TIPS FOR MUET CANDIDATES

Try not to treat or think of MUET as a scary test. However, don't under estimate the preparation, time and effort required for this test either. If you have friends or classmates who have taken the test, ask them about it. You'll probably get many many different types of answers. "OMG! It's tough!" or "Actually, its not that hard." Their experiences may vary depending on the amount of preparation done as well as their background in English.

Well, MUET is a test. So, you have to put some effort and time into preparing for it. Many students ask me all the time. "How many hours do I have to study?" Then, I would ask in return. "What's your target band score? Band 6? 5? 4? 3?" If you know that you need Band 3 to pursue and continue your studies in Business Management, Marketing, Accounts etc, and you're not very confident about your English proficiency and ability, then, be prepared to work on it. If you know that you need Band 4 or 5 to pursue your education in Law, Pharmacy, Medicine etc, then, be prepared to work very hard.

The time and effort that you put into preparing for MUET also ensures that you won't struggle with English when you are pursuing your degree or Master's. Imagine the frustration of struggling with English words, vocabulary etc. It makes studying your course tedious and challenging. You should be trying to understand the concepts and ideas of your course rather than waste time on looking up almost every single word in your text book.

Ok, so once you're mentally prepared to work hard on getting your target band score for MUET. What should you do?

Tip #1
Check out the structure and format of the test.
Get your hands on model test papers or past year papers. You can obtain this easily from the bookstore or from your MUET tutor. How many papers/components do you have to take? How many questions? What type of questions? How much time do you have to complete the test?

Tip #2
Prepare a plan of action.
When do you need to take the test? When do you need to submit your results to your university? You need to decide and draw up a timeline or schedule. If its July now and MUET is in October/November, ask yourself, how much time would you have to allocate to MUET preparation for the next 3 months or 12 weeks? 3 times a week, 2 hours a day? Self-study? Form a study group? Join a class? I would suggest all three.

Tip #3
Practice, practice, practice.
Yes, its just that simple. However, easier said than done. You need to manage you time and motivation level. How badly do you want this? Think about the consequences. If you don't get the band you need, what happens? You really want to pursue tertiary education or in some cases, graduate from university. Then, practice, practice, practice. After attending sessions with your MUET tutor and study group, do the following.
 

Practice Speaking. Get MUET speaking questions and simulate the test. Speak to yourself. Pretend you are in the test. Visualise the test scenario. This is the best way to prevent going blank, panic in the REAL speaking test session.

Practice Reading. Its important to attempt model questions. You need to practice skimming and scanning for answers. You need to know that you can finish the 45 questions in 90 minutes.

Practice Listening. When attempting the listening test, DON'T listen to every single word of the recording. You need to learn the techniques of listening for meaning and gist. That takes practice. If you are struggling to spell words, don't despair, just practice even more.

Practice Writing. Yes, the questions that have appeared in past year papers will not come out again. And how likely are you able to predict the questions for writing. So, what should you do? You need to practice expressing your thoughts, views, opinion, ideas in writing on paper, in the most coherent manner and with suitable vocabulary. This, takes practice. 

Tip #4
Read, read, read.
What should you read? Be smart about it. What kind of topics are you likely to get in your test. Read articles that are relevant to those. Do you know about Plastic surgery? Social problems? Crime rates? Crime prevention? ICT updates? Work related stress? Not much? Then read about them. Read online magazines, newspapers, good quality blogs, articles from english language websites. Save them, email to your friends, share and exchange articles. 

Tip #5
Vocabulary, vocabulary, vocabulary.
Get a good academic workbook and work on it. Academic vocabulary which is required for MUET is different from normal everyday English. I've uploaded a vocabulary workbook on my blog. Download the pdf file, get it printed and complete it.

All the best in your MUET preparation.

WAYS TO DEAL WITH ANXIETY

Everyone has feelings of anxiety, nervousness, tension, and stress from time to time. Here are 5 ways to help manage them:

1. Become a relaxation expert. 

We all think we know how to relax. But chilling out in front of the TV or computer isn't true relaxation. (Depending on what you're watching or doing, it could even make you more tense.) The same is true for alcohol, drugs, or tobacco. They may seem to relieve anxiety or stress, but it's a false state of relaxation that's only temporary. What the body really needs is a relaxation technique — like deep breathing, tai chi, or yoga — that has a physical effect on the mind. For example, deep breathing helps to relax a major nerve that runs from the diaphragm to the brain, sending a message to the entire body to let go and loosen up. 

2. Get enough sleep, nourishment, and exercise.

Want your mind and body to feel peaceful and strong enough to handle life's ups and downs? Get the right amount of sleep for your needs — not too much or too little. Eat well: Choose fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains for long-term energy (instead of the short bursts that come from too much sugar or caffeine). And exercise to send oxygen to every cell in the body so your brain and body can operate at their best.  

3. Connect with others. 

Spend time with friends or family. Organized activities are great, but just hanging out works too. Doing things with those we feel close to deepens our bonds, allowing us to feel supported and secure. And the fun and sharing that go with it allow us to feel happier and less upset about things. If you feel worried or nervous about something, talking about it with someone who listens and cares can help you feel more understood and better able to cope. You'll be reminded that everyone has these feelings sometimes. You're not alone. 

4. Connect with nature. 

Heading out for a walk in the park or a hike in the woods can help anyone feel peaceful and grounded. (Choose somewhere you feel safe so you can relax and enjoy your surroundings.) Walking, hiking, trail biking, or snowshoeing offer the additional benefit of exercise. Invite a friend or two — or a family member — along and enjoy feeling connected to people as well. 

5. Think positive. 

A great way to keep our minds off the worry track is to focus our thoughts on things that are good, beautiful, and positive. Allow yourself to dream, wish, and imagine the best that could happen.

Note: When anxiety or worry feels extreme, it may be a sign of an anxiety disorder. For someone who has an anxiety disorder, getting proper care from a health professional is important. These tips can help too, of course. But professional treatment is the only way to shake an anxiety disorder.