MET — Practice Test 1

Answer key / strategy:
Listen for the key detail and beware answers that repeat a word but change the meaning.

Item 1: B
Item 2: C
Item 3: B
Item 4: C

Answer key / strategy:
Track each detail: meeting day, what costs extra, and the trip sign-up deadline.

1-A, 2-B, 3-C

Answer key / strategy:
Note times carefully: the gift shop closes 'half an hour before the museum … at five-thirty' means the museum closes 5:30 and the shop closes 5:00.

1-B, 2-A, 3-B (café closes at five; the gift shop closes half an hour before the museum, i.e. five o'clock — the museum closes at five-thirty)

Answer key / strategy:
1-B (past perfect), 2-A (comparative 'than'), 3-B (2nd conditional), 4-C (passive infinitive), 5-C ('neither … is'), 6-B ('apologise for'), 7-C (place → 'where'), 8-B ('needn't' = don't need to).

Item 1: B
Item 2: A
Item 3: B
Item 4: C
Item 5: C
Item 6: B
Item 7: C
Item 8: B

Answer key / strategy:
Answer from the text only. Q3: social status is never mentioned as a benefit.

1-B, 2-B, 3-C, 4-B, 5-C

Answer key / strategy:
Combine information across texts: Aisha rejects yoga (finishes at 6:30), both choose pottery and decide to become members (member price £5).

1-B, 2-B, 3-B, 4-A (they'll become members → £5), 5-B

Answer key / strategy:
Rated on Grammatical Accuracy, Vocabulary, Mechanics, Cohesion & Organization, and Task Completion. Answer all three questions with relevant detail.

Model answer:
(Sample response to Q1) One of my favourite places to visit is the small park near my home. I like it because it is quiet and green, and it gives me a chance to escape the noise of the city. I often go there in the early morning to walk or read, and I always come back feeling calmer and more focused. (Write two to four clear sentences for each of the three questions, using accurate grammar and a range of vocabulary.)

Answer key / strategy:
Use a clear introduction with your position, two or three developed body paragraphs with examples, and a conclusion. Aim for 250+ words.

Model answer:
Many educators believe that community service should be a required part of every young person's education. In my opinion, requiring students to complete a period of service before leaving school is a positive idea, because it benefits both the individual and society.

First, community service teaches young people valuable skills that are difficult to learn in a classroom. Helping in a hospital or cleaning a public park requires responsibility, teamwork and communication. A teenager who spends a few weeks assisting elderly patients, for example, learns patience and empathy in a way no textbook could teach. These experiences help young people mature and prepare them for adult life.

Second, community service strengthens society as a whole. When students give their time to help others, they begin to feel connected to their community and more aware of the problems around them. This often creates a lifelong habit of volunteering. Communities also gain directly from the work that students do, whether that is supporting a charity or improving a shared public space.

Some people argue that forcing students to volunteer removes the spirit of giving freely. While there is some truth to this, I believe the long-term benefits outweigh this concern, as many students discover a genuine enjoyment of helping once they begin.

In conclusion, I strongly agree that a period of community service should be required before students finish school. It develops important personal qualities and builds stronger, more caring communities.

Answer key / strategy:
Describe what you see in detail — people, objects, actions and atmosphere. Keep talking for the full 60 seconds.

Model answer:
This picture shows a busy outdoor farmers' market on a sunny day. In the foreground, a vendor is handing a paper bag to a customer who is smiling, so she seems pleased with her purchase. The stalls are full of fresh fruit and vegetables in bright colours. To one side, a couple of children are looking at a flower stall, perhaps choosing some flowers. The atmosphere looks lively and cheerful, and it seems like a pleasant place to spend a morning.

Answer key / strategy:
Tell a clear, personal story with details of what, where and how you felt.

Model answer:
A memorable experience I had was visiting a large weekend market in my city with my family. We went early in the morning to get the freshest produce. I remember buying mangoes, fresh bread and some spices, and the sellers were very friendly, letting us taste things before we bought them. What I enjoyed most was the lively atmosphere — the smells, the colours, and people chatting everywhere. We ended up staying much longer than we planned, and I still remember it as a really enjoyable morning.

Answer key / strategy:
State your opinion clearly and support it with at least two reasons.

Model answer:
In my opinion, both have advantages, but I generally prefer small local markets. The main reason is that the food is often fresher and comes directly from local farmers, which also supports the local economy. I also enjoy the personal contact — you can talk to the sellers and learn about the products. Supermarkets are certainly more convenient and usually cheaper, and they offer everything in one place, which saves time. However, for fresh fruit and vegetables, I think the quality and experience of a local market are hard to beat.

Answer key / strategy:
Give at least two advantages and two disadvantages, with brief explanations. Use the full 90 seconds.

Model answer:
Ordering groceries online has several clear advantages. It is extremely convenient — you can shop from home at any time, which is especially helpful for busy people or those without a car. It can also save time and reduce impulse buying, since you only order what you need. However, there are disadvantages too. You cannot see or choose the products yourself, so the quality of fresh items like fruit can be disappointing. Delivery fees can add to the cost, and there is an environmental impact from packaging and transport. In addition, some people miss the social side of shopping in person. Overall, online grocery shopping offers real convenience, but it comes with trade-offs in quality, cost and human contact.

Answer key / strategy:
Be polite but persuasive: acknowledge the other side, give strong reasons, and propose an alternative. Use the full 90 seconds.

Model answer:
Thank you for hearing me out. I understand the city needs more parking, but I'd urge you to reconsider closing the weekly market. The market is far more than a place to shop — it's a gathering point for the community and a vital source of income for dozens of small local farmers and traders who have no other outlet. Closing it would harm their livelihoods and remove something that gives our neighbourhood its character. I'd also point out that the market attracts hundreds of visitors each week, which supports nearby shops and cafés. If parking is the concern, perhaps we could find an alternative site nearby, or build parking that operates alongside the market rather than replacing it. I truly believe keeping the market open is in the long-term interest of both the community and the local economy. I hope you'll consider these points before making a final decision.