PT3 English Will Follow International Standards Starting This Year

In fact, many foreigners are often left in awe when they see and hear us communicate in the global language because in the eyes of outsiders, we are not an English-speaking nation.

However, we must admit that there is still room for improvement and the Ministry of Education agrees as well.

From this year onwards, students sitting for the Form 3 Assessment (PT3) will be tested in English that is aligned with the international standard.

According to report by The Star, the English paper for this year's PT3 will follow the standards of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

This framework is used by many countries to determine English proficiency levels.

"English exam papers for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) will start following the CEFR standards in 2021, while English papers of the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) will follow suit in 2022," Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik said.

This way, the students will be able to identify their level in English and work on it should there be areas that needs to be improved.

Since 2016, the ministry has started implementing curriculum, learning and teaching plans, as well as assessments in line with the CEFR standards.

This is all part of the plan to transform our country's English language education and produce students and graduates who can face the world better.

"We must be realistic and recognise that English is the international language which is used as a communication tool everywhere, including online and in business," Dr Maszlee added.

To all students who will be taking PT3 from this year onwards, are you ready?

Well, one of the best advice we have for you is to start reading more! Whether it is books, newspapers or articles, reading has proven to be one of the most efficient way to learn.