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MUET practice questions

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Question 1Listening comprehension

In the MUET Listening paper, a recorded talk begins: 'Before we look at the budget, let me remind everyone that the deadline for the survey has been pushed to Friday.' What is the speaker's main purpose at this point?

  1. To complain about the survey design
  2. To introduce a new committee member
  3. To announce a change to a deadline Correct answer.
  4. To present the final budget figures

Explanation

The speaker explicitly says the survey deadline 'has been pushed to Friday', which signals a schedule change announced before the main topic. The budget is only mentioned as something coming later, so it is not the current purpose.

Question 2Listening comprehension

A recording says: 'The library will extend its opening hours during the exam period, but only the reading room on level two, not the borrowing counter.' Which statement is accurate?

  1. The whole library stays open all night
  2. Only the level-two reading room gets longer hours Correct answer.
  3. Borrowing is suspended for the exam period
  4. The borrowing counter opens earlier each morning

Explanation

The speaker limits the extension explicitly to 'only the reading room on level two', contrasting it with the borrowing counter. Careful listening to the contrast word 'but' and the qualifier 'only' gives the answer directly.

Question 3Listening comprehension

A student says on the recording: 'I'd rather hand in the draft on Thursday than wait until Monday, even if it means working through the weekend.' What does the student prefer?

  1. Submitting the draft on Thursday Correct answer.
  2. Submitting the draft on Monday
  3. Asking for a new deadline
  4. Postponing the draft entirely

Explanation

The structure 'would rather X than Y' marks a preference for the first item, so the student prefers Thursday over Monday. The weekend work is accepted as a consequence, not as an alternative plan.

Question 4Listening comprehension

In a recorded campus announcement, a speaker says: 'The shuttle to the sports complex leaves every twenty minutes from the main gate, starting at seven.' How often does the shuttle run?

  1. Every seven minutes
  2. Every half hour
  3. Every ten minutes
  4. Every twenty minutes Correct answer.

Explanation

The frequency is stated directly as 'every twenty minutes'. The number seven refers to the starting time, not the interval, so it must not be confused with the frequency.

Question 5Listening comprehension

A speaker on a recording remarks: 'Honestly, I found the second half of the lecture far more useful than the introduction.' What is the speaker doing?

  1. Summarising the whole lecture
  2. Criticising the lecturer's style
  3. Comparing two parts of a lecture Correct answer.
  4. Recommending a different lecture

Explanation

The comparative 'far more useful than' sets the second half against the introduction, so the speaker is comparing two parts. There is no summary of the whole talk or comment on delivery style.

Question 6Listening comprehension

A recorded notice states: 'Students who have not yet collected their ID cards should go to the administration office before noon on Friday.' Who is the notice addressed to?

  1. Students who lost their ID cards
  2. Students who still need to collect ID cards Correct answer.
  3. Staff working in the administration office
  4. All students renewing their ID cards

Explanation

The relative clause 'who have not yet collected their ID cards' defines the target group precisely. The notice concerns collection, not renewal or loss, and it addresses students rather than staff.

Question 7Listening comprehension

During a recorded group discussion, one speaker says: 'That may work in theory, but have we checked whether the venue is actually free that week?' What is the speaker's function?

  1. Assigning tasks to members
  2. Agreeing with the proposal
  3. Summarising the discussion
  4. Raising a practical objection Correct answer.

Explanation

The concession 'that may work in theory' followed by 'but have we checked' signals doubt about practical feasibility. The speaker is therefore objecting on practical grounds rather than agreeing.

Question 8Listening comprehension

A recorded announcement says: 'Due to the heavy rain, the outdoor orientation has been moved indoors to the main hall, and the starting time remains unchanged.' What has changed?

  1. The date of the orientation
  2. The cancellation of the orientation
  3. The starting time of the orientation
  4. The venue of the orientation Correct answer.

Explanation

The notice moves the event from outdoors to the main hall, which is a change of venue. It explicitly says the starting time is unchanged and never mentions a new date or cancellation.

Question 9Listening comprehension

A recorded speaker says: 'The survey results were surprising: almost two-thirds of first-year students had never used the online portal.' Which figure matches the recording?

  1. Around 66 per cent Correct answer.
  2. Around 75 per cent
  3. Around 33 per cent
  4. Around 50 per cent

Explanation

'Almost two-thirds' corresponds to roughly 66 per cent, so the listener must convert the fraction into a percentage. The other figures do not match two-thirds at all.

Question 10Listening comprehension

A lecturer says on the recording: 'You don't have to submit the reflection weekly; a single entry at the end of the semester will do.' What does the lecturer mean?

  1. The reflection has been cancelled
  2. Weekly reflections are compulsory
  3. Two reflections are required
  4. One reflection at the end is sufficient Correct answer.

Explanation

'You don't have to' removes an obligation, and 'a single entry at the end of the semester will do' states the minimum requirement. Together they mean one end-of-semester entry is enough.

Question 11Listening comprehension

In a recorded conversation, a student says: 'If I'd known the lab closed at five, I would have started the experiment earlier.' What is true about the student?

  1. They finished the experiment on time
  2. They began the experiment too late Correct answer.
  3. They knew the lab closing time
  4. They decided not to do the experiment

Explanation

The third conditional describes an unreal past: the student did not know the closing time and therefore did not start earlier. The implication is that the experiment began later than it should have.

Question 12Listening comprehension

A speaker on a recording says: 'The new canteen menu is cheaper, but the portions are smaller, so I'm not sure it's really better value.' What is the speaker's view?

  1. Prices have gone up sharply
  2. Value for money is doubtful Correct answer.
  3. The new menu is clearly better
  4. Portion sizes have increased

Explanation

The speaker balances lower prices against smaller portions and concludes with uncertainty about value for money. The overall stance is sceptical rather than positive.

Question 13Listening comprehension

A recorded talk says: 'First, we reviewed the literature; then we designed the questionnaire; after that, we piloted it with thirty students.' What is the speaker describing?

  1. A set of unrelated activities
  2. A funding application process
  3. A list of research findings
  4. A sequence of research steps Correct answer.

Explanation

Sequencing markers 'first', 'then' and 'after that' organise the stages of a research procedure in order. No results or funding details are reported.

Question 14Listening comprehension

A recorded speaker states: 'Contrary to what many assume, the library's noise problem did not begin this semester; complaints were already logged last year.' What does the speaker correct?

  1. A mistaken belief about when the problem started Correct answer.
  2. A change to library rules
  3. A rumour about the library closing
  4. An error in the complaint records

Explanation

'Contrary to what many assume' introduces a correction of a common belief, and the correction concerns when the noise problem began. The complaints themselves are accepted as real.

Question 15Listening comprehension

A student says on a recording: 'I was going to join the debate club, but the sessions clash with my lab work.' What reason is given?

  1. A timetable conflict Correct answer.
  2. A clash of personalities
  3. A membership fee
  4. A lack of interest

Explanation

The verb 'clash with' applied to sessions and lab work indicates a scheduling conflict. The student's original intention to join shows interest was present.

Question 16Listening comprehension

In a recorded seminar, the tutor says: 'Let's park the question of cost for now and return to it once we've agreed on the design.' What does the tutor want the group to do?

  1. Abandon the project
  2. Redesign the budget
  3. Decide the cost first
  4. Postpone discussing cost Correct answer.

Explanation

'Park the question' is an idiom meaning to set something aside temporarily, and 'return to it once' confirms it will be revisited. The group is asked to focus on design first.

Question 17Listening comprehension

A recorded weather-style campus bulletin says: 'Morning classes will proceed as usual, but the afternoon field trip is cancelled and will be rescheduled.' What remains unchanged?

  1. Morning classes Correct answer.
  2. The afternoon field trip
  3. The whole day's timetable
  4. The field trip date

Explanation

The bulletin states morning classes 'will proceed as usual', so only that element is unchanged. The field trip is cancelled and its new date is not yet set.

Question 18Listening comprehension

A speaker on a recording says: 'The report is due on the fifteenth, not the fifth as the notice said.' What is the correct deadline?

  1. The fourteenth
  2. The fifth
  3. The fiftieth
  4. The fifteenth Correct answer.

Explanation

The speaker corrects the notice by placing the true date after 'due on' and negating the earlier figure. Listeners must track the correction rather than the first number heard.

Question 19Listening comprehension

A recorded discussion includes: 'So, to sum up, we've agreed on the theme, we still need a venue, and the budget is settled.' Which item is unresolved?

  1. The budget
  2. The date
  3. The venue Correct answer.
  4. The theme

Explanation

The summary marks the theme and budget as agreed or settled, while the venue is described as still needed. The date is not part of the summary at all.

Question 20Listening comprehension

A lecturer says: 'Some of you have asked whether the reading list is examinable. The answer is yes, but only the starred articles.' What is examinable?

  1. None of the reading list
  2. The entire reading list
  3. Only the unstarred articles
  4. Only the starred articles Correct answer.

Explanation

The lecturer confirms the list is examinable and immediately restricts it with 'only the starred articles'. The restriction is the key detail to retain.

Question 21Listening comprehension

In a recorded interview, the speaker says: 'I didn't choose journalism because I disliked science; I chose it because I loved writing.' What does the speaker clarify?

  1. A dislike of all academic subjects
  2. A plan to study writing later
  3. A regret about leaving science
  4. The real reason for a career choice Correct answer.

Explanation

The 'not because X but because Y' structure corrects a possible misunderstanding about motivation. The speaker affirms a love of writing as the true reason for choosing journalism.

Question 22Listening comprehension

A recorded speaker says: 'The proposal was met with a lukewarm response, which surprised the team, who had expected unanimous support.' How was the proposal received?

  1. With complete indifference
  2. With open hostility
  3. With unanimous approval
  4. With limited enthusiasm Correct answer.

Explanation

'Lukewarm' means mildly positive at best, so the response showed limited enthusiasm. The contrast with the team's expectation of unanimous support confirms this reading.

Question 23Listening comprehension

A speaker on a recording remarks: 'Had the department consulted students earlier, the new timetable would not have caused so much confusion.' What is implied?

  1. Consultation happened too late Correct answer.
  2. Students were fully consulted
  3. The timetable caused no problems
  4. The department rejected the timetable

Explanation

The past unreal conditional 'Had the department consulted... would not have caused' implies that consultation did not happen early enough. The confusion is presented as an actual consequence.

Question 24Listening comprehension

A recorded lecture notes: 'The data were collected over three months, yet the sample was drawn from a single campus, so generalising the findings nationally would be premature.' What is the speaker's concern?

  1. The length of the study
  2. The accuracy of the instruments
  3. The limits of the sample Correct answer.
  4. The cost of the research

Explanation

The concern follows from drawing the sample from one campus, which restricts how far findings can be generalised. Duration is mentioned but is not the basis of the criticism.

Question 25Listening comprehension

In a recorded meeting, a manager says: 'We could launch in June, provided the testing is finished; otherwise September is our fallback.' What does the manager indicate?

  1. June has been ruled out
  2. September is the preferred month
  3. Testing will be skipped
  4. June depends on completing testing Correct answer.

Explanation

'Provided the testing is finished' makes June conditional on testing, while September is only a fallback. The preference is therefore for June if the condition is met.

Question 26Listening comprehension

A recorded campus announcement says: 'The writing centre will close early today at 3 p.m. because of staff training. Appointments already booked for this afternoon will be moved to tomorrow morning at the same time.' A student had a 4 p.m. appointment today. What should the student expect?

  1. The appointment is cancelled and must be rebooked online.
  2. The appointment will take place tomorrow morning at 4 p.m. Correct answer.
  3. The appointment will happen today at 3 p.m. instead.
  4. The appointment will be moved to tomorrow afternoon.

Explanation

The announcement states that afternoon appointments are shifted to the following morning at the same time, so a 4 p.m. slot becomes 4 p.m. the next morning. The early closure at 3 p.m. applies to the centre's opening hours, not to the rescheduled time.

Question 27Listening comprehension

In a recorded tutorial, the tutor says: 'Your draft is well organised and your sources are solid. The problem is that you describe each study in detail but never say how they connect to your own argument.' What is the tutor's main criticism?

  1. The draft is poorly structured and hard to follow.
  2. The draft relies on too few academic sources.
  3. The draft describes studies in insufficient detail.
  4. The draft lacks links between the evidence and the argument. Correct answer.

Explanation

The tutor praises the organisation and sources, then identifies the gap: the studies are described but not connected to the student's own argument. The criticism therefore concerns the missing analytical link, not the quality of the sources or the structure.

Question 28Listening comprehension

A recorded speaker says: 'We assumed the drop in attendance was caused by the new online booking system. But attendance fell sharply in the two departments that never adopted the system, so the timing of the launch is probably a coincidence.' What does the speaker conclude about the booking system?

  1. It is unlikely to be the cause of the attendance drop. Correct answer.
  2. It caused the fall in attendance in every department.
  3. It was adopted too late to affect attendance figures.
  4. It should be withdrawn and replaced with the old system.

Explanation

The speaker reasons that if the booking system were the cause, departments that never used it should not show the same drop. Because they did, the speaker treats the link as coincidental and doubts the system is responsible.

Question 29Listening comprehension

In a recorded seminar, a student says: 'The fieldwork was meant to last six weeks, but we lost the first ten days to permit delays. We still finished on schedule because we cut the number of survey sites from twelve to eight.' What allowed the team to finish on time?

  1. They received permits earlier than expected.
  2. They extended the fieldwork by ten days.
  3. They reduced the number of survey sites. Correct answer.
  4. They surveyed more sites in a shorter period.

Explanation

The student explains that despite losing ten days, the team stayed on schedule by lowering the number of survey sites from twelve to eight. The reduction in scope compensated for the lost time.

Question 30Listening comprehension

A recorded lecturer says: 'It is tempting to read the rising sales figures as proof that the campaign worked. But sales were already climbing before the campaign began, and they kept climbing at the same rate afterwards. At most, we can say the campaign did not disrupt an existing trend.' Which statement best captures the lecturer's position?

  1. The sales figures cannot be used to evaluate any campaign.
  2. The campaign neither caused nor halted the rise in sales. Correct answer.
  3. The campaign caused the rise in sales but only partly.
  4. The campaign slowed the growth that was already underway.

Explanation

The lecturer notes that the upward trend existed before the campaign and continued unchanged after it, so the campaign cannot be credited with causing or interrupting the rise. The cautious conclusion is that the campaign left the existing trend intact.

Question 31Speaking

In MUET Speaking Part 1, candidates are typically given how long to prepare individually before presenting to the group?

  1. One hour
  2. Ten minutes
  3. Thirty seconds
  4. Two minutes Correct answer.

Explanation

MUET Speaking Part 1 (Individual Presentation) allows candidates a short individual preparation period of about two minutes before they deliver their two-minute presentation. This brief window is meant for jotting key points, not for writing a full script.

Question 32Speaking

Which phrase best performs the function of introducing a counter-argument during a MUET Speaking Part 2 group discussion?

  1. To begin with, I would like to say that...
  2. In conclusion, we all agree that...
  3. Admittedly, there is some truth in that, but... Correct answer.
  4. First and foremost, let me introduce myself...

Explanation

A counter-argument marker concedes a point before rebutting it, and 'Admittedly... but...' does exactly that. The other phrases open a presentation, summarise, or introduce a speaker rather than challenge a view.

Question 33Speaking

In MUET Speaking, what is the primary purpose of the group interaction task in Part 2?

  1. To test whether candidates can recite memorised essays
  2. To rank candidates by the length of their individual speeches
  3. To assess candidates' ability to write under time pressure
  4. To see how candidates negotiate and reach a group decision Correct answer.

Explanation

Part 2 is a discussion in which candidates must exchange views, build on each other's ideas, and work towards a group decision. It rewards interactive skills such as turn-taking and agreeing or disagreeing politely, not memorisation or writing.

Question 34Speaking

A candidate says: 'I see your point, but have we considered the cost involved?' Which interactional move is this?

  1. Interrupting rudely to seize the floor
  2. Summarising the group's final decision
  3. Repeating a point already agreed by everyone
  4. Acknowledging a view and then challenging it Correct answer.

Explanation

The speaker first acknowledges the previous contribution ('I see your point') and then introduces a challenge with a question. This is a constructive disagreement move that keeps the discussion moving without dismissing the other speaker.

Question 35Speaking

Which feature is most characteristic of a well-delivered MUET individual presentation?

  1. A clear structure with an introduction, supporting points and a conclusion Correct answer.
  2. Speaking as fast as possible to cover many points
  3. Reading a full script word for word from notes
  4. Using as many idioms as possible regardless of fit

Explanation

Examiners reward coherent organisation, so a presentation should signal its structure and develop a few supported points before concluding. Script-reading, speed and forced idioms all detract from clarity and natural delivery.

Question 36Speaking

During the MUET group discussion, one candidate has not spoken for a while. Which utterance best invites participation?

  1. I think we should just decide now and move on.
  2. That is exactly what I said earlier.
  3. What do you think about this, Aina? Correct answer.
  4. Let me finish what I was saying first.

Explanation

Naming a quiet group member and asking for their view directly invites participation and demonstrates collaborative skills. The other utterances either close discussion, block others, or claim credit rather than include.

Question 37Speaking

What does fluency mainly refer to in the assessment of MUET Speaking?

  1. Using only short, simple sentences
  2. Speaking smoothly with reasonable pace and few disruptive hesitations Correct answer.
  3. Avoiding all pauses, even for thought
  4. Speaking with a perfect native accent

Explanation

Fluency concerns the smooth flow of speech: a reasonable pace, natural pausing and the ability to keep going without long disruptive breaks. It is not about accent or eliminating every pause, since brief thinking pauses are normal.

Question 38Speaking

Which opening best signals the topic of an individual presentation in MUET Speaking Part 1?

  1. As my friend mentioned earlier, we disagree.
  2. Well, that is all from me, thank you.
  3. Today I would like to discuss the importance of public transport. Correct answer.
  4. Could you repeat the question, please?

Explanation

A clear topic statement tells the audience what the presentation will address and frames the points that follow. The other options either close a talk, respond to another speaker, or request clarification rather than open a presentation.

Question 39Speaking

A candidate is asked to give an individual presentation on 'Ways to reduce plastic waste'. Which set of points shows the clearest logical grouping?

  1. Plastic is useful; plastic is cheap; plastic is everywhere
  2. Ban single-use bags; promote reusable containers; improve recycling facilities Correct answer.
  3. I once forgot my bag; my sister recycles; shops are far
  4. Reduce waste; save the planet; be responsible

Explanation

A strong presentation groups distinct, concrete measures that each support the topic: reducing, reusing and recycling. The other sets either repeat vague generalisations, mix personal anecdotes, or state slogans without substance.

Question 40Speaking

Which response best repairs communication when a group member misheard your point during the discussion?

  1. I already said it, so I will not repeat it.
  2. That is not what I meant at all; listen properly.
  3. Anyway, moving on to my next point.
  4. Sorry, let me rephrase that more clearly. Correct answer.

Explanation

Repairing a misunderstanding politely and restating the point keeps the interaction constructive and shows communicative competence. Blaming the listener, ignoring the problem, or refusing to repeat all damage the group's shared understanding.

Question 41Speaking

In a Part 2 discussion, the group must choose the best way to encourage reading among teenagers. A candidate keeps listing options without ever supporting a choice. What is the main weakness?

  1. The candidate fails to argue for a position, so the group cannot converge Correct answer.
  2. The candidate answers another candidate's question
  3. The candidate speaks too softly to be heard
  4. The candidate uses too many linking words

Explanation

A discussion must move towards a decision, which requires candidates to weigh options and justify a preference. Merely listing possibilities leaves the group without reasons to converge, which weakens the candidate's contribution to the task.

Question 42Speaking

Which sentence uses an appropriate expression for politely disagreeing in the MUET group discussion?

  1. No, that makes no sense whatsoever.
  2. I am afraid I see it rather differently, because... Correct answer.
  3. You are completely wrong about that.
  4. Everyone knows that idea is silly.

Explanation

Disagreeing politely softens the challenge and then supplies a reason, which maintains rapport while advancing the argument. Blunt or dismissive phrasing such as calling an idea wrong or silly damages group harmony and is penalised.

Question 43Speaking

A candidate uses 'Firstly... Secondly... Finally...' throughout an individual presentation. What is the main benefit of this?

  1. It proves the candidate has memorised a script
  2. It shortens the presentation considerably
  3. It makes the structure of the talk easy for listeners to follow Correct answer.
  4. It guarantees a wide vocabulary range

Explanation

Sequencing markers make the organisation of ideas explicit, helping examiners and listeners track the argument. They do not by themselves demonstrate vocabulary range, shorten the talk, or indicate memorisation.

Question 44Speaking

Which is the best way to build on a group member's point during the MUET discussion?

  1. Ignoring it and starting a new topic
  2. Repeating their point in exactly the same words
  3. Changing the subject to your own prepared point
  4. Extending it with an example that strengthens the argument Correct answer.

Explanation

Building on a point means developing it further, for instance by adding evidence or an example, which shows active listening and collaborative reasoning. Repetition adds nothing, while ignoring or diverting from the point breaks the thread.

Question 45Speaking

What is the most likely effect of filling every pause with 'um' and 'you know' in a MUET presentation?

  1. It improves coherence by linking ideas
  2. It makes the presentation sound more formal
  3. It demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary
  4. It distracts listeners and lowers the fluency impression Correct answer.

Explanation

Filled pauses are hesitation markers that interrupt the flow of speech and distract the listener, so they reduce the perceived fluency. They do not link ideas, display vocabulary or raise formality.

Question 46Speaking

In MUET Speaking Part 1, a candidate is given a situation card with a prompt such as 'What is the most important quality in a good leader?' What should the candidate do first during preparation?

  1. Plan questions to ask the other candidates
  2. Write out the entire speech word for word
  3. Memorise a list of idioms to insert
  4. Decide on a clear stand and two or three supporting reasons Correct answer.

Explanation

Effective preparation focuses on taking a clear position and selecting a few reasons or examples to support it, which gives the talk a spine. Scripting everything wastes the short preparation time, and planning questions belongs to the discussion stage.

Question 47Speaking

Which feature of pronunciation is most important for intelligibility in MUET Speaking?

  1. Clear word stress and sentence stress Correct answer.
  2. Imitating a British accent exactly
  3. Whispering to control volume
  4. Speaking in a monotone to stay consistent

Explanation

Intelligibility depends on clear articulation, appropriate word stress and sentence stress that highlight meaning. Accent imitation is not required, and monotone or whispered delivery reduces clarity rather than improving it.

Question 48Speaking

A group is discussing whether school uniforms should be compulsory. One candidate says: 'Uniforms are cheaper, so they are better.' Which criticism of this reasoning is most accurate?

  1. It relies on an irrelevant personal story
  2. It contradicts itself in the same sentence
  3. It gives a reason but treats cost as the only relevant factor Correct answer.
  4. It contains no reason at all

Explanation

The argument moves from one advantage (cost) straight to an overall conclusion, ignoring other relevant factors such as comfort or choice. The reasoning is not absent or self-contradictory, but it is incomplete and overgeneralised.

Question 49Speaking

Which closing statement best rounds off a two-minute individual presentation in MUET Speaking?

  1. Next, I will talk about a completely different issue.
  2. I have run out of time, so I will stop here.
  3. What do you all think about my points?
  4. To sum up, reducing food waste requires effort from households, businesses and government alike. Correct answer.

Explanation

A good conclusion briefly restates the main idea and ties the separate points together, giving the talk closure. Opening a new issue, apologising for time, or turning the individual talk into a question session all weaken the ending.

Question 50Speaking

During the group discussion, two candidates repeatedly talk over each other. Which strategy best restores orderly turn-taking?

  1. Leaving the discussion until they finish
  2. Raising your voice above both of them
  3. Waiting for a brief gap and saying 'May I come in here?' Correct answer.
  4. Repeating your point louder each time

Explanation

Politely claiming a turn at a natural pause respects the other speakers while restoring order, which examiners reward as effective interaction management. Shouting or repeating louder escalates overlap, and withdrawing abandons the task.