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My MUET Journey: My MUET Group Discussion Experience.

“I used to stay quiet because I was scared of saying the wrong thing. Now, I speak because I believe my ideas matter.”

When I first heard about the MUET Speaking Test, especially the Group Discussion task, my stomach dropped.

“What if I freeze?”
“What if others dominate the conversation?”
“What if I say something wrong?”

As someone who used to struggle with confidence, especially when speaking English, the idea of discussing a topic with three other students in front of an examiner felt terrifying.

But that practice session — the one I was dreading — turned out to be one of the most valuable experiences of my MUET journey.

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🎯 The Task: MUET Group Discussion (Task B)

We were given a general topic with several points to consider. Each of us had to present our ideas and then work together to come to a group conclusion.

It sounds simple… but in reality, it was anything but.

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😰 Problem 1: I Didn’t Know How to Start

Everyone was waiting for someone to begin. My mind went blank. I had ideas, but no words.

✅ Solution: Use Simple Openers

Before the discussion, I had memorized a few useful phrases:

• “I believe that…”

• “From my point of view…”

• “One of the most important points to consider is…”

I took a deep breath and used them as my anchor. Once I got the first sentence out, the rest followed more naturally.

📝 Tip: Prepare and practice your opening line. It helps break the silence and boost your confidence.

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🗣️ Problem 2: Others Spoke Too Fast

Some group members were fluent and confident. They jumped in quickly, and I felt like I couldn’t keep up. At times, I didn’t know when or how to interrupt politely.

✅ Solution: Learn to Step In (Respectfully)

Instead of waiting for long pauses, I looked for natural breaks or used phrases like:

• “Can I add to that?”

• “If I may respond to that point…”

• “I agree with what was said, but I also believe…”

These transitions helped me contribute without interrupting rudely. I found my rhythm.

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🙊 Problem 3: Fear of Saying the Wrong Thing

I was terrified of making grammar mistakes or using the wrong word. That fear held me back.

✅ Solution: Focus on Clarity, Not Perfection

The examiners aren’t looking for perfect grammar — they want to see your ability to communicate clearly and work in a team. I reminded myself: "Making mistakes is better than saying nothing at all."

So I spoke simply. Slowly. Clearly. And it worked.

🎧 Bonus Tip: Practicing with friends and recording yourself can help identify areas to improve without pressure.

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🌟 What I Learned From That Session

That one practice discussion taught me more than I expected. I learned that:

• Speaking up is hard — but it gets easier every time.

• Listening actively is just as important as talking.

• Confidence isn’t about being loud. It’s about being clear, respectful, and real.

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🧠 Group Discussion Survival Kit (What Helped Me)

Challenge	Strategy
Nervous to start	*Memorize 2–3 opening phrases
Fast speakers	*Learn polite phrases to join in
Fear of mistakes	*Focus on communication, not perfection
Staying involved	*Take notes & refer to others' points

💬 Final Words: Speak Even If You're Scared

If you're preparing for MUET, especially the group discussion task, here's my advice:

Speak even if your voice shakes. Speak even if you’re unsure. Your opinion matters, and the only way to get better is by practicing — again and again.

You don’t need perfect English.
You need courage, respect, and teamwork.

And who knows? The voice you once doubted might just become your greatest strength.

Yu.