Introduction to MUET

Writing 800/4

1. The MUET writing test requires students to

transfer information from a non-linear source to
a linear text, as well as to write an essay of at
least 350 words on a given topic.
2. Exam duration: 90 minutes
3. Total weightage: 25%
4. The MUET writing test is to access candidates
on their ability to:
Transfer information
Write with good grammar
Analyse graphic information. It may come in
one of these five forms: line graph, bar graph,
pie chart, table or diagram illustrating
process.
Voice their opinions through words/written
form
Think critically

Task 1 Report Writing (40 marks)

You are given 40 minutes to complete this task
Study and analyse the graphic information
Describe the information or the process in a
report format
Write between 150 200 words

The chart shows how students on all courses at a

Malaysian university viewed different subjects on a
scale of easy to difficult. You should write 150 to 200
words.
How Students on All Courses at a Malaysian University View Different
Subjects According to Different Levels of Difficulty
The bar chart shows how students who are studying in a Malaysian
university rate different subjects according to its difficulty easy,
moderately difficult or difficult.
The subject which was most commonly rated as difficult was math, by
70% of the total students. While only 20% of students saw it as easy.
Physics was also largely judged to be a difficult or moderately difficult
subject. Only 25% of students viewed it as easy. By contrast, chemistry
was regarded as easy by a massive 70% of students.
As far as language subjects are concerned, languages in general were
seen as easy by 40% of students. This percentage dropped to 20% for
oriental languages. African languages, however, were viewed as easy by
60% of students. Next, Art was rated to be an easy subject by only 30%
of students and like Physics, 50% rated it as difficult.
In conclusion, there seems to be no clear correspondence between the
type of subject and whether it was generally rated as easy or difficult.
(168 words)

Tips for Task 1

A title MUST be written
Title MUST be underlined
Write a minimum of THREE paragraphs;
introduction, body and conclusion. Students
can also write two paragraphs for body.)
Do NOT give opinions and dont copy words
from stimulus.
Do NOT give answer using bullet point write
report/article in full.

Task 2 Extended Writing (60 marks)

Write an essay NOT LESS THAN 350 words
based on the given topic
You are given 50 minutes to complete this
task
Your essay may be written in these styles:

Analytical

Descriptive

Persuasive

Argumentative

Past Exam Questions

Year End 2008
"People are becoming more materialistic. They are concerned with making
more money and what money can buy." What is your opinion on being
materialistic? You should write at least 350 words.
Mid 2009
Information and communications technology (ICT) is the cause of today's
many social ills. What is your opinion? Support your answers with examples.
You should write at least 350 words.
Year End 2009
People commit crime for selfish reasons. Discuss. You should write at least
350 words.
Mid 2010
The world today is turning more to electronic communications such as the email, Facebook and short Message System (SMS). What is your opinion of this
growing trend? Discuss. You should write at least 350 words.
Year End 2010
In an arranged marriage, the choice of a husband or wife is made by parents
or elders. What do you think of this practice in today's society? Discuss. You
should write at least 350 words.
Mid 2011
The most valuable thing in life is friendship. Do you agree? Discuss. You
should write at least 350 words.

Tips for Task 2

Dont write statements that are too general. Back
up your statements with facts. If youre aiming at
scoring Band 5 or Band 6, you are expected to
have a high level of critical thinking.
Have at least 5 paragraphs
1. Introduction - State the current situation. State if you
agree or disagree with the statement/topic, and why.
2. First point - Key point / Elaboration / Examples
3. Second point - Key point / Elaboration / Examples
4. Third point - Key point / Elaboration / Examples
5. Conclusion - State why you agree/disagree once more.
What can the government/individual/society do?

Use these tools to help

with your critical thinking
1.

Short term effect, mid term effect and long term effect

Example: Smoking

Short term = Bad breath/yellow teeth

Midterm = Affordability/waste of money

Long term = Health problems such as lung cancer

2.

Individual, society, and government

Example: Recycling

Individual = Practice the 3Rs (Reduce, reuse, recycle)

Society = Community collection/fund raising

Government = Hold recycling campaigns