MUET INTRODUCTION READING GUIDE PAPER..pdf

Notes on how to ace reading MUET

1. Introduction to MUET
reading paper
by Madam Celia Henry
KolejMatrikulasiSelangor

2. What is the format of the MUET
reading test?
•The MUET reading test is worth 25 per cent of your overall MUET examination
mark.
•The weighting is the same as for the listening,speakingand writing tests.
•You will have 75 minutes to complete the MUET reading test.
•The test is taken on the same day as thewritingandlisteningtest.
•The MUET reading test is divided into seven parts with ten texts.
•You will be required to answer 40 questions overall that are scored out of a total
mark of 90.
•Questions are structured as three and four-option multiple-choice and multiple-
matching questions.

3. What is the format of the MUET
reading test?
•Let’s take a closer look at the test structure in the table below
Section Test type Question type Question total
Part 1
3 short texts (100-150 words). Similar
type & theme
4 MCQs 4
Part 2 2 texts (300-450 words) MCQs with 3 options 5
Part 3 2 texts (300-450 words) MCQs with 3 options 5
Part 4
2 texts (700-800 words). Different text
types
MCQs. 2 for each text & 2 comparison6
Part 5 1 text (500-600 words) Gap text, 6 missing sentences (7 options)6
Part 6 2 texts (700-900 words) MCQs (4 options) 7
Part 7 2 texts (700-900 words) MCQs (4 options) 7

4. What does the MUET reading test
evaluate?
•The MUET reading test evaluates your ability to understand and comprehend English language text.
•The key skills and understanding needed for the MUET reading test are:
•Reading and comprehension
•Language level, context and complexity
•Grammar, syntax and phrases
•Information identification
•Understanding of main ideas
•Vocabulary
•Understanding opinion, argument and fact
•Summarising information
•

5. What are the top tips for the MUET reading
test?
If you’re looking to get a good score on the MUET reading test, you need to understand the unique
nature of each part of the test. Each will test a slightly different skill:
•Part one -Identify facts from specific texts
•Parts two and three -Identify the main ideas and details. Infer meaning and reach conclusions. Identify
details that can support an argument.
•Part four -Understand the main idea, supporting details, context, facts, and opinions. Compare and
contrast information. Interpret the author's opinion, position and argument.
•Part five -Identify the purpose of the text, understand text structure and cause and effect.
•Part six and seven -Recognise the features of a text including, emotion, detail, opinion, attitude,
purpose, and implication. Understand text organisation for comparison, reference and arrangement.

6. IMPORTANT TIPS!!
•Spend lesser time on Part 1, 2 and 3.—A2 level –comprehensible, language
is easy and manageable to understand –easier to score
•Botanical garden = surrounded by lush green garden
•Part 4 –7 will be a bit more challenging
•Part 5 is difficult some take up to 20 minsto answer t/fore spend lesser time
in Part 1-3.

7. Steps that you can take to ensure success in the
MUET reading test :
•Practice reading different materials. Make notes and highlight words you are not
familiar with. Keep notes and information on new vocabulary.
•Make sure to read quality materials that reflect the level of English you’ll need to
display in the test. Use newspapers, magazines, websites, and books. Vary the
length of the materials that you are reading. Challenge yourself to read longer
pieces.
•Plan your time carefully. The time set for the exam isn’t that long so you will need
to work quickly and under pressure. Practice your reading speed and use some of
the MUET practice papers to time yourself.
•Alwaysread the question carefully as to what is being asked. That way, you can
identify key facts and elements that will help you answer the question.
•Try to understand the style, tone and purpose of the pieces that you are reading.

8. MUET Reading Tip #2: Read good reading materials
MUET exam evaluates your ability to understand long
texts and material, you will need to familiarise yourself
with high-quality reading material. You should stay up
to date with the latest news and trends, as they will
likely appear in future topics.
Here are the potential topics that you will need to
know for the MUET reading exam:
People and culture
Financial awareness
Consumerism
Science and technology
Environment and health
Education

9. Read good reading materials
Local newspaper
The Star
The New Straits Times
The Sun
International newspaper
The Guardian
The New York Post
The New York Times
Magazine
Readers’ Digest
Time
The New Yorker
Podcast
BFM: The Business Station
The Malaysian Student Podcast
Ted Podcasts

10. MUET Reading Tip #3: Practice past year questions
•Practising past year questions will ensure you
are familiar with the format and questions
for the MUET reading exam.
•In addition, you will better understand your
weaknesses, develop your reading skills, and
train your critical thinking skills, thereby
becoming more confident in taking the test!

11. MuetReading Tip #4: Skim and scan
You will need to be able to skim and scan
your way through the questions efficiently.
Skimmingrefers to speed reading to find
the main idea, while
Scanningrefers to a reading technique in
which you need to examine a text quickly for
specific information.

12. MuetReading Tip #5: Identify the questions
Be sure to spend your time wisely, as you have approximately
2 minutes or less to answer a question.
Organise your time and determine how much time you will
need to dedicate to each part of the question. Remember,
time is the essence!
You can save time by keeping these reminders in mind:
Make sure to read the questions carefully and underline each
keyword for each section.
Use the skim and scan techniques correctly.
Double-check the options before selecting your final answer.

13. WARM UP!

21. that’s ALL FOR TODAY.
HAPPY READING