Maszlee: Starting 2019, PT3 English Papers Will Follow European Framework

According to Free Malaysia Today, the English Language paper for the Form 3 Assessment (PT3) will follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) effective this year.

Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik added that the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) would also follow the CEFR in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

He added that with the CEFR in place, students will be able to know their respective English proficiency levels.

Source: utusan online

The education minister also stated that this framework would encourage students to master the English language.

The CEFR is an international standard for describing the language ability of students, using a scale from level A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient) and makes it easier for employers and educational institutions to easily compare these qualifications to other equivalent exams in their country. Below is an example of how the CEFR can be compared to other tests.

Source: cambridge english

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the panel of experts in the Rating Standards and English Language Quality Council’s (MPSKBI) session 2018-2020 at the Education Ministry, Dr Maszlee was quoted by the Borneo Post as saying that the CEFR “is an international standard that proves students’ ability to master every English language skill”.

Dr Maszlee added that the MPSKBI, comprised of seven members who are English language experts, was set up to control the standard and quality of the English language in Malaysia.

What do you think of this new framework? Let us know in the comments section!

Also read: English Language Will Be the Main Focus in M’sian Education, Says Maszlee