Tes Bahasa Inggris merupakan salah satu tahapan yang cukup sering dijumpai dalam proses seleksi masuk perguruan tinggi. Materinya tidak hanya mengukur seberapa banyak kosakata yang dihafal, tetapi juga kemampuan memahami struktur kalimat, menemukan ide utama bacaan, hingga menggunakan bahasa Inggris secara tepat dalam konteks tertentu.
Bagi sebagian calon mahasiswa, soal Bahasa Inggris mungkin terasa rumit karena pilihan jawabannya terlihat mirip. Padahal, dengan memahami pola soal dan berlatih secara konsisten, materi seperti grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, serta error recognition dapat dikerjakan dengan lebih percaya diri.
Artikel ini menyajikan 50 contoh soal tes Bahasa Inggris masuk kuliah beserta pembahasannya. Setiap soal dirancang untuk membantu pembaca mengenali bentuk-bentuk pertanyaan yang umum muncul, memahami alasan di balik jawaban yang benar, sekaligus menghindari kesalahan yang sering terjadi. Mari pelajari satu per satu agar persiapan menghadapi tes masuk kuliah menjadi lebih matang.
Pilihan Ganda
1. Struktur dan Tata Bahasa (Grammar)
1. The lecturer ______ the students to submit their assignments before Friday.
A. remind
B. reminds
C. reminded
D. reminding
E. has remind
Jawaban: C. reminded
Pembahasan: Kalimat menyatakan tindakan yang telah dilakukan di masa lampau. Oleh karena itu, kata kerja yang tepat adalah bentuk past simple, yaitu reminded.
2. If Rina ______ harder, she would have passed the entrance examination.
A. studies
B. studied
C. had studied
D. has studied
E. will study
Jawaban: C. had studied
Pembahasan: Kalimat ini merupakan third conditional, yaitu pengandaian mengenai situasi masa lalu yang tidak terjadi. Polanya adalah If + had + past participle, would have + past participle.
3. Neither the students nor the lecturer ______ ready for the presentation.
A. are
B. were
C. have
D. is
E. be
Jawaban: D. is
Pembahasan: Pada pola neither … nor …, kata kerja mengikuti subjek yang paling dekat. Subjek terdekat adalah the lecturer yang berbentuk tunggal, sehingga digunakan is.
4. The new library, ______ was built last year, provides students with a comfortable place to study.
A. who
B. whom
C. which
D. whose
E. where
Jawaban: C. which
Pembahasan: Kata which digunakan untuk menjelaskan benda atau tempat, dalam hal ini the new library. Kata who dan whom digunakan untuk orang.
5. By the time we arrived at the campus, the orientation session ______.
A. begins
B. has begun
C. had begun
D. was beginning
E. will begin
Jawaban: C. had begun
Pembahasan: Ada dua kejadian di masa lalu. Sesi orientasi dimulai lebih dahulu sebelum kami tiba. Kejadian yang terjadi lebih dahulu menggunakan past perfect, yaitu had begun.
6. Students are expected ______ their mobile phones during the examination.
A. turn off
B. turning off
C. to turn off
D. turned off
E. to turning off
Jawaban: C. to turn off
Pembahasan: Setelah kata expected, bentuk yang tepat adalah to infinitive. Polanya: be expected to + verb.
7. The professor speaks so clearly that everyone can understand ______.
A. he
B. him
C. his
D. himself
E. her
Jawaban: B. him
Pembahasan: Setelah kata kerja understand, diperlukan objek. Kata ganti objek untuk laki-laki adalah him.
8. This book is ______ than the one I borrowed last week.
A. interesting
B. more interesting
C. most interesting
D. the more interesting
E. interest
Jawaban: B. more interesting
Pembahasan: Karena membandingkan dua buku, digunakan bentuk comparative. Untuk kata sifat dengan lebih dari satu suku kata seperti interesting, bentuknya adalah more + adjective.
2. Padanan Kata / Kosakata (Vocabulary)
9. The word “essential” is closest in meaning to ______.
A. unnecessary
B. important
C. expensive
D. difficult
E. temporary
Jawaban: B. important
Pembahasan: Essential berarti sangat penting atau mutlak diperlukan. Padanan kata yang paling dekat adalah important.
10. The committee decided to ______ the meeting because several members were absent.
A. postpone
B. attend
C. complete
D. replace
E. announce
Jawaban: A. postpone
Pembahasan: Postpone berarti menunda suatu kegiatan atau acara ke waktu yang lebih lambat.
11. The students were ______ to hear that the scholarship program would continue next year.
A. disappointed
B. relieved
C. confused
D. exhausted
E. worried
Jawaban: B. relieved
Pembahasan: Relieved berarti merasa lega setelah menghadapi kekhawatiran atau ketidakpastian.
12. The researcher must provide ______ evidence to support the conclusion.
A. weak
B. sufficient
C. ordinary
D. narrow
E. private
Jawaban: B. sufficient
Pembahasan: Sufficient berarti cukup atau memadai. Bukti yang cukup dibutuhkan untuk mendukung sebuah kesimpulan penelitian.
13. The university encourages students to be ______ in class discussions.
A. active
B. silent
C. careless
D. absent
E. nervous
Jawaban: A. active
Pembahasan: Dalam konteks diskusi kelas, mahasiswa diharapkan aktif menyampaikan pendapat, bertanya, dan menanggapi ide.
14. The manager gave a ______ explanation of the new policy.
A. vague
B. clear
C. harmful
D. limited
E. sudden
Jawaban: B. clear
Pembahasan: Clear explanation berarti penjelasan yang jelas dan mudah dipahami. Vague justru berarti tidak jelas.
15. The word “benefit” is closest in meaning to ______.
A. advantage
B. danger
C. mistake
D. problem
E. refusal
Jawaban: A. advantage
Pembahasan: Benefit berarti manfaat atau keuntungan. Padanan kata yang sesuai adalah advantage.
16. The lecturer asked the students to ______ the article before the next class.
A. ignore
B. review
C. destroy
D. avoid
E. forget
Jawaban: B. review
Pembahasan: Review berarti meninjau, mempelajari kembali, atau memeriksa suatu materi sebelum kegiatan berikutnya.
3. Ekspresi dan Preposisi (Error Recognition / Preposition)
17. Choose the incorrect part of the sentence.
The students are interested (A) in joining (B) the international seminar (C) next month (D) at the university (E).
A. interested
B. in joining
C. the international seminar
D. next month
E. at the university
Jawaban: E. at the university
Pembahasan: Bagian E sebenarnya tidak salah secara tata bahasa, tetapi kalimat memerlukan susunan yang lebih tepat jika ingin menyatakan lokasi seminar: at the university next month. Dalam konteks soal ini, kesalahan yang dimaksud adalah penempatan keterangan waktu dan tempat. Bentuk yang lebih baik: The students are interested in joining the international seminar at the university next month.
18. The students must submit the registration form ______ Monday.
A. in
B. on
C. at
D. by
E. from
Jawaban: D. by
Pembahasan: By Monday berarti paling lambat hari Senin. Sementara on Monday hanya menunjukkan bahwa kegiatan dilakukan pada hari Senin.
19. Choose the incorrect part of the sentence.
My sister has been studying (A) English (B) since (C) three years (D) ago (E).
A. has been studying
B. English
C. since
D. three years
E. ago
Jawaban: C. since
Pembahasan: Kata since digunakan untuk menunjukkan titik awal waktu, misalnya since 2023. Untuk durasi waktu seperti three years, gunakan for. Kalimat yang benar: My sister has been studying English for three years.
20. The professor is responsible ______ preparing the final examination questions.
A. in
B. on
C. at
D. for
E. with
Jawaban: D. for
Pembahasan: Kolokasi yang benar adalah responsible for, yang berarti bertanggung jawab atas sesuatu.
21. Choose the incorrect part of the sentence.
The new students arrived (A) at the campus (B) and waited (C) in front of (D) the administration office (E).
A. arrived
B. at the campus
C. waited
D. in front of
E. the administration office
Jawaban: B. at the campus
Pembahasan: Secara umum, arrive at digunakan untuk lokasi spesifik seperti gedung atau stasiun, sedangkan arrive on campus lebih lazim untuk menyatakan tiba di area kampus. Kalimat yang lebih tepat: The new students arrived on campus.
22. Dina is very good ______ solving mathematical problems.
A. at
B. in
C. on
D. for
E. with
Jawaban: A. at
Pembahasan: Ungkapan yang benar adalah good at + noun/verb-ing. Setelah preposisi at, kata kerja menggunakan bentuk -ing.
23. Choose the incorrect part of the sentence.
The students discussed (A) about the new academic rules (B) during (C) the orientation program (D) yesterday (E).
A. discussed
B. about the new academic rules
C. during
D. the orientation program
E. yesterday
Jawaban: B. about the new academic rules
Pembahasan: Kata discuss tidak diikuti preposisi about. Kalimat yang benar adalah The students discussed the new academic rules …
24. The library is open ______ 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. on weekdays.
A. at
B. in
C. from
D. by
E. during
Jawaban: C. from
Pembahasan: Pasangan preposisi yang tepat untuk menunjukkan rentang waktu adalah from … until/to ….
4. Pemahaman Membaca (Reading Comprehension)
Read the following passage for questions 25–28.
Many universities now provide digital libraries for their students. Through these platforms, students can access academic journals, electronic books, research reports, and learning videos without having to visit a physical library. Digital libraries are especially useful for students who need references outside regular library hours. However, students still need to evaluate the reliability of online sources before using them in academic assignments.
25. What is the main topic of the passage?
A. The history of physical libraries
B. The advantages and responsible use of digital libraries
C. The cost of academic journals
D. The rules for borrowing printed books
E. The difficulty of writing assignments
Jawaban: B. The advantages and responsible use of digital libraries
Pembahasan: Teks membahas manfaat perpustakaan digital dan mengingatkan mahasiswa untuk memeriksa kredibilitas sumber daring.
26. According to the passage, students can access the following materials through digital libraries, except ______.
A. academic journals
B. electronic books
C. research reports
D. learning videos
E. laboratory equipment
Jawaban: E. laboratory equipment
Pembahasan: Teks menyebut jurnal, buku elektronik, laporan penelitian, dan video pembelajaran. Peralatan laboratorium tidak disebutkan.
27. Why are digital libraries useful for students?
A. They replace all lecturers.
B. They provide access to references beyond regular library hours.
C. They make students avoid reading books.
D. They only contain entertainment materials.
E. They eliminate the need for assignments.
Jawaban: B. They provide access to references beyond regular library hours.
Pembahasan: Kalimat ketiga dalam bacaan menjelaskan bahwa perpustakaan digital berguna bagi mahasiswa yang membutuhkan referensi di luar jam operasional perpustakaan fisik.
28. What should students do before using an online source in an assignment?
A. Print every source they find.
B. Ask a friend to rewrite it.
C. Check its reliability.
D. Translate it into Indonesian.
E. Share it on social media.
Jawaban: C. Check its reliability.
Pembahasan: Pada kalimat terakhir, penulis menegaskan pentingnya mengevaluasi keandalan sumber daring.
Read the following passage for questions 29–32.
Regular exercise can improve not only physical health but also mental well-being. Students who exercise regularly often report better concentration, improved mood, and lower stress levels. Exercise does not always require expensive equipment or a gym membership. Simple activities such as walking, cycling, stretching, or playing a sport with friends can be effective when performed consistently.
29. What is the purpose of the passage?
A. To explain why students should avoid exercise
B. To describe the benefits of regular exercise
C. To advertise a new gym
D. To compare different sports competitions
E. To explain how to become a professional athlete
Jawaban: B. To describe the benefits of regular exercise
Pembahasan: Bacaan menjelaskan manfaat olahraga bagi kesehatan fisik dan mental, terutama bagi mahasiswa.
30. Which benefit of regular exercise is mentioned in the passage?
A. Better concentration
B. Higher tuition fees
C. More homework
D. Less sleep
E. Longer examinations
Jawaban: A. Better concentration
Pembahasan: Teks secara langsung menyebut better concentration sebagai salah satu manfaat olahraga rutin.
31. According to the passage, exercise ______.
A. must be done in a gym
B. requires expensive equipment
C. can include simple daily activities
D. is only useful for athletes
E. should be avoided during college
Jawaban: C. can include simple daily activities
Pembahasan: Teks memberikan contoh aktivitas sederhana, seperti berjalan kaki, bersepeda, dan peregangan.
32. The word “consistently” is closest in meaning to ______.
A. regularly
B. suddenly
C. rarely
D. carelessly
E. privately
Jawaban: A. regularly
Pembahasan: Consistently berarti dilakukan secara teratur dan berkelanjutan.
5. Informasi Tersirat (Inference)
Read the following passage for questions 33–36.
On the first day of orientation, Ardi arrived at the campus thirty minutes early. He checked the map on his phone, found the registration room, and helped another new student who looked confused. Although Ardi had never visited the campus before, he appeared calm and prepared.
33. What can be inferred about Ardi?
A. He dislikes meeting new people.
B. He is likely organized and helpful.
C. He has studied at the university before.
D. He forgot to bring his phone.
E. He arrived late for orientation.
Jawaban: B. He is likely organized and helpful.
Pembahasan: Ardi datang lebih awal, menggunakan peta untuk mencari ruangan, dan membantu mahasiswa lain. Hal tersebut menunjukkan bahwa ia terorganisasi dan suka menolong.
34. Why did Ardi probably check the map on his phone?
A. He wanted to find a restaurant.
B. He wanted to leave the campus.
C. He needed directions to the registration room.
D. He wanted to call his family.
E. He was looking for an online class.
Jawaban: C. He needed directions to the registration room.
Pembahasan: Bacaan menyatakan bahwa Ardi belum pernah datang ke kampus tersebut sebelumnya. Karena itu, ia kemungkinan menggunakan peta untuk menemukan ruang registrasi.
35. Which statement is most likely true?
A. Ardi had prepared for orientation before arriving.
B. Ardi did not know the orientation schedule.
C. Ardi was forced to help the other student.
D. Ardi had lost his registration documents.
E. Ardi planned to skip orientation.
Jawaban: A. Ardi had prepared for orientation before arriving.
Pembahasan: Kedatangan lebih awal dan sikap tenangnya menjadi petunjuk bahwa Ardi telah melakukan persiapan.
36. The phrase “appeared calm and prepared” suggests that Ardi ______.
A. felt completely lost
B. handled the new situation well
C. wanted to go home immediately
D. did not care about orientation
E. refused to speak to others
Jawaban: B. handled the new situation well
Pembahasan: Walaupun baru pertama kali datang ke kampus, Ardi tetap tenang dan mampu mencari ruangan yang dituju. Ini menunjukkan bahwa ia menghadapi situasi baru dengan baik.
Read the following passage for questions 37–40.
Maya usually studies in her room, but this week she has been visiting the campus library every afternoon. Her final examinations are approaching, and she has borrowed several books about statistics and research methods. She also turned off notifications on her phone while studying.
37. What can be inferred about Maya?
A. She is preparing seriously for her examinations.
B. She has finished all of her examinations.
C. She dislikes the campus library.
D. She is studying literature only.
E. She has stopped using books.
Jawaban: A. She is preparing seriously for her examinations.
Pembahasan: Maya mengubah kebiasaan belajarnya, datang ke perpustakaan, meminjam beberapa buku, dan mematikan notifikasi. Semua tindakan tersebut menunjukkan persiapan yang serius.
38. Why did Maya probably turn off phone notifications?
A. Her phone was broken.
B. She wanted to save battery only.
C. She wanted to avoid distractions while studying.
D. She was waiting for an important call.
E. She did not know how to use her phone.
Jawaban: C. She wanted to avoid distractions while studying.
Pembahasan: Mematikan notifikasi saat belajar biasanya dilakukan agar dapat berkonsentrasi dan tidak terganggu oleh pesan atau aplikasi.
39. What subject is Maya most likely studying?
A. Music
B. Statistics or research-related subjects
C. Tourism
D. Fine arts
E. Physical education
Jawaban: B. Statistics or research-related subjects
Pembahasan: Buku yang dipinjam Maya membahas statistik dan metode penelitian. Ini menjadi petunjuk kuat mengenai materi yang sedang dipelajarinya.
40. Which statement is supported by the passage?
A. Maya never studies at home.
B. Maya goes to the library only in the morning.
C. Maya’s final examinations are near.
D. Maya borrowed novels for entertainment.
E. Maya keeps all phone notifications active.
Jawaban: C. Maya’s final examinations are near.
Pembahasan: Informasi ini tertulis secara jelas dalam kalimat kedua bacaan.
Soal Esai
1. Struktur dan Tata Bahasa (Grammar)
41. Perhatikan paragraf berikut.
Last semester, Dimas decide to join an English club because he want to improve his speaking skills. Every week, he attend the club meeting and practices speaking with other members. After several months, he feels more confident when he speaks English in front of the class.
Tuliskan kembali paragraf tersebut dengan struktur tata bahasa yang benar. Setelah itu, jelaskan sedikitnya lima perbaikan yang Anda lakukan, termasuk alasan penggunaan bentuk kata kerja yang tepat.
Pedoman pembahasan: Jawaban perlu memperbaiki decide menjadi decided, want menjadi wanted, attend menjadi attended, dan practices menjadi practiced apabila seluruh cerita berada di masa lampau. Kata feels juga dapat diubah menjadi felt untuk menjaga konsistensi waktu.
42. Buatlah satu paragraf berbahasa Inggris sepanjang 100–120 kata tentang pengalaman Anda mempersiapkan ujian masuk kuliah. Gunakan minimal:
- Dua kalimat present perfect;
- Satu kalimat past simple;
- Satu kalimat future plan menggunakan will atau be going to;
- Dua kata penghubung, misalnya because, although, therefore, atau however.
Pedoman pembahasan: Penilaian dapat mencakup ketepatan struktur kalimat, konsistensi ide, penggunaan tenses, kosakata, serta tanda baca.
2. Padanan Kata / Kosakata (Vocabulary)
43. Bacalah paragraf berikut.
University students need to develop good study habits. They should manage their time wisely, review lessons regularly, and seek help when they face difficulties. A positive attitude can also help them remain motivated during challenging periods.
Tuliskan lima kata penting dari paragraf tersebut, lalu berikan:
- Arti kata dalam bahasa Indonesia;
- Satu sinonim dalam bahasa Inggris;
- Satu kalimat baru menggunakan kata tersebut.
Pedoman pembahasan: Contoh kata yang dapat digunakan adalah develop, manage, wisely, seek, difficulties, positive, motivated, dan challenging. Jawaban harus menunjukkan pemahaman makna sesuai konteks, bukan sekadar menerjemahkan kata secara terpisah.
44. Tulislah sebuah paragraf argumentatif sepanjang 100–120 kata dengan topik berikut: “Why should university students improve their English vocabulary?” Gunakan minimal delapan kosakata akademik, misalnya analyze, research, communicate, opportunity, knowledge, improve, participate, dan achievement.
Pedoman pembahasan: Paragraf yang baik memiliki kalimat utama yang jelas, alasan pendukung, contoh relevan, serta penggunaan kosakata akademik secara tepat dan alami.
3. Ekspresi dan Preposisi (Error Recognition / Preposition)
45. Perbaiki seluruh kesalahan dalam paragraf berikut.
Sinta is interested on joining a student organization because she wants to improve in her communication skills. She plans to participate on several events and learn about leadership from senior members. She is also responsible to preparing a proposal for the first meeting.
Setelah memperbaiki paragraf, jelaskan alasan pemilihan setiap preposisi yang benar.
Pedoman pembahasan: Perbaikan yang diharapkan antara lain interested in, improve her communication skills, participate in, learn from, dan responsible for preparing. Preposisi dalam bahasa Inggris perlu dipelajari bersama kata yang mengikutinya karena banyak bentuknya merupakan kolokasi tetap.
46. Buatlah dialog berbahasa Inggris antara dua mahasiswa yang sedang merencanakan kegiatan kampus. Dialog harus terdiri atas 10–12 baris dan menggunakan sedikitnya delapan preposisi yang berbeda, seperti at, on, in, from, to, with, for, dan between. Berikan garis bawah pada setiap preposisi yang digunakan.
Pedoman pembahasan: Selain ketepatan preposisi, penilaian perlu memperhatikan kesesuaian konteks. Misalnya, at 9 a.m., on Monday, in the hall, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., dan with the committee.
4. Pemahaman Membaca (Reading Comprehension)
47. Bacalah teks berikut.
Online learning has become an important part of higher education. It allows students to access course materials from different locations and review recorded lectures when necessary. However, online learning also requires discipline. Students must manage their schedules, complete assignments independently, and communicate actively with lecturers and classmates. Without good time management, students may find it difficult to keep up with course requirements.
Jawablah pertanyaan berikut dalam bahasa Inggris dengan jawaban lengkap.
- What are two advantages of online learning mentioned in the passage?
- What skills are required for successful online learning?
- What may happen if students do not manage their time well?
- What is the main idea of the passage?
Pedoman pembahasan: Jawaban harus didasarkan pada informasi dalam teks. Hindari menjawab dengan opini pribadi apabila tidak diminta.
48. Bacalah teks berikut.
Many first-year students feel nervous when they begin university. They may need time to adapt to new subjects, different teaching methods, and a larger social environment. Joining study groups, attending campus events, and asking questions during class can help students adjust more quickly. Universities often provide academic advisors and counseling services to support students during this transition.
Buatlah ringkasan teks tersebut dalam 70–90 kata menggunakan bahasa Inggris Anda sendiri. Ringkasan harus memuat gagasan utama, tantangan yang dihadapi mahasiswa baru, serta bentuk dukungan yang tersedia.
Pedoman pembahasan: Ringkasan yang baik tidak menyalin seluruh kalimat dari teks. Gunakan parafrasa, susun ide secara runtut, dan pertahankan informasi penting.
5. Informasi Tersirat (Inference)
49. Bacalah teks berikut.
Kevin submitted his assignment two days before the deadline. Before submitting it, he asked his lecturer for clarification about the instructions, checked the references carefully, and revised several paragraphs. On the day of submission, he was not worried when his classmates discussed the assignment.
Jawablah pertanyaan berikut dalam bahasa Inggris.
- What can you infer about Kevin’s study habits?
- Why was Kevin probably not worried on the day of submission?
- What evidence from the passage supports your inference?
- Do you think Kevin’s approach is useful for university students? Explain your answer.
Pedoman pembahasan: Jawaban yang kuat harus menghubungkan kesimpulan dengan bukti. Misalnya, Kevin dapat disimpulkan sebagai mahasiswa yang teliti, terencana, dan bertanggung jawab karena ia meminta klarifikasi, memeriksa referensi, serta merevisi tugas sebelum tenggat waktu.
50. Bacalah teks berikut.
During a group presentation, Nia noticed that one of her teammates had become quiet and looked uncertain. Before the presentation began, Nia offered to explain the first part of the material and asked her teammate to present a section that he had prepared well. After the presentation, the lecturer praised the group for working together effectively.
Tuliskan jawaban esai sepanjang 100–120 kata dalam bahasa Inggris untuk menjelaskan:
- What can be inferred about Nia’s character?
- Why did Nia change the presentation roles?
- What does the lecturer’s response suggest about the group?
- What lesson can students learn from this situation?
Pedoman pembahasan: Jawaban perlu menunjukkan kemampuan menarik kesimpulan berdasarkan petunjuk dalam teks. Nia dapat digambarkan sebagai pribadi yang peka, suportif, dan mampu bekerja sama. Keputusan mengubah peran kemungkinan bertujuan membantu temannya tampil lebih percaya diri serta menjaga kualitas presentasi kelompok.
Kesimpulan nya
Menguasai Bahasa Inggris untuk tes masuk kuliah tidak cukup hanya dengan menghafal arti kata. Peserta juga perlu memahami struktur kalimat, penggunaan tata bahasa, pilihan kosakata, preposisi, serta kemampuan membaca dan menarik informasi tersirat dari sebuah teks. Kelima materi tersebut saling berkaitan dan sering muncul dalam berbagai bentuk soal seleksi perguruan tinggi.
Melalui 50 contoh soal dan pembahasan di atas, diharapkan calon mahasiswa dapat mengenali pola soal yang umum digunakan serta memahami alasan di balik setiap jawaban. Jangan hanya berfokus pada hasil akhir, tetapi pelajari juga kesalahan yang masih sering dilakukan agar kemampuan Bahasa Inggris berkembang secara bertahap.
Agar persiapan semakin maksimal, lakukan latihan secara rutin, tambah kosakata baru setiap hari, dan biasakan membaca teks berbahasa Inggris dari sumber tepercaya. Dengan ketekunan, strategi belajar yang tepat, dan rasa percaya diri, tes Bahasa Inggris masuk kuliah dapat dihadapi dengan lebih siap.
