Past Year Speaking Questions: Theme: Crime

June 2001

There has been an increase in burglaries in your neighbourhood and the

residents are very worried about their safety. A committee has been set up to
look into this matter. As a member of the committee, suggest ways to make
the neighbourhood a safer place.

Task 1 Individual
A. You suggest the residents improve safety features of neighbourhood. Give
reasons for your suggestion. B. A police officer be invited to talk on security
measures C. Residents be taught to defend themselves against intruders. D. “Rukun
Tetangga” teams be set up to patrol the neighbourhood at night

Task 2 Group Discussion

Discuss the best way to make the neighbourhood a safer place.

May 2002

As members of the Neighbourhood Watch, you and your friends are concerned
about the increase in the number of petty crimes (handbag snatching, stealing
of shoes, and breaking into cars) in your neighbourhood. You suggest one
reason for this increase.

Task 1 Individual
A. In your opinion, the rise in petty crimes is caused by the increase in the number of
drug addicts. Give reasons to support your opinion. B. the increase in the number of
illegal immigrants C. the lack of interest shown by the public D. the increase in the
number of unemployed

Task 2 Group Discussion

Discuss which one of the following reasons is the main cause for the increase in
petty crimes.
October 2002

Lately there have been several break-ins and vandalism on your school
premises. There is a great need to improve security. Your School Board
welcomes suggestions from anyone. You would like to recommend a security
measure.

Task 1 Individual
A. You feel that the school authorities should employ security guards for the school.
Justify your opinion. B. Install an alarm system C. Install grills on all doors & windows
D. Get police to make regular patrols.

Task 2 Group Discussion

Discuss which is the most effective measure to improve security in school.

October 2007

Crimes against children, such as kidnapping, assault and abuse, are on the
increase. The Social Welfare Department invites suggestions from the public
on what can be done to protect children from such crimes.

Task 1 Individual
A. You suggest that children should be taught how to protect themselves. Elaborate.
B. The school authorities should take safety measures to protect children while they
are at school C. The government should impose more severe punishment on those
who commit crimes against children.
D. Parents should take greater responsibility in ensuring the safety of their children.

Task 2 Group Discussion

Which is the most effective suggestion to protect children against crimes?
Past Year Speaking Questions: Theme: National Service

May 2005
Task 1
You and your friends have to go for National Service training. How could you
help prepare yourself for this event?

A You feel that you should prepare yourself to be physically fit

B You should learn to be more independent
C You should get to know more about the different cultures in Malaysia
D You should get involved in community service
Task 2
Which of the following would be the most useful way to prepare oneself for NS?
October 2007
Task 1
It is generally agreed that the National Service Programme can be improved.
Suggest some ways in which the NSP can be enhanced. Elaborate.

A. Boys and girls should be placed in separate camps

B. The NSP should be compulsory for all youths
C. The duration of the programme should be extended
D. The facilities at the camps should be upgraded

Task 2
Which is the most useful suggestion to improve the NSP?
 MUET Speaking: Example of a Group Discussion

CANDIDATE C: Good morning everyone. We are here to discuss ( To initiate the discussion) the
most effective way to overcome the problem of obesity. We have four suggestions,
which are to change eating habits, daily exercise, health talks and awareness
campaigns. Candidate B, would you like to share your opinion with us?( To ask
for opinion/view).

CANDIDATE B: Yes I would, thank you, Candidate C. I strongly believe that (To express opinion/view)
the most effective is to engage in daily exercise. Exercising increases our metabolic
rate and this helps to burn calories. Exercise such as jogging and swimming burn the
excess fat accumulated under our ski. Half an hour of exercise daily will surely help
to keep obesity at bay. Do you agree with me,(To ask for opinion) Candidate D?

CANDIDATE D: I am sorry, Candidate B. I don’t agree with the point that you have just mentioned. I
do not think that ( To disagree) daily exercise is the most effective way to check
obesity. In my opinion, I would say that (To give opinion) awareness campaigns
are a better solution because such campaigns could influence the minds of the
public. Such campaigns, if widely publicized by the mass media, could be highly
effective in getting people to be aware of the dangers of and consequently check
obesity. It is when people are aware of the importance of taking care of their health
that they will take the pains to stay fit.

CANDIDATE A: Excuse me, (To interrupt) Candidate D, can I say something? (To interrupt)

CANDIDATE D: Yes, please go ahead.

CANDIDATE A: Thank you , Candidate D. I see your point, but I am of the opinion that (To partially
agree) changing eating habits is the most effective way to overcome the problem of
obesity. This is because bad eating habit is the main reason for obesity. We need to
fight the problem from is roots. Taking a balanced diet according to the food pyramid
would reduce the intake of high fat, sodium, sugar ,calorie- and cholesterol-laden
food. Fruits, vegetable and cereals that provide fibre reduce hunger pangs and
provide essential nutrients. Lost of water flushes out the toxins accumulated in the
body. I believe (To give opinion) all these could help to check obesity. Candidate
C, what do you think?(To ask for opinion)

CANDIDATE C: I am sorry , Candidate A. I feel that changing eating habits is not necessarily the
best solution.(To disagree).In my point of view (To give opinion),health talks are
more effective in dealing with obesity. People get more direct information on how to
choose the best type of food for them and they also learn different ways to improve
their health. There are often free screenings like Body-Mass Index tests and health
checks during these talks and this will help people become more aware of health
problems related to obesity. People can get advice that is tailored to their personal
needs.
CANDIDATE B: I don’t agree with your point, (To express disagreement) Candidate C . I think
health talks are not effective in helping to check obesity as people merely listen and
forget about the advice when they get home. People don’t internalize the
information. Don’t you agree with me, (To ask for support/opinion) Candidate D?

CANDIDATE D: You have made your view very clear. I agree with you.(To agree) Well, now that we
have presented all our view points, what do you have to say (To come to
consensus), Candidate A?

CANDIDATE A: I support the opinion of (To agree and support an opinion) Candidate B that daily
exercise is the most effective way in checking obesity.
CANDIDATE D: What about you(To ask for opinion),Candidate C?

CANDIDATE C: I guess Candidate B has a very good point there.(To agree and support an opinion).
Daily exercise is the most effective solution.

CANDIDATE D: Right, so we all agree that daily exercise is the most effective solution to control
obesity ( To express the group decision). Does anyone have anything else to
say? Otherwise, let’s bring his discussion to a close(To end the
discussion). Thank you for your contributions to this discussion.(To close the
discussion)

GUIDELINES
1. Practice, practical practice!
· Practice preparing points on a topic within two minutes
· Practice speaking in class
· Practice in front of mirror
· Practice note-taking skills

2. Read widely and keep abreast with current issues

3. Organize your ideas and thoughts quickly

· Highlight key words or phrases to help you focus on the task
· Use short notes
· Organize key word/note in a logical order
· Avoid sweeping statements or generalizations
· Give reason and examples to substantiate points
· Given a reasonable, practical opinion or suggestion

4. Be calm and confident. Speak convincingly.

5. Body language
· Sit upright
· Smile and be cheerful
· Use appropriate, natural hand gestures
· Do not look nervous or sad
· Avoid fidgeting, folding your arms or shaking your legs
· Avoid fiddling with your pen or tapping the table with your pen fingers
6. Speck clearly
· Ensure your voice is audible; do not mumble
· Do not shout
· Do not speak too fast or pause too long
· Vary your too fast or pause too long
· Vary your pitch and intonation
· Articulate your words properly
· Avoid filled pauses such as ‘ err’ or ‘uuhhh’
· Refrain from peculiar speech habits such as ‘you know’, ‘alright’, ‘actually’
· Remember not to use ‘lah’

7. Be an participant in Task B
· Do not keep quiet
· Learn how to interrupt politely
· Do not dominate or monopolize the discussion
· Do not assume that you are always right
· Use connectives and relevant expressions

8. Observe social conventions when interacting

· Address others properly
· Be friendly, polite and diplomatic
· Do not be upset if your opinion or suggestion is not accepted
· Accept better suggestions
· Avoid being personal, defensive or creating uneasiness and anxiety

9. Pay attention to the discussion

· Listen attentively when others are talking
· Do not daydream
· Keep to your topic and be focused. Do not go out of point

10. Keep within the stipulated time

· Ensure that there is enough time for everyone to present their points
· Do not spend so much time on the first point that there is insufficient time to
discuss other points. Allocate sufficient time for each point.
Example 1: (taken from the "End 2009" Speaking paper)

Candidate A

Situation
What do you think affects the reputation of a family? Give your view.

Task A:
You believe the behaviour of family members can affect the reputation of a family.
Elaborate.

Candidate B: Income levels of family members

Candidate C: Education levels of family members
Candidate D: Occupation of family members

Task B: Which of the following is the most important factor that can affect the
reputation of a family?

Candidate A: Behaviour of family members

Candidate B: Income levels of family members
Candidate C: Education levels of family members
Candidate D: Occupation of family members
Example 2:

TASK A_____________________________________________
Situation

We should always be patriotic to our country. How can we show our patriotism?

Candidate A:

Task A: What are the ways to show patriotism as an individual? Elaborate.

Please note that what you have to talk about (as Candidate A) are the ways to
show patriotism. As Candidate A you have to speak on how to show patriotism
where you are - as an individual. That is you are doing in your person situation as
an ordinary individual. As candidate B you have to speak on how to show patriotism
as required in the question, not as an individual. Please note that. If you miss that
key point you might be talking about something else. You might be speaking
about being patriotic is not to be individualistic. Then, the score of your marks
will be affected.

Please note that you have to elaborate. That means you have to expand or give
more supporting details for your points that you put forward in your discussion. In
the discussion you should not just only speak out your points. You will have to say
more about them such as quoting examples or illustrations, give justifications or
reasons and saying it in different words (or paraphrase) so that the listeners will
understand it better. If necessary you should give further information on the points
and also give definitions or meanings of the words and phrases given.

The other candidates will have the following questions:

Candidate B: What are the ways to show patriotism as a community? Elaborate.

Candidate C: What are the ways to show patriotism at a national level? Elaborate.
Candidate D: What are the ways thato show patriotism at an international level?
Elaborate.

TASK B

Situation

We should always be patriotic to our country. How can we show our patriotism?

Task B: Discuss at which level patriotism can be most effectively displayed?

(i) As an individual
(ii) As a community
(iii) At a national level
(vi) At an international level
MUET Speaking Past Years' Questions
MUET October 2006
How a fresh graduate can succeed in workplace besides good academics?

 Good communication skills

 Ability to cooperate with others
 Computer skills
 Self-discipline

How to encourage the students to read more?

 Set up a reading corner around the college

 Equip the library with more interesting materials
 Second hand book store
 Reward those who read more

What would make a good life partner?

 Religious
 Wealthy
 Good-looking
 Fun to be with

How to promote tourism in Malaysia?

 Build more tourist spots

 Build more affordable hotels
 Using Information Technology (IT)
 More facilities

How to attract customers?

 Reasonable price
 Extend business hours
 Fresh goods
 Helpful and courteous staffs

What challenge would be faced by youth in 21st century?

 Knowledgeable skills
 Resources
 Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
 Good in studies and active in co-curriculum activities
EXAMPLE BAND 5 ESSAY
The world today is turning more to electronic communications such as the e-mail, Facebook
and Short Message System (SMS). What is your opinion of this growing trend? Discuss. You
should write at least 350 words.

As time goes by, the world is changing rapidly; so are its people and the technology itself.
Technology brings about a lot of amendments in people’s life. It is getting more advanced
from day to day especially when it comes to Information Technology or in this case;
electronic communications. Back then, mailing was seemingly to be one of the most vital
ways of communication especially for the world communication. In contrast, nowadays
people are more prone to communicate the easier ways; by staring on their electronic
accounts on their computers or through their iPods and sending short messages from their
iPhones or Blackberries. Why is it so? In my slight opinion, this growing trend gives a lot of
dominances in today’s life, which are helping people to save their time and money, create
borderless communication and make it easy for people to gain prominent information.

First and foremost, the world today is turning more to electronic communications like e-mail,
Facebook and Short Message System (SMS) and other electronic communications is
because they will prevent people from wasting their time and money. How do these work?
As we all know, sending a letter to someone will take a lot of processes and will eventually
take a long time and waste a lot of money. On the contrary, electronic communications entail
only the tip of our fingers so as an electronic device to work with. Then, what is left for us to
do is just, typing! Has that not taken a much lesser time and money? For instance, an e-mail
only requires us to turn on our laptops, open our accounts on the website and then, you can
start write your letter and send them through e-mails. In short, with the very unstable
economy nowadays, having these kinds of communications will ease everyone’s burden
especially on their daily expenses and also their valuable time will not be wasted.
Secondly, the growing trend of electronic communications is making it possible for a
borderless communication which is vital these days. Why is it vital? A lot of things require
borderless communication; in education field, businesses and even daily activities,
especially when foreigners involved. For example, when trading with foreigners, in order to
communicate with each other, they need Skype or Yahoo Messenger as mediums to interact
and be able to do the trade at a faster rate as compared to by using ‘snail mails’ or regular
letters. Skype is the perfect example of an electronic communication which will cut the
boundary that has separated each country and make communication between two different
countries from around the world possible. In conclusion, it is crucial to have these electronic
communications in today’s age of globalization as they make it easier for people around the
world to connect with each other.

Last but not least, the dominance of these electronic communications is people could gain
prominent information more efficiently than before. As there are lesser borders between
countries, the efficiency of getting much more relevant and prominent information is higher.
People will have the ability to provide and gain information effectively through Facebook or
Twitter accounts. For example, international artists who have planned to do a world concert
can inform their fans about it through their Facebook account. Likewise, the fans also can
ask just about anything to their favourite artists regarding the concert. Hence, this explains
why people make these electronic communications as a huge trend these days and in order
to keep the trend ongoing, each person has the responsibility to adapt with the technology
itself.

In a nutshell, the growing trend of using electronic communications is inevitably vital in

people’s lives as it gives out a lot of benefits as stated in above paragraphs. So, to avoid
ourselves from not getting the chance of keeping up with the changing trends, we have to try
our best to adapt ourselves with the rapid changes. I believe that the electronic
communication trend is a trend which is very important to be followed as the world is getting
more advanced day to day.
The rising levels of congestion and air pollution found in most of the world cities can
be attributed directly to the rapidly increasing number of private cars in use. In order
to reverse this decline in the quality of life in cities, attempts must be made to
encourage people to use their cars less and public transport more. Discuss possible
ways to encourage the use of public transport.
To what extent do you agree with this statement?
You should write at least 250 words.

In a world of increasing environmental awareness improved public transport represents the

way of the future. Although people do enjoy the convenience and privacy of traveling in their
own private vehicles, in my opinion they may choose public transport if it fulfills certain
conditions. These conditions fall into three broad categories: attitudinal, financial and
logistical.

From an attitudinal perspective, people must first be convinced of the benefits of public
transportation. An educational or public relations campaign must be launched to sensitize
those who might have disregarded this possibility before. People should be familiarized with
the environmental, social and personal benefits for present and future generations. This is
one step.

From a financial perspective, public transportation must be a clear and viable benefit to
consumers. In other words, it must be more affordable than driving to work every day. For
example, if people know that by using bus and subway, they can save enough money to
take a free holiday each year, many more individuals would be persuaded to travel in this
way. This is another critical step.

From a logistical perspective, public transportation should be convenient for commuters. City
planners and transport officials must ensure that frequent and reliable public transportation is
available for each citizen. For people to make the habit of traveling by bus or subway, they
must know that they will be able to get to various places on time. Transport vehicles must be
well maintained, subway and bus drivers should be customer-oriented and service must be
punctual and efficient. This is an additional important step.

In conclusion, through a multi-pronged approach, it is possible to increase the use of public

transportation. City officials and politicians can lead the way by utilizing these forms of
transport themselves and bringing about change through personal example. Then, more
citizens will follow suit and we may all hope to live in a cleaner, less polluted environment.

(316 words)
Foreign language instruction should begin in kindergarten. Discuss.
Write at least 250 words.

According to a famous saying, “The limits of my language are the limits of my world.” Indeed,
the ability to speak several languages is considered one of the hallmarks of a cultured
person. From this perspective, foreign language instruction should begin as early as possible
in order to achieve near-native fluency. The reasons behind this approach are intellectual,
social and professional.

Intellectually, learning a foreign language at a young age enables children to develop their
brain. At this age, children’s minds are like sponges and their capacities are limitless. They
have less inhibition or biases against learning different subjects. They can learn one, two or
three languages without confusion; it would only serve to expand their minds. Therefore, it is
ideal to start teaching a foreign language in kindergarten.

Socially, learning a foreign language enables the young child to enter a wider cultural world.
By learning to speak, think and understand a different language, the child develops greater
cross-cultural awareness. This critical ability enables the child to make friends with, identify
with and empathize with others who speak the additional language.

Professionally, by learning a foreign language in kindergarten, the child expands his/her

future career horizons. In today’s increasingly globalized world, bilingual and multilingual
individuals are in high demand. The child who achieves this fluency naturally and easily at a
young age already has an edge over others in the job market.
In summary, numerous benefits flow from teaching a foreign language from kindergarten.
The child will most likely grow up to thank those who made such a learning experience
possible.