The information below relates to the MUET speaking test before the updates and changes made in 2021. 

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Prepare yourself for the MUET Speaking exam to avoid any surprises. The speaking test is divided into two sections: Tasks A & B.

Setting

There will be two examiners at the table and four candidates whom you can refer to as candidates A, B, C and D. When you’re first seated, the examiners will check your exam slips and identification. Handphones, notes and stationery are not allowed. A piece of paper and a pencil will be placed on the table for each student.

Task A

Note that in the first minute, you should read the question and make a mental note of the words you’d like to ask the examiner if you don’t understand. Most examiners are very helpful and will give you some ideas if you ask nicely. Ask – “Excuse me…” rather than “What does this mean…”. For the next two minutes, write your notes on the paper. Think of your points, reasons and examples. After this, you’ll be asked to start.

Expect to speak for a full two minutes, regardless of how many points you deliver. It is advised that you stick to 1 or 2 points and elaborate well. You need to speak according to the topic confidently, fluently and accurately with good body language.

Speak according to this format:

i)               Greet the examiner and fellow candidates

ii)              Repeat the situation you’re discussing

iii)             List out the main points you’d like to discuss

iv)             First… This is because… For example, … Therefore

v)              Secondly… Furthermore… For instance, … Thus

vi)             Conclusion

Task B

You have two minutes to prepare notes for this task. Write down your points from the most important to the least to help you with sequence during the discussion. You will then have 10 minutes to discuss. Pre-decide who will do the introduction, the conclusion and so on.

You’ll have to speak for 10 minutes, regardless of whether you manage to conclude or not. However, it’s good to have a strong conclusion to round up the discussion. Don’t dominate the discussion, but, don’t also be a passenger and not contribute. Ask your friends for their opinions or help them end sentences when they’re stuck. This shows good management of discussion skills. Most importantly, don’t speak over someone.

Smile

Don’t look overly tensed. Smile, nod your head, talk naturally and before you know it, you’d have relaxed enough so that your ideas flow naturally. Get creative with ideas and avoid giving predictable boring answers. Try to have a good time because when you do, the examiners will feel the same way too.

Use these guidelines and you’ll be sure to ace your MUET Speaking exam to set you up for a degree course.

More tips:

How to score in your MUET

Scoring Band 6

MUET report writing and sample