MET Listening Practice Test 4 — 50 Questions With Transcripts & Answers

Free MET Listening practice test 4: 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 4 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 Man: Did you hear that the city is installing electric vehicle charging stations downtown? Woman: About time. I've been holding off on buying an EV because I didn't have anywhere to charge it. Man: They're putting in twenty stations across five locations. Woman: That might convince me to finally make the switch.

1. What is the conversation mainly about?

  1. The cost of electric vehicles
  2. New electric vehicle charging stations being installed downtown
  3. The environmental benefits of electric cars
  4. A car dealership promotion on EVs
Answer: B

Why: The man announces and the woman responds positively to news about new EV charging stations downtown.

Conversation 2 Woman: I'm looking for a gift for my daughter's graduation. Any ideas? Man: What about a nice watch? Something she can wear for years. Woman: That's thoughtful, but she already has a smartwatch. Man: What about a leather briefcase or a professional bag for job interviews?

2. What will the woman probably do next?

  1. Follow the advice given in the conversation
  2. Ignore the suggestion and do something else
  3. Ask for more information
  4. Change the subject
Answer: A

Why: After the woman says her daughter already has a smartwatch, the man suggests a leather briefcase or professional bag.

Conversation 3 Man: I'm worried about my son. He spends all his free time playing video games. Woman: How old is he? Man: Fifteen. I've tried limiting his screen time, but he just gets irritable. Woman: Have you tried getting him involved in an after-school activity? Sports or a coding club might interest him.

3. Why does the woman suggest after-school activities?

  1. To help the boy make new friends
  2. To give the boy an alternative to video games
  3. Because the school requires extracurricular participation
  4. To improve the boy's grades
Answer: B

Why: The woman suggests after-school activities as a way to redirect the boy's interest away from video games.

Conversation 4 Woman: Excuse me, I think you accidentally took my umbrella. Mine was black with a wooden handle, just like that one. Man: Oh, I'm so sorry. I grabbed it without looking. Here, let me check mine. Woman: No problem. It's an easy mistake. Man: I should have looked more carefully. I hope the rain lets up soon.

4. What are the speakers mainly discussing?

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

Why: The man apologizes for accidentally taking the woman's black umbrella with a wooden handle.

Conversation 5 Man: I'm considering studying abroad in Japan for a semester. Woman: That would be an amazing experience. Do you speak any Japanese? Man: Just a few basic phrases. I'm planning to take an intensive course before I go. Woman: Good idea. Even basic language skills will make a huge difference in daily life.

5. What will the speakers probably do next?

  1. Continue their current activity
  2. I'm considering studying abroad in Japan for a semester. That would be an amazing experience. Do you speak any Japanese? Just a few basic phrases. I'm planning to take an intensive course before I go. Good idea. Even basic language skills will make a huge difference in daily life.
  3. Change the subject
  4. End the conversation
Answer: B

Why: The man says he's planning to take an intensive language course before going.

Conversation 6 Woman: I can't believe the price of groceries has gone up so much. Man: I know. My weekly bill has increased by about twenty percent compared to last year. Woman: I've started buying store brands instead of name brands to save money. Man: Have you noticed a difference in quality? Woman: Not really. Most store brands are just as good.

6. How has the woman adapted to higher grocery prices?

  1. She buys store brands instead of name brands
  2. She buys in bulk at wholesale clubs
  3. She has stopped buying fresh produce
  4. She shops at multiple stores for the best deals
Answer: A

Why: The woman says she buys store brands instead of name brands to save money.

Conversation 7 Man: I heard that the local theater is putting on a production of Hamlet. Woman: Yes, and the lead actor is someone from Broadway. Tickets go on sale Friday. Man: We should get tickets early. A Broadway actor will draw a big crowd. Woman: Definitely. I'll check the website at noon when they release them.

7. What does the man suggest they do?

  1. Audition for the play
  2. Get tickets early because they will sell quickly
  3. Wait for the play to open before deciding
  4. Invite friends to join them
Answer: B

Why: The man suggests getting tickets early because a Broadway actor will attract a big audience.

Conversation 8 Woman: I've been experiencing frequent headaches and fatigue lately. Man: That doesn't sound good. Have you seen a doctor? Woman: Not yet. I've been trying to drink more water and sleep earlier. Man: If it continues for another week, you should definitely make an appointment.

8. What has the woman been doing to address her symptoms?

  1. Taking over-the-counter medication
  2. Changing her diet completely
  3. Exercising more regularly
  4. Drinking more water and sleeping earlier
Answer: D

Why: The woman says she's been trying to drink more water and sleep earlier.

Conversation 9 Man: I need to find a plumber. My kitchen sink is leaking badly. Woman: I had a similar issue last month. I can recommend someone. Man: That would be great. Was he affordable? Woman: Reasonable. He charged a hundred dollars for the service call and fixed the problem in one visit.

9. What does the woman recommend to the man?

  1. A hardware store for plumbing supplies
  2. An online tutorial for DIY plumbing
  3. A plumber who fixed her sink last month
  4. A home warranty service
Answer: C

Why: The woman recommends a plumber who fixed her similar problem last month.

Conversation 10 Woman: Did you see the article about the new high-speed rail project? Man: Yes. It's supposed to connect the three major cities in under two hours. Woman: That would be a game-changer for business travel. Man: Absolutely. I'd much rather take the train than deal with airport security.

10. What benefit of the high-speed rail does the man mention?

  1. It avoids the hassle of airport security
  2. It is cheaper than driving
  3. It offers more legroom than airplanes
  4. It runs more frequently than buses
Answer: A

Why: The man says he'd rather take the train than deal with airport security.

Conversation 11 Man: I've been asked to give a speech at my sister's wedding. Woman: That's an honor. Are you nervous? Man: Terrified. Public speaking is not my strength. Woman: Just speak from the heart and keep it under five minutes. People will love it.

11. Why does the woman advise keeping the speech under five minutes?

  1. Long speeches at weddings are considered rude
  2. There are many other speakers scheduled
  3. The bride requested short speeches
  4. The man is not a confident public speaker
Answer: D

Why: The woman knows the man is nervous about public speaking, so she advises a short speech.

Conversation 12 Woman: I heard you're learning to play the piano. How's it going? Man: Slowly. I can play a few simple songs, but my left hand is struggling with the chords. Woman: That's normal. Hand independence takes time to develop. Man: I'm practicing scales every day, and I'm seeing gradual improvement.

12. What difficulty is the man experiencing with piano?

  1. He can't read sheet music
  2. He doesn't have a piano at home
  3. His left hand struggles with chords
  4. He can't find a good teacher
Answer: C

Why: The man says his left hand is struggling with the chords.

Conversation 13 Man: I'm thinking of signing up for a half marathon in the spring. Woman: That's a great goal. How far is a half marathon? Man: 13.1 miles. I'm starting a training program next week. Woman: Make sure you increase your mileage gradually to avoid injury.

13. What does the woman warn the man about?

  1. The race might be cancelled due to weather
  2. He needs to buy proper running shoes
  3. He should increase mileage gradually to avoid injury
  4. Half marathons are more difficult than full marathons
Answer: C

Why: The woman warns him to increase mileage gradually to avoid injury.

Conversation 14 Woman: I'm trying to decide whether to take the job offer in Boston. Man: What's holding you back? Woman: I'd have to relocate, and the cost of living there is much higher. Man: But the salary is higher too, right? You should calculate the net difference after taxes and rent.

14. What will the speakers probably do next?

  1. I'm trying to decide whether to take the job offer in Boston. What's holding you back? I'd have to relocate, and the cost of living there is much higher. But the salary is higher too, right? You should calculate the net difference after taxes and rent.
  2. Continue their current activity
  3. Change the subject
  4. End the conversation
Answer: A

Why: The man suggests calculating the net difference after taxes and rent to make an informed decision.

Conversation 15 Man: I noticed you've been coming to the gym regularly. What changed? Woman: I made a New Year's resolution to get in shape, and this time I'm sticking with it. Man: You look like you're making progress. How many days a week do you come? Woman: Four days. I do strength training twice and cardio twice.

15. What is the woman's workout routine?

  1. She goes to the gym twice a week for light exercise
  2. She works out every day of the week
  3. She only does cardio exercises
  4. She does strength training twice and cardio twice per week
Answer: D

Why: The woman says she goes four days a week, with two days of strength training and two days of cardio.

Conversation 16 Woman: I think my neighbor is feeding stray cats. I've seen at least six in our yard this week. Man: That could become a problem. Stray cats can carry diseases and damage property. Woman: I don't want to cause conflict, but I'm thinking of talking to her about it. Man: That's reasonable. Maybe suggest she contact a local rescue organization instead.

16. What does the man suggest the woman suggest to her neighbor?

  1. Stop feeding the cats entirely
  2. Contact a local rescue organization
  3. Build a shelter for the cats
  4. Call animal control immediately
Answer: B

Why: The man suggests the woman recommend that her neighbor contact a local rescue organization.

Conversation 17 Man: Did you finish the online course on digital marketing? Woman: Yes, I completed it last week. I learned a lot about SEO and social media advertising. Man: Would you recommend it? Woman: Definitely. It was well-structured and the projects were practical. I've already applied some techniques to my blog.

17. What does the woman think about the course?

  1. It was too basic and not useful
  2. It was well-structured with practical projects
  3. It was too expensive for the content offered
  4. It focused too much on theory
Answer: B

Why: The woman says the course was well-structured, the projects were practical, and she's already applied what she learned.

Conversation 18 Woman: The power went out in my building last night. I had to light candles. Man: That must have been inconvenient. How long was it out? Woman: About four hours. The management said a transformer blew. Man: At least it was restored before morning.

18. Why did the power go out?

  1. A transformer blew
  2. A storm damaged the power lines
  3. The building didn't pay the electric bill
  4. There was scheduled maintenance
Answer: A

Why: The woman says the management said a transformer blew.

Conversation 19 Man: I'm considering switching my major from business to environmental science. Woman: That's a significant change. What's motivating you? Man: I took an elective on climate policy and found it much more interesting than my business classes. Woman: Follow your passion. You'll be happier studying something you care about.

19. What is the main topic of this conversation?

  1. Whether the man should change his major from business to environmental science
  2. The difficulty of environmental science courses
  3. The job prospects for business graduates
  4. The man's grades in his business classes
Answer: A

Why: The man is considering changing his major, and they discuss the reasons and the woman's encouragement.

Part 2 — Long conversations (14 questions)

Car Rental Reservation

Agent: Good afternoon, you've reached City Rentals. How can I help? Customer: Hi, I'd like to rent a car for next weekend, Friday to Monday. Agent: Do you have a reservation, or is this a new booking? Customer: I made a reservation online last week, but I need to modify it. Agent: Sure. What would you like to change? Customer: I originally booked a compact car, but I realized I need something larger. My family is coming to visit. Agent: No problem. We have a mid-size sedan available for an additional fifteen dollars per day. Would that work? Customer: That should be fine. Also, I need to add a child seat. Agent: That's an additional ten dollars for the rental period. Is there anything else? Customer: Yes, I'll be picking the car up at the airport location now instead of downtown. Agent: Let me update that. Your total will be two hundred and forty dollars for the weekend.

20. What is the conversation mainly about?

  1. Modifying a car rental reservation
  2. Returning a rental car
  3. Comparing rental car prices
  4. Reporting a rental car accident
Answer: A

Why: The customer is modifying an existing reservation, changing car size, adding a child seat, and changing pickup location.

21. Why does the customer need a larger car?

  1. He is moving furniture
  2. His original car broke down
  3. His family is visiting
  4. He is going on a long road trip
Answer: C

Why: The customer says his family is coming to visit, so he needs something larger.

22. How much is the child seat rental?

  1. Fifteen dollars per day
  2. Ten dollars for the rental period
  3. Twenty dollars for the weekend
  4. Free with any reservation
Answer: B

Why: The agent says the child seat is an additional ten dollars for the rental period.

23. What does the customer mean when he says: 'I'll be picking the car up at the airport location now instead of downtown'?

  1. He is changing the pickup location to the airport
  2. He wants to drop the car off at the airport
  3. He is confused about which location he chose
  4. He wants to know if downtown is cheaper
Answer: A

Why: The customer is explicitly changing the pickup location from downtown to the airport.

Apartment Noise Complaint

Tenant: Hi, I need to file a noise complaint about the apartment above me. Manager: I'm sorry to hear that. What's been happening? Tenant: There's loud music and stomping every night after 11 PM. It's been going on for two weeks. Manager: Have you spoken to the neighbor directly? Tenant: I tried, but they didn't answer the door. I left a polite note, but nothing changed. Manager: I'll call them and send a formal warning. Unfortunately, I can't evict someone over a first complaint. Tenant: I understand. But if it continues, what are my options? Manager: You can call the police for noise violations after 10 PM. If we receive multiple complaints, we can take further action. Tenant: I'll give it a few more days. If it doesn't improve, I'll call the non-emergency police line.

24. What is the tenant's main problem?

  1. The apartment above her has a water leak
  2. There is loud noise from the upstairs neighbor every night
  3. The building manager is unresponsive
  4. Her lease is about to expire
Answer: B

Why: The tenant reports loud music and stomping from the upstairs apartment every night after 11 PM.

25. Why did the tenant leave a note?

  1. To introduce herself to the neighbor
  2. To report the neighbor to the building manager
  3. To politely ask the neighbor to reduce the noise
  4. To exchange contact information
Answer: C

Why: The tenant tried speaking to the neighbor directly but left a note when they didn't answer.

26. What does the tenant mean when she says: 'I'll give it a few more days'?

  1. She has given up on the manager helping
  2. She is willing to wait a bit before taking further action
  3. She plans to move out
  4. She will call the police immediately
Answer: B

Why: The manager says she can't evict someone over a first complaint.

27. What will the tenant probably do if the noise continues?

  1. Move to a different apartment
  2. Call the non-emergency police line
  3. Break her lease
  4. Soundproof her ceiling
Answer: B

Why: The tenant says she'll call the non-emergency police line if it doesn't improve.

Library Late Fee Appeal

Student: Hi, I'd like to appeal some late fees on my account. Librarian: Sure, let me pull up your record. I see you have fifteen dollars in fines. Student: Yes, I had the flu and couldn't return two books on time. I brought them back as soon as I recovered. Librarian: Do you have a doctor's note? Student: I didn't think to get one. I was quite sick and didn't see a doctor. Librarian: Unfortunately, without documentation, I can only waive fees for extenuating circumstances with proof. Student: I understand the policy, but fifteen dollars seems steep for a few days. Librarian: Tell you what. Since you're a student and this is your first offense, I'll reduce it to five dollars as a courtesy. Student: I suppose that's better than nothing. Thank you.

28. Why does the student have late fees?

  1. She lost the library books
  2. She forgot the due date
  3. She was sick with the flu and couldn't return books on time
  4. She damaged the books while reading them
Answer: C

Why: The student explains she had the flu and couldn't return the books on time.

29. Why can't the librarian waive all the fees?

  1. The librarian doesn't believe the student was sick
  2. The student doesn't have documentation for her illness
  3. Library policy never allows fee waivers
  4. The fees are already too high to waive
Answer: B

Why: The librarian says she needs documentation for extenuating circumstances, which the student doesn't have.

30. What does the student mean when she says: 'I suppose that's better than nothing'?

  1. She is happy with the full waiver of fees
  2. She thinks the librarian is being unfair
  3. She reluctantly accepts the reduced fee despite wanting full waiver
  4. She plans to appeal further to a supervisor
Answer: C

Why: The student's use of 'I suppose' shows reluctant acceptance of the reduced fee while still wishing it were fully waived.

Cooking Class Registration

Woman: I'm interested in signing up for the Italian cooking class. Coordinator: Great choice. We have two levels: beginner and intermediate. Which suits you? Woman: I can make basic pasta dishes, but I want to learn more advanced techniques. Coordinator: Then intermediate would be appropriate. It covers homemade pasta from scratch, sauces, and traditional desserts. Woman: That sounds perfect. When does the next session start? Coordinator: The next six-week session begins on the first of next month. Classes are every Tuesday evening. Woman: And the cost? Coordinator: Two hundred and fifty dollars, which includes all ingredients. You'll also take home what you make. Woman: That's reasonable. Is there a discount if I bring a friend? Coordinator: Actually, yes. If you register together, it's two hundred each.

31. What is the purpose of this conversation?

  1. To get a refund for a cooking class
  2. To inquire about becoming a cooking instructor
  3. To schedule a private cooking lesson
  4. To register for an intermediate Italian cooking class
Answer: D

Why: The woman is signing up for the Italian cooking class and asking about details.

32. What does the woman mean when she asks: 'Is there a discount if I bring a friend?'?

  1. She wants a lower price for herself only
  2. She is complaining about the price
  3. She doesn't want to take the class
  4. She is asking about a promotion that could save money for both
Answer: D

Why: The coordinator recommends intermediate based on the woman's current skills and goals.

33. What is included in the course fee?

  1. All ingredients and the food made in class
  2. Only the lessons, ingredients are extra
  3. A certificate and a cookbook
  4. Free parking and a recipe binder
Answer: A

Why: The coordinator says the fee includes all ingredients and participants take home what they make.

Part 3 — Short talks (17 questions)

Professor - Economics of Supply and Demand

Let's talk about the basic principle of supply and demand using a real example. Last year, a severe drought in Brazil damaged the coffee crop, reducing the global supply by about fifteen percent. At the same time, coffee consumption worldwide continued to grow. With less supply and steady demand, prices rose sharply. A pound of coffee that cost eight dollars rose to twelve within months. This price increase had an interesting effect. Some consumers switched to tea, reducing demand slightly. Meanwhile, farmers in other countries, seeing higher prices, planted more coffee. This is the market's self-correcting mechanism. High prices signal producers to increase supply and encourage consumers to find alternatives, eventually bringing prices back to equilibrium.

34. What is the lecture mainly about?

  1. Different types of coffee beans
  2. The history of coffee production in Brazil
  3. The health effects of drinking coffee
  4. How supply and demand works using the coffee market as an example
Answer: D

35. Why does the professor mention the drought in Brazil?

  1. To recommend switching to tea as an alternative
  2. To show that Brazil is the only coffee producer
  3. To explain what caused the coffee supply to decrease
  4. To discuss climate change effects on agriculture
Answer: C

36. How much did coffee prices rise after the drought?

  1. From six to nine dollars per pound
  2. From five to ten dollars per pound
  3. From ten to fifteen dollars per pound
  4. From eight to twelve dollars per pound
Answer: D

37. What does the professor describe as the market's self-correcting mechanism?

  1. Government price controls
  2. International trade agreements
  3. High prices signaling producers to increase supply and consumers to find alternatives
  4. Subsidies for coffee farmers
Answer: C

38. What does the professor recommend as a self-correcting mechanism for markets?

  1. High prices signaling producers and consumers to adjust
  2. Government regulation of prices
  3. International trade agreements
  4. Consumer boycotts of expensive goods
Answer: A

Sports Center Opening Announcement

Good news for fitness enthusiasts in our community. The new Westside Sports and Recreation Center will officially open its doors on March fifteenth. The facility features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, six basketball courts, a rock climbing wall, and a two-hundred-meter indoor track. Membership rates have been set at forty dollars per month for adults, thirty for seniors, and twenty for students. There is also a family membership option at ninety dollars per month, covering two adults and up to three children. The first one hundred people to sign up for an annual membership will receive a free fitness consultation and a branded sports bag. Registration opens online at noon today. We look forward to seeing you at the center.

39. What is the main purpose of this announcement?

  1. To announce a price increase at the sports center
  2. To announce a hiring fair for fitness instructors
  3. To advertise a sports competition
  4. To promote the opening of a new sports center and its membership options
Answer: D

40. What feature of the center is NOT mentioned?

  1. A sauna and steam room
  2. An Olympic-sized swimming pool
  3. A rock climbing wall
  4. Basketball courts
Answer: A

41. How much is the student membership rate?

  1. Forty dollars per month
  2. Thirty dollars per month
  3. Twenty dollars per month
  4. Fifteen dollars per month
Answer: C

42. What bonus do the first one hundred annual members receive?

  1. Three months free membership
  2. Free access to all classes
  3. A personal trainer session every week
  4. A free fitness consultation and a branded sports bag
Answer: D

Radio Show - Local Book Festival

This is Maria Santos with your community arts update. The annual Riverside Book Festival returns this weekend at Waterfront Park. This year's festival features over fifty local authors, panel discussions on mystery writing and memoir, and a children's storytelling corner. The highlight is Saturday afternoon's keynote address by award-winning novelist James Patterson, who will discuss his creative process and sign copies of his latest book. All events are free and open to the public, though some panel discussions require advance registration due to limited seating. Food vendors will be on site offering a variety of cuisines. The festival runs from 10 AM to 6 PM on Saturday and Sunday. For a full schedule, visit the city's cultural affairs website.

43. What is the main purpose of this report?

  1. To announce changes to the festival schedule
  2. To review a new book by James Patterson
  3. To discuss the importance of community arts programs
  4. To promote the Riverside Book Festival and its events
Answer: D

44. Why does the speaker mention that some panels require advance registration?

  1. To remind listeners to plan ahead for popular events
  2. To criticize the festival's organization
  3. To warn listeners that the festival is not fully free
  4. To encourage listeners to volunteer at the festival
Answer: A

45. What is the highlight of the festival?

  1. The children's storytelling corner
  2. The food vendors from local restaurants
  3. The keynote address by James Patterson
  4. The mystery writing panel
Answer: C

46. Where can listeners find the full schedule?

  1. At the local library
  2. On the city's cultural affairs website
  3. In the weekend newspaper
  4. At the Waterfront Park information booth
Answer: B

Safety Officer - Laboratory Rules

Good morning, everyone. Before we begin today's lab work, I need to review some important safety procedures. First, always wear your safety goggles and lab coat when handling any chemicals. This is not optional. Second, familiarize yourself with the location of the emergency eyewash station and fire extinguisher. They are marked with green signs. Third, if you spill a chemical, do not wipe it up yourself. Alert me immediately, and I will handle it with the proper cleanup materials. Fourth, all food and drinks must remain outside the lab. Consuming anything in this room risks contamination. Finally, at the end of each session, make sure all chemical containers are properly sealed and returned to the storage cabinet. Following these rules will keep everyone safe.

47. What is the main purpose of this talk?

  1. To assign lab partners for the semester
  2. To announce changes to the lab schedule
  3. To introduce a new chemistry experiment
  4. To review important laboratory safety procedures
Answer: D

48. What should students do if they spill a chemical?

  1. Alert the safety officer and let them handle it
  2. Cover it with sand and leave the room
  3. Clean it up immediately with paper towels
  4. Pour water on the spill to dilute it
Answer: A

49. What color signs mark the emergency eyewash station and fire extinguisher?

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

50. Why are food and drinks not allowed in the lab?

  1. They attract pests
  2. They distract other students
  3. There is a risk of contamination
  4. The lab manager enforces a strict policy
Answer: C

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