Monday, April 5, 2010

USEFUL TIPS FOR EXAMINATION PREPARATIONS

Familiarisation

* Be familiar with the examination format - the time allocated for each section, the number of questions in each section, the types of questions, etc.
* Get acquainted with the kinds of topics covered in the different sections.
* Read the notes given in this book on the ways to prepare for the examination, the strategies to use when answering questions and the analysis of how candidates score in the examinations.

Preparation
Three months before the examination
* Attempt the model questions for Paper 1 (Listening) and Paper 3 (Reading)
* Check your answers
* Practise writing the summaries and essays for Paper 4 (Writing) in Model Tests given.
* Edit your summaries using the answer key as a guide.
* Ask a friend who is proficient in English to read and edit your essays.
* Practise the tasks in Paper 2 (Speaking) with a friend /groups of friends who are willing to work with you.
* Try to adhere to the time allotted for each of the questions.
One week before the examination
* Make sure you have attempted every type of question given in the MUET Tests.
* Re-attempt the questions which you may not have performed well.

One day before the examination
* Check to make sure you remember the examination format.
* Read again the notes given on these strategies to use when answering questions.
* Sleep early so that you are well rested on the day of the examination.

On the day of the examination
* Glance through one of the Model Test papers you have attempted.
* Make sure you have all the stationery that you may need - 2B pencils, sharpener, eraser, ballpoint pens (preferably black) stapler with stapler with staples and ruler.
* Eat a good breakfast so that you have the energy to sit through the whole exam.
* Compose yourself, be calm and try not to panic.


Well, this tips could also be useful for any examinations that you are attempting!

MUET - MALAYSIAN UNIVERSITY ENGLISH TEST

Some of my students are taking the MUET this year. From my personal view, this examination is quite hard for Malaysian students coming form secondary level (form 6). Focusing on the comprehension part, the choice of vocabulary is quite hard to understand. However, most of my previous students said that the speaking task is quite easy for them to accomplished. Below is some general information that you might want to know about MUET:

General Information

• MUET is the acronym for the Malaysian University English Test. It is an English language competency test and is administered by the Malaysian Examinations Council.

• The Malaysian Examination Council has also formulated and made available the MUET syllabus to the general public.

• The MUET syllabus lists the four competency modes of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing and the corresponding skills for each mode. The MUET
test paper is based on these specifications.

The syllabus seeks to consolidate and enhance the English language ability of pre-university students to enable them to perform effectively in their academic pursuits at tertiary level, in line with the aspirations of the National Education Philosophy.


General Objectives

The general objective of the syllabus is to bridge the gap in language needs between secondary and tertiary education. This can be done through:

i. enhancing students' communicative competence: to a level appropriate for tertiary education,

ii. providing contexts for language use related to tertiary academic experience, and

iii. preparing students to meet various academic challenges through the development of critical thinking and the competent use of language skills.

Specific Objectives

The specific objectives of the syllabus are as follows:

i. Listening and Speaking
a. to raise students' listening, speaking and note-taking skills
b. to enable students to interact proficiently and efficiently in English in a variety of formal and informal situations
c. to develop students' ability to respond critically to information heard;

ii. Reading Comprehension
a. to enable students to understand texts beyond the literal level
b. to enhance students ability to understand the inter connectivity of text content from a variety of genres
c. to develop students' ability to respond critically to various texts.

iii. Writing
a. to write accurately and appropriately for a particular purpose and audience,
b. to organise materials logically, coherently and cohesively,
c. to develop writing skills specific to academic genres such as formal essays, term papers, reports and summaries.

Hopefully, the information could help you in your battle to confront the exam.
GOOD LUCK!