muet writing task 2 discursive essay

SPM2MUET Writing

(MUET, Task 2) The different essay 'formats'

This blog post will focus on the 3 different formats (problem-solution, discursive, and argumentative) that you can choose to develop your writing..

It is important to first understand that MUET Task 2 Writing really depends on how you want to develop it. The question is open and it is you who decide the format that you wish to develop your writing. Typically, there are 3 ways you can structure your essay for MUET Task 2.

Problem Solution Essay

Expository/ Discursive

Argumentative

The table below gives you an overview of the ‘formats’.

Now, let's look at some questions and how you can approach it.

Question 1: “Civic-mindedness is lacking in our society today”. Do you agree with the statement?

Question 2: “Kindness is disappearing in society today”. Do you agree with the statement?

I hope this helps you to better understand how to tackle the writing task in Task 2. It really depends on you to construct your arguments. You can choose which ‘format’ suits best for your writing style, and depending on the question, you should be able to construct a meaningful piece of writing.

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Discursive essay IELTS task 2

Home  »  IELTS academic task 2 » Discursive essay IELTS task 2

Writing a discursive essay can be a part of your  task 2 exam , therefore you want to make sure you know how to do it to the best of your abilities. To help you get there we have created a step-by-step plan explaining how to structure your discursive essay in order to reach your target band score.

A discursive essay will look at both sides, whereas an argumentative essay takes a stance, a position, and will argue for this position.

An argumentative essay can be used for a lot of IELTS essay answers, however if you see the ‘discuss both views, and give your opinion’ then you should be writing a discursive essay.

Definition of discursive essay?

A discursive essay explores different opinions on a specific topic or idea.

The writer gives reasons and facts to support each argument he talks about. He then may provide his own opinion based on his exploration of these different perspectives.

How to structure a discursive essay?

When writing a discursive essay for your exam, for a band 7 or above the general consensus is around 350 -400 words, within a time frame of 40 minutes.

We recommend splitting your discursive essay into four paragraphs. This way you’ll get around ten minutes to prepare and write each paragraph.

Paragraph one: introduction

You should always begin your discursive essay with an introduction.

Structure your introduction like this: 1. A background statement. 2. A more detailed background statement. 3. A summary of the opinions (for and against) this topic.

Electric cars will fully replace petrol and diesel-fuelled cars in the future. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

1. A background statement about the topic:

Electric cars are currently being developed by many well-known automotive companies.

2. A more detailed background statement about the topic:

Many people still question whether electric cars are a feasible replacement for petrol and diesel-fueled vehicles.

3. A summary of the opinions (for and against) this topic:

In this essay I will explore the opinions for and against the use of electric cars and their replacement of petrol and diesel-fuelled cars.

Paragraph two: argument/opinion 1 (for the topic)

In paragraph two you can discuss the first argument/opinion (the argument for the topic).

Structure paragraph two like this: 1. Opinion / argument 1 (for the topic) 2. One example to support this opinion/argument 3. A concluding sentence summing up the opinion/argument 1

Try to use connectors like:

• On one hand
• Some people believe
• It is true that

1. Opinion/argument 1: On one hand, electric cars are environmentally friend. They require no non-renewable energy and are clean to run and maintain on the road. 2. One example to support this opinion/argument: To support this opinion, recent studies show that the use of electric cars helps to minimize pollution in urban and rural areas. 3. A concluding sentence summing up the opinion/argument 1: Clearly, electric cars are one way to tackle ecological concerns and support a ‘greener’ environment.

TIP: A lot of students get confused about giving personal examples. The question prompt is misleading! Give examples that you know of, not examples from your personal experience.

These examples help you develop your argument and act as supporting evidence for your position.

It is fine to mention external sources such as a ‘a recent scientific report’, ‘an academic paper from Russia’, etc. Here is a full tutorial all about giving examples .

Paragraph three: argument/opinion 2 (against the topic)

In paragraph three write about the opinion/argument 2 (usually going against the topic).

Structure your paragraph three like this: 1. Opinion / argument 2 (against the topic) 2. One example to support this opinion/argument 3. A concluding sentence summing up the opinion/argument 2

Use phrases like:

• On the other hand
• Other people believe that

1. Opinion/argument 2 ( against the topic): On the other hand, electric cars are inconvenient to maintain and to dispose of. 2. One example to support this opinion/argument: The driver of an electric vehicle must recharge his car approximately every 100 kilometres. In addition, the plutonium battery of an electric car is toxic to the environment and must be safely disposed of through expensive means. 3. A concluding sentence summing up the opinion/argument 2: In brief, scientists are still exploring ways to produce these types of vehicles so that they are easier to manufacture, maintain and use safely.

Paragraph four: concluding paragraph

The last paragraph of your discursive essay should contain a summary of both previous opinions, and be ended with the writer’s opinion.

The last paragraph should be structured like this:

1. Summary of both previous opinions. Use key phrases like:

• To summarize
• To provide a recap of the two perspectives

2. The writer’s opinion. Use language like:

• In my opinion
• I feel strongly that

3. Suggestion and Conclusion

1. Summary of both previous opinions: To sum up, it’s evident that there are both pros and cons in the development of electric vehicles. 2. The writer’s opinion: Despite the expense of development and the inconvenience of recharging electric cars, I still believe strongly that it is well worth the investment to continue research and production of these vehicles. 3. Suggestion and Conclusion: To conclude, we should remain open, supportive to the use of electric cars and to their development in the future.

TIP: Avoid informal language such as contractions and casual language patterns.

YES: It is said diesel fuelled cars are far superior for rural areas.

NO: It’s said diesel fuelled cars just totally crush it in rural areas.

The full example of a discursive essay written following our structure

Electric cars are currently being developed by many well-known automotive companies. Many people still question whether electric cars are a feasible replacement for petrol and diesel-fuelled vehicles. In this essay, I will explore the opinions for and against the use of electric cars and their replacement of petrol and diesel-fuelled cars. On one hand, electric cars are environmentally friend. They require no non-renewable energy and are clean to run and maintain on the road. To support this opinion, recent studies show that the use of electric cars helps to minimize pollution in urban and rural areas. Clearly, electric cars are one way to tackle ecological concerns and support a ‘greener’ environment. On the other hand, electric cars are inconvenient to maintain and to dispose of. The driver of an electric vehicle must recharge his car approximately every 100 kilometres. In addition, the plutonium battery of an electric car is toxic to the environment and must be safely disposed of through expensive means. In brief, scientists are still exploring ways to produce these types of vehicles so that they are easier to manufacture, maintain and use safely. To sum up, it’s evident that there are both pros and cons in the development of electric vehicles. Despite the expense of development and the inconvenience of recharging electric cars, I still believe strongly that it is well worth the investment to continue research and production of these vehicles. To conclude, we should remain open, supportive to the use of electric cars and to their development in the future.

For an introduction on how to start IELTS writing task 2 click here :

For more practice, take a look at our task 2 sample essays , a band 9 IELTS essay or our essay correction service to help you improve your band score!

Useful Tips

• To get ideas and opinions for the essays you write you need to fill your head with news about current events, alternatively you can read my answers and ideas in the section below.
• Good grammar is by far more important than the exam skills. It is impossible to get points for Task Response if the examiner cannot understand what has been written. Getting feedback on your writing is the fastest way to improve.
• Reviewing recent task two questions can help build your ‘essay idea muscle’. Academic papers are also useful but can be difficult to absorb quickly (unless you just read the summary or conclusion!).

Discursive Essay Topics and Answers 

The topics will be the same as all the other IELTS writing task 2 topics you will face. These include:

IELTS essay topics and answers: education

IELTS essay topics and answer: globalisation

IELTS essay topics and answer: travel and transport

IELTS essay topics and answer: employment

IELTS essay topics and answer: employment (skills)

IELTS topic and answer: education

IELTS essay topics and answer: gender issues

IELTS topic: gender issues (career)

IELTS essay topics and answer: technology

IELTS essay topic and answer: health

IELTS essay topics and answer: society

Audio tutorial

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Tutorials and Tips to Prepare for Task 2

• How to Get Ideas for Task 2
• Band 9 Sample Essay
• Extremely Useful Sentences for Task 2
• Five Powerful Sentence Structures to use in your IELTS Writing test
• How to use comparisons in Task 2
• Concession Paragraphs for “do I agree/disagree essays”
• How to write an IELTS Essay Conclusion
• IELTS Cohesion and Coherence
• 3 ways to paraphrase for your Task 2 introduction
• Marking Criteria for IELTS Writing
• Topics Sentences for Your Essays
• 7 Ways to Improve your Sentences in Your IELTS Essays
• Grammar for IELTS Writing
• Academic Collocations for Task 2

MUET Writing Malaysia – Definitive Guide with Essay Example

The Malaysian University English Test (MUET) is a normalized assessment that surveys the English language capability of Malaysian students. It is a pivotal necessity for admission into tertiary training establishments in Malaysia and is perceived by employers as a benchmark for English capability in the job market. The MUET Writing component holds significant weightage, as it evaluates the candidates’ ability to express ideas, organize thoughts, and communicate effectively in written form. This definitive guide aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the MUET Writing test format, scoring criteria, and tips for success. Furthermore, we will present a sample essay to illustrate the application of these guidelines.

MUET Writing Test Format:

The MUET Writing test consists of two tasks: Task A and Task B. Task A requires candidates to write an interpretive essay based on a set of input texts, while Task B assesses their ability to produce a discursive essay on a given topic. Each task has a specific time allocation:

Task A: Interpretive Essay

Time: 30 minutes

Word Limit: 150-200 words

Task B: Discursive Essay

Time: 60 minutes

Word Limit: 350-500 words

It is essential to manage your time wisely to complete both tasks within the allocated time frame.

Scoring Criteria:

MUET Writing is scored based on four key areas:

Task Fulfillment:

How well the candidate addresses the given task and demonstrates an understanding of the requirements.

Language Accuracy:

The ability to use appropriate grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structures effectively.

Cohesion and Coherence:

How well ideas are organized and connected, resulting in a logical and cohesive essay.

Appropriateness of Style:

The candidate’s ability to adopt an appropriate tone, register, and style for the given task.

Every area is doled out a particular band score going from 0 to 6, and the last score is the normal of the four band scores. It is urgent to focus on every angle to maximize your score.

Tips for MUET Writing Success:

Understand the Task Requirements:

Carefully read the instructions and ensure you fully comprehend what is expected of you in each task.

Plan and Organize:

Take a few minutes to plan your essay structure before writing. Create an outline with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

Time Management:

Allocate appropriate time for each task. Prioritize Task B since it carries more marks but ensure you complete Task A within the assigned time as well.

Language Use:

Demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary, sentence structures, and grammar. Avoid repetitive language and aim for precision and clarity in your writing.

Use linking words and phrases to connect ideas and create a smooth flow. Check the logical progression of your arguments and ensure they support your thesis statement.

Introduction and Conclusion:

Craft an engaging introduction that provides context and a clear thesis statement. Conclude your essay by summarizing your main points and offering a thoughtful closing statement.

Practice Writing:

Regularly practice writing essays within the word limit to enhance your speed and proficiency. Seek feedback from teachers or peers to identify areas for improvement.

Sample Essay: Task B

Topic: “Social media has had a significant impact on interpersonal communication. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.”

Essay Example:

Introduction:

In today’s digital age, social media platforms have upset the manner in which we impart. While they offer a few advantages, there are likewise disadvantages to consider. This essay will investigate the disadvantages and burdens of social media’s effect on relational communication.

Body Paragraph 1:

Benefits One of the essential benefits of social media is its capacity to interface with individuals across distances. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter empower people to keep in contact with loved ones, paying little heed to geological obstructions. Moreover, Assignment Help Malaysia give a platform for people to offer their viewpoints, encouraging sound discussions and widening points of view.

Body Paragraph 2:

Disadvantages Then again, social media can adversely affect relational correspondence. Unreasonable dependence on digital platforms can prompt a decrease in eye-to-eye communication, lessening the profundity of personal connections. In addition, the steady openness to arranged pictures and romanticized adaptations of individuals’ lives on platforms like Instagram can prompt insecurities and low confidence.

social media’s effect on relational correspondence is a situation with two sides. While it permits us to interface and draw in with others all the more effectively, it can likewise block significant, up close, and personal co-operations. In this manner, it is fundamental to find some kind of strike between the advantages and downsides of social media to guarantee its positive impact on our lives.

MUET Report: Assessing English Language Proficiency among Malaysian Students:

The Malaysian University English Test (MUET) plays a vital role in assessing the English language proficiency of Malaysian students. This report aims to analyze MUET performance among students in Malaysia and Assignment Help provide recommendations for enhancing English language proficiency. By examining test scores, identifying trends, exploring challenges, and proposing strategies, this report aims to contribute to the improvement of English language education in Malaysia.

MUET Speaking Topics:

Here are some MUET Speaking topics that are commonly used in the test:

Technology and its Impact on Society

Environmental Issues and Conservation

Education System Reforms

Youth Empowerment and Volunteerism

Globalization and Its Effects on Culture

Health and Fitness in Modern Society

Social Media and Its Influence on Relationships

Economic Development and Income Inequality

Tourism and Its Impact on Local Communities

The Role of Government in Promoting Entrepreneurship

These topics cover a scope of contemporary issues that expect the possibility to offer their viewpoints, take part in conversations, and present contentions really. It is essential to remain refreshed on current undertakings and have a balanced comprehension of every point.

MUET Preparation and Essay Writing

If you’re looking to hire experts for both MUET test preparation and essay writing assistance, here are some steps you can follow:

Determine Your Needs:

Assess whether you need assistance with overall test preparation or specific sections such as writing, speaking, listening, or reading. Additionally, consider if you require help specifically with essay writing or need a comprehensive approach.

Research Online Tutoring Platforms:

Explore reputable online tutoring platforms that offer expert assistance in language proficiency exams like MUET. Platforms like Preply, iTalki, Verbling, and Tutor.com provide a wide range of qualified tutors who specialize in language exams. You can filter tutors based on their expertise in essay writing and test preparation.

Check Tutors’ Profiles:

Review the profiles of potential tutors. Look for individuals with experience teaching or tutoring MUET and a demonstrated proficiency in essay writing. Pay attention to their qualifications, educational background, teaching style, and reviews from previous students to assess their suitability.

Schedule Consultations:

Arrange consultations or trial sessions with shortlisted tutors. Use this opportunity to discuss your needs, goals, and expectations. Inquire about their approach to essay writing, test preparation strategies, and their ability to tailor their guidance to your specific requirements.

Seek Writing Assistance:

If you specifically require essay writing support, consider engaging an expert academic writer or editor. Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Essay Writing Services provide access to professional writers with expertise in various subjects, including essay writing. Review their profiles, portfolios, and client feedback to ensure their proficiency.

Discuss Expectations and Goals:

Clearly communicate your expectations, goals, and areas of focus to the tutors or writers. Make sure they understand your requirements for MUET test preparation and essay writing. Provide any specific essay prompts or topics you need assistance with, and discuss the desired outcome for your essays.

Collaboration and Practice:

Collaborate with the tutors or writers to create a study plan and a schedule that incorporates both test preparation and essay writing. Regularly practice writing essays under their guidance and utilize their feedback to improve your writing skills. Additionally, work with them to develop effective strategies for the different sections of the MUET test.

MUET Group Discussion:

MUET (Malaysian University English Test) includes a Group Discussion component, which assesses your ability to engage in a discussion and express your ideas effectively in English. Here are some tips to excel in the MUET Group Discussion:

Understand the Format:

Familiarize yourself with the format and requirements of the MUET Group Discussion. Typically, a group of candidates will be given a topic and asked to discuss it for a specific duration. You will be assessed based on your ability to communicate fluently, express opinions, listen to others, and collaborate in a group setting.

Improve English Language Skills:

Upgrade your English language abilities by perusing generally, working on talking and tuning in, and extending your jargon. Focus on punctuation, sentence construction, and articulation.

Practice Active Listening:

During the discussion, actively listen to what others are saying. Show interest, maintain eye contact, and respond appropriately. Engage in the conversation by building upon others’ points, asking relevant questions, and seeking clarification when needed.

Respect Others’ Views:

Show respect for the opinions of other participants, even if you disagree. Be open-minded and consider different perspectives. Practice active and respectful listening by acknowledging others’ points and responding constructively.

Manage Time Effectively:

Time management is crucial in Group Discussions. Keep track of the time allotted for the discussion and ensure that all participants have a chance to contribute. If the discussion gets off track, steer it back to the main topic and encourage others to stay focused.

Practice with Mock Group Discussions:

Organize practice sessions with classmates or friends. Choose relevant topics, set time limits, and simulate the actual MUET Group Discussion. Practice maintaining a balance between listening and speaking, and work on improving your communication skills within a group setting.

CONCLUSION:

The MUET Writing component is an important part of the Malaysian University English Test that evaluates candidates’ ability to express ideas and communicate effectively in written form. This definitive guide has provided an overview of the test format, scoring criteria, and valuable tips for success. Additionally, a sample essay exemplified the application of these guidelines. To excel in MUET Writing, it is crucial to understand the task requirements, plan and organize your essays, manage time effectively, utilize language accurately, ensure cohesion and coherence, and practice regularly. By following these recommendations, you can enhance your performance and achieve success in the MUET Writing test.

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How to score A in MUET Malaysia Essay Writing?

23 August 2021

7 minutes to read

• 01. MUET Writing Paper 4
• 02. Task 1 - Letter or email writing
• 03. Task 2 - Non-formatted essay
• 04. MUET writing preparation

In January 2021, Majlis Peperiksaan Malaysia MUET has gone through major format changes. This new MUET format 2021 has now aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) requirements.

However, do not get panic. In the current MUET test, you will still be evaluated in four English language skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing - in four different papers:

• MUET listening test
• MUET speaking test
• MUET reading test
• MUET writing test

Compared to the previous MUET format, you may be grateful for the new changes, especially for the writing paper. In the previous writing paper, you had to write a report based on the combination of various types of graphs, charts and tables stimuli. The previous writing report required a strict format which made you failed if you did not follow the specific format.

Now, let’s take a look at what is new and how to tackle high marks for the current format for this paper.

MUET Writing Paper 4

The MUET writing paper evaluates your ability to communicate in writing , writing English in the context of higher education and also to transfer ideas in formal and informal contexts.

The duration of the MUET writing paper is 75 minutes . The maximum mark for the paper is 90 marks . It carries a 25% assessment weighting of overall the MUET results.

The table below shows the new format of the MUET writing test overview.

Task 1 - Letter or email writing

In Task 1 of the MUET writing paper, you will be receiving a textual stimulus in form of a letter or an email. In the stimulus form, there will be three or four notes or aspects of what you need to include in your writing.

The maximum number of marks you can obtain for Task 1 is 30 marks . Your essay should be in letter or email format - follow the rubric requirements. There is no specific format for the essay, but here is a guideline for you to write a letter or an email.

Letter and Email Writing Guideline

First of all, you need to read the question carefully. Analyse and identify the following information:

• Who sent the email/letter?
• Who is the email/letter receiver ?
• What is the email/letter about ?
• What language register should be used?
• Identify the keywords in the notes given.

Next, you should plan your response . Use the notes to plan your answer. Aim to write one paragraph for each note .

Once you are ready with your writing plan, it is time to write your answer. Include discourse markers, use appropriate register (formal or informal) and correct sentence structure .

You are advised to spend about 25 minutes on this task. Your letter or email must be at least 100 words in length. The most important thing is that you must include all the notes provided in the question.

You may want to look out for the assessment MUET paper with the latest 2021 format available on the internet for your reference.

Now let’s move on to Task 2 for the MUET writing paper.

Task 2 - Non-formatted essay

In Task 2 of the MUET writing paper, you will be provided with a textual stimulus . There will be a few number of statements that determine the content that you should write in your essay.

Some of the points will be an idea or problem that you have to respond to or the writing genre that you are expected to write. The type of writing that you may be required to write are:

Discursive Writing

Discursive writing requires you to analyze and investigate the given topic . It involves an intense discussion where you must provide a strong and neutral evaluation of a topic. You should include useful facts and objective information to make your essay stand out.

To write a discursive essay, you can start by introducing the topic using attention grabber - stating a fact, asking a question or a relatable quote.

In the main body, specify your points and back them up with valid reasons, pieces of evidence or examples. Be sure to write one point in one paragraph. Avoid mixing your points in a big chunk of paragraphs.

Finally, in the conclusion part, summarize your points in a short paragraph. Try to create a connection between the introduction and the conclusion.

Argumentative Writing

Argumentative writing is associated with persuasion. You have to persuade readers to understand and support your point of view about a certain topic. This is of course by stating relevant reasoning and providing credible evidence to back your standpoint.

Writing an argumentative essay is quite tricky. You may want to try these approaches when writing an argumentative essay:

• Start by making a claim in the introduction paragraph . Capture the reader’s interest by providing the background information of the topics and present your thesis statement. Your thesis statement should be one sentence of a short summary of your main point.
• Write 2 to 3 paragraphs to explain why you stand with your points. Influence your readers to agree with your viewpoint in the main body. The different paragraphs should cover one point each.
• Use the last paragraph in your essay to reiterate your thesis and write a short conclusion of all your points in the main body paragraphs.

Problem Solution

For a problem-solution essay, you obviously need to propose a solution to overcome a problem .

Describe the problem that you want to solve in the introduction paragraph. Convince your reader why it is important for them to pay attention to the problem and why they need to take any action to resolve it.

Then, start outlining your proposed solution in the main body. Aim to come up with three to four paragraphs to discuss the solution. You can include this reasoning to support your essay:

• The solution is practical
• The solution is workable
• The solution is cost-effective
• The solution is feasible

Try to keep your conclusion written in one paragraph. Close your essay with a rhetorical question or point out a call to action for your reader to take an action.

These are the three common types of writing that you will be required to write in Part 2. You are advised to spend 50 minutes in this section. The essay should be written at least 250 words in length. The maximum mark for Task 2 is 60 marks .

Remember to include all the notes given in the questions. However, do paraphrase the words. Avoid copying word by word directly from the questions. You can use a synonym or change the order of the sentence around to paraphrase the sentences.

Your marks for each task is based on the task fulfilment, language and organisation .

• Task fulfilment - whether you answer the given question accordingly.
• Language and organisation - how you organise your content, present your ideas in your writing, words usages and the elaboration of your points.

To be well prepared for essay writing, you can look out for the MUET marking scheme to get an understanding of how the papers are being marked.

MUET writing preparation

Essay writing might not be easy for some students. If you are one of them, you might want to look for help from an English tutor .

You can look for an English tutor from a reputable online tutoring website such as Superprof . Superprof has a wide selection of tutors that you can choose from. It has more than 16 million tutors for over 1000 subjects on the website.

Whether you are preparing for listening, speaking, writing or reading, a tutor is here to help.

To look for your preferred tutor on Superprof, you can use the search engine . It is as easy as choosing a subject and entering your address or your postcode . Once you are done, click on the ‘Find a tutor ’ button.

A list of available tutors for the selected subject and location will appear. You can review and choose your tutor based on the list.

If you have other preferences, you can filter the list based on the rate, distance, response time and education level . Do read the tutors’ profiles properly to make sure they suit your requirements.

Once you find your preferred tutor, click on the ‘Book a class’ button on the top right of his or her profile. Talk to the tutor about your educational background, needs and availability in detail. This information is important for the tutor in order to understand you better and offer you the best assistance.

When both, you and your tutor, agree on everything, you can start scheduling your lessons. Decide the method of learning whether to opt for face-to-face lessons or online classes. Once you decide on everything, you can start with your tutoring session.

You can literally refer to your tutor for just about everything related to the MUET examination like MUET speaking question, MUET reading question, ask them to check your MUET writing sample or even scheduling a mock MUET listening practice.

Writing test, listening test and speaking test MUET are the most intriguing papers compared to the reading test. However, do not take anything for granted . Be sure to get prepared and practise well for each of the papers.

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Muet writing sample essay academic excellence.

• April 25, 2021

Reading through the MUET Writing sample essays and looking at how the writer write the content points will improve your writing for MUET question 2 . This is simply because the content points for your essay determine the band you will get for the paper. Get this right!

So, in this article we are going to look at how you can come up with relevant content points and also how to expand your ideas in your elaborations. The sample paragraph for each content point and later the sample of the complete essay will also be provided. The topic of this essay is Academic Excellence.

In this article we are going to cover:

• the task that you need to complete
• the suggested response that you can choose from to complete the task
• the content points for the topic
• their elaborations
• and also, the sample paragraphs and the sample essay.

The topic of academic excellence is one of the topics that could be included in the writing question 2. For this topic, the question could be focussing on certain aspects like academic achievement versus skills, distractions in a student’s life in achieving academic excellence and is certification important in this digital era to name a few. This is the topic that we are going to be working on in this article:

The MUET Writing Sample Essay Question

This is how the question for writing question 2 is worded in the writing paper. Before going any further we need to first of all understand the question given. We can do this by carefully reading the rubric [rubric: the instruction found in the question] and understand what is needed of you to fulfil the task.

I would like to advise you not to rush through this very first step of reading and understanding the question as I always see this easily done by students.  You really need to understand the topic and the task first in order for you to answer the question correctly and to answer it well. I have seen so many times that students have misunderstood the question and so failed to fulfil the task. So read and understand the question first.

The question starts with giving a realistic setting for the task which is ‘during a career day, a guest speaker made a comment…’. This could of course be replaced with other situations like ‘during a talk, the school counsellor said….’or others.

The speaker would be making a comment that would be inviting some kind of discussion from different points of view (POV) and which is going to be the topic of the essay you are writing. The question requires you to write an essay in continuous writing of more than 250 words expressing your personal opinion on this statement.

The Topic of the Sample Essay

The statement made by the guest speaker is ‘employers only look for academic excellence when hiring’ . The topic is giving the situation that could happen during a job interview when employers are looking for employees to hire. Here in this statement, the counsellor feels that employers during interviews will be putting a lot of importance on academic excellence.

There are two ways that you can respond to this statement.

The first is when you totally support the statement. What this means is you totally agree that employers do only want to hire people who did very well in their studies. You are 100% for this statement so all your content points will be showing and expressing your POV of why you believe that employers look for academic achievements before agreeing to hire someone .

The second way of responding to this statement is to partially agree to it. You partially agree to a statement when you support the statement but only to a certain extent.

This means that you will say that the statement is partly true because you feel that employers do look for other qualities in a future employee. Next you will be adding in your own ideas as to why you feel that way.

Let’s look at the content points to support the first response when you totally agree to the statement.

The First Response

All content points would be giving the reasons as to why the employers are doing this. Keep this in mind that you believe that what the employers are doing are correct and you will have to sound like you support their actions. You will have to be convincing and try to show the readers [the examiners] in a clear way the rationale for the employers only choosing future employees with academic excellence.

To come up with logical points to support your view on why it is right to select future employees with academic excellence, you would need to put yourself in the situation of the employer.

What is the importance of academic excellence from the employer’s point of view? What line of business do you think and what post would the future employee be filling that would need an employer to be looking for a person who has excelled in their studies? What is it that the person with academic excellence has or is that a person without academic excellence would not have or is not?

First Content Point

So, the first content point for this is you’re going to say that academic excellence especially in tertiary education [tertiary education: above school level education like in college, university and vocational level] shows that the person is an expert in their field. Certain jobs would demand a person to be a specialist in certain areas.

Elaboration

For this content point you can first of all determine who are the people who possess academic excellence and how they are the best choice for the employers to employ.

Also it would be making it clearer the importance of hiring a person with academic excellence by including the effect of hiring the wrong person to do the job. This is for instance done by hiring a person who is not knowledgeable in that particular field.

I am providing sample paragraphs for the three content points stated for the first response. I would like to advise you to:

• copy these paragraphs onto a piece of foolscap paper just to get the feel of writing out the content points on paper. 
• then only by referring to the content points and elaborations given write out your own paragraphs

Here is a sample of the content paragraph.

The Sample Paragraph

First and foremost, the reason why employers put academic excellence as the first criterion for choosing future employees is because academic excellence especially in tertiary education signals a certain level of expertise. Employers do this because there is a particular need in certain professions that demands a person to have attained this academic excellence. These are the types of jobs that require specialised knowledge like the technologically demanding occupations of the future. In light of this the employers would even before the process of hiring, would specify very clearly in the job requirement what they would be looking for, for the purpose of narrowing down the future candidates who will be applying for the post. From the many gleaming resumes that come their way the next process would be to sieve through and hand pick the crème de la crème which are those who possess academic excellence and the expertise the employers are seeking for. Otherwise, the effect of employing someone ineligible for the job would be detrimental for the future of the company.

Second Content Point

The second point is great academic achievement shows that the person is very hardworking. You believe this to be very true because you feel that great academic achievement doesn’t come easy as it requires a lot of hard work and determination.

A person’s excellent achievement in their studies shows that a lot of hard work and time had been put into improving themselves especially when they were in university.  This criterion of not shying away from hard work is what employers are looking out for in future employees.

As the elaboration you can add that achieving academic excellence would be a feat that is not easy to achieve. Stress on the fact that it will involve a long process that would involve a lot of hard work.

However, the person with the excellent achievement in their studies would be ready to roll up their sleeves and get on with working to better themselves.

Sample Paragraph

Secondly, employers seek academic excellence in future employees because the ability to achieve academic excellence indirectly shows that the person is very hard working. Diligence in the part of the employee is certainly vital for the future of the company and the fact that these people were able to achieve greater heights in their studies show that they have worked really hard for it and would expectantly practise the same diligence at the workplace.  One thing for sure is that achieving academic excellence for the majority of people is not an easy task to accomplish. It may even have involved sweat and tears. The person who possesses excellence in their studies may have invested in long hours at the library that would most likely include burning the midnight oil. What this translates to the employers is that the person is someone who is ready to work hard and give it all in their pursuit of achieving excellence and when employed, would put in the same productiveness for the benefit of the company. Hence this is one of the reasons why achieving excellence in a person’s studies would be the quality that employers are looking for when hiring.

Third Content Point

The third content point is you can say that achieving academic excellence shows that the person is driven and this gives a very positive picture of the future employee as someone who is very motivated.  

The excellent achievement in their studies shows that, if the person has set his or her mind on something he or she is going to work for it and try very hard to achieve it.

Academic excellence is something that is not easy to come by. So, when the person has achieved excellence in his or her studies it shows that the person is fully driven and is fully motivated. The person could drive himself or herself towards that one goal that he or she wants to reach which is achieving academic excellence.

Thirdly the reason why employers seek academic excellence when hiring is because it shows that the people, they are potentially hiring are very driven.  They are perceived to be very motivated and really determined to succeed and this is evident in their achievements in their studies. Because of the hard work that is involved in achieving their level of excellence in their studies the candidates applying for the job would be viewed as people who are used to working hard and going the extra mile to accomplish their goal. They are ready to go above and beyond for the sole purpose of excelling in their studies. From this the employers might view them as the people who the employers could rely on to put in the dedication and perseverance to bring the company later to the next level like during their studies previously. Employees who are driven to achieve success would be ready to sacrifice their time and energy for the company too. They will aim for one main goal which is success and will be ready to put in the work required to achieve it. Therefore, possessing academic excellence would certainly be the basis on why employers would want to hire them. 

Ultimately, achieving academic excellence is one quality that employers are looking for as this is going to be very valuable in a working environment. Being driven is something that is going to help make the company a success.

The Complete Sample Essay

Here is the complete sample essay for the topic of academic excellence. Read through the introduction, content points and the conclusion to see the flow of the essay. 

Take note of the way I have written the introduction and conclusion. Do drop me a line if you want me to focus on how to write an introduction and a concluding paragraph for your essay.  

                 The librarian kept looking her way and wondering when she was going to pack up and leave as it was nearly 10 o’clock in the evening and fast approaching the library closing time. Nevertheless, he has seen this time and time again and understood the pressure that final year students in this university would be under as the final exam dates are looming near. Scenes like this is normally seen with most students wanting to do well in their studies. This is because they have understood the fact very well that getting very good grades could land them their dream jobs that promise these young adults a better life in the future. This is true to the fact that employers do look for academic excellence when hiring as certain jobs demand the person to be excellent in their studies as they are perceived to be better at what they do. Here I would like to state my total agreement to the statement that employers do look for academic excellence when hiring.

                First and foremost, the very reason why employers put academic excellence as the first criterion for choosing future employees is because academic excellence especially in tertiary education signals a certain level of expertise. Employers do this because there is a particular need in certain professions, that demands a person to have attained this academic excellence. These are the types of jobs that require specialised knowledge like the technologically demanding occupations of the future. In light of this the employers would even before the process of hiring, would specify very clearly in the job requirement what they would be looking for, for the purpose of narrowing down the future candidates who will be applying for the post. From the many gleaming resumes that come their way the next process would be to sieve through and hand pick the crème de la crème which are those who possess academic excellence and the expertise the employers are seeking for. Otherwise, the effect of employing someone ineligible for the job would be detrimental for the future of the company.

                Secondly, employers seek academic excellence in future employees because the ability to achieve academic excellence indirectly shows that the person is very hard working. Diligence in the part of the employee is certainly vital for the future of the company and the fact that these people were able to achieve greater heights in their studies show that they have worked really hard for it and would expectantly practise the same diligence at the workplace.  One thing for sure is that achieving academic excellence for the majority of people is not an easy task to accomplish. It may even have involved sweat and tears. The person who possesses excellence in their studies may have invested in long hours at the library that would most likely include burning the midnight oil. What this translate to the employers is that the person is someone who is ready to work hard and give it all in their pursuit of achieving excellence and when employed, would put in the same productiveness for the benefit of the company. Hence this is one of the reasons why achieving excellence in a person’s studies would be the quality that employers are looking for when hiring.

              Thirdly the reason why employers seek academic excellence when hiring is because it shows that the people, they are potentially hiring are very driven.  They are perceived to be very motivated and really determined to succeed and this is evident in their achievements in their studies. Because of the hard work that is involved in achieving their level of success in their studies the candidates applying for a job would be viewed as people who are used to working hard and going the extra mile to accomplish their goal . They are ready to go above and beyond for the sole purpose of excelling in their studies. From this the employers might view them as the people who the employers could rely on to put in the dedication and perseverance working in the company like what they did during their studies previously. Employees who are driven to achieve success would be ready to sacrifice their time and energy for the company too. They will aim for one main goal which is success and will be ready to put in the work required to achieve it. Therefore, possessing academic excellence would certainly be the basis on why employers would want to hire them. 

                In conclusion, employers do look for that one important quality in a future employee and that is having academic excellence. This is true for most employers as could be seen currently happening in our country when there are 2 candidates or more applying for the vacant post the person most likely to get the job would be the person showing up with very good grades during their studies. This is sad but true that candidates with academic excellence tend to have very high success rate during an interview. The reasons for this have been discussed earlier on in this essay where employers tend to hire people who possess academic excellence because they are perceived to be an expert in their field and possessing positive characteristics of being hard working and very driven. Consequently, these are the reasons why academic excellence is very much sought after by employers and why ever not when what the employers get from it is only going to bring a positive outcome to the company.  On a final note, this would be a wakeup call for students to take their studies seriously and put in more effort in trying to make that grade and hopefully succeed in getting a career of their dreams.

Academic excellence may be what employers are wanting in future employees for certain positions but not all the time.  This is because there are positions that demand talents and skills in certain aspects to fulfil certain other positions.

So really my true stand would be to partially agree to the topic. Here you can see that what I have written in my essay may not be entirely what I personally believe in. 

This is because I have chosen to totally agree to the topic because I believe that I have more to say about it if compared to if I were to choose to partially agree. It is going to make me write faster and points for my elaborations would become easier to write.

This is exactly what I would advise you to do during the exams. Put aside your personal beliefs if you think going the other way would make you write your essay better and faster.

Personally what I truly believe is that there is a place for everyone in the job market. All we need to do is to make sure that we are better today than we were yesterday and tomorrow we will be better than we are today. What is important is we need to keep on getting better at what we do.

The Second Response

Another response that you can have about this question is for you to partially agree to the statement mentioned. Your stand here would be that you support that the employers do look for academic excellence when hiring but not just solely for that because they will be looking for other qualities in the future employees as well.

Here you are going to come up with content points on why you feel that employers do look for other qualities in  future employees as well.

You will agree that employers do look for academic excellence but often they will be focussing on other qualities that tend to be more important than simply getting good grades.

So, you can say that apart from looking for a person’s academic achievements, the employers will be looking for experience on the job that the job seekers are applying for.

Job experience here would mean that the person would have done the same job before during a previous employment. This experience will determine that the person will be able to perform the job well from day one he or she is employed.

Elaborations

Having the few years’ experience is highly regarded in the job market. This could be seen when there is  a better chance of a person being hired if they come with several years of on-the-job experience.

The importance of having job experience could also be seen when employers go as far as listing the number of years they require a person applying for the job to have in the job requirement. 

Experience on the job will determine that the person applying has had the chance of learning certain aspects of the job that they would not have gotten during their studies. 

For this point you can highlight the fact that apart from academic achievement being able to speak in a certain language is going to be a very important aspect to increase the chance of someone getting hired. 

Having language proficiency would mean that the person is able to use the language well to voice out opinion in a clear way. 

To elaborate this point you can state that certain companies would require the future employee to be able to have the ability to speak in another language. 

This is especially so when the company has a business relation with companies from monolingual countries. [monolingual countries: countries that speak mostly in one language only]  These countries are such as China, Japan and Spain to name a few.

The company would be relying on this language proficiency to make sure that day to day business transactions would go on without any difficulties and problems.

This is because the lack of language proficiency here could cause the company to experience a big loss and a missed opportunity for the company.

For this point you can point out that there is a necessity also for the employers to put a lot of emphasis for the new employee they would  be hiring to have soft skills. 

What is this  soft skills that is so highly prized? It is the ability to interact with another person well. It is the person’s interpersonal skill that includes communication skills and the ability to handle certain situations well and with some sensitivity.

For the elaboration for this point you can stress how important it is for a person to have this soft skill.  This is because the person will be interacting with other colleagues and clients on an every day basis.

Having this soft skill would certainly be useful as there would be some instances when the person would need to use some tact [tact: the skill and sensitivity in dealing with people in certain difficult situations] when handling certain situations.

Having soft skill could even avoid confrontations  and this  would lead to a positive work environment. You can also add on how important it is to have a positive relationships between colleagues in the work place as this could determine the success of the company when people are working together as a team.

This is the end of this article.  Look out for more articles focussing on other topics of discussions.

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