain it in more detail?
• Could you provide some details?
• Could you fill us in on that?
• Could you expound on that?

To give an opinion /state point of view

Everyone has their own ways • I feel that ... • It seems to me that ...
of expressing their opinions • I don’t feel that ... • In my opinion ...
and we all have something to • I’d say ... • In my humble opinion ...
say, but finding ways to say it • I believe ... • For me, ...
effectively is half the battle. • I reckon ... • If you ask me ...
• What I reckon is ... • As far as I’m concerned ...
• Personally, I think ... • From my point of view ...
• I think that ... • From my viewpoint, ...
• I don’t think that ... • In my view, ...
• I’m certain that ... • What I think is ...
• I maintain that ... • I tell you what I think, ...
• I’m sure that ... • To my way of thinking, ...
• I believe that ... • Know what I think? ...
• I don’t believe that ... • To my mind ...
• I suppose ... • If you don’t mind me saying ...
• I guess ... • I think it would be fair to say
• I must say ...
• I would say that ... that ...
• It’s quite clear that ... • The way I see it ...
• I’m utterly convinced that ...

62

To support your opinion MUET Paper 2  Speaking 

• To elaborate, ... • For instance, ... ✗
• Let me elaborate. • To give you an example, ... • You speak English good.
• Let me explain. • Let me give you an • I’ve been here since three
• To give you more
example, ... months.
information, ... • Let me illustrate, ... • I look forward to meet
• What’s more, ... • Let me tell you a little more
• First, (second), etc. you.
• For example, ... (about it). ✓
• Let me give you some details.
• You speak English well.
To avoid giving your opinion • I’ve been here for three

• I couldn’t say. • It doesn’t make any difference months. SPEAKING
• I really can’t say. to me. • I look forward to
• I (really) don’t know what
• It doesn’t affect me (either meeting you.
to say. way).
• I’ve never given it much Body language is very
• Your guess is as good as mine. important in speech and
thought. • You’re asking the wrong presentation. It’s the
• I don’t have any feelings combination of facial
person. expressions, gestures, and
either way. • That’s an interesting question. movements that convey what
goes in your mind.

To express strong agreement

• Definitely. • You’ve made your point very
• Exactly. clear.
• That’s exactly how I feel. • That’s a splendid idea.
• Absolutely. • You can say that again.
• Yes, absolutely. • That’s certainly true.
• You’re absolutely right. • I was just going to say that.
• Yes, I’m sure you’re right. • I’m with you on that one.
• That’s so true. • Great minds think alike.
Do not monopolize the discussion.

• That’s for sure. • I’d go along with that.
• No doubt about it. • I’m of the same opinion.
• I couldn’t agree more. • Yes, I feel the same way.
• I totally agree with you. • You’ve hit the nail on the
• I agree with you 100 percent. head.
• I couldn’t agree with you • I couldn’t have put it better
more. myself.
• You have a point there. • You took the words right out
• You’ve got a point there. of my mouth.

63

 MUET Paper 2  Speaking To express agreement

7 I’m agree. • Yes. • That’s a good idea.
3 I agree with you. • You’re right. • I think that’s a good idea.
• That’s true. • That’s a wise move.
• That’s right. • I see your point of view.
• I agree. • I’m glad you said that.
• So do I. • I will consider it.
• I think so too. • Me neither. (Agreeing about
• Me too.
• That’s brilliant. a negative idea.)
• Good idea. • I don’t either. (Agreeing

about a negative idea.)

To express partial agreement

• You could be right. • Yes, I agree up to a point,
• I suppose you’re right. however ...
• Well, maybe. Perhaps you’re • That may be so but ...
right. • Yes, perhaps, however ...
The use of the connective ‘but’ or • I suppose that’s true. • Well, yes, but ...
‘however’ signals the speaker’s • I think you’re right but ... • Yes, in a way, however ...
contrasting idea or opinion.

• I guess you could be right, • Yes, I suppose so,
but ... however …
• I agree that ... but ... • That’s worth thinking about,
• I agree with you to a point. but ...
• You’ve got a point there
but ...

To express strong disagreement

If you don't agree with a • No way! • That’s not correct.
statement during the group • I totally disagree. • That can’t be true at all.
interaction, express your point of • I’d say the exact opposite. • I don’t see your point.
view factfully. Be polite! • I feel very strongly ... • I take a different view.
• That’s not how I see it. • Nonsense!
• I absolutely disagree with • That doesn’t make sense to

you. me.
• You can’t be serious! • It’s out of the question.
• You are out of your mind! • That’s totally out of the
• Your suggestion is rather
question.
ridiculous. • That’s (simply) not true!
• No. That’s not right. • That’s absolutely untrue!

64

To express disagreement MUET Paper 2  Speaking 

• I disagree. • I think it would be better If you disagree with suggestion, SPEAKING
• I don’t agree. if ... do not make unacceptable
• No, I don’t agree. personal remarks.
• (I’m afraid) I don’t agree. • I could be wrong, but ...
• I’m afraid I disagree. • I may be wrong, but ... Inspirational Quote
• I don’t think so. • Correct me if I’m wrong,
• I think otherwise. “The volume of your voice does
• I beg to differ. but ... not increase the validity of your
• Not necessarily. • It’s quite good, but ... argument.”
• That’s not always the case. • You could be right, but ...
• That’s not always true. • You may be right, but ... – Steve Meraboli –
• I am afraid that is not quite • You might be right, but ...
• You have a good point, ✗
true. • Have you been in
• That’s not always the case. but ...
• That’s not the way I see it. • That may be true, but ... London?
• No, I’m not so sure about • I don’t mean to be rude, • We regret informing you

that. but ... that ...
• You could say that, but ... • I hate to bring this up, • I did it by my own.
• I’m sorry but ...
• I’m sorry, but I have to but ... ✓
• I don’t mean to be negative, • Have you been to
disagree.
• I’m sorry, but I don’t agree. but ... London?
• Yes, but ... • This may sound strange, • We regret to inform you
• I don’t get it.
• Do you really think ... but ... that ...
• Actually, as a matter of fact. • I agree up to a point, but ... • I did it on my own / by
• That’s an interesting idea,
I think ... myself.
• I understand ..., however, but ...
• I think it would be better ... • Are you sure?
• Really?
• I’m not so sure.
• I’m not sure about that!
• Oh, I don’t know.

To signal a contrasting idea

• On the contrary, ... • Some people say that ...,
• In contrast, ... others believe that ...
• However, ...
• But, ... • It is said that ... However, ...
• Looking at the other side • Some people claim that ...

of the argument, ... but others ...
• On the one hand, ... and • From another viewpoint, ...

on the other hand ...

65

 MUET Paper 2  Speaking

Maintaining a Discussion

To maintain a discussion, you need to put forth your sugesstions
and opinions as you discuss the causes, effects, problems, solutions
or issues.

To make a strong suggestion

Inspirational Quote • I strongly advise that ....
• I strongly recommend that ...
“Rational discussion is useful • I would recommend that you ...
only when there is a significant • I think we should ...
base of shared assumptions.” • I think you should ...
• Maybe you should ...
– Noam Chomsky – • I don’t think you should ...
• Why don’t you ...
• You ought to ...
• You really should ...
• You should perhaps ...
• Perhaps you need ...
• In your position, I would ...
• If I were you, I would ...
• My advice would be to ...

Me vs Myself vs I To make a suggestion
• Let’s ...
✗ • Shall we ...
• How about ...
• Please prepare lunch for • What about ...
Max and I. • What do you think about ...
• Have you considered ...
• Me and Linda are going • How do you feel about ...
to have lunch. • Fancy ...
• Do you fancy ...
• Myself and Linda are • Wouldn’t it be a good idea to ...
dieting. • It might be a good idea to ...
• It would be nice to ...
✓ • Why not ...
• Why don’t we ...
• Please prepare lunch for • Maybe we should ...
Max and me. • Don’t you think we should ...
• Perhaps we could ...
• Linda and I are going to • I feel that we could ...
have lunch.

• Linda and I are dieting.

66

• I propose that ... MUET Paper 2  Speaking  SPEAKING
• I would like to propose that ...
• I would like to put forward a proposal that ... 1 It’s “calendar”, not
• I suggest that ... “calender”.
• May I suggest that we ...
2 It’s “tomorrow”, not
To ask for a suggestion “tommorrow”.
• What do you suggest?
• Do you have any suggestions? 3 It’s “convenient”, not
• Do you have any ideas? “convinient”.
• Any ideas on that?
• What do you think? After asking, be patient and
• How about you? listen. Do not interrupt.
• What would you do about ...?
• What do you recommend we do about ...?
• Would you mind giving us your suggestion?
• What would you advise us to do?
• Do you have any advice?
• What do you think I should do?
• What should we do?
• Would you like to ...

Turn-taking

Turn-taking is a very significant component of a conversation. It is
important to know how one may talk while someone else is talking.

To have a turn

• I have another question. To be successful in a group
• One more question. discussion, it is important to
• I’d like to ask your advice about ... avoid conflict statements,
• I just want to add something. because once a conflict has
• Can I say something? Is it my turn? started, it is very hard to deal
• Before I forget, ... with. An example is telling
• Going back to the idea of ... someone they are wrong about
• Talking about ... something. Be tactful and use
• May I interrupt you for a moment? phrases such as ‘’it may be better
• Can you spare a minute? to” or ‘’have you thought about
• I’d like to say something. doing it this way?’’
• I have something to say on that too.

67

 MUET Paper 2  Speaking To keep a turn
• Wait a second.
Check out this link for 7 turn- • Well, let’s see now.
taking effective strategies in • What I would say is ...
conversations
https://busyteacher.org/20571- To abandon a turn
7-turn-taking-strategies-boost- • That’s about all I have to say on that.
student-speaking.html • That’s about it.

SCAN ME

Not to have a turn
• I have nothing to say on that.
• I’ll pass on that.

Make good use of the fact that To present solutions
you can talk, write and present • The solution is to ...
the solutions. • One solution is to ...
• Another solution is ...
• One way is to ...
• One possibility is ...
• One option is ...
• The best way to ... is ...
• You can ... then you will ...
• To ... you really have to ...
• What are the alternatives?
• The alternative is ...
• Let’s look at ...
• Instead, ...
• What about ...
• What do you think about ...
• How do you feel about ...

Around 25% of people report To contrast and justify choices
suffering from glossophobia, • ... sound good, but ... is better because ...
the fear of public speaking. • ... is a better choice because ...
• Comparatively, ... is still the better choice because ...
• Well, ... has some advantages, but ... is preferred because ...

68

• The best option is ... because ... MUET Paper 2  Speaking  SPEAKING
• The ... choice is better because ...
Many people pace while
To accept ideas/opinions/suggestions talking on the phone.
• Okay. Psychologists believe this
• Sounds good. may be a sort of coping
• Yes, that’s a good idea. mechanism to make up for
• (That sounds like a) good idea. lack of body language and
• Hmmm. I hadn’t thought of that before. non-verbal cues that normally
• That would be nice. accompany conversation.
• I fully support.
• I approve of ... Always be careful with your tone
• I am in favour of ... of voice. Observe the language
• I totally agree with ... used.
• I see no objection to that.
• I would certainly endorse ... Inspirational Quote
• That’s interesting. I think that ...
“Every clarification breeds new
To reject ideas/opinions/suggestions questions.”
• I’d rather not.
• No, I really don’t think so. – Arthur Bloch –
• I think that’s out of the question.
• I am totally opposed to the ... 69
• No. I don’t really like the idea.
• I can foresee problems.
• I’m not convinced that this will work.
• Your suggestion is good, but it may not be practical ...
• This will give rise to problems.
• This suggestion will give rise to other problems.

To ask for clarification
• Do you mean that ...
• You mean ...
• What you mean is ...
• Do I understand you to mean ...
• What you’re saying is ...
• In other words, ...
• What do you mean (by that)?
• What are you trying to say?
• What you are saying is ...

 MUET Paper 2  Speaking • So, you think (that) ...
• So, your idea is ...
✗ • I think you are saying ...
• Every students like the • If I understand you, you’re saying that ...
• If I’m hearing you correctly, ...
teacher. • What was that again?
• The house is enough • Sorry, but I didn’t quite get you.
• I’m afraid I’m not quite sure what you mean by that.
spacious for me. • Could you clarify that?
• I like very much ice cream. • Could you please clarify ...
• Can you please explain ...
✓ • Could you please explain that to me again?
• Every student likes the • Am I reading you right, when ...

teacher.
• The house is spacious

enough for me.
• I like ice cream very much.

To give clarification

• To clarify, • What I wanted to say was ...
• In other words, • (I think) what she means
• What I mean is ...
• What I’m trying to say is ... is ...
• What he’s trying to say is ...

You can tell a story to make your To persuade
point more persuasive. • Please!
• Won’t you ..., please?
Inspirational Quote • Just this once!
• Not even for me/for my sake?
“The best way to solve • Maybe you should consider ...
problems and to fight against • Have you considered ...
war is through dialogue.” • How about going ...
• Don’t you think ...
– Malala Yousafzai – • Do you realize that ...
• I wonder if you have thought of ...
• Would it be possible for you to ...
• Why don’t you ...
• Why don’t we ...
• We really should ...
• What a good idea ...
• Wouldn’t it be a good idea to ...
• Wouldn’t it be wonderful/great to ...
• It would be in your own interest to ...
• You have no need to fear ...
• You can rest assured that you will be well.
• I can assure you that ...

70

MUET Paper 2  Speaking 

• Don’t worry. You can do it.
• How I can persuade you to ...
• Could you be persuaded ...
• Couldn’t you be persuaded ...
• This is your golden opportunity. Don’t miss it.
• You have a great chance to win.
• I’m sure you will enjoy yourself there.
• Please come, everyone will be there.

To interrupt • Observe your intonation and SPEAKING
• Excuse me, ... body language. Your body
• Pardon me, language needs to match
• Sorry to interrupt, but ... what you’re saying.
• Excuse me for interrupting.
• May I interrupt for a second, please? • Remember. A disussion is not
• If I may interrupt you for a moment. an argument.
• I don’t mean to intrude, but ...
• Could I just ask you a quick question?
• Could I inject something here?
• Excuse me, could you please clarify ...
• Excuse me, could you please tell me ...
• May I add something here?
• Can I add something here?
• Do you mind if I jump in here?
• (Do you) mind if I interject something here?

Closing a Discussion

Make sure to conclude the discussion firmly and politely. The final
decision of the group could be a unanimous agreement when all
candidates agree on one of the arguments presented.

To summarise main points

• To summarise the main points ... Ensure that your summary is
• Let me summarise the main points. short and precise.
• Let’s sum up what has been discussed.
• To sum up, here are the main points.
• To sum up where we stand in this discussion, ...
• To recap the main points ...
• We pointed out that ...
• In essence, we want to point out that ...
• Allow me to go over the key points.

71

 MUET Paper 2  Speaking To conclude

✗ • After all is said and done I think we can conclude that …
• These are there books. • In a nutshell, ...
• These are they’re books. • In conclusion, ...
• Their going there soon. • To conclude, ...
• Their is a debate on this. • As a conclusion, ...
To state a group decision (total agreement)
✓ • So, we've all agreed that ...
• These are their books. • We have come to an agreement that ...
• These are their books. • In view of the evidence presented, we all agree that ...
• They’re going there soon. • We have decided that ...
• There is a debate on this. • B ased on the strength of the evidence presented, our decision

is that ...
• T aking into consideration all your views, we can conclude

that ...
• We have come to the conclusion that ...
• I think we have come to the conclusion that ...

Us vs We To end the discussion
7 That brings we here. • It has been an interesting discussion.
3 That brings us here. • Thanks for the interesting discussion
• Anything else to add? If not, we shall end this discussion here.
• If there are no more views, we shall stop here.
• As we have reached a consensus, I guess it is time to end our

discussion.
• Since we have come to an agreement, let's bring this discussion

to a close.
• That brings us to the end of our discussion. Thank you.

Fruitful – p roductive, To close a discussion
successful • Thanks for being here.
• Thank you all for coming.
Stimulating – interesting, • Thanks for your participation.
inspiring • Thanks for contributing to this discussion.
• Thanks for a fruitful and stimulating discussion.
• Thank you very much for your attention.
• I hope you have enjoyed this discussion. Thank you.

72

MUET Paper 2  Speaking 

Example of Part 2 GROUP DISCUSSION

Situation
To maintain a healthy lifestyle, you need healthy habits. In your
group discuss some healthy habits.

Moderate No Regular SPEAKING
alcohol smoking exercise
intake
Healthy habits
for healthy
lifestyle

Healthy Healthy
weight diet

At the end of the discussion, try to decide on the most important Opening a discussion
healthy habit to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Introducing the subject
Expression opinions
Candidate B: Good morning. Thank you all for coming. We are Giving reasons
here to discuss on the most important healthy habit Elaborating
to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In my opinion, having
a healthy diet is the most important factor because we Expressing partial agreement
need to maintain the nutritional needs of the body.
A healthy diet of grains, vegetables, fruits, protein Justifying
and dairy in the right proportions and quantity will
give us the energy we need for our daily activities. A
healthy balanced diet is essential for overall health.
To maintain a healthy lifestyle, we need to keep
eating healthy.

Candidate A: Well, I suppose you’re right. But, regular exercise is
also important. Exercising daily is key to a healthy
life. While intense workouts at the gym may not be
necessary, maintaining a regular exercise routine
is part and parcel of a healthy lifestyle. We have to
continuously stay physically active to have a strong

73

 MUET Paper 2  Speaking body. A healthy physical activity level means at least
Inviting someone to contribute to 30 minutes daily of moderate to vigorous activity.
the discussion Do you agree with me, Candidate D?
Expressing agreement Candidate D: That’s for sure. Thirty minutes of physical activity
daily burns excess calories, strengthens muscles
Interrupting and improves your heart rate. It also reduces stress
Expressing opinions levels, improves sleep quality and helps control blood
Elaborating pressure. It relaxes the body, reduces moodiness,
improves self-esteem and provides a sense of personal
Inferring satisfaction. It can help increase life span and lower
the risk of diseases.
Evaluating Candidate C: Sorry to interrupt, but personally, I think to maintain
Initiating a healthy lifestyle, moderate alcohol intake is the
Expressing opinions most important healthy habit. Indeed, a healthy diet
Prompting and regular exercise are crucial, but the cumulative
Expressing agreement effects of taking too much alcohol can be damaging
Negotiating to the body. Chronic heavy drinking over time can
cause chronic physical and mental health issues. It is
associated with many serious health problems such
as liver damage, cardiovascular disease, and multiple
types of cancer.
Candidate B: I’m afraid I’m not quite sure what you mean by
mental health issues. Are you saying that alcohol
intake can affect the mind? Naturally, it causes
confusion, mood changes, slow reaction time and
impaired judgment. Is that what you mean?
Candidate C: Yes, but there are more serious implications. It is
linked to several mental illnesses such as depression,
anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and others.
Candidate D: What about a healthy weight? Maintaining a healthy
weight is important for health. Obesity and overweight
increase the risks of diabetes, heart disease, stroke,
high blood pressure, high cholesterol and cancer. In
my humble opinion, I think to maintain a healthy
lifestyle a healthy weight is an important healthy
habit. It is essential for overall health and well-being.
Don’t you think so?
Candidate B: I see your point of view. But, for a healthy weight
we need a healthy diet! Eating a balanced, calorie-
managed diet helps maintain a healthy weight.

74

Candidate C: Can I say something? Personally, I think a healthy MUET Paper 2  Speaking  SPEAKING
habit is never having smoked. No doubt, the other Turn-taking
healthy habits mentioned are important, but saying Interrupting
no to smoking is really important to maintain a Giving an opinion
healthy lifestyle. This is because there is no healthy Elaborating on the point
amount of smoking. Smoking can severely increase
the risk of cancer such as lung cancer, kidney cancer, Expressing strong disagreement
esophageal cancer, cardiovascular diseases and other
long-term diseases. Persuading
Summarising
Candidate A: That may be true, but smoking is a lifestyle choice.
Moreover, it is difficult for smokers to quit the habit Seeking agreement
especially nicotine addicts. As mentioned earlier, Expressing agreement
I strongly believe that regular exercise comes first. Expressing agreement
With regular exercise we can maintain a healthy Expressing agreement
weight if we consume alcohol or indulge in unhealthy Ending a discussion
food occasionally. Maybe all of you should consider
regular exercise over other healthy habits.

Candidate B: Let me summarise the main points. To maintain a
healthy lifestyle, we have considered the following
healthy habits: a healthy diet, regular exercise, a
healthy weight, moderate alcohol intake and no
smoking.

Candidate B: So, what do we conclude? Do you all agree with
Candidate A that having regular exercise is the
most important healthy habit to maintain a healthy
lifestyle? I’d go along with that.

Candidate D: I couldn’t agree more.
Candidate C: Yes, I feel the same way.
Candidate B: Since we have come to an agreement, let's bring

this discussion to a close. Thanks for the interesting
discussion.

Use of Language Function

6

Situation
Highly successful people share key character traits. In your
group, discuss the key traits of highly successful people.

75

 MUET Paper 2  Speaking

Ambitious

Agile Key traits Visionary
of highly
successful
people

Positive Self-disciplined

At the end of the discussion, try to decide on the top character
trait to be highly successful.

Briefly provide suitable responses for each of the following language
functions.

(a) Expressing opinions (h) Prompting
(b) Giving reasons (i) Negotiating
(c) Elaborating (j) Turn-taking
(d) Justifying (k) Interrupting
(e) Inferring (l) Summarising
(f) Evaluating (m) Concluding
(g) Initiating

7

Situation
Lifelong learning is like a health club for your brain. In your
group, discuss the benefits of lifelong learning.

Improves Sharpens our Increases our
agility mind wisdom

Benefits of
lifelong learning

Improves brain Improves
health mental health

76

MUET Paper 2  Speaking 

At the end of the discussion, try to decide on the top benefit of
lifelong learning.

Briefly provide suitable responses for each of the following language
functions.

(a) Expressing opinions (h) Prompting
(b) Giving reasons (i) Negotiating
(c) Elaborating (j) Turn-taking
(d) Justifying (k) Interrupting
(e) Inferring (l) Summarising
(f) Evaluating (m) Concluding
(g) Initiating

Strategies for Speaking Tasks SPEAKING

Tips for Making a Successful Presentation

Be prepared (a) Know your audience.
(b) Prepare the points to be presented.

Remember the KISS principle (Keep it
Short and Simple).
(c) Organise your data neatly.
(d) Be mentally prepared for the
presentation.
(e) Create a structure for your
presentation. Make sure the
presentation follows a logical pattern.

Relax (a) Almost everyone will be nervous
before a presentation.

(b) Nervousness may easily lead to lack of
confidence.

(c) Overcome nervousness by practicing
and analysing your presentation.

(d) Have confidence in yourself and your
message.

(e) Do not memorise your presentation.

77

 MUET Paper 2  Speaking

Keep your (a) Quickly review your notes and know
ideas clear your material well.
and concise
(b) Focus on two or three main points
only. Map out your points.

(c) Concentrate on what you are going to
speak about.

(d) Do not use long, complicated
sentences. Long phrases make it very
difficult to sustain the audience’s
attention.

(e) Do not try to impress the audience
with fancy words and subject-specific
jargon.

(f) Keep your presentation simple.

Be engaging (a) Capture your audience attention right
away. Open with a bang.

(b) Try to capture the message of your
presentation in a single sentence.

(c) Make visual contact with your
audience to establish a good rapport.
This will help to boost your overall
confidence.

(d) Looking directly at your audience
when you start and finish makes a
strong, positive impression.

(e) State your points loud and clear at the
beginning and repeat it at the end.

(f) Keep to the point.
(g) Avoid anything that may encourage

the audience to stop listening.
(h) Use silence to increase the impact of

your message. Audiences need time to
digest your information.

Exercise voice (a) Monotonous sentences make it difficult
control for the listeners to stay attentive.

(b) Speak calmly and confidently – not
too fast or too slowly.

(c) Speak clearly and be loud enough to
be heard.

(d) Pronounce clearly and use correct
intonation for emphasis.

(e) Try to minimise hesitations and pauses.

78

MUET Paper 2  Speaking 

Control your (a) Begin your presentation with a smile.
facial expressions (b) Make facial expressions that are

and gestures consistent with what you’re saying.
(c) Make ‘sincere’ hand gestures.
(d) Do not focus your attention on your

notes.
(e) Avoid looking at the floor or the

ceiling.
(f) Try not to touch your hair, face or

mouth.
(g) Do not put your hands in your

pockets.
(h) Be careful about crossing your arms

and appearing closed or critical.

Handling (a) Handle questions effectively to SPEAKING
questions enhance credibility.

(b) Do not evade from answering
questions posed by the examiners.

(c) Answer the questions to the best of
your knowledge.

(d) Politely tell the examiners that you
will come back to the question later
if you can’t think of an appropriate
answer at the moment.

Timing (a) Make sure everything you prepared fit
within the available time.

(b) You should never compromise on the
introduction and the conclusion.

79

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

1 D 1 3 A Dialogue 2
2 E 27 A
3 A
2 7 B Dialogue 3
3 C 29 B
7 C
Dialogue 1 2 B 3 B 2
1 A 3 C
7 A
Dialogue 2 4 C 3 B Part 1 2 B 3 A 4 A
3 B 7 B 1 C 6 C 7 B 11 C
5 C 10 A 21 B
3 A 14 B
1 B 3 7 B 4 B Part 2 9 C 17 D 4 A
5 A 2 C 10. B 4 B 8 B 13 C 20 C 11 A
6 B 14 B 12 B 24 A 21 C
17 A 4 B
4 20 A 4 C Part 3 16 E 3 B
2 A 24 C 15 A 7 C
6 B 4 C 10 C
1 B 11 C Part 4 19 A 14 C
5 C 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 A
1 B 6 B Dialogue 2 28 A
5 C 27 B
1 A 7
5 C 2 A Dialogue 3 30 A
6 B 29 C

3

MUET Practices Part 1 2 B
1 C 6 C
1 5 A
2 C
Part 1 6 A Part 2 9 B
1 A 9 A 8 B 13 A
5 C 13 A 12 B
Part 2 16 C
8 B 19 C Part 3 16 A
12 C 23 C 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

321

 MUET  Answers

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

Part 3 16 A Organise ideas
15 E (i) Timing
• Can shop at anytime of the day
Part 4 19 C • No time constrain
18 A 23 A – Even at midnight in your pyjamas
22 A • Opportunity to shop quickly at one’s convenience

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

322

SUCCESS CC039020

in MUET SUCCESS in MUET

SUCCESS in MUET is a comprehensive

coursebook designed for candidates who are
sitting for the Malaysian 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.

KKeeyy FFeeaattuurreess::

Comprehensive Notes and Practices TT��pp�� Helpful Tips and Informative Notes
Skill-building Exercises Model Test

MUET-exam based Practices Complete Answers

W.M: RM33.95 / E.M: RM34.95

CC039020
ISBN: 978-967-2457-32-9

PELANGI