The road to MUET speaking mastery: Addressing common student fears and challenges

Authors

  • Noormaizatul Akmar Muhamad Nasir Centre for Core Studies, Sultan Ismail Petra International Islamic College University, 16010 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.
  • Nurul Husna Yaacob Centre for Core Studies, Sultan Ismail Petra International Islamic College University, 16010 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.
  • Marina Razaki Department of Muamalat and Information Technology, Faculty of Management and Information Technology, Sultan Ismail Petra International Islamic College University, 16010 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.
  • Raihan Mohd Arifin Department of Research Planning and Innovation IPGM Kota Bharu Campus, 16100 Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan, Malaysia.
  • Banu Ramanan Department of Research Planning and Innovation IPGM Kota Bharu Campus, 16100 Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan, Malaysia.
  • Che Nadzirah Che Ab Razak Department of Research Planning and Innovation IPGM Kota Bharu Campus, 16100 Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan, Malaysia.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol10iss2pp115-130

Abstract

Background and Purpose: The MUET speaking test is essential for assessing oral English proficiency, crucial for university admission in Malaysia. While language education includes listening, speaking, writing, and reading, speaking presents unique challenges and is a key proficiency indicator. Despite its importance, research on factors affecting speaking performance is limited. This study aims to identify the specific linguistic challenges and psychological factors that students encounter in MUET speaking tasks. Moreover, it examines the correlation between task complexity and speaking performance to better understand its impact on students' oral proficiency.

Methodology: This study involved 320 MUET-preparing students. Questionnaires collected data on demographic and academic factors, as well as seven components of speaking skills. Responses were analysed using SPSS, employing statistical techniques for comprehensive examination.

Findings: Key findings include grammar and vocabulary as the most challenging aspects; high scores for lack of motivation and anxiety significantly impact performance; strong correlations between linguistic skills and psychological factors, with better vocabulary and grammar linked to reduced anxiety and shyness; and significant interconnections among anxiety, shyness, and lack of confidence.

Contributions: This study highlights the factors influencing MUET speaking test performance, offering crucial insights for educational strategies and interventions. By identifying specific challenges and proficiency gaps, it underscores the need for tailored educational approaches to meet diverse student needs.

Keywords: MUET speaking test, task complexity, language proficiency, speaking abilities.

Author Biographies

  • Noormaizatul Akmar Muhamad Nasir, Centre for Core Studies, Sultan Ismail Petra International Islamic College University, 16010 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.

    Noormaizatul Akmar is a lecturer with over 15 years of experience in English language teaching. She specializes in MUET and English for Islamic Studies. Her research focuses on second language acquisition, task-based learning, and language assessment.
    Nurul Husna Yaacob has served as a lecturer at KIAS since 2013. Her academic strengths lie in Linguistics and language teaching. She actively supports institutional goals through her teaching and research involvement in English language education.

  • Nurul Husna Yaacob, Centre for Core Studies, Sultan Ismail Petra International Islamic College University, 16010 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.

    Nurul Husna Yaacob has served as a lecturer at KIAS since 2013. Her academic strengths lie in Linguistics and language teaching. She actively supports institutional goals through her teaching and research involvement in English language education.

  • Marina Razaki, Department of Muamalat and Information Technology, Faculty of Management and Information Technology, Sultan Ismail Petra International Islamic College University, 16010 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.

    Marina Muhammad Razaki is a lecturer at KIAS with expertise in statistics and business mathematics. She has been teaching since 2012 and is engaged in research focusing on management, quantitative methods, and community-based studies.

  • Raihan Mohd Arifin, Department of Research Planning and Innovation IPGM Kota Bharu Campus, 16100 Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan, Malaysia.

    Raihan Mohd Arifin is a senior lecturer specializing in Islamic Education and values-based pedagogy. She contributes to research on character development, teacher training, and curriculum innovation grounded in Qur’anic values.

  • Banu Ramanan, Department of Research Planning and Innovation IPGM Kota Bharu Campus, 16100 Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan, Malaysia.

    Banu Ramanan is a lecturer with over 15 years of experience in teacher education. She specializes in pedagogy and educational innovation and is involved in curriculum development, research, and future educator training.

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Published

2025-07-31

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 2: Journal of Nusantara Studies(JONUS)

Section

Articles

How to Cite

The road to MUET speaking mastery: Addressing common student fears and challenges. (2025). Journal of Nusantara Studies (JONUS), 10(2), 115-130. https://doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol10iss2pp115-130