MET Listening Practice Test 3 — 50 Questions With Transcripts & Answers

Free MET Listening practice test 3: 50 multiple-choice questions across short conversations, long conversations and short talks, with the full transcripts and answer explanations.

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This is the full Listening Practice Test 3 in the official MET format: Part 1 short conversations (19 questions), Part 2 long conversations (4 sets, 14 questions) and Part 3 short talks (4 sets, 17 questions) — 50 questions in 35 minutes.

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Part 1 — Short conversations (19 questions)

Conversation 1 Woman: I heard you're organizing the charity run this year. Man: Yes, I volunteered. It's a lot of work, but for a good cause. Woman: How many participants are you expecting this year? Man: We're hoping for around five hundred, up from three hundred last year.

1. What are the speakers mainly discussing?

  1. Volunteer opportunities at the community center
  2. The cost of organizing community events
  3. A previous year's successful fundraiser
  4. A charity run event and its expected participation
Answer: D

Why: The speakers discuss the charity run the man is organizing and expected participant numbers.

Conversation 2 Man: I see you're taking the bus today. What happened to your car? Woman: It's in the shop. The transmission needs to be replaced. Man: That sounds expensive. How much will it cost? Woman: About two thousand dollars. I'm not happy about it.

2. Why is the woman taking the bus?

  1. She doesn't have a driver's license
  2. She is saving money on gas
  3. The bus is faster than driving
  4. Her car is in the shop for transmission repairs
Answer: D

Why: The woman says her car is in the shop because the transmission needs replacement.

Conversation 3 Woman: Did you watch that documentary about the history of jazz music? Man: I watched part of it. It was interesting, but I found the narrator's voice a bit monotonous. Woman: I agree. The content was excellent though. I learned a lot about New Orleans jazz. Man: The segment on Louis Armstrong was my favorite part.

3. What is the man's criticism of the documentary?

  1. The historical facts were inaccurate
  2. The narrator's voice was monotonous
  3. It was too long
  4. It focused too much on New Orleans
Answer: B

Why: The man says he found the narrator's voice a bit monotonous.

Conversation 4 Man: Have you decided where you're applying for college? Woman: I've narrowed it down to three schools. My top choice is State University. Man: What drew you to State? Woman: Their engineering program is highly ranked, and they offer generous scholarships.

4. What are the speakers mainly discussing?

  1. Planning a future activity together
  2. Discussing a recent experience or news
  3. Solving a practical problem
  4. Sharing personal opinions
Answer: A

Why: The woman says State University has a highly ranked engineering program and generous scholarships.

Conversation 5 Woman: I'm going to complain to the manager about the service here. Man: What happened? Woman: I ordered my steak medium-rare and it came well-done. And we've been waiting twenty minutes for our drinks. Man: I noticed the waiter seemed overwhelmed. Maybe they're understaffed.

5. Why is the woman upset?

  1. The restaurant is too crowded
  2. The table is too close to the kitchen
  3. The prices are too high
  4. Her steak was cooked incorrectly and drinks are late
Answer: D

Why: The woman's steak was well-done instead of medium-rare, and they've been waiting twenty minutes for drinks.

Conversation 6 Man: I just got an email that my article has been accepted for publication! Woman: That's fantastic news! Congratulations. Which journal? Man: The Journal of Modern Literature. It's been a year-long process. Woman: That's quite an achievement. You should celebrate tonight.

6. How does the woman feel about the man's news?

  1. Happy and congratulatory
  2. Jealous of his success
  3. Indifferent
  4. Surprised and skeptical
Answer: A

Why: The woman expresses excitement and congratulations for the man's publication acceptance.

Conversation 7 Woman: Are you going to the neighborhood watch meeting tonight? Man: I wasn't planning to. Why, is there something important? Woman: They're discussing the recent break-ins on Maple Street. I think it's important for everyone to attend. Man: In that case, I'll make sure I'm there.

7. Why does the woman think the meeting is important?

  1. The mayor will be speaking
  2. They are electing new officers
  3. They are discussing recent break-ins on Maple Street
  4. They are planning a community event
Answer: C

Why: The woman says the meeting will discuss recent break-ins on Maple Street.

Conversation 8 Man: I can't find my wallet anywhere. I've checked my pockets, my bag, and my desk. Woman: When did you last see it? Man: I paid for lunch with it, so it must have been around one o'clock. Woman: Did you leave it at the restaurant? You should call them.

8. What will the speakers probably do next?

  1. Continue their current activity
  2. I can't find my wallet anywhere. I've checked my pockets, my bag, and my desk. When did you last see it? I paid for lunch with it, so it must have been around one o'clock. Did you leave it at the restaurant? You should call them.
  3. Change the subject
  4. End the conversation
Answer: B

Why: The woman suggests calling the restaurant where he last used his wallet.

Conversation 9 Woman: The company is offering a four-day workweek trial starting next quarter. Man: I heard about that. I think it could improve employee morale. Woman: And productivity too. Studies show people are more focused when they have shorter weeks. Man: I hope they make it permanent if the trial goes well.

9. What is the woman's opinion about the four-day workweek?

  1. She thinks it will hurt productivity
  2. She thinks it's just a marketing gimmick
  3. She is worried about having less time for work
  4. She believes it could improve both morale and productivity
Answer: D

Why: The woman thinks the four-day workweek could improve morale and productivity.

Conversation 10 Man: I need to find a birthday gift for my brother, but I have no idea what he'd like. Woman: What are his hobbies? Man: He's really into photography and hiking. Woman: You could get him a new camera lens or a high-quality backpack.

10. Why does the woman suggest a camera lens or backpack?

  1. Those items are currently on sale
  2. They are the most popular gifts this year
  3. She knows the brother specifically asked for those items
  4. They relate to the brother's hobbies of photography and hiking
Answer: D

Why: The woman suggests gifts that align with the brother's hobbies of photography and hiking.

Conversation 11 Woman: The rent for my apartment is going up by fifty dollars a month. Man: That's not too bad. Mine went up by a hundred. Woman: I suppose, but it's the principle. There have been no improvements to the building. Man: You could try negotiating with the landlord. Mention that other units in the area are cheaper.

11. What will the speakers probably do next?

  1. End the conversation
  2. Continue their current activity
  3. Change the subject
  4. The rent for my apartment is going up by fifty dollars a month. That's not too bad. Mine went up by a hundred. I suppose, but it's the principle. There have been no improvements to the building. You could try negotiating with the landlord. Mention that other units in the area are cheaper.
Answer: D

Why: The man suggests negotiating with the landlord by pointing out cheaper units in the area.

Conversation 12 Man: I can't believe I have to work on Saturday again. Woman: That's the third weekend in a row. Are you not allowed to refuse? Man: Technically I can, but my boss said it's important for the project deadline. Woman: You should talk to HR about work-life balance policies.

12. What will the man probably do next?

  1. Quit his job
  2. Talk to HR about work-life balance policies
  3. Work on Saturday as requested
  4. Ask his colleagues to cover for him
Answer: C

Why: The man seems resigned to working, but the woman suggests HR. Given he said he technically can refuse, he'll likely follow her advice eventually.

Conversation 13 Woman: How did your job interview go? Man: I think it went well. They asked a lot of technical questions, which I felt prepared for. Woman: Did they give you any indication of when you'd hear back? Man: They said within two weeks. The hiring manager seemed impressed with my portfolio.

13. How does the man feel about his interview?

  1. Nervous and uncertain
  2. Angry about the technical questions
  3. Confident and optimistic
  4. Disappointed with his performance
Answer: C

Why: The man says he thinks it went well and felt prepared, and the hiring manager seemed impressed.

Conversation 14 Man: I'm thinking of getting a pet snake. They're low maintenance and fascinating. Woman: A snake? That's unusual. Are they really low maintenance? Man: Yes, they only eat once a week and don't need walks or attention. Woman: I suppose that's true, but they do require specific temperature and humidity conditions.

14. What is the conversation mainly about?

  1. Solving a practical problem
  2. Discussing a recent experience or news
  3. Planning a future activity together
  4. Sharing personal opinions
Answer: C

Why: The woman points out that snakes require specific temperature and humidity conditions.

Conversation 15 Woman: I read that the city council voted to ban single-use plastic bags. Man: Finally. It's about time we caught up with other cities. Woman: The ban takes effect in six months. Stores will charge ten cents for paper bags. Man: That should encourage people to bring their own reusable bags.

15. What is the man's attitude toward the plastic bag ban?

  1. He opposes it because it's inconvenient
  2. He supports it and thinks it's overdue
  3. He is indifferent because he doesn't shop in the city
  4. He thinks it doesn't go far enough
Answer: B

Why: The man says 'Finally. It's about time we caught up with other cities,' showing approval.

Conversation 16 Man: I'm having trouble understanding this concept in physics class. Woman: Which topic? Man: Quantum entanglement. The idea that particles can be connected across vast distances. Woman: That confused me too at first. Try watching the Khan Academy video on it. It clicked for me after that.

16. Why does the woman recommend the Khan Academy video?

  1. Because the man has an exam tomorrow
  2. Because it covers advanced topics in physics
  3. Because it helped her understand quantum entanglement
  4. Because it is required viewing for the class
Answer: C

Why: The woman says the video helped the concept click for her after she watched it.

Conversation 17 Woman: I've decided to learn how to play the guitar. Man: That's great! Are you taking lessons? Woman: I'm going to try online tutorials first. If I make progress, I'll consider a teacher. Man: That's a sensible approach. The initial learning curve is steep, so don't get discouraged.

17. What approach is the woman taking to learn guitar?

  1. Taking in-person lessons from a teacher
  2. Starting with online tutorials and considering a teacher later
  3. Joining a band to learn through practice
  4. Asking a friend to teach her
Answer: B

Why: The woman says she'll try online tutorials first and consider a teacher if she makes progress.

Conversation 18 Man: Did you see the email about the new parking regulations on campus? Woman: Yes. Starting next month, visitors have to pay for parking even on weekends. Man: That seems excessive. The lots are usually empty on Saturdays. Woman: I know, but the university says it needs the revenue for campus maintenance.

18. What is the new parking regulation?

  1. Parking is free on weekends
  2. Only faculty can park on campus
  3. Visitors must pay for parking even on weekends
  4. Parking permits are no longer required
Answer: C

Why: The woman says visitors have to pay for parking even on weekends starting next month.

Conversation 19 Woman: I just finished reading 'The Silent Patient.' It was such a gripping thriller. Man: I read that last year. The plot twist at the end completely caught me off guard. Woman: Same here. I had to reread the last chapter because I couldn't believe it. Man: That author has a talent for keeping readers guessing until the very end.

19. What do the speakers agree about the book?

  1. The writing style was difficult to follow
  2. The plot twist at the end was surprising
  3. The characters were not well developed
  4. The book was too long
Answer: B

Why: Both speakers say the plot twist caught them off guard and was hard to believe.

Part 2 — Long conversations (14 questions)

Museum Volunteer Application

Coordinator: Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Natural History Museum. Applicant: Thank you. I've always loved this museum, so I'm excited about the opportunity. Coordinator: Great. What area are you most interested in? Applicant: I'd like to work with the dinosaur fossil collection, if possible. Coordinator: That's one of our most popular sections. You'd be assisting with guided tours and educational programs. Applicant: That sounds perfect. What kind of training is involved? Coordinator: We have a two-day training session covering museum policies, tour scripts, and safety procedures. Applicant: Is there a minimum time commitment? Coordinator: We ask for at least four hours per week for six months. Some volunteers find they want to stay longer. Applicant: I can manage that. I'm mostly free on weekends. Coordinator: Perfect. Weekend shifts are actually the hardest to fill.

20. What is the conversation mainly about?

  1. A guided tour of the museum's fossil collection
  2. A person applying to volunteer at the museum
  3. The history of the Natural History Museum
  4. Educational programs for school groups
Answer: B

Why: The conversation is about a person applying and discussing volunteer opportunities at the museum.

21. What area does the applicant want to work in?

  1. The art gallery
  2. The dinosaur fossil collection
  3. The museum gift shop
  4. The administrative office
Answer: B

Why: The applicant says she'd like to work with the dinosaur fossil collection.

22. What does the coordinator mean when she says: 'Weekend shifts are actually the hardest to fill'?

  1. She is suggesting the applicant work weekdays instead
  2. She is warning the applicant that weekend work is difficult
  3. She is expressing relief that the applicant is available on weekends
  4. She is complaining about the volunteer schedule
Answer: C

Why: The coordinator is pleased because the applicant's weekend availability matches the museum's greatest need.

23. What training is provided to volunteers?

  1. A two-day session on policies, tour scripts, and safety
  2. Online training modules only
  3. A one-week course on paleontology
  4. On-the-job training without formal sessions
Answer: A

Why: The coordinator says there is a two-day training session covering museum policies, tour scripts, and safety.

Restaurant Reservation Mix-up

Diner: Hi, I have a reservation for 7 PM under the name Thompson. Host: Let me check. I'm sorry, I don't see a Thompson in our system. Diner: That's strange. I received a confirmation email yesterday. Host: Could it be under a different name? Or perhaps a different restaurant in the group? Diner: No, I'm certain it's this location. Can you check again? Host: I've looked twice. Unfortunately, we don't have any availability tonight. We're fully booked. Diner: This is very inconvenient. I made this reservation a week ago for my anniversary dinner. Host: I understand your frustration. Let me see what I can do. We might have a cancellation... Actually, we just had one. A table for two at 8:30 PM opened up. I could also offer you a complimentary dessert. Diner: I suppose that will have to do. Thank you for sorting it out.

24. What problem does the diner encounter?

  1. He arrived at the wrong restaurant location
  2. The restaurant lost his reservation despite having a confirmation
  3. His credit card was declined
  4. The restaurant is closed for a private event
Answer: B

Why: The diner's reservation is not in the system even though he received a confirmation email.

25. How does the host resolve the situation?

  1. By giving the diner a gift card for next time
  2. By sending the diner to another restaurant location
  3. By upgrading the diner to a VIP table immediately
  4. By finding a table at 8:30 PM and offering a complimentary dessert
Answer: D

Why: The host finds a cancellation at 8:30 PM and offers a complimentary dessert.

26. What does the diner mean when he says: 'I suppose that will have to do'?

  1. He is completely satisfied with the solution
  2. He plans to leave and not return
  3. He is demanding better compensation
  4. He reluctantly accepts the compromise despite not being thrilled
Answer: D

Why: The diner uses 'I suppose' to show reluctant acceptance of the 8:30 PM table.

Group Project Disagreement

Woman: We need to finalize our presentation topic by Friday. Any suggestions? Man: I think we should do it on renewable energy trends. Woman: That's a bit broad. How about focusing on solar energy adoption in residential areas? Man: That's too narrow. We won't find enough data for a twenty-minute presentation. Woman: I disagree. There's plenty of recent research on residential solar adoption. Man: Maybe we could compromise and do both commercial and residential solar adoption. Woman: That could work. But then we need to divide the research fairly. I'll take residential if you take commercial. Man: Fine. Let's meet again Thursday to combine our findings.

27. What are the speakers mainly discussing?

  1. Finalizing a presentation topic and dividing research
  2. The deadline for their group project
  3. A class lecture about renewable energy
  4. The benefits of solar energy
Answer: A

Why: The speakers are deciding on a presentation topic and how to divide the research work.

28. What does the man mean when he says: 'That's too narrow'?

  1. The topic is physically small
  2. He wants a harder topic
  3. The topic lacks sufficient research material
  4. The woman is being too detailed
Answer: C

Why: The man says they won't find enough data for a twenty-minute presentation on just residential solar.

29. What compromise do they reach?

  1. They will each present separately
  2. They will change the topic to wind energy
  3. They will ask the professor for guidance
  4. They will cover both commercial and residential solar adoption
Answer: D

Why: The man suggests covering both commercial and residential solar adoption as a compromise.

30. What will each person probably do before Thursday?

  1. Prepare slides for the presentation
  2. Write the entire presentation independently
  3. Research their assigned section and combine findings
  4. Meet with the professor separately
Answer: C

Why: They agree to divide the research and meet Thursday to combine findings.

Immigration Office Appointment

Officer: Good morning. You're here for your work visa renewal interview? Applicant: Yes, that's correct. I have all my documents here. Officer: Let me review them. Your current visa expires in thirty days, correct? Applicant: Yes. My employer is sponsoring the renewal. Officer: I see that everything is in order. However, I notice your passport expires in eight months. You'll need at least twelve months of validity remaining for a visa renewal. Applicant: Oh, I wasn't aware of that. What should I do? Officer: You'll need to renew your passport first, then return with the new one. Unfortunately, I can't process the renewal today. Applicant: How long does passport renewal take? Officer: With expedited service, about four to six weeks. Your current visa is valid until then, so you won't be out of status. Applicant: That's a relief. I'll apply for the passport renewal this afternoon.

31. What is the purpose of the applicant's visit?

  1. To apply for a new work visa
  2. To report a lost passport
  3. To inquire about citizenship requirements
  4. To renew his work visa
Answer: D

Why: The applicant is there for a work visa renewal interview.

32. Why can't the officer process the renewal today?

  1. The applicant's employer did not submit the right forms
  2. The application fee has not been paid
  3. The office is closing early today
  4. The applicant's passport does not have enough validity remaining
Answer: D

Why: The officer explains that the passport needs at least twelve months of validity for a visa renewal.

33. What does the applicant mean when he says: 'That's a relief'?

  1. He is relieved his visa will not expire before the renewal
  2. He is happy to leave the office
  3. He is glad the fee is low
  4. He is relieved he doesn't need a visa
Answer: A

Why: The officer says the current visa is valid until it expires, so the applicant won't be out of status.

Part 3 — Short talks (17 questions)

Professor - History of the Printing Press

The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg around 1440 is widely considered one of the most important innovations in human history. Before the printing press, books were copied by hand, primarily by monks in monasteries. A single Bible could take over a year to produce. Gutenberg's press used movable type, allowing pages to be set quickly and reprinted in large quantities. Within fifty years, printing presses had spread to over two hundred cities across Europe. The mass production of books made knowledge accessible to the middle class, not just the wealthy and clergy. This democratization of information directly contributed to the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the Scientific Revolution. It's difficult to overstate how profoundly the printing press changed the world.

34. What is the lecture mainly about?

  1. The life of Johannes Gutenberg
  2. The impact and significance of the printing press invention
  3. How books were made in medieval monasteries
  4. The spread of literacy in Renaissance Europe
Answer: B

35. Why does the professor mention that a Bible took over a year to produce by hand?

  1. To compare different methods of bookbinding
  2. To explain why Bibles were the only books available
  3. To show why the printing press was such a revolutionary improvement
  4. To criticize the quality of hand-copied books
Answer: C

36. How many cities had printing presses within fifty years of Gutenberg's invention?

  1. Over fifty cities
  2. Over two hundred cities
  3. Over five hundred cities
  4. Over one thousand cities
Answer: B

37. What historical movements did the printing press contribute to?

  1. The Industrial Revolution and Modernism
  2. The Enlightenment and Romanticism
  3. The Age of Discovery and Colonialism
  4. The Renaissance, Reformation, and Scientific Revolution
Answer: D

Airline Welcome Announcement

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome aboard flight 318 to Vancouver. We'll be cruising at an altitude of thirty-five thousand feet, and our flight time today is approximately five hours and twenty minutes. The weather in Vancouver is currently fifteen degrees Celsius with light rain, so please prepare accordingly upon arrival. In a moment, the cabin crew will be demonstrating the safety features of this aircraft. Please pay attention to the safety card in your seat pocket. We'll begin our beverage service shortly after we reach cruising altitude, followed by a dinner service featuring a choice of chicken or pasta. For entertainment, each seat is equipped with a personal screen offering movies, TV shows, and music. On behalf of the entire crew, we wish you a pleasant flight.

38. What is the main purpose of this announcement?

  1. To explain safety procedures in detail
  2. To promote the airline's in-flight services
  3. To announce a flight delay
  4. To welcome passengers and provide flight information
Answer: D

39. What is the current weather in Vancouver?

  1. Fifteen degrees with light rain
  2. Sunny and warm
  3. Snowy and cold
  4. Cloudy with strong winds
Answer: A

40. When will the beverage service begin?

  1. Immediately after takeoff
  2. After the dinner service
  3. After reaching cruising altitude
  4. Thirty minutes before landing
Answer: C

41. What dinner options are available?

  1. Beef or fish
  2. Chicken or pasta
  3. Vegetarian or vegan
  4. Soup or salad
Answer: B

Tour Guide - Old Town Walking Tour

Welcome to the Old Town walking tour. I'm Carlos, and I'll be your guide for the next two hours as we explore the historic district. Our first stop is the City Hall, built in 1876 in the Victorian Gothic style. Notice the intricate stonework around the windows and the clock tower that rises above the square. As we walk toward the river, I'll point out the old merchant houses from the eighteenth century, each painted in distinct colors that once indicated the trade of the owner. Blue was for fishermen, red for merchants, and yellow for craftsmen. We'll finish at the riverfront market, where you'll have time to browse local crafts and sample regional foods. Please stay with the group and watch your step on the cobblestone streets.

42. What is the speaker's role?

  1. A tour guide leading a walking tour of the Old Town
  2. A shop owner at the riverfront market
  3. A city official giving a speech
  4. A historian researching old buildings
Answer: A

43. Why does the guide mention the colors of the old merchant houses?

  1. To explain that colors once indicated the owner's trade
  2. To describe the architectural styles of the district
  3. To suggest the best houses to photograph
  4. To compare the Old Town to other historic districts
Answer: A

44. What color were the houses of fishermen?

  1. Blue
  2. Yellow
  3. Red
  4. Green
Answer: A

45. Where does the tour end?

  1. At the City Hall
  2. At the clock tower square
  3. At the riverfront market
  4. At the old merchant houses
Answer: C

46. What caution does the guide give to the group?

  1. Beware of pickpockets
  2. Watch their step on cobblestone streets
  3. Stay away from the river edge
  4. Keep their cameras ready
Answer: B

Manager - New Software Training

Good afternoon, team. As you know, we're transitioning to a new project management system starting next month. I'd like to walk through the timeline for this change. This week, you'll each receive login credentials for the new system and access to a series of online tutorial videos. Next week, we'll have two in-person training sessions on Tuesday and Thursday from 2 to 4 PM. Attendance at one of these sessions is mandatory. During the third week, you'll use both the old and new systems in parallel to ensure a smooth transition. By the first of next month, the old system will be decommissioned. I know change can be challenging, but this new platform will streamline our workflows significantly. Please direct any questions to the IT support team.

47. What is the main purpose of this talk?

  1. To introduce a timeline for transitioning to a new project management system
  2. To announce layoffs in the IT department
  3. To review last month's project progress
  4. To discuss budget cuts for software licenses
Answer: A

48. What will team members receive this week?

  1. New company laptops
  2. Login credentials and access to tutorial videos
  3. Printed user manuals
  4. A schedule of upcoming meetings
Answer: B

49. How long are the in-person training sessions?

  1. Two hours
  2. One hour
  3. Three hours
  4. Half a day
Answer: A

50. What happens during the third week of the transition?

  1. Both old and new systems are used in parallel
  2. Employees choose which system to use
  3. The old system is shut down completely
  4. The new system is tested by IT only
Answer: A

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