As MUET exam day approaches, you may think that there isn’t much more that you can do to prepare after working hard on all of your revision. While it’s never good to leave studying to the last minute, there are some preparations you can make in the days before your MUET exam that will help you to achieve your goals. We take you through some simple last-minute tips, approaches and preparations for the MUET exam.
1. Know what to expect from MUET
On MUET exam day, you’ll be tackling the MUET reading, listening and writing tests. Remember that the MUET speaking test is not taken at the same time and can be before or after the main exam day. For the MUET exam, you will have three hours and 20 minutes to complete the paper. The allocated time for each section are:
If you have done your preparation with past papers and model answers, you will find it much easier to undertake the reading and writing sections. You can even memorise some of the responses and introductions that you could use.
Don’t forget that the MUET topics may not be identical to those that you have practised. However, the techniques and vocabulary you’ve worked on will help you significantly. Continue to read essays, watch English language videos, listen to podcasts and keep up to date with contemporary topics so you can communicate effectively when tested.
2. Continue to practice for MUET
We know that after all of the work you have already done, you’ll want to take a break from studying before the MUET exam. While we wouldn’t suggest studying right up until you enter the examination hall, continuing to read through your notes of words, phrases, vocabulary and practice answers will keep everything fresh in your mind. You may even find additional words by reading and listening to English language content.
3. Work on your understanding
This is one of the most important elements of preparation. While having notes and lists of words and phrases is always a good thing, what’s critical is that you understand what they mean and how to use them in context. Trying to use vocabulary in the MUET exam that you don’t understand can harm your score. Used incorrectly or out-of-context words and phrases will be marked as incorrect by examiners. Therefore refreshing your knowledge and understanding is key.
4. Refine your MUET technique
Do some practice in the weeks or days before your MUET exam where you undertake questions in test conditions. Work out how much time you will take to plan out your answers for the MUET writing test and evaluate your reading skills and the time it takes to interpret information. The more you practice each part of the MUET exam, the more chance there is you’ll perform on test day.
Remember that whatever you do, whether it’s writing or speaking, always State, Explain and Illustrate. State means giving a point. When you’ve done that, explain by expanding and elaborating on what you’ve said. Finally, illustrate by providing relevant and interesting examples to support the point made.
5. Choose your MUET exam outfit
While there isn’t a specific MUET dress code for the listening, writing and reading tests, it is recommended that you dress semi-formally to formally for your test day. When you look good you feel good. By dressing up, you indicate how seriously you take the MUET exam.
Semi-formal or formal clothing means avoiding items like shorts, t-shirts, slippers, sandals, hoodies and vests. Don’t forget that for the MUET speaking test, we’d recommend dressing formally as you’ll be meeting with an examiner. First impressions count.
Pick out your outfit the night before MUET test day so that you’re not in a rush or panicking on the day.
7. Have the right equipment
For the MUET exam, you will need to take your stationery. Make sure to take more than one pen and one pencil just to be sure. Our recommendation would be to have two black pens; two blue pens; two BB or 2B pencils; an eraser; and a pencil sharpener. As the exam is quite long, you may be permitted to take water into the venue in a clear bottle.
6. Be punctual for your MUET exam
We can’t emphasise this enough. Arriving just in time for your exam or late won't provide a relaxed and stress-free experience for you. Make sure you give yourself enough time to get to the venue and prepare. This will give you time to settle in and relax before sitting for the exam. For the MUET speaking test this also applies. Perhaps even more so, as there’s an examiner waiting for you. You want to make the best impression.
8. Get support for MUET
Preparing and studying for an exam isn’t always easy. You will probably need support from your parents, peers, tutors or teachers. Don’t be afraid to ask if you need help or if there is something you don’t understand. Do practice papers with other candidates or with those who have taken the test before. If you need information about the MUET exam day, you can contact the examination centre or the Malaysian Examinations Council.
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