I've been meaning to write this post but I kind of forgot about it until recently, when I found my MUET Certificate lying around. I took my MUET around September last year and I took the test at a local school. I had a draft prepared about this but I misplaced the paper which I had already jotted down what to do and what to not do. But here, I'll share something that might be useful for you though you might already have some idea on how to face your MUET.
Well, without further ado, let's jump right into it!
+ Do prepare yourself, physically and mentally.
By this, I mean, have a good night sleep and get enough rest for your test. Prepare yourself by doing english language activities and grammar practices. I think it would serve as an advantage if you read up on recent issues happening, be it globally or local. You never know what will be asked during your test or what you're going to write about. Grammar! What can I say, do lots of practices or just read. I still have problems with my grammar but maybe reading does help, little by little.
+ Check the time written on the board!
I really want to stress about time. I don't know if this could be considered as a major problem or not, but, when I took my Muet essay writing test then, the teachers who were on duty forgot to correct the time that they wrote on the whiteboard. The paper started at 10.30am so it was supposed to end at 12.00pm. But instead of writing that, it was on plain view to see that the paper will end at 12.30pm. For those who were not aware of the actual time given (like me), they really thought the paper will end at 12.30. If this happen, please note the teachers who are currently on duty so that others will also notice. In my case, I really took my time whilst writing and then when it was 11.30, we were told that there were 30 minutes left. I was shocked because I was only ending my Task B. That means, I only have half an hour to do my Task 1. Imagine the speed of my pen, whilst proceeding to Task 1 .
+ Check your watch!
I brought along my watch so that I wouldn't have had to strain my neck to see the time (the clock was put in front of the class). Also, in my case, at exactly 11.40, my watch died. I didn't notice it until I put my pen down and saw that I still had another 20 minutes left. It was surprising because I was very sure time passed whilst I was writing. I was not sure what the time was at that time but after I reread my essay back, we were told we only have five minutes left. So, moral of the story, make sure your watch is in good condition (the battery is drained or not!) or bring an extra, just in case. We never know what will happen, right? Our clock was knocked off of the table (and it broke) but thankfully they have extra.
+ Prioritize.
Okay, here, I am just suggesting on what you should do or could do but it does not necessarily needs to be done. For me, I tend to take a lot of time while writing. There are two questions on the writing essay test right? So, in my case, when I write..let's say..task 1, I also think about what I'm going to write for Task 2. So, I couldn't focus because my mind is working simultaneously. But that is just an example of a situation to describe...me (or how I answered). Well, when I took my test the other day, I started off with Task 2 because it generated the most mark which is 60 marks. I started with that because I also considered the number of words needed and the points which I'm going to write about. If I started with Task 1, I will waste more time because while writing for Task 1, I will be distracted by Task 2 (thinking on what to write). So, think about your time management and prioritize which is important. If you think you could finish Task 1 on time, then go ahead and start with Task 1. If you're afraid that you're going to take more time on Task 1, thus leaving you with less time to finish Task 2, then start with Task 2. It is all up to you! Your choice.
+ Be fair and helpful.
During my speaking test, I was very nervous because to be honest, I prefer writing more than speaking. I can speak in Bahasa, no problem but I have problems speaking in English. I'm trying to improve, but I still can get away with wrong grammar and the stutter. Okay, so during my speaking test, I found that we were very helpful with each other. I don't know but it seemed like we had silent understandings with each other. When I'm done with a point, I'll pass it to the other person in my group by saying "What about you?" "What do you think?" "What's your view?" etc. They also did the same so we had no problem communicating. Do not try to dominate the discussion. Be fair. Let each of you have your turn to speak. If you took a lot of time talking, what about the others? Will they have enough time to elaborate? So please, be considerate. Plus, as a group, you need to think about the time limit so be helpful with each other and encourage your friend to talk until you reached the conclusion of your discussion.
+ Be attentive.
I was seated at the back on the class with a person behind me. Since we were at the back, it was a problem to listen to the radio. Plus in my case, I could not concentrate because of the sound of the fan and the sound of my surrounding. I can easily tune the sounds off, if I could but I couldn't so it was a challenge for me to stay attentive. But, if you're having problem to hear the radio, despite of being a minority in class (by having difficulties to hear, I mean), let the teachers know. They might take that into consideration. My friend who took the muet at a different school had it the hard way; during their listening test, they had to bear the sound of airplanes landing and taking off. So, focus on the radio and don't think of anything that has nothing to do with your test. It tend to distract you.
+ To help or not to help
Well, this was my biggest fear during the test. Before my speaking test, an aquaintance asked for my number so that we could help each other prepare for our writing test which was to be held at a different day. Much to my surprise, when I was having my speaking test, I received a text asking me what came out. She hasn't had her turn at that time so I was hesitant to tell the title of our discussion because I'm afraid I will get caught or the likes (me being my paranoid self). So, I chose to wait after some time then I replied. But I didn't tell my topic straightaway lah. However, there were three sets of question so the probability of us getting the same topic is very low. So, if you were in my place, what would you do? The choice is again, yours to make!
So, that is it, my sharing about my Muet tips. I guess you already expected some of them but I do hope you get something from my experience.
If you have any questions, do drop them off in the comments below or just email me!