Malaysian public university students’ challenging skills to pass Malaysian University English Test (MUET)

Abstract

The Malaysian University English Test (MUET) was introduced in 1999 to bridge the gap between secondary and tertiary English language needs, primarily in English language competency. MUET examination consists of four language skills and some of the skills become a great challenge for students to pass. Apparently, it is compulsory for students to pass MUET examination with at least Band 3 before entering tertiary education system. However, many students were found to struggle with this requirement. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the most challenging skill that affects the students to obtain the minimum requirement. The study employed probability sampling method involving undergraduates from Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education (FPTV), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Johor. Data was collected from 500 students whose did not achieve Band 3 score from their previous MUET examination through an online questionnaire where 217 of them responded. Based on the frequency and percentage of the data analysis, 180 students (83%) of the population were very weak in speaking skills followed by 150 students who were weak in writing skills. However, 109 students were good in reading skills but there were 100 out of 217 students who were weak in listening skills. Thus, speaking skill was found to be the main challenge of MUET examination followed by writing skills. Meanwhile, listening skill is the third most difficult skill and followed by reading skill at the last place for MUET examination among UTHM students. Based on the findings, sufficient effort must be taken by the educational system to improve the speaking skills competency of the students. In fact, it is relevant to investigate in detail the way English language proficiency could help the Malaysian students during their tertiary education.