ScoreFluentPart 2 is where Reading changes from sentences to passages. You read a text, then answer five questions on it, twice. This guide covers the format, how it is scored, a worked example, four strategy points and how to practise it.
The format. Part 2 of 3 in Reading · 2 passages · 5 multiple-choice questions on each, 10 in total · four options, one correct answer · informational texts of general or academic interest · part of the 65-minute, 50-question section · no negative marking.
What does MET Reading Part 2 ask you to do?
You read one informational passage and answer five questions about it. Michigan's own example of the text type is a short informational article about a local festival. The questions mix three kinds: what the text is mainly about (global), a fact stated in it (local), and something it implies without saying (inferential).
The passages sit between the 20 grammar items of Part 1 and the linked texts of Part 3. For the whole section, see MET Reading, parts and timing.
How is Part 2 scored?
By computer, one mark for each correct answer, with no deduction for a wrong one. The 50 Reading questions feed a 0 to 80 section score, and Michigan publishes no table converting a raw count into that score. See how MET is scored.
What does a single-text question look like?
This extract and question were written by ScoreFluent. They are not from a real exam.
The town library will extend its opening hours from 1 March. It will now stay open until 8 p.m. on weekdays, instead of 5 p.m. The change follows a survey in which most residents said they could not visit during the day because of work. Weekend hours stay the same.
Why is the library changing its hours? A) It has hired more staff. B) Residents asked for later opening. C) Fewer people visit at weekends. D) The council has reduced its budget.
The question asks for a reason, so look for "because", "follows" or "after". The text says the change "follows a survey" in which residents could not visit during the day. That matches B. A, C and D are all things the text never says, and C even sits close to a real detail, since weekend hours stay the same. An option can reuse the topic of the text and still be unsupported.
Four strategy points
- Read the stems first. Skim the five questions before the passage, so you know whether you are hunting for a main idea, a detail or an implication.
- Answer in order. Questions generally follow the text, so one answer tells you roughly where to start looking for the next.
- Match meaning, not words. Wrong options often repeat words from the passage. The correct option usually paraphrases it.
- Separate stated from implied. If the answer is in one sentence, it is a detail. If you need a step of reasoning, check that the text really supports it.
How does ScoreFluent practise Part 2?
In the app the item is called "Part 2 — Single Text". You read a passage, answer its multiple-choice questions and see which options were correct. Each question is tagged with the comprehension subskill it tests, so you can see whether detail or inference questions slow you down. Results are practice estimates, not official MET scores.
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Next: Part 3, multi text. Back to MET Reading or the full list of MET task guides.
How to improve at MET Reading Part 2, single text
Skills to build
- Finding the exact detail
- Getting the main point
- Working out a word from the words around it
- Reading between the lines
Common misconceptions
- "Matching words from the question finds the answer." Matching words can mislead. Find the sentence the question rests on, then check its meaning.
- "The first passage deserves more time." Both passages are worth the same and share one 65-minute clock. Spend your time evenly.
- "I should try to memorise the passage." The passage stays visible. Check the evidence in the text instead of trusting memory.
What you can practise in the app
In the app, you can practise this task with lessons and practice drills.
Questions students ask
What is MET Reading Part 2?
Part 2 gives you two short informational passages of general or academic interest, with five multiple-choice questions on each. That makes 10 of the 50 Reading questions.
What do MET Reading Part 2 questions test?
Michigan describes three reading subskills: global (the main idea or topic), local (specific information or details) and inferential (understanding implicit information). Part 2 questions draw on all three.
Are the questions in the same order as the passage?
Questions generally follow the order of the text, so the answer to the second question usually comes after the answer to the first. Treat that as a tendency rather than a rule, and check each stem.