On MUET’s
weighting for each section, what is the justification for the weightings as
follows?
Listening – 15%
Speaking – 15%
Reading – 40%
Writing – 30%
In comparison
with TOEFL that follows the score range of 0-30 for each section but has equal weightage
across all 4 sections. The IELTS too, have the component scores weighted
equally.
Why is it that
the Reading section has the highest weightage, by 15% if each of the components
were to be of equal weightage? Is it as if the test is made to help students
obtain a better score through the reading section which is entirely MCQs, in
which students can make lucky guesses or eliminate distractors. This definitely
allows students to score, even without really understanding the text. The
difference in weightage does not entirely correspond to the description of
aggregated score. For example, Band 6 deemed as a highly proficient user would
have very fluent communicative ability, has highly appropriate use of language,
very good understanding of language and context as well as has very high
ability to function in the language. How valid is the test if a test taker
obtains an average score across all 4 sections but manages to score a Band 6
just because of the higher weightage that the reading section holds?
In regards to
the Speaking section, MUET is rather unique in its approach of having group
interactions. Although this imitates an authentic situation of a conversation
with other speakers, the assessment also covers one’s management of a
discussion such as initiating, turn taking, prompting and negotiating. This
aspect seems to test students’ morale and civics qualities rather than from
their speaking skills and language competency.
I can't recall if the MUET guidebook explains the rationale for the different weightings for each component, but do you think it might have to do with the fact that learning in the university requires a great deal of self-study, hence reading might be a more important skill than the other skills? Do you also believe that MCQ items on the reading test would possibly enable test-takers to do well by guessing? They'd have to be really lucky!As for the Speaking test, there is a place for assessing pragmatics, i.e.communication strategies, appropriate expressions for "doing" things in a discussion,etc but certainly, you're right to point out that the format encourages memorization of stock expressions. You have to understand better the construct of each of the language skills before you can fully appreciate the decisions that go into designing a test. Take time to learn on your own!
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