Placing emphasis on MUET

THE Malaysian University English Test (MUET) is a test of English Language proficiency for university admissions.

It is a fundamental compulsory test that has been determined by the Examination Council as a pre-requisite for admission to do undergraduate studies.

MUET was introduced in 1999. It aims to strengthen and boost English language proficiency among pre-university students.

MUET is also in line with the Common European Framework Reference for Language and is recognised as an entry requirement by several foreign universities.

The MUET tests four components - Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.

The scores of each of the components are then graded into six bands with Band One as Extremely Limited User and Band Six as Very Good User.

The MUET is a good and reliable test to place the undergraduates at the different bands to show their levels of proficiency and competency in the English language.

From 2016, the minimum MUET requirement was increased according to the field of study: band two for arts and social sciences, band three for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses and band four for law and medical courses.

In the Teacher Education Division, English option teacher trainees (Teaching of English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) were required to obtain a Band Four while non-English option teacher trainees were required to obtain a Band Three in MUET.

The MUET is now conducted three times a year (March, July and November) due to the overwhelming response.

Hopefully, the education authorities would take measures to make MUET a must and revise the entry requirements so that all universities and institutes of higher learning place emphasis on the significance of the MUET requirement.