MUET-Notes for Speaking test

MALAYSIAN UNIVERSITY ENGLISH TEST Presented by, SPEAKING 800/2 Mdm. Audrey Koh Speaking Examiner since 2003

NOTE MANAGEMENT

● Every student will be given a blank piece of A4 paper to write notes. ● Try to think of at least 3 points with 2 examples each. ● If you are candidate C, write in that section only. ● Take note of your friends’ ideas when they are presenting

A) 1. _____

B) 1. _____

2. _____

2. _____

3. _____

3 _____

C) 1. _____

D) 1.______

2. _____

2. ______

3. _____

3. ______

Situation: You live in the capital city of Malaysia and your friend is getting married in Bangkok. A group of you would like to attend the wedding. Decide the best way to get there. Candidate A: You suggest going by flight. Candidate B: You suggest going by car. Candidate C: You suggest going by train. Candidate D: You suggest going by bus.

A)

FLIGHT

KL to Bangkok non-stop

1) Most direct way fast, X waste time

2) Cheap fares

3.Group fares

book early, best price many budget airlines, eg. Air Asia discount for group

go together, share experience

TASK A Each 2-min presentation should include 5 important elements: 1. Greetings 2. Repeat situation from the question 3. State the point given to you 4. 3 pts with relevant explanation & examples 5. Conclusion

1. Greetings 1. Good morning to everyone. 2. Good morning I bid to one and all. 3. Good morning to the examinerS and all candidateS. 4. A very good morning I wish to all examinerS and fellow candidateS.

2. Repeat Situation 1. Today we are talking about… 2. The situation I have been given is… 3. According to the situation… 4. Based on the situation given…

3. State the point given 1. I would like to give 3 reasons for my point which is… 2. There are 3 reasons to support my point which is… 3. My point is ________ so to elaborate I would like to discuss 3 reasons. 4. I think that ____________ is the best idea.

4. 3 Pts (Explanation & Examples) 1. Firstly, I think that…This is because.. Moreover,... For example,… 2. Secondly, another reason is… In addition, … For instance,… 3. Finally, in my opinion…Furthermore,… A good example is...

5. Conclusion 1. In conclusion, this is the best point because… 2. To conclude, I still agree that… 3. In a nutshell, I feel that… 4. In short, my idea is the best because…

It’s ok if… 1. you don’t speak on 3 points. - No penalty as long as you develop even one point well with good elaboration and examples. The 3 points we stress on is just for practice. 2. you don’t have a conclusion. - No penalty but if you manage to do a conclusion you will logically score higher because your presentation is more structured. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS TALK NON-STOP FOR 2 MINS!!!!!

TASK B USEFUL PHRASES FOR THE GROUP DISCUSSION

Agree ● I agree with you. (NOT: I’m agree.) ● That’s a great idea! ● I see your point! ● That’s an interesting perspective. ● I like your suggestion. ● Indeed! ● I concur with your point of view.

Disagree ● I’m sorry but I disagree. (NOT: I’m not agree) ● I’m afraid I have to disagree with your idea. ● I don’t see eye to eye with you. ● That’s not a good idea/suggestion. ● I beg to differ.

Interrupting ● Excuse me, may I interrupt please. ● I’d like to add something please. ● May I say something? ● Could you please hear me out. ● Pardon me but could I add something please.

Questioning ● So what do you think, Candidate X? ● How about your point of view? ● Candidate X, would you like to give us your opinion? ● Does anyone agree with me? ● Why don’t we consider the other points? ● I don’t understand, can you please repeat? ● Any suggestions?

Concluding ● In conclusion, ALL OF US agree that… ● To conclude, MOST OF US agree that… ● In a nutshell, SOME OF US agree that… while SOME OF US prefer… ● As time is running out, it seems that ALL OF US CAN’T AGREE on which option is the best because each point has many advantages and disadvantages.

8 Smart Tips for Scoring in Speaking ● 1. Memorisation Technique: First understand then learn all the multipurpose phrases introduced here because they work in all situations. ● 2. Fishing Technique: Read the situation carefully then ask the examiners what it means (even if you are sure you understand because they could give you extra points or vocabulary)

● 3. Parroting Technique: If you really go blank, don’t worry. Just say you agree then repeat everything your friend just said. You’ll still get marks for participation. ● 4. Bimbo Technique: If you have absolutely nothing to say, repeat this sentence: “I’m sorry, I don’t understand your point. Can you please explain it again?”

● 5. Cooperative Technique: If your friend can’t remember a word/phrase or has trouble explaining their ideas, you MUST help him/her by suggesting other words/phrases/ideas. You will get points for teamwork. ● 6. Equal Opportunity Technique: Never control a conversation by wanting to talk all the time and never giving others a chance. Instead, always ask other candidates their opinion. Encourage the quiet ones to speak up and you will get higher marks.

● 7. Anti-Donkey Technique: Pay attention to the time and when it gets closer to the end of 10 mins, just try and agree with one person (even if you really don’t think so in real life! No point being stubborn in the test.) ● 8. Concluding Technique: Make sure you agree BEFORE going into the exam room who will be doing the conclusion. Pay close attention to the time and steer everyone to making the right

It’s ok if… 1. all of you CAN’T AGREE on a single point. - you should be able to decide on a single point within 10 mins of discussing, but if you don’t there is no penalty. 2. your group doesn’t have a conclusion. - No penalty but if you manage to do a conclusion you will logically score higher because your discussion is more structured. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS DISCUSS ACTIVELY 10 MINS!!!!!

Finally…

Don’t panic if you didn’t

do well in Task 1. You can still pass if you participate actively in Task 2.