ScoreFluentMET Reading, part by part.
Fifty multiple-choice questions in 65 minutes, in three parts: 20 grammar items, two single texts and two sets of three linked texts. It is one section clock, computer-scored, with no penalty for a wrong answer.
Three parts, fifty questions, one clock.
| Part | What you read | Task | Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Single sentences | Grammar: choose the correct word or phrase to complete the sentence | 20 |
| Part 2 | 2 informational passages of academic or general interest | Five multiple-choice questions on each passage | 10 |
| Part 3 | 2 sets of 3 texts on a related topic | Ten multiple-choice questions on each set | 20 |
Every question has four answer options and one correct answer. Reading is scored by computer and each correct answer adds to your 0–80 section score; nothing is subtracted for a wrong answer. Topics are chosen so that no specialised knowledge is needed.
65 minutes for fifty questions — pacing is the skill.
Michigan publishes one time limit for the section: 65 minutes. That is about 78 seconds a question on average, but the questions are not equal work. A grammar item can take seconds; a question that asks you to connect ideas across three texts takes far longer.
In the official sample test’s delivery script, Reading is not forward-only, so you can move back and review. A budget worth rehearsing — ours, not an official figure — is to clear the 20 grammar items briskly, then bank the saved minutes for the linked texts in Part 3, which carry 20 questions, as many as Part 1 and Part 2 combined.
Main idea, detail and what is implied.
Michigan describes three reading subskills: global (identifying the main idea or topic), local (identifying specific information or details) and inferential (understanding implicit information). Some Part 3 questions also require you to connect ideas from more than one text.
A plan for each part.
The format facts are Michigan’s; the technique below is ours.
Part 1 — answer fast, then move on
Grammar-in-context items reward a quick read of the whole sentence and a check of what the gap needs: a verb form, a preposition, a connector. If two options still look right after a few seconds, flag it and keep going; the time is worth more in Part 3.
Part 2 — read the question stems first
Each passage carries five questions. Skim the stems before the passage so you know whether you are hunting for the main idea, a detail or an implication, then answer in question order, since questions generally follow the text.
Part 3 — label each text before you answer
With three related texts, note in a few words what each one is for (an announcement, a review, an email, a reply). Most questions then become a decision between texts rather than a search through all three. Expect some questions to span more than one text.
Every part — never leave a blank
There is no negative marking, so an unanswered question is a lost chance. Answer everything before the clock ends, and use any spare minutes on the items you flagged.
Straight from the test maker.
ScoreFluent is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to Michigan Language Assessment. The format facts here come from Michigan’s published documents:
- MET Test Taker Handbook, July 2025 (PDF) — section timing, part structure and question counts.
- MET preparation (official sample tests and guides) — the free digital sample tests, the MET study guide, and the curriculum guide with the reading subskills.
Exam details change — the test maker revises its documents during the year. If a decision hangs on a detail here, check it against the official pages above first; they outrank this page.
Keep going: the full format guide, how scoring works, Listening, Writing, Speaking, the practice-test guide.
Reading questions, answered.
How long is MET Reading and how many questions does it have?
MET Reading takes 65 minutes and has 50 multiple-choice questions in three parts: 20 grammar questions, 10 questions on two single texts, and 20 questions on two sets of three related texts. Each question has four answer options and one correct answer.
Is there grammar in MET Reading?
Yes. Part 1 is 20 grammar questions where you choose the correct word or phrase to complete a sentence. They sit inside the Reading section, so they count toward your 0–80 Reading score.
Is there a time limit for each Reading part?
No. Michigan publishes one 65-minute limit for the whole section. Any per-part budget, including the one on this page, is coaching advice rather than an exam rule.
Do wrong answers lose marks in MET Reading?
No. Each correct answer adds to the section score and points are not subtracted for wrong answers, so answer every question.
How is MET Reading scored?
By computer. The result is a 0–80 section score with a CEFR level attached, and your overall MET score is the average of the four section scores. Michigan does not publish a table that converts a raw count of correct answers into a 0–80 score, so treat a percentage from practice as a rough guide.
What kinds of text appear in MET Reading?
Short informational texts of general or academic interest. Michigan’s own example is a short informational article about a local festival. Part 3 uses three texts on a related topic, so expect different formats and purposes within one set.
Does ScoreFluent offer MET Reading practice?
MET practice is live on ScoreFluent, free to start. Results are practice estimates, not official MET scores. Reading covers grammar completion, single-text and multi-text questions, checked automatically. ScoreFluent has a full MET mock plus Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking section mocks; Michigan’s free official samples provide another full-length timed run.
Start practising MET today.
MET practice is live on ScoreFluent — reading, listening, writing and speaking, free to start.
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