MALAYSIAN UNIVERSITY ENGLISH TEST (MUET)

Paper 4: Writing (800/4)

Question (2): Extended Writing
Prepared by,
Abang Mohd. Azlan,
FIA Head of Programme,
School of Foundation Studies,
University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS).
Enhanced by: DHAA
 FOR
QUESTION 2:
(EXTENDED
WRITING)
Abang Mohd. Azlan/UCTS/MUET/2015
 PAPER 4 (800/4): Question 2 (Extended Writing)
• Extended piece of writing.
• In task 2, students are required to write an essay based on
the topic given.
• Students need to provide adequate elaboration and show
clear evidence of language proficiency and organization.
• This question carries 60 marks.
• Students are advised to spend 45 minutes on this question.
• The essay must not be less than 350 words.
Abang Mohd. Azlan/UCTS/MUET/2015
Question 2 requires Present a
solution to
candidates to do a problem

the following:
Discuss Compare
both sides EXTENDED and
of a WRITING contrast
problem an opinion

Justify an
opinion by
providing
relevant
details
Abang Mohd. Azlan/UCTS/MUET/2015
Your essay should have relevant and logical ideas and must show
mature development of thoughts.
The following types of essays may be asked in Question 2
(extended writing):
I. Argumentative Essays (agree, disagree, or be neutral)
II. Discussion Essays (for, against or both)
III. Opinion Essays
IV. Problem-Solution Essays

Abang Mohd. Azlan/UCTS/MUET/2015

 Sample Question Task:
TOPIC More and more people are smoking these
days. Despite warnings from several parties,
smokers continue to endanger themselves.
QUESTION TASK What are some of the effects of smoking
and how can the government help to
address the problem? Discuss.
 Essay Structure
• Present a background or explain the context
• Introduce the opinions discussed in the essay or its focus
INTRODUCTION

• Discuss the main ideas

• Extend and support them with reasons, explanation, examples
• Logically divide them into separate paragraphs
BODY

• Restate any opinions discussed / give a final opinion

• Give suggestions on the issue
CONCLUSION
THE PROCESS APPROACH TO WRITING

Stage 4:
Editing
Stage 3:
Revising
Stage 2:
Drafting

Stage 1:
Prewriting

Abang Mohd. Azlan/UCTS/MUET/2015

Consider your reader
I. Who is your audience?

Stage 1
II. What is your purpose of writing?
Preparation before writing

Prewriting
I. Read question carefully.
II. Think.
III. Take notes.
IV. Brainstorm.
V. Gather information.

Abang Mohd. Azlan/UCTS/MUET/2015

 Stage 2 drafting
Plan your writing and prepare an outline. Organize according to
topic sentence, supporting ideas and examples.
Put ideas into sentences and paragraphs.
Explain and support ideas.
Link sentences and paragraphs to solidify arguments.

Abang Mohd. Azlan/UCTS/MUET/2015

 Stage 3 revising
Consider reader’s needs and expectations.
I. What else is needed to convince the reader?
II. Which terms must be defined further?
III. Do readers need to know X before understanding Y?
IV. Make sentences concise and clear. Polish your language so that
the readers can understand your essay well.

Abang Mohd. Azlan/UCTS/MUET/2015

 Stage 4 Editing
Check grammar, punctuation and spelling.

Abang Mohd. Azlan/UCTS/MUET/2015

 TASK 2
SAMPLE OF QUESTIONS
 SAMPLE QUESTION 1 (OPINION)

• Young people should volunteer for community

service. Discuss. Write your answer in about
350 words, providing reasons, examples and
justifications.
 SAMPLE QUESTION 2 (PROBLEM-SOLUTION)
• There have been many complaints against
foreign students studying in Malaysian
universities who abuse their student visas and
are involved in criminal activities. Discuss the
types of criminal activities they are involved in and
what the authorities should do to solve the
problem. You should write at least 350 words.
Abang Mohd. Azlan/UCTS/MUET/2015
 SAMPLE QUESTION 3 (ARGUMENTATIVE)

• Most young people are on Facebook today. Do

you think this is a healthy trend? You should
write at least 350 words.

Abang Mohd. Azlan/UCTS/MUET/2015

 SAMPLE QUESTION 4 (ARGUMENTATIVE)

• As we head towards the year 2020, many

Malaysians feel that much remains to be
done in order to improve the quality of our
life. Do you agree? Give your opinion. You
should write at least 350 words.