English proficiency is more than an academic requirement, it’s a vital skill that unlocks opportunities for higher education, career advancement, and international experiences. For high school students in Malaysia, mastering English is essential, whether they intend to study locally or abroad. Actually there are multiple English proficiency tests available in Malaysia to meet various needs and goals.
You might wonder why students should take these tests. Beyond meeting university admission requirements, these exams help build a strong foundation for future success by refining essential language skills and enhancing confidence in academic and professional settings. Scoring well can enhance university admission prospects, boost career opportunities, and even facilitate immigration and scholarships.
Let’s explore the popular English proficiency tests among students that are available in Malaysia!
IELTS
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most widely recognized English proficiency tests globally. It is designed to assess the language ability of non-native English speakers who need to study or work in environments where English is the primary language of communication.
IELTS Academic
This version is for those applying for higher education or professional registration in an English-speaking environment. It reflects some of the features of academic language and assesses whether you are ready to begin studying or training.
| Listening | 30 minutes | Listen to recordings of native English speakers and answer questions based on these recordings. |
| Reading | 60 minutes | Read from long texts from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers. |
| Writing | 60 minutes | Explain information presented in a graph or diagram and write an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem. |
| Speaking | 11-14 minutes | Face-to-face interview with a certified examiner. |
Scoring: IELTS scores range from 0 to 9, with 0 being the lowest and 9 being the highest. Each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) is scored individually, and the overall score is the average of these four scores.
Who Should Take IELTS?
- Students Planning to Study Abroad: If you’re aiming to study at a university or college in countries like the UK, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada, IELTS Academic is often required as part of the admissions process. Many institutions in these countries accept IELTS as proof of English proficiency.
- Students Seeking Scholarships: Many scholarship programs, especially those that involve studying in English-speaking countries, require IELTS scores. A strong IELTS score can enhance your scholarship application.
- Students Who Prefer a Widely Recognized Test: IELTS is recognized by over 11,000 organizations worldwide, including educational institutions, employers, and immigration authorities. If you want a test that is globally accepted, IELTS is a reliable choice.
- Those Considering Professional Registration: If you’re planning a career in fields like healthcare, engineering, or law in an English-speaking country, you may need to take IELTS Academic to meet professional registration requirements.
TOEFL
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standardized test that measures the English language proficiency of non-native speakers who wish to enroll in English-speaking universities. It is one of the most widely recognized English proficiency tests globally, particularly in the United States and Canada, but it is also accepted by institutions in over 150 countries.
TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test)
This is the most common version and is taken on a computer. It includes all four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
| Reading | 35 minutes | Read passages and respond to questions. |
| Listening | 36 minutes | Answer questions about brief lectures or classroom discussions. |
| Speaking | 16 minutes | Talk about a familiar topic and discuss material you read and heard. |
| Writing | 29 minutes | 2 tasks include: Read a passage, listen to a recording, type your response; State and support an opinion in an online classroom discussion. |
Scoring: The test is scored out of 120 points, with each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) scored on a scale of 0 to 30. The total score is the sum of these four section scores.
Who Should Take TOEFL?
- Students Planning to Study in the USA: If you’re aiming for universities in the United States, TOEFL is often required or preferred by most institutions.
- Students Comfortable with Computer-Based Testing: TOEFL iBT is entirely computer-based, so it’s ideal for students who are comfortable reading, typing, and speaking into a microphone during the test.
- Non-Native Speakers Seeking Scholarships: TOEFL scores are often a requirement for international students applying for scholarships, particularly in the US and Canada.
PTE
The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a computer-based English language proficiency test designed to assess the readiness of non-native English speakers to participate in university-level English instruction programs. PTE is recognized by thousands of institutions worldwide, including universities, colleges, and governments, particularly in countries like Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Canada.
PTE Academic
This is the most common version of the test and is used for admission to universities and colleges, as well as for visa applications.
| Speaking and Writing | 54-67 minutes | Tests both your speaking and writing abilities through a series of tasks, including personal introduction, describe image, essay etc. |
| Reading | 29-30 minutes | Tests your reading skills through various tasks including multiple choice questions, some will integrate with writing skills such as fill in the blacks etc. |
| Listening | 30-43 minutes | Tests your listening skills through tasks that include: summarize spoken text, select missing word, highlight incorrect words etc. |
Scoring: PTE is scored on a scale of 10 to 90 points, with scores based on the accuracy of your responses in each section. The overall score reflects your overall English ability, while individual scores are provided for each skill area (speaking, listening, reading and writing).
Who Should Take PTE?
- Those Seeking Fast Results: If you’re under time pressure and need your English proficiency scores quickly, PTE delivers results typically within 48 hours, making it an ideal choice for students who need quick feedback on their English proficiency.
- Students Comfortable with Technology: PTE is entirely computer-based, so it’s ideal for students who are comfortable with digital formats and typing responses.
- Test Takers Looking for a Flexible Option: PTE is available on many dates throughout the year, providing flexibility in choosing when to take the test.
MUET
The Malaysian University English Test (MUET) is an English proficiency test used primarily in Malaysia for students who wish to pursue higher education in local universities. It is also recognized by some institutions in Singapore. MUET is designed to assess the English language ability of candidates in an academic setting, particularly in preparation for university studies.
| Listening | 50 minutes | Includes 5 parts, with a total of 30 multiple-choice questions, listen to a variety of audio recordings such as dialogues etc. |
| Speaking | 30 minutes | Consist of 2 parts: individual presentation (2 mins) and group discussion (8-12 mins). |
| Reading | 75 minutes | Include 7 parts, with a total of 40 question include multiple matching, multiple-choice questions. |
| Writing | 75 minutes | Consist of 2 tasks: write an email or letter; and write an essay of at least 250 words on a given topic. |
Scoring: MUET uses a band scoring system to rate candidates’ proficiency, with each band reflecting a different level of English competency. The overall score is based on the combined scores of all four sections.
Who Should Take MUET?
- Students Seeking Admission to Malaysian Universities: MUET is typically required for entry into most undergraduate programs in public universities in Malaysia. The required band score may vary depending on the program and university.
- Students Planning to Study in Singapore: Some institutions in Singapore also accept MUET scores for admission purposes.
- Students Who Seek for an Affordable Cost Test: MUET is generally more affordable than international English proficiency tests, making it accessible for a wider range of students.
Source:
- https://ielts.org/
- https://www.ets.org/toefl.html
- https://www.pearsonpte.com/
- https://www.mpm.edu.my/muet/komponen-ujian-muet
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