The MUET writing test evaluates your ability to communicate ideas effectively in written English. You also need to demonstrate the necessary writing skills required for higher education. Plus, the ability to translate and transfer ideas formally and informally is tested. In this article, we guide you through how the test is structured, how it is assessed, what tasks you’ll have to complete, and some tips for success. 

What is the format of the MUET writing test?

What does the MUET writing test evaluate?

How is the MUET test scored?

What are the MUET writing test tasks?

MUET essay sample questions

MUET writing test essay structure example

Top tips for the MUET writing test

What is the format of the MUET writing test?

The MUET writing test was changed in 2021 with a new structure introduced. You have 75 minutes to complete the two tasks of the MUET writing test. The weighting for the test is 25 per cent of the whole MUET exam score. The writing test is weighted the same as the listening, reading, and speaking tests. Each of the MUET tests is scored out of a maximum mark of 90. 

What does the MUET writing test evaluate?

The MUET writing test evaluates several essential skills and your ability in each. You are assessed on your use of the English language and for your accuracy in completing the task. Examiners are also looking to test for:

• Writing with good grammar and punctuation 

• Analysis, interpretation and understanding of information

• Information transfer 

• Critical thinking skills

• The expression of opinion, argument and perspective

Remember, it’s important to read the questions in the test carefully so that you answer in a way the examiner expects. In addition, it’s a good idea to sketch out your ideas before starting to write. That way you can select the right vocabulary and phrases for the best result. 

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How is the MUET test scored?

MUET test scoring is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Since 2021, the test is scored using nine bands, changing from the previous six to align with CEFR. If you’re not familiar with how the CEFR ratings work and how MUET is marked, you can refer to the table or watch the video below.

Band 5.0 & 5+ (score of 294 -360) CEFR C1 & C1+: Proficient

• Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning
• Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions
• Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
• Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

Band 4.0 & 4.5 (score of 211 - 293) CEFR B2: Independent

• Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation.
• Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
• Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Band 3.0 & 3.5 (score of 123 - 210) CEFR B1: Independent

• Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
• Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
• Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar, or of personal interest.
• Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

Band 1.0, 2.0 & 2.5 (score of 1 - 122) CEFR A2: Basic

• Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).
• Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
• Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

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What are the MUET writing test tasks?

The MUET writing test consists of two tasks. The first is what is known as the MUET letter of email writing task. The second is the MUET extended English essay. Let’s begin by looking at task one.

Task one: MUET letter / email

For task one, you need to reply to an email or letter that is given to you. You will need to write a suitable response. This task is marked out of a maximum score of 30. It accounts for 33 per cent of your overall MUET writing test score. You shouldn’t spend more than 25 minutes on this task.

It’s important to note that the task requires about 100 words or more, so this is not a long written task. You will need to practice being brief and communicating your ideas in a shorter format. This is a skill that is tested for. For this task, the required English language proficiency is a CEFR level ranging between a minimum of A2 (elementary) to C1 (advanced).

Task two: MUET English essay

For task two of the MUET writing test, you will need to write an essay based on a statement or question provided. This statement is designed to encourage you to form an opinion or argument on a given topic. It’s all about getting to engage in a discussion on an issue. What is nice about the MUET essay task is that you can structure your response depending on the nature of the question. 

For example, you may need to produce an essay discussing the topic in general. Alternatively, you can create an essay that strongly argues a particular opinion or solution to a problem. These three types of essays are formally called:

• Discursive essay 

• Argumentative essay 

• Problem-based essay

It’s essential to select the right language for the direction you take with the essay. The language you use should be more formal in this task as it needs to reflect your ability to write in a higher education setting. 

Your essay will need to be 250 words long or more and the CEFR level required is between B1 (intermediate) and C1 advanced. 

Don’t forget that the MUET essay task is marked out of 60, which is 66 per cent of your total test score. That’s why you’ll need to spend a bit longer on this task, approximately 50 minutes or so. Don’t rush the essay task, as this can impact your overall result. 

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MUET essay sample questions

You’re probably wondering what type of question you're asked for the extended essay writing task. Luckily we have some examples:

MUET writing task 2 question example 1

You attended a talk by a new graduate talking about their career choice. The following comment was made by the guest speaker:

“A person’s career choice should be based on his or her interests.”

Write an essay of at least 250 words expressing your opinion of this statement. 

[60 marks]

MUET writing task 2 question example 2

You attended a talk by a successful CEO of a company at a college Open Day. The following comment was made by the guest speaker:

“Money is the key to happiness.”

How much do you agree with this statement? Write an essay of at least 250 words. 

[60 marks]

MUET writing task 2 question example 3

During a career day held in school, a guest speaker made this comment in his speech. 

“Employers only look for academic excellence when hiring.”

Write an essay of at least 250 words expressing your opinion on this view

[60 marks]

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MUET writing test essay structure example

To ace task two of the MUET writing test, you must know how to structure your essay well. There are some essential components to any good essay:

1. Introduction 

   1. Context and topic information to get attention

   2. Statement of opinion 

   3. Argument justification

2. Main content 

   1. Point one 

      1. Introduction to point

      2. Reason for your position

      3. Examples and evidence to support the statement 

      4. Conclusion

   2. Point two 

      1. Link from previous and introduction to point

      2. Reason for your opinion or position 

      3. Examples and evidence to support your statement 

      4. Conclusion 

   3. Point three

      1. Connect to the previous point and introduce the final point

      2. Reason for your position, opinion or argument 

      3. Example to justify what you are saying 

      4. Conclusion

3. Conclusion

   1. State the main points of the discussion and topic 

   2. Provide a summary of your position 

   3. Justify this position and why you chose this angle

A good way to think of this structure is for each component to be a paragraph. For the MUET writing test task two, that would mean about 50 words or above for each paragraph. Try to think carefully about each point you want to make and why you agree or disagree. 

For example, when discussing whether money is the key to happiness. You may want to think about this issue on an individual, community and national level. You could compare elements such as health, experience and love, which money can’t buy. Perhaps you want to think about what personal happiness means. 

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Top tips for the MUET writing test 

You'll probably want to know what our top tips for success in the MUET writing test are: 

• Practice your English language writing as much as you can 

• Make notes and lists of words and vocabulary to expand your language knowledge 

• Use practice questions to develop arguments and opinions 

• Engage in English language discussions to formulate your ideas

• Review MUET test model answers 

• Use brainstorming and study notes to plan potential essays 

• Understand the test format, scoring, and timings

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