ENGLISH LANGUAGE WB 023

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Our research is on the views and perceptions of Kolej Matrikulasi Perak students on Malaysian University English Test. Malaysian University English Test (MUET)is a test of English language proficiency, largely for university admissions. Most candidates who sit for MUET do so to apply for admissions in public universities and colleges.

There are four components in Malaysian University English Test that are Listening (800/1) with maximum score of 45 scores,Speaking(800/2) with maximum score of 45 scores, Reading(800/3) with maximum score of 120 scores,Writing(800/4) with maximum score of 90 scores. The highest band can be achieved is Band 6, whereas the lowest is Band 1. For entering universities with certain courses, better Malaysian University English Test result give more advantages to the appliers. For Kolej Matrikulasi Perak students for one year programme, we had sit for Malaysian University English Test for End-year 2011 session.When students are talking among their friends, many of them are not satisfied with their performances during Malaysian University English Test last semester. Most of them are disappointed about their results too. The percentage of students retaking Malaysian University English Test also increases. From that, we decided to choose this topic so that we can find out what are the views and opinions of Kolej Matrikulasi Perak students on Malaysian University English Test. Therefore, a study was initiated among 100 students of Kolej Matrikulasi Perak with the intention of finding the percentage of respondents that think Malaysian University English Test is diffcult and their reasons, the components and their opinions on the advantages of Malaysian University English Test for their future.

1.2 Research Objectives

This study in to find out :

1.2.1 How many Kolej Matrikulasi Perak students think that Malaysian University English Test is difficult or vice versa and their reasons.

1.2.2 The component in Malaysian University English Test that Kolej Matrikulasi Perak students find most challenging and their reasons.1.2.3 How many Kolej Matrikulasi Perak students think that Malaysian University English Test is a good measure of their proficiency in English.1.2.4 How many Kolej Matrikulasi Perak students think that Malaysian University English Test is relevant to our studies in the university or vice versa and the reasons.1.2.5 How many Kolej Matrikulasi Perak students believe that the skills learnt from preparing for Malaysian University English Test be useful in their life later or vice versa and the reasons.2.0 : LITERATURE REVIEW2.1 : Difficulties of Malaysian University English Test to Kolej Matrikulasi Perak students.

2.1.1 The Amount of Kolej Matrikulasi Peraks students that think Malaysian University English Test

Different person has different views and perceptions on MUET and so with Kolej Matrikulasi Peraks students. Research is conducted to determine how many of them think MUET is difficult and how many of them think MUET is easy based on gender, male and female. This is because Malaysians students are commonly having a poor english skills especially them whom from rural areas. According to FreeMalaysiaToday.com, the lack of proficiency in the English language among the current crop of Malaysians does not come as a surprise at all to academicians. Based on the article in the news, a female lecturer who was wanted to remain anonymous said that the rot set in since the 1970s, when the medium of instruction was switched from English to Bahasa Melayu.

2.2 : Component of Malaysian University English Test that most challenging.

2.2.1 : Reasons why reading is the most challenging component in MUET

According to Alverman, D. E., & Phelps, S. F. (1998),reading is challenging because reading comprehension is one of the four language skills addressed in the MUET with the objective that students not only read a variety of texts independently, but also to read with understanding in order to extract and process the information efficiently. Due to the level of difficulty of the texts, this may pose problems for students with low level proficiency in English.

Malaysia-students.com (2012) provides that the answers provided for reading comprehension is almost the similar. This makes students confused when they are choosing the correct answer. Students are required to skim, scan and extract specific information in order to get the correct answer.2.2.2 : Reasons why writing is the most challenging component in MUET

In a 2012 article, Oppapers.com explains that writing is challenging because writing is a difficult skill to acquire as it involves more than just putting correct grammatical forms together. It also requires student to develop and organize ideas. Besides that, students need to use appropriate markers and linking devices and anaphora appropriately together with other cohesive devices in order to score well.

According to Oppapers.com(2011), the interaction of time and proficiency together statistically and significantly affects the individual essay sub-scores. Time limits have statistically significant effects on the individual essay scores that are preceded by the different prewriting drafts. Furthermore, students need to present relevant ideas, provide adequate content within 90 minutes. The most difficult things is that students need to show a mature treatment of topic in order to score well.2.2.3 : Reasons why listening is the most challenging component in MUET

Oppapers.com (2012) provides that listening is challenging component because sometimes the recording that is playing is low in volumn. Students sitting near the windows are not able to listen to the recording clearly.

According to Malaysia-students.com(2012), one of the main reason why listening is challenging is because when taking listening paper, students need to be hundred percent focus on the questions. This is to ensure that they can recognize the main ideas and supporting details when the recording is playing. The most difficult part in listening is to distinguish the relevant from the irrelevant. Students need to predict the possible outcomes and apply a concept to a new situation.

2.2.4 : Reasons why speaking is the most challenging component in MUETIn a 2012 article, Emily Chin explains that speaking is a challenging component because there are many students cannot speak fluently in English language. Sometimes, they voice becomes weak when they are too nervous. This will affects their performance when presenting their task.

According to Oppapers.com(2012), others reason why speaking is challeniging is because it acquires commitment from all the group members. Besides that, some students are lack of confidence when speak in English. This is because they are influence by their mother tounge. Moreover, some students are lack of ideas when a certain topic is given to them. Lack of preparation for example reading hottest news in the country makes the students is one of the reasons why students become blank during examination.

2.3. How MUET measure proficiency in English1. According to the www.studymalaysia.com., there are two ways on how MUET can be a good measure as our proficiency in English2.3.1 By having four different components test

From a broad bulbous base, the syllabus is designed to bridge the gap in language needs between secondary and tertiary education by enhancing communicative competency, providing the context for language use that is related to the tertiary experience and developing critical thinking through the competent use of language skills. Specifically, the syllabus deals with all the four language skills - Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. The test instruments are devised to measure the respective skills at a subsidiary level of proficiency. Each four components will have a different total marks that will show how each candidates perform on each task.

2.3.2 By having six level of achievements

The test measures and reports a student's level of proficiency based on an aggregated score range of zero to three hundred (0 - 300). Candidates are placed on the aggregated score range with respect to six levels of achievement, i.e. proficiency levels 1 6.

Band 6- Very good user (Aggregated score:260-300) Very good command of the language. Highly expressive, fluent, accurate and appropriate language: hardly any inaccuracies. Very good understanding of language and contexts. Functions extremely well in the language.

Band 5- Good user (Aggregated score:220-259) Good command of the language. Expressive, fluent, accurate and appropriate language but with minor inaccuracies. Good understanding of language and contexts. Functions well in the language.

Band 4- Competent user (Aggregated score:180-219) Satisfactory command of the language. Satisfactory expressive and fluent,appropriate language but with occasional inaccuracies. Satisfactory understanding of language and contexts. Functions satisfactorily in the language.

Band 3- Modest user (Aggregated score:140-179) Modest command of the language. Modestly expressive and fluent,appropriate language but with noticeable inaccuracies. Modest understanding of language and contexts. Able to function modestly in the language.

Band 2- Limited user (Aggregated score:101-139) Limited command of the language. Lacks expressiveness, fluency and appropriacy: inaccurate use of the language resulting in breakdown in communication. Limited understanding of language and contexts. Limited ability to function in the language.

Band 1- Extremely limited user (Below 100) Poor command of the language. Unable to use language to express ideas: inaccurate use of the language resulting in frequent breakdowns in communication. Little or poor understanding of language and contexts. Hardly able to function in the language.

2.4 : Reasons why Malaysian University English Test will be relevant to studies in university.

2.4.1 : MUET comprises all the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

According to Omar bin Abu Bakar (2006), Malaysian University English Test measures and reports candidates level of proficiency based upon an aggregated score range of zero to 300. The skills in Malaysian University English Test is relevant in helping to equip the students with the level of proficiency in English and critical thinking skills for more effective academic study at tertiary level.

2.4.2 : The Malaysian University English Test (MUET) is designed to measure the English language ability of students wishing to pursue first degree studies in local institutions of higher learning.

From TheStar.com.my(2011) referring to the letter Dont make a mockery of MUET by Mr Henry Soon inStarEducate(Dec 18, 2011), with Malaysian University English Test, English is taught in Form Six or pre-university level to equip students with the appropriate level of proficiency in English to enable them to perform effectively in their academic pursuits at tertiary level with the monitor of excellent and experienced teachers. It also confirmed by the Malaysian Examinations Council (MEC) that the students is tested for a better quality and proficiency in using English. Besides that, they also guarantee that Malaysian University English Test will give benefits to the students and nation far outweigh the additional costs incurred.2.5 : Reasons why Malaysian University English Test (MUET) will be useful in life later.

2.5.1 : Enable students to entry university with higher learning .

According to Thestar.com (January 8, 2012) , there are two reasons for why Malaysian University English Test (MUET) will be useful in life later .The Malaysian University English Test (MUET) is an English language proficiency test designed to measure the English language ability of students wishing to pursue first degree studies in local institutions of higher learning. With MUET, English is taught in Form Six or pre-university level to equip students with the appropriate level of proficiency in English to enable them to perform effectively in their academic pursuits at tertiary level.2.5.2 : Provide flexibility and enhance student mobility in line with national and international development.

In an era where institutions of higher learning are opening up opportunities for flexible entry and exit points for tertiary education, the additional MUET session will provide flexibility and enhance student mobility in line with national and international development. Students who apply to universities in the United Kingdom, United States or Singapore are required to sit for the IELTS, TOEFL or qualifying tests because that is the entrance requirement of such institutions.3.0 METHODOLOGY

For this research, The Chronicles of Legend has decided to conduct a survey among the students of Kolej Matrikulasi Perak. The questionnaire which consists of five items to find out the views and perceptions of Kolej Matrikulas Perak students on Malaysian University English Test was circulated on 18th and 19th February 2012 in Kolej Matrikulasi Perak. This study involved 50 males and 50 females respondents of Kolej Matrikulasi Perak students which was conducted around the males and females hostels.

4.0 : DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

4.1 : Presentation of dataIn this section, the results and analysis of results gathered from the survey that was conducted on 18th-19th February 2012 will be presented. The data will be presented through charts and tables. The explanation of data then follows.

4.1.1 Research Objective 1.2.1 How many Kolej Matrikulasi Perak students think that Malaysian University English Test is difficult or vice versa and their reasons.

Figure 1 : The percentage of students of Kolej Matrikulasi Perak that think that MUET is difficult .

Figure 2 : The percentage of students of Kolej Matrikulasi Perak that think that MUET is difficult among male and female students .

For the first item, asking Is MUET difficult to respondents from different gender is designed to find out how many Kolej Matrikulasi Peraks students would think Malaysian University English Test ,(MUET) is difficult or instead. From the Chart 1.1, it is proved that females are more thinking that MUET is difficult compared to males. 56% of the respondence that think MUET is difficult is by females while males who think MUET is difficult is just 44%. It is understood the majority who thinks that MUET is easy are males and the minority are females. Generally, 37 from 50 males which are presenting 74% of males are thinking MUET is difficult while the rest of males presenting 26% of males are thinking MUET is easy. For females, the amount of them that thinking MUET is difficult is 47 out of 50 which presenting 94% of them and the rest 3 females which is only 6% are thinking MUET is easy. These percentage are presented in Chart 1.2.

Among reasons revealed

Reasons why MUET is difficultPercentage of responses (%)Frequency

Weak in english1010

Questions are hard1212

MUET has a strict marking scheme99

Lack of time for preparation55

Lack of confidence11

Figure 3 : Reasons given by the male respondents on difficulty of Malaysian University English Test.

Based on the results obtained, there is a wide range of answers that depict the views and perceptions of Kolej Matrikulasi Peraks students regarding Malaysian University English Test. For item one, it is revealed that the most repeated reasons by males who think MUET is difficult is questions are hard about 12%. There are about 10% of the respondents think that they are weak in english. Next is followed by the reason of MUET has a strict marking scheme which is 9%. The common and too ordinary reason also been stated as the reason for MUET is difficult which is lack of time for preparation to face the examination about 5%. The one single reason obtained from one male respondent who think MUET is difficult is lack of confidence.

Reasons why MUET is difficultPercentage of responses (%)Frequency

Weak in english1212

Question are hard1616

MUET has a strict marking scheme1010

Lack of time for preparation66

Lack of confidence33

Figure 4 : Reasons given by the female respondents on difficulty of Malaysian University English Test.

For female respondents who think MUET is difficult have their top reason as MUETs questions are hard for 12%. Then followed by the reason of weak in english for 12%. Other perception by female respondents is MUET has a strict marking scheme for 10%. Females too facing the same problem that is lack of time for preparation to face the examination for about 6% and the least stated reason by females is lack of confidence.

Reasons why MUET is difficult Percentage of responses (%)Frequency

MUET only test for basic skills77

Capable to earn good band22

Other : (i) Well prepared for muet11

Figure 5 : Reasons given by the male respondents on why Malaysian University English Test is not difficult.

Basically, male respondents and female respondents have the same reasons and its just that different category has different rank. For male respondents, questions are hard is the most reason then followed by weak in english, MUET has a strict marking scheme, lack of time for preparation and last is lack of confidence. While for female respondents, the most reason stated by them is questions are hard then followed by weak in english, MUET has a strict marking scheme, lack of time for preparation and last is lack of confidence for 1%.

Reasons why MUET is difficult Percentage of responses (%)Frequency

MUET only test for basic skills33

Figure 6 : Reasons given by the female respondents on why Malaysian University English Test is not difficult.

As for those males who say MUET is not difficult, their reasons are MUET only test for basic skills for about 7%, while 2% refer to those who are capable to earn a good band in MUET. Other reason from male respondent is he is well prepared for MUET. Lastly, there are 3 female respondents think that MUET is not difficult and they have the same reasons for thinking so that is MUET only test for basic skills for 3%.4.2.2 Research Objective 1.2.2 The component in Malaysian University English Test that Kolej Matrikulasi Perak students find most challenging and their reasons.

Figure 7 : Percentage of respondents on components in MUET that they found most challenging based on their genders.

The bar chart above shows the percentage of KMPk students on components in MUET that they found most challenging based on their genders. The blue region of the bar chart represents the female students while the red region of the bar chart represents the male students.

From the research that have been done, it is found that speaking is the most challenging components in MUET for female and male students. Female and male students contribute equally for about 36% from each gender. Next, the second challenging component is writing. There is only slightly difference about 5% between the percentage recorded by the female and male students. There are 32% female students think that writing is challenging while the male students recorded 28%. More interesting enough, male and female students show different opinion in reading and listening component. For reading components, there are 24% of male students think that reading is challenging but there are only 10% of female students agreed with this opinion. Male students contribute more than female students in reading component. On the other hand, for listening component, female students contribute more than male students. Female students recorded 22% whereas male students recorded 12% only. Hence, we can conclude that speaking is the most challenging components in MUET for KMPk students. Writing ranked at second position, reading and listening ranked at the same position that is the third position because they have the same overall percentage (34%).

Among reasons revealed

Reasons why speaking is the most challenging component in MUETPercentageFrequency

Need teamwork55

Poor in verbal skill44

Limited time to draft44

Too nervous33

Not used to communicate in English22

Figure 8 : Reasons given by male respondents on speaking component is the most challenging.

Reasons why speaking is the most challenging component in MUETPercentageFrequency

Poor in verbal skill55

Limited time to draft55

Need teamwork44

Too nervous33

Not used to communicate in English11

Figure 9 : Reasons given by female respondents on speaking component is the most challenging.

It is clearly seen that the main reason given by male and female respondents on speaking component is the most challenging is because of this component need a lot of teamwork. There are 10 out of 100 KMPk students gave this as their reason for choosing speaking as the most challenging component. Besides that, poor in verbal skill, too nervous during the exam, not enough time to draft their task and lack of confidence when speaking in English are among the reasons given by KMPk students on why their choose speaking as the most challenging component. For overall, there are 36 KMPk students think that speaking is the most challenging component in MUET.

Reasons why writing is the most challenging component in MUETPercentageFrequency

Short time given66

Need good grammar and vocabulary55

Need to write long essay22

Need to brainstorm idea in limited time11

Figure 10 : Reasons given by male respondents on writing component is the most challenging.

Reasons why writing is the most challenging component in MUETPercentageFrequency

Need to write long essay44

Need good grammar and vocabulary22

Short time given22

Need to brainstorm idea in limited time22

Figure 11 : Reasons given by female respondents on writing component is the most challenging.

Reasons why listening is the most challenging component in MUETPercentageFrequency

Usage of 'slang' is different44

Volume is too low22

Figure 12 : Reasons given by male respondents on listening component is the most challenging.

The main reason why male students choose writing as their challenging component is because there is always not enough time to complete their essay within 90 minutes whereas for the female students, the main reason given by them is because they are required to write a long essay that must exceed the word limit that is 350 words. Furthermore, writing required good grammar and vocabulary in order to score well. This is the second reason given by 5 male and 6 female respondents. The least important reason given by male and female respondents ( 1 respectively ) on choosing writing as a challenging component is because it requires students to brainstorm idea in limited time in order to complete their essay.

Reasons why listening is the most challenging component in MUETPercentageFrequency

Volume is too low55

Conversation was too fast33

Usage of 'slang' is different22

Have to be really focus11

Figure 13 : Reasons given by female respondents on listening component is the most challenging.

It can be seen that usage of different slang is the main reason why the male students think that listening is challenging. There are 4 male students supported with this reason. Volume of recording is too slow is another reason given by 2 male students and the main reason why female students think that listening is challenging. There are 5 out of 100 KMPk female students supported this reason. Others reason given by 6 female students include usage of different slang, the conversation was too fast, and they have to be really focus when taking listening paper.

Reasons why reading is the most challenging component in MUETPercentageFrequency

Not enough time to answer33

Need better understanding for better answer22

Consists of multiple parts22

Answer provided is confusing22

Do not understand the questions22

Too many passage cause boring11

Figure 14 : Reasons given by male respondents on reading component is the most challenging.

Reasons why reading is the most challenging component in MUETPercentageFrequency

Consists of multiple parts33

Need better understanding for better answer11

Not enough time to answer11

Figure 15 : Reasons given by female respondents on reading component is the most challenging.

There are 5 male students think that reading is challenging because it does not have enough time to answer all the questions. Besides that, others reason given by 6 male students is reading needs a better understanding on the language using , too many multiple choices are provided and answer provided is confusing. For the female students, there are only 5 person who have choosen reading as a challenging component in MUET. Not enough time to answer all the questions, reading needs a better understanding to score well and reading consists of too many multiple parts are among the reasons given by the female students.

4.2.3 Research Objective 1.2.3 How many Kolej Matrikulasi Perak students think that Malaysian University English Test is a good measure of their proficiency in English.

Figure 16 : Percentage of respondents that think MUET is a good measure of their proficiency in English.

Figure 17 : Percentage of respondents that think MUET is a good measure and not a good measure of their proficiency in English.

The item was designed to find out the percentage of Kolej Matrikulasi Perak students that think MUET is a good measure of their proficiency in English. From Chart 3 it is found that the highest percentage of students that think MUET is a good measure of their proficiency in English is females. The chart shows only 47% male students think that MUET is a good measure of their proficiency in English than 53% of female students. Next, from Chart 3.1, it is found that percentage of female students who not think MUET is a good measure of their proficiency in English is lesser than male students which is 16% and 26% respectively. However, both percentages of not thinking that MUET is a good measure of their proficiency in English among females and males students are less than students who think that MUET is a good measure of their proficiency in English. It is believed that there are some reasons that related to difference of percentage of male and female students that think and not think that MUET is a good measure of their proficiency in English.4.2.4 Research Objective 1.2.4 How many Kolej Matrikulasi Perak students think that Malaysian University English Test is relevant to our studies in the university or vice versa and the reasons.

Figure 18 : The percentage of students of Kolej Matrikulasi Perak that think the skills learnt from MUET will be relevant to their studies in the university.

Figure 19 : Percentage of opinions of Kolej Matrikulasi Perak students on the relevance of MUET for their studies in the university.

The item is to find out the percentage of Kolej Matrikulasi Perak students that think Malaysian University English Test is relevant to their studies in the university. From Chart 1, it is found that the highest percentage of Kolej Matrikulasi Perak students that think Malaysian University English Test is relevant to their studies is referring to females. Only 48% of males think that Malaysian University English Test is relevant to their studies whereas 52% of females think the same. From Chart 2, the males and females respondents that answer Yes is 78% and 86% respectively. However the percentage of respondents that think Malaysian University English Test is not relevant to their studies in university is less than respondents who agree. It is believed that there are some reasons that influence the different percentage of respondents opinions.

Among reasons revealed

Reasons why skills learnt from MUET relevant to studies in the universityPercentageFrequency

Make them confident in presentation1818

Easier to communicate with people around them1212

Most of the revision books are in English99

Figure 20 : Reasons given by male respondents on Malaysian University English Test will be relevant in their studies in university.

Reasons why skills learnt from MUET relevant to studies in the universityPercentageFrequency

Most of the revision books are in English1717

Easier to communicate with people around them1111

Make them confident in presentation99

Everything is in English nowadays66

Figure 21 : Reasons given by female respondents on Malaysian University English Test will be relevant in their studies in university.From our survey, we had found out that most of the male respondents think that skills learnt from Malaysian University English Test is relevant to their studies in university because it makes them confident to speak in presentations. Its about 18% of them from all the respondents. Whereas the female respondents make the same reason as the third reason (9% only). The next top reason revealed from the male respondents is it easier to communicate with people around them as 12% of the respondents from male answer the same reason. Surprisingly, the female respondents also put the same reason at the same rank (11%).Most of the revision books are in English is one of the reason given by the male respondents from 9% of them and this put it on the last place while its the reverse to the female respondents as it is the most reason that the female thinks (17%). The female respondents also think that one of the reason skills learnt from Malaysian University English Test are relevant to their studies in university is everything is in English nowadays (6%).

Reasons why skills learnt from MUET not relevant to studies in the universityPercentageFrequency

Course chosen does not need much attention on English55

The skills are lower than university level22

MUET does not improve their English44

Figure 22 : Reasons given by male respondents on Malaysian University English Test will not be relevant in their studies in university.Reasons why skills learnt from MUET not relevant to studies in the universityPercentageFrequency

Course chosen does not need much attention on English44

The skills are lower than university level22

MUET does not improve their English11

Figure 23 : Reasons given by female respondents on Malaysian University English Test will not be relevant in their studies in university.

Besides that, there are some students that think Malaysian University English Test is not relevant to their studies in university later. 5% of male respondents think that it is because the course chosen does not need much attention on English. Interestingly, this is also the top reason among the female respondents that is 4% of them think the same way. Besides that, both male and female respondents put the skills in Malaysian University English Test are lower than university level with 2% from both genders. There is also 4% of the male respondents think that Malaysian University English Test does not improve their English while 1% from the female respondents think the same way.

4.2.5 Research Objective 1.2.5 How many Kolej Matrikulasi Perak students believe that the skills learnt from preparing for Malaysian University English Test be useful in their life later or vice versa and the reasons.

Figure 24 : Percentage of respondents that think the skills learnt from MUET will be useful in their life later.

Figure 25 : Percentage of respondents that think the skills learnt from MUET will be useful and not be useful in their life later.

The item was designed to find out the percentage of Kolej Matrikulasi Perak students that think the skills learnt from MUET will be useful and not be useful in their life later. From chart 5.1 , it is found that the highest percentage of respondents that think the skills learnt from MUET will be useful in their life later referring to male. The chart shows only 48% of female students think that the skills learnt from MUET will be useful in their life later rather than 52% of male students, which are slightly different between male and female students. However , both of percentage of students that think the skills learnt from MUET will not be useful in their life later is less than from student that think the skills learnt from MUET will be useful. The results obtain is obvious from the bar chart above . From the charts above, it is obvious that there are some reasons that related to difference percentage of male and female students that think the skills learnt from MUET will be useful and not be useful in their life later.Among the reasons revealed

Reasons why MUET will be useful in their life laterPercentage of responses (%)Frequency

Improve their communication skills36363636

Become confident when speaking 1010

English as international language77

Easy to get job/Guideline for next carrier55

Figure 26 : Reasons given by male respondents on Malaysian University English Test will be useful in their life later.Reasons why MUET will be useful in their life laterPercentage of responses (%)Frequency

Improve their communication skills1212

Easy to get job/Guideline for next carrier1111

Become confident when speaking 1010

English as international language99

Figure 27 : Reasons given by female respondents on Malaysian University English Test will be useful in their life later. From the responses that were obtain , it is revealed that the most repeated reasons given by male respondents on Malaysian University English Test (MUET) will be useful in their life later is MUET can improve their communication skills is about 36% . There are about 10% of males respondents also revealed that they become confident when speaking as the reasons why MUET will be useful in their life later . It is shown that both of the percentage of responses is decreased significantly. However , there are about 7% and 5% of males respondents state that MUET will be useful in their life later because English is international language and it is easy to get job or as a guideline for next carrier . Both reasons are the least percentage of responses among males students . Meanwhile , the highest percentage of females students also states the same reason like males students but it is about 12% where it still show that the number of percentage for males respondents is the highest . Besides that , there are about 11% of females students revealed that MUET will help them easy to get job or as a guideline for their next carrier as rank number 2 for the reasons why MUET will be useful in their life later . Next , there are about 10% of female students state that they become confident when speaking as the reason for MUET will be useful in their life later . The percentage of responses for this reason among male and female students are totally same but there are in different rank. There are about 9% of female students state that English as international language as the reason for MUET will be useful in their life later .

Reasons why MUET will not be useful in their life laterPercentage of responses (%) Frequency

Rather speak Malay than English22

English is not useful22

Figure 28 : Reasons given by male respondents on Malaysian University English Test will not be useful in their life later.Reasons why MUET will not be useful in their life laterPercentage of responses (%)Frequency

Rather speak Malay than English44

English is not useful44

Figure 29 : Reasons given by female respondents on Malaysian University English Test will not be useful in their life later However , there are least percentage for Kolej Matrikulasi Perak students that think MUET is not useful for their life among female and male student. For male students there are about 2% of the students that revealed, they rather speak Malay than English as the reason why MUET will not be useful in their life later while the other 2% of male students state that English is not useful .Furthermore, for female students , there are about 4% of them revealed that they rather speak Malay than English while the other 4% of them state that English is not useful as the reasons why MUET is not useful in their life later . Both of the reasons for male and female are totally similar but there are slightly different in the percentage of responses.

It is obvious that all the reasons are totally similar for positive and negative responses but there are slightly different in the percentage for both female and male students in Kolej Matrikulasi Perak students . However, we can notice that most of them state that MUET is useful in their life later rather than for those who think MUET is not useful in their life later . On top of that , we also can notice that both male and female state that MUET can improve their communication skill in their life later as the highest percentage of responses rather than the other reasons.4.3 : Summary of Findings

Referring to our research objectives, we can finally say that our study had leads us to the following conclusion :

1. 72% of male respondents and 92% of female respondents said that Malaysian University English Test is difficult. There are 3 main reasons for this :

i. The questions are hard

ii. Malaysian University English Test has a strict marking scheme

iii. Weak in English2. Speaking is the component that Kolej Matrikulasi Perak students think the most challenging in Malaysian University English Test. There are 3 main reasons for this :

i. Poor verbal skills

ii. Need a good teamwork

iii. Limited time to draft the discussions

3. 74% of male respondents and 84% of female respondents think that Malaysian University English Test is a good measure of their proficiency in English.

4. The male and female respondents of 78% and 86% respectively thinks that skills learnt from Malaysian University English Test will be relevant in their studies in university later. There are 3 main reasons for this :

i. Make them confident in presentation

ii. Easier to communicate with people around them

iii. Most of the revision books are in English

5. 92% of male respondents and 84% of female respondents believe that skills learnt from Malaysian University English Test will be useful in their life later. There are 3 main reasons of this :

i. Improve their communication skills

ii. Become confident when speaking

iii. Easy to get job/Guideline for next carrier

5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS5.1 : Overall Conclusion

We had came out with this topic as we were hearing about some complaints and conversations of some Kolej Matrikulasi Perak students after taking their Malaysian University English Test. Thus, we want to make a deeper studies on what they feel and some of their thoughts on Malaysian University English Test. Malaysian University English Test is a test on how proficient a student using English. This test is very important as it will help them in choosing a prestige university.

From our studies, there are various of views and perceptions of students about Malaysian University English Test. Some of them are not agree with the existence of this test and some of them think Malaysian University English Test is very beneficial. Our respondents also gave their opinions on difficulties of Malaysian University English Test and how this test give impacts on their proficiency in English.

Most of respondents from Kolej Matrikulasi Perak think that Malaysian University English Test is difficult than vice versa. Besides that, speaking component is chose as the most challenging component in Malaysian University English Test. Most of the respondents also said that Malaysian University English Test is a good measure of their proficiency in English. Furthermore, majority of the respondents also think that skills learnt from Malaysian University English Test will be relevant to their studies in the university and their life later.

From our studies, we had learnt that most of the Kolej Matrikulasi Perak students have a positive views and opinions on Malaysian University English Test. They also think that Malaysian University English Test give them more benefits to their lives. We also learnt that although they think the test is difficult but they are being optimistic and take the benefits rather than complaining.5.2 Recommendation

1- It is advisable for MUETs candidates to take this examination seriously and never treat this examination like other English test that you can take less care. They must have a proper and effective preparation for every component in MUET , so they can score well in MUET.

2- It is advisable for Kolej Matrikulasi Perak students to concentrate and focus for MUET as it is a compulsory test before proceeding their studies in higher level.

3-It is advisable for Kolej Matrikulasi Perak students to make use of MUET to measure their proficiency in English and improve it.

4-It is advisable for any MUETs candidates to analyse each component in MUET and make sure to focus more on the component which they find though.

5-It is advisable for Kolej Matrikulasi Perak students to make use all the things that had been learnt from MUET such as way of communications learnt from speaking task in their future life.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

URL (web sites) :-MUET measures language ability.( 2011 , December 18 ). http://thestar.com.my/education/story.asp?file=/2012/1/8/education/10173111&sec=education-Nurly.(2010).MUET made easy.Retrieved February 16,2012, from http://www.malaysia-students.com/2010/01/muet-made-easy.html --

-www.studymalaysia.com.Education.Art English

-Ueamy.(2011).MUET.Retrieved February 17,2012, from http://www.uea.my/index.php/tag/muet-psbtpnsarawak.(2012).MUET measures language ability.Retrieved February 17,2012, from http://psbtpnsarawak.wordpress.com/2012/01/09/muet-measures-language-ability/- Dr. Koh Soo Ling.(2012).MUET moment.Retrieved February 18,2012, from http://www.nst.com.my/channels/learning-curve/muet-momentsPAGE 27