MY 24 HOURS LEADING UP TO MUET

 

MUET Countdown: A 24-Hour Timeline of Panic and Hope

The Ticking Clock: The Final 24 Hours Begins

The final 24 hours before the MUET papers felt less like a calm countdown and more like a high-stakes academic performance just like the upcoming Semester 3 papers and the previously done Speaking paper. This test would be a critical checkpoint for my university aspirations. The expectations and hope to get a high band would ease my way to further my study in science field. The last remaining hours was a delicate balancing act and a challenge between my need to rest or my urge to tame my anxiety with shuffling through piles of notes. This day was a determined effort to ensure that when I finally sat down in the examination hall, my mind would be as sharp as my two sharpened pencils.

1. The Cram Session and the Self-Imposed Deadline

The morning and early afternoon were the usual school schedule. I only had the chance to sit and do my preparation by late evening. You know the feeling—it’s too late to learn everything that you were teached over the past months, but there's just enough time to reinforce the weakest areas.

My strategy was to rotate through the four components in short bursts:

• Reading: Speed-reading the printed articles that Madam gave just to re-calibrate my focus.

• Writing: Seeked help from Gemini and prompted samples for Task 2 Writing under all popular themes that Madam Jessie had shared previously, focusing purely on key points, structure and vocabulary.

• Listening: Playing a few recordings with different accent and speed to sharpen my note taking skills, and practicing with past year questions.

• Speaking (previously done): Giving a two-minute impromptu speech to nobody but myself, doing speaking practices often with my speaking groups.

By 6:00 PM, I declared study ceasefire. The risk of information overload would outweighed the reward. Anything I tried to stuff into my brain after that point would likely push something crucial right out. It was time to switch modes from frantic studying to logistics manager.

2. The Logistics of Panic: Stationery and Security

The late evening was dedicated entirely to preparation logistics, which is surprisingly therapeutic because it gives your nervous hands something to do. The goal was to eliminate any possible reason for minor panic to erupt the next morning.

I had a dedicated "MUET Gear" pile on my desk:

• IC: Readily tucked and safe inside my nametag pocket.

• Multiple Stationary: Two perfectly sharpened 2B pencils, 6 pens of black and blue ink, a newly used eraser and a plastic ruler, all perfectly tied up with a rubber band.

• The Energizer: A bottle of cold water—essential exam fuel when I can't have my coffee.

• The Exam Slip: Readily printed out and kept in a file.

The atmosphere at home was quiet, yet subtly charged that night. My family knew the score. I resisted the urge to talk about the test, realizing that discussing it would only re-trigger my analytical side and the urge to stay up late to study. The mental game was now about fighting distraction and refusing to let "what ifs" take root.

3. Mandatory Calm: The Sleep Struggle

The most important task of the 24 hours was securing eight hours of solid sleep. This was easier said than done. After a light, non-greasy dinner, I simply sat with my family and watched a movie together to get my mind off the nerving thoughts of the next hours up to the examination hours.

Lying in bed was when the real battle began. Every single past mistake, the reckless decision when I was prompting my essay or choosing the multiple answers in Reading, the fear of topic misconceptions and forgotten vocabulary word paraded through my mind. It took conscious effort—deep breaths, focusing on the analog clock's faint rhythmic ticking—to eventually quiet the noise. The moment I finally drifted off was a moment of pure, necessary relief after a long day.

Ready for the Dawn

The sound of my alarm felt less aggressive and abrupt than usual. It was soft and melodic as it rang; "ulgo shipji anha~"  I woke up feeling rested, not defeated. The final 24 hours had successfully transformed raw, unfocused anxiety into a quiet, focused determination. I didn't dread the morning like I usually would as I sat with my friends, joke around and had breakfast together. We didn't want to worry ourselves with the last few hours left. 

As I walked into the examination hall, my ID card in hand and my bundle of stationary ready, I had the calming assurance that I had done everything I possibly could. The test itself was now the easy yet nerving part, but, at least the frantic preparation was over for me.

Individual Presentation

 IDENTITY, SELF AND SOCIETY

My friends and I had discussed over what causes conflict between individuals and society under the theme; identity, self and society. Let's listen to my insight over the topic to understand better!

Identity shapes one's self and their best version shapes the society tremendously.

Vocabulary Log

These are the 10 new English words I've learned from a reading activity.

Word	Meaning	Sentence
stewardship	the management or care of something, particularly the kind that works.	Her stewardship of the garden was excellent.
revolutionize	cause to change; make different; cause a transformation.	Smartphones revolutionize communication.
Autonomous	things that function separately or independently.	The autonomous car drove itself.
automate	make automatic or control, or operate automatically.	They automate the billing process.
algorithms	a precise rule (or set of rules) specifying how to solve some problem	The app uses algorithms to suggest music.
tenuous	lacking substance or significance	His grasp on the rope was tenuous.
abject	showing utter resignation or hopelessness	They lived in abject poverty.
errant	traveling from place to place, especially in search of adventure	The errant bird flew off course.
avail	be of use to, be useful to	His advice did not avail.
cursory	hasty and without attention to detail; not thorough.	He gave a cursory look at the newspaper.

Weekly News Review : Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Nine States and Labuan

The Thunderstorm Warning In Malaysia.

Summary:

The Star's recent article reports on a thunderstorm warning issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department for nine states in Peninsular Malaysia (Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Selangor, and Johor) as well as the federal territory of Labuan. The warning alerts residents to the possibility of thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and strong winds. These weather conditions pose a risk of flash floods, fallen trees, and disruptions to outdoor activities and transportation. The department urges the public in the affected areas to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and advisories. This proactive measure aims to minimize potential damage and ensure the well-being of communities in the face of adverse weather.

Opinion:

I think the prompt and timely issuance of thunderstorm warnings by the Malaysian Meteorological Department is crucial for ensuring public safety. Given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, these alerts allow residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their property. It highlights the importance of a well-functioning meteorological agency and effective communication channels to disseminate such critical information. Furthermore, it underscores the need for public awareness and preparedness regarding potential weather hazards. Residents should heed these warnings seriously and take necessary precautions to mitigate risks associated with thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds.

Check out on the article by yourself for further reading!

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/05/11/thunderstorm-warning-issued-for-nine-states-and-labuan

My Top 3 Speaking Tips

Speaking isn't just about delivering messages to the listener. It's a way to express yourself and connect individually with others.

Here are my top 3 speaking tips I've been practicing on to work on my self-progress of speaking:

1. Practice with friends: Casual English conversations with friends at any time preferably helps with confidence and fluency

 2. Know your materials: Review more speaking topics and search its main points. By understanding and exploring more topics, you can talk naturally of the points within your view instead of depending on rote memorisation

3. Pace yourself: The feeling of nervousness leads to a rapid-fire speaking which makes it difficult for us to structure out sentences. Consciously pace down and control the speed of speaking, this will make you sound more composed and structured

Speaking can be challenging for certain people, even for me, but nothing is impossible to be tackle over with the right way.

Practice Group Discussion Summary

Summary of the Topic on How Education Can Be Improved:

Our discussion was about how education can be improved. There were so many ways prompted on how education can be improved. I chose the point on the usage of artificial intelligence (AI) in conducting classes.

In my point of view, one significant way to improve education is through the strategic integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools within the learning environment. This involves leveraging platforms like Google Meet, Zoom, Canva, and ChatGPT to create a more accessible and efficient learning experience for students. By incorporating AI, educators can provide students with readily available answers to their queries and easily accessible study materials, all within a unified tool or software. This approach aims to streamline the learning process, making resources more readily available and potentially fostering greater student autonomy and engagement.

Reflection on my speaking:

Even though I didn't have much understanding on the topic, I managed to come up with relevant ideas and provides elaboration for the main point I chose. However, I realised and acknowledged that I struggled with my stuttering, coherence, and fluency. I need to focus on delivering the message in a moderate speed and pace myself better. Other than that, I will work on mentally outlining my ideas before speaking to make sure my ideas are connected and flow logically. I will use more transition words and phrases to keep the points on the right lane. To work on my fluency, more practices of reading aloud and paraphrasing should be beneficial for me.

Problem-Solution Blog Post

Feeling Overwhelmed? Let's Take Control of Your Time! 

Life can feel like a whirlwind sometimes, can't it? Between work, family, hobbies, and everything else that demands our attention, it's easy to feel like we're constantly chasing our tails. This feeling of being overwhelmed often boils down to one core issue: time management. It's not about having more hours in the day; it's about making the most of the time we already have. When we struggle to manage our time effectively, stress levels rise, productivity dips, and we can miss out on things that truly matter. But don't worry, taking control of your time is a skill you can learn and develop!

So, how can we move from feeling frantic to feeling in control? Here are a couple of powerful strategies to get you started.

Firstly, embrace the power of planning and prioritization. Think of your time like a precious resource – you wouldn't want to waste it, would you? Start by identifying your most important tasks. What absolutely needs to get done? What will have the biggest impact? Tools like to-do lists, digital calendars, or even simple notebooks can be incredibly helpful here. The key is to not just list everything, but to prioritize. Consider using methods like the Eisenhower Matrix, which categorizes tasks based on urgency and importance. This helps you focus on what truly matters and avoid getting bogged down in less critical activities. By dedicating specific time slots for these important tasks, you create structure and ensure they don't get lost in the daily shuffle.

Secondly, learn to say "no" and protect your time. This might sound simple, but it can be surprisingly difficult. We often feel obligated to say "yes" to every request, even when it stretches us too thin. However, constantly overcommitting yourself is a recipe for burnout and ineffective time management. Learning to politely decline tasks that don't align with your priorities or that you simply don't have the capacity for is crucial. It's about recognizing your limits and valuing your time. When you say "no" to unimportant things, you free up valuable time and energy for what truly matters.

Beyond planning and setting boundaries, another powerful tool in your time management arsenal is the art of minimizing distractions and maximizing focus. In today's hyper-connected world, it's easy to get pulled in a million different directions. Notifications ping, emails flood our inboxes, and social media beckons. These constant interruptions can shatter our concentration and significantly eat into our productive time. To combat this, consciously create dedicated focus periods. This might involve turning off notifications, closing unnecessary tabs on your computer, or even finding a quiet workspace where you won't be disturbed. Techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, where you work in focused bursts followed by short breaks, can also be incredibly effective in maintaining concentration and preventing burnout. By actively minimizing distractions, you'll be amazed at how much more you can accomplish in the same amount of time.

In conclusion, feeling like you're constantly battling the clock is a common experience, but it doesn't have to be your reality. By actively implementing strategies like planning and prioritizing your tasks and learning to protect your time by saying "no" when necessary, you can significantly improve your time management skills. It takes practice and conscious effort, but the rewards – reduced stress, increased productivity, and a greater sense of control over your life – are well worth it. So, take a deep breath, start small, and begin your journey towards mastering your time today!

My MUET Journey

 

Leveling Up My MUET Game: From High Band 4 to Beyond!

Sitting at a comfortable and convincing Band in MUET feels good and safe, but the ambition for a higher Band 5, inching towards that coveted Band 6 (CEFR C2), burns bright! My preparation journey has been a mix of smooth sailing and navigating some choppy waters. It's both exciting and pressuring at the same time in a positive way.

Interestingly, I’ve found a rhythm with the listening paper, feeling confident in picking up key information. Decoding the text structures in the reading paper also comes quite naturally, and the distinction between crafting an argumentative versus a discussive essay, along with the trusty PEEL method, feels like solid ground. After months of learning MUET under the guidance of such an experienced teacher, the lessons helps me to feel more and more confident and ambitious.

However, the speaking test throws me a curveball. I'm aiming for high Band 4 and above but the struggle to speak fluently has been challenging. Conjuring relevant ideas and elaborations on the spot can be a real challenge for either the individual presentation or the group discussion. When it comes to argumentative essays, backing up my points with solid data and statistics often feels like grasping at air. I was told to come up with any logical names and datas, but I'm wary that it'd sound cringy and questionable. And let's not forget the reading paper's gapped texts and those intricately woven passages that sometimes leave me scratching my head. Going through a reading paper during the peak dry and humid hour had me easily feeling sleepy and confused under the influence of drowsiness.

To bridge these gaps, I've doubled down on my efforts. I'm actively devouring more articles and diverse texts to broaden my general knowledge and spark those on-the-spot ideas. I'm slowly turning the habit of essay reviewing as a part of my study routine, dissecting what works and identifying areas for stronger argumentation and evidence. Finally, I'm tackling more reading exercises, specifically focusing on those tricky gapped texts and complex analyses. I'm not going to lose myself against a few long passages of text and unable to grasp more marks for those parts.

The climb to a higher band won't be easy, but with consistent effort, I'm determined to reach that next level!