Are these real MET Listening questions?

No. They are ScoreFluent practice items written to the published format of the three Listening parts. Michigan's free digital sample tests are the official material to use for real item types.

How many questions are in MET Listening?

50 multiple-choice questions in 35 minutes: 19 on short conversations, 14 on four longer conversations and 17 on four short talks. Each has four options and one correct answer.

Can I go back to an earlier question in MET Listening?

In the delivery script of Michigan's official sample test, all three Listening parts are forward-only, so you cannot return to an earlier question. Practise without a rewind control.

Do wrong answers lose marks?

No. Each correct answer adds to the section score and nothing is deducted for a wrong one, so answer every question.

MET Listening Practice Questions

MET Listening is 50 multiple-choice questions in 35 minutes, in three parts: short conversations, longer conversations and short talks. Below is a practice item for each part, written for you to read aloud to a study partner (or record yourself reading), because that is how to rehearse a section that does not let you go back.

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The format. Part 1: 19 short two-person conversations, one question each · Part 2: 4 longer two-person conversations, 3–5 questions each (14 in all) · Part 3: 4 short talks by one speaker, 3–4 questions each (17 in all) · four options, one correct answer. Source: Michigan's Test Taker Handbook.

These are original practice items, not real exam questions. For official items with audio, use the free digital sample tests on Michigan's MET preparation page.

How to use these

Have someone read the script once, at natural speed, while you do not look at it. Answer before you check. Do not ask for a repeat: the sample test's Listening parts are forward-only.

Part 1: a short conversation (one question)

Script. Maya: Are you still coming to the team lunch on Friday? Tom: I'd love to, but my train gets in at one. Maya: No problem, we're booked for one-thirty. Tom: Great, I'll go straight to the restaurant.

Question. Why does Tom say his train gets in at one?

A. He wants to change the lunch time.
B. He is explaining that he can still attend.
C. He is asking Maya for a lift.
D. He needs to leave the lunch early.

Answer: B. He is checking the timing works, and Maya's reply confirms it does.

Part 2: a longer conversation (several questions)

Script. Customer: Hi, I bought this printer last week and it keeps jamming. Assistant: I'm sorry to hear that. Have you tried the paper tray cleaning cycle? Customer: Twice. It works for a page or two and then jams again. Assistant: In that case I'd rather replace it than have you struggle. Do you have the receipt? Customer: Only a photo of it on my phone. Assistant: That's fine, I can scan it. The replacement is the same model, though a newer one will be in on Tuesday if you'd prefer to wait. Customer: I'd rather wait; the paper size is the same, right? Assistant: Yes, the same.

Questions.

What is the customer's problem? (Global)
What had the customer already tried? (Local)
What does the customer decide to do? (Local)
What does the assistant's offer to wait for a newer model suggest? (Inferential)

What a strong answer covers

1: the printer keeps jamming; 2: the paper tray cleaning cycle, twice; 3: wait for the newer model on Tuesday
4: the shop has flexibility and is trying to resolve the problem rather than just meet the minimum; inferential questions ask for what is implied, not stated

Part 3: a short talk (several questions)

Script. Welcome to the city museum's evening tour. Tonight we will start in the entrance hall, where you can see the oldest object in our collection, a clay lamp more than two thousand years old. We will then walk through the maritime gallery, and finish in the garden, where a short film about the harbour will be shown. Please remember that photographs are welcome everywhere except in the maritime gallery, where some items are on loan.

Questions.

What is the main purpose of the talk? (Global)
Where is the clay lamp displayed? (Local)
Why are photographs not allowed in the maritime gallery? (Local)
What can be inferred about the tour's last stop? (Inferential)

Answers: 1. to introduce an evening museum tour; 2. the entrance hall; 3. some items are on loan; 4. it is outdoors and includes a film.

The three question types

Global — the main idea or topic
Local — specific information or details
Inferential — implicit information, such as what a remark suggests

Michigan describes these as the three listening subskills. For the part-by-part strategy, see MET Listening, part by part.

Attempt these with real scoring

Practise MET Listening on ScoreFluent — conversations, long conversations and talks, checked automatically. MET practice is free to start, and listening is scored automatically and free. A full MET mock test is 40 credits, and Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking sectionals are available. Results are practice estimates, not official MET scores.

ScoreFluent is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to Michigan Language Assessment.

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MET Listening Practice Questions: Conversations and Talks