A third original Lumi practice test modelled on the MET (Michigan English Test): Listening, Reading & Vocabulary, Writing and Speaking, with a full answer key and model answers. Listening items include audioscripts so you can practise now — read each once to simulate hearing it a single time. The MET reports scores from 0–80 per section and by CEFR level (A2–C1).
Section 1 · Listening
~30 minutes · short talks & conversations · heard once · Read each audioscript once to simulate the real test.
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Part 1 — Short conversations
Choose the best answer, A, B or C.
AUDIO 1 (paraphrased): Man: Have you finished the report for Mr Lang? Woman: Almost — I just need to add the final figures, so it'll be ready by lunchtime. 1. When will the report be ready? A. it is already finished B. by lunchtime C. tomorrow morning
AUDIO 2 (paraphrased): Woman: The bus to the airport leaves at 6, doesn't it? Man: It used to, but the timetable changed — now the first one is at 5.40. 2. What time does the first airport bus leave now? A. 6.00 B. 5.40 C. 6.40
AUDIO 3 (paraphrased): Boy: Shall we meet at the library or the café? Girl: The library's closed on Sundays, so let's say the café. 3. Where will they meet? A. the library B. the café C. neither
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Answer key / strategy: Listen for the corrected or updated detail — MET conversations often include a change ("it used to… but now…").
1-B, 2-B, 3-B
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Part 2 — Short talk
Listen to the announcement and answer.
AUDIO (paraphrased): Attention, shoppers. The Riverside Mall will close early today, at 6 p.m., for a private event. The car park will remain open until 7 so you can collect your vehicles. We apologise for any inconvenience, and remind you that normal hours — 9 to 9 — resume tomorrow. Thank you for shopping with us.
1. Why is the mall closing early? A. for repairs B. for a private event C. for a holiday 2. Until what time will the car park stay open? A. 6 p.m. B. 7 p.m. C. 9 p.m. 3. When do normal hours resume? A. later today B. tomorrow C. next week
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Answer key / strategy: Note the reason, the exception (car park until 7), and the return-to-normal detail — all three are commonly tested.
1-B, 2-B, 3-B
Section 2 · Reading & Vocabulary
~45 minutes · grammar, vocabulary & reading
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Grammar & Vocabulary — sentence completion
Choose the word or phrase that best completes each sentence.
1. By the time we arrived, the meeting ________ already started. A. has B. had C. have D. having 2. She's the most reliable colleague ________ I have ever worked with. A. what B. which C. who D. whom 3. If I ________ more time, I would have finished the project. A. have had B. had had C. would have D. has 4. The instructions were so complicated that hardly ________ understood them. A. someone B. anyone C. no one D. everyone 5. We need to ________ a decision before Friday. A. do B. make C. take D. give
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Answer key / strategy: MET grammar rewards knowing verb tenses, conditionals, relative pronouns and common collocations (make/do/take).
1-B, 2-D, 3-B, 4-B, 5-B Model answer: Notes: Q1 past perfect ("had started") for the earlier of two past actions. Q3 third conditional ("If I had had… I would have finished"). Q5 collocation: we MAKE a decision.
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Reading — short passage
Read the passage and answer the questions.
PASSAGE: Volunteering is often thought of purely as an act of generosity — something we do to help others. Yet research suggests that volunteers themselves gain a great deal. People who regularly give their time report feeling happier and less stressed, partly because helping others creates a sense of purpose and connection. Volunteering can also build practical skills and expand social networks, which sometimes leads to paid work. Of course, the primary aim remains helping the community, but it is encouraging to know that the benefits flow in both directions.
1. What is the main idea of the passage? A. volunteering is a waste of time B. volunteering benefits both others and the volunteer C. volunteers are always paid D. only young people should volunteer 2. According to the passage, why do volunteers often feel happier? A. they earn more money B. helping others gives them purpose and connection C. they work fewer hours D. they travel more 3. The passage suggests that volunteering can sometimes lead to A. illness B. paid work C. higher taxes D. less free time 4. The word "purpose" is closest in meaning to A. confusion B. a sense of meaning C. payment D. tiredness
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Answer key / strategy: Find the main idea in the first and last sentences; answer detail questions from the middle. For vocabulary, replace the word with each option.
1-B, 2-B, 3-B, 4-B
Section 3 · Writing
~30 minutes · 1–2 tasks · rated by examiners
5
Writing Task — Opinion (150–200 words)
Write a clear, well-organised response with reasons and examples.
Some people prefer to live in a big city, while others prefer to live in a small town. Which do you prefer, and why? Give reasons and examples to support your answer.
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Answer key / strategy: Structure: state your preference, give two developed reasons with examples, briefly acknowledge the other side, and conclude. Use linking words (first, second, however, in short).
Model answer: While both big cities and small towns have their attractions, I personally prefer living in a big city, for two main reasons.
The first is opportunity. Cities offer a far wider range of jobs, schools and services than small towns do. When I finished my studies, for instance, I found that almost all the positions in my field were based in larger cities, simply because that is where most companies are located. A city also makes it easier to continue learning, with universities, libraries and training centres close at hand.
The second reason is variety. In a city, there is always something to do — restaurants from every culture, cinemas, concerts and sports events. This variety keeps life interesting and helps people from different backgrounds meet and mix.
I do understand why some people prefer a small town, where life is calmer, cheaper and closer to nature. However, for me the energy and opportunities of a big city outweigh the peace of a small one. In short, I would rather accept a busier, more expensive life in exchange for the chances a city provides.
Section 4 · Speaking
~15 minutes · guided tasks · Speak your answers aloud and, if possible, record them.
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Task 1 — Personal questions
Answer each question in 3–4 sentences.
1. Tell me about your typical weekend. 2. What is a place you would recommend a visitor see in your country, and why?
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Answer key / strategy: Give organised answers with a topic sentence and supporting details. Use the recommendation pattern: what → where → why → a tip.
Model answer: (Q2) If a visitor came to my country, I would definitely recommend they see the old town in the capital. It's a beautiful area full of narrow streets, historic buildings and small markets where you can try traditional food. I'd suggest going in the early evening, when it's cooler and the streets come alive with people. I think it gives visitors a real sense of our culture and history in just a few hours.
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Task 2 — Express and support an opinion
State your opinion and give at least two reasons.
Some schools are replacing paper textbooks with tablets and laptops. Do you think this is a positive change? Explain your opinion.
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Answer key / strategy: Open with a clear opinion, give two supported reasons, acknowledge one drawback, and finish with a short conclusion. Speak for the full time.
Model answer: In my opinion, replacing paper textbooks with tablets is mostly a positive change, though it needs to be managed carefully. The main advantage is convenience: instead of carrying several heavy books, students can keep all their materials on one light device, and teachers can update or add content instantly. A second benefit is that digital books can include videos, quizzes and audio, which make learning more interactive and can help students who struggle with plain text. I do recognise a possible downside — screens can be distracting, and not every family can afford a device at home. However, if schools provide the devices and set clear rules for their use, I believe the benefits clearly outweigh the drawbacks.