TELPAS reading and writing practice test 2 for 10th–12th grade
A second reading and writing test, the length of the real one, with new passages and editing questions that are not on the practice pages, so a student who has practiced gets a fresh try. An explanation follows every question.
Before you start
- 42 questions covering reading and writing.
- Each question is on its own page, and you will see whether you were right straight away, with an explanation.
- There is no timer and no sign-up. Your answers are saved in this browser only, so you can stop and pick it up again on this device.
What this test covers
- Understand Words and Language Structures (12 questions): Reporting category 1: work out what words and phrases mean from context, and understand how sentences and word forms work.
- Basic Understanding of a Variety of Texts (10 questions): Reporting category 2: find the main idea and key details, and follow what happens in stories and informational texts.
- Analyze and Evaluate Information and Ideas (14 questions): Reporting category 3: make inferences, draw conclusions, and think about why the author wrote a text and how it is built.
- Use Standard Grammar, Usage, and Spelling to Edit (6 questions): Reporting category 2: find and fix an error in a short text. On the real test some of these are typed answers or sentence rewrites. Here they are multiple choice so they can be checked.
To work on one part at a time, use the reading practice for Grades 10–12 and writing practice for Grades 10–12.
Answer key: every answer, explained
Take the test first: the answers are here for checking afterwards, or for an adult going over it with a student. Each one says why it is right and why each other choice is wrong. Open a question to see its answer.
Reading
1. Read this sentence from paragraph 1. "She tossed in chiles by the handful, poured broth until the pot 'looked right,' and eyeballed the chocolate." What does "eyeballed" mean in this sentence?
From “The Recipe Card”
- Guessed the amount by lookingCorrect answer
- Melted it slowly over low heat
- Checked carefully that it was fresh
- Measured it exactly with a spoon
Why “Guessed the amount by looking” is correct
This tests a body-part word used as a verb. To "eyeball" an amount means to judge it just by looking. The other phrases in the sentence, "by the handful" and "until the pot looked right," along with "didn't believe in measuring," all point to that meaning.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Melted it slowly over low heat — Nothing in the sentence is about heat; the whole sentence describes how she adds ingredients without measuring.
- Checked carefully that it was fresh — The sentence is about how much she uses, not whether it is fresh.
- Measured it exactly with a spoon — This is the opposite; paragraph 1 says she never measured anything.
2. What does Andres do at his grandmother's house on Saturday?
From “The Recipe Card”
- He cooks the mole by himself while she watches him.
- He asks her to write the recipe on a card for him.
- He practices the mole recipe from an old cookbook.
- He measures each ingredient before she adds it.Correct answer
Why “He measures each ingredient before she adds it.” is correct
This is a detail question. In paragraph 4 Andres says he will measure everything "before it goes in," and paragraph 5 shows him doing it: six chiles, a teaspoon and a half of cumin, four and a half cups of broth. The correct answer sums up those specific actions.
Why the other answers are wrong
- He cooks the mole by himself while she watches him. — She does the cooking; he follows her and measures.
- He asks her to write the recipe on a card for him. — Andres writes the card himself from his own measurements.
- He practices the mole recipe from an old cookbook. — No cookbook is mentioned; there was no written recipe until Andres made one.
3. What does the line Andres adds at the end of his card suggest?
From “The Recipe Card”
- He has decided that all the measurements he wrote down were useless.
- He believes his grandmother's way of cooking is the only right way to cook.
- He has learned that even an exact recipe needs a cook's own judgment.Correct answer
- He is worried that the judges will not be able to follow his recipe card.
Why “He has learned that even an exact recipe needs a cook's own judgment.” is correct
This asks for an inference about how a character has changed. The card made the dish close but not quite right, and a pinch of salt added by taste fixed it. The new line, "Taste it. Then trust yourself," combines his grandmother's way with the exact recipe. The wrong answers each keep only one side.
Why the other answers are wrong
- He has decided that all the measurements he wrote down were useless. — Following the card got the mole "very close," so the measurements helped; he only adjusted at the end.
- He believes his grandmother's way of cooking is the only right way to cook. — He kept every exact amount on the card; he adds tasting to the recipe instead of replacing it.
- He is worried that the judges will not be able to follow his recipe card. — The line gives advice, and he smiles after tasting; nothing shows he is worried.
4. Read this sentence from paragraph 5. "When the bridge was rebuilt in 1980, its new design accidentally created perfect places for bats to roost." What does "roost" mean in this sentence?
From “The Bats That Work the Night Shift”
- Rest in a sheltered placeCorrect answer
- Hunt for flying insects
- Fly together in circles
- Build nests of grass and mud
Why “Rest in a sheltered place” is correct
This tests a science word from context. The bats "spend the summer in the narrow gaps under the bridge," so the bridge is where they rest and sleep. Students who know "roost" from birds may still be unsure how it applies to bats; the context shows it means the same thing.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Hunt for flying insects — The bats hunt in the open air at night; the bridge is where they stay.
- Fly together in circles — Spiraling is described in paragraph 1, when bats leave a cave, not at the bridge.
- Build nests of grass and mud — Nothing describes building nests; the bats use narrow gaps that are already there.
5. Which sentence best states the main idea of the passage?
From “The Bats That Work the Night Shift”
- Bracken Cave is the most popular place in Texas for visitors who want to see bats.
- Mexican free-tailed bats are common in Texas and help people by eating crop pests.Correct answer
- Bats use high-pitched calls and their echoes to find their food in complete darkness.
- People in Austin were so afraid of bats that the city finally removed them from a bridge.
Why “Mexican free-tailed bats are common in Texas and help people by eating crop pests.” is correct
A main idea covers the whole passage, not one paragraph. The passage describes where the bats live in Texas, how they hunt, and why they matter to farmers and cities. The wrong answers are single details, one of them stated incorrectly.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Bracken Cave is the most popular place in Texas for visitors who want to see bats. — Bracken Cave is one example; the passage does not say how many people visit it.
- Bats use high-pitched calls and their echoes to find their food in complete darkness. — Echolocation is one detail in paragraph 3, not the idea of the whole passage.
- People in Austin were so afraid of bats that the city finally removed them from a bridge. — The bats were never removed; people's attitudes changed instead.
6. Why does the author include paragraph 5 about the bats in Austin?
From “The Bats That Work the Night Shift”
- To explain how bats use echolocation to find insects in the dark
- To argue that all new bridges in Texas should be designed for bats
- To prove that more bats live in cities today than live in caves
- To show that people's feelings about bats can change as they learn moreCorrect answer
Why “To show that people's feelings about bats can change as they learn more” is correct
This asks about the purpose of one part of a text. Paragraph 5 moves from fear ("wanted the bats removed") to acceptance ("crowds gather... to watch"), and it gives the reason: people learned the bats would not bother them. The change in attitude is the point of the paragraph.
Why the other answers are wrong
- To explain how bats use echolocation to find insects in the dark — That is the topic of paragraph 3.
- To argue that all new bridges in Texas should be designed for bats — The design was an accident, and the author does not argue for more bridges like it.
- To prove that more bats live in cities today than live in caves — The passage does not compare these numbers, and Bracken Cave alone holds millions.
7. In the last paragraph, the author calls the bats "animals that work for Texas every night." Why does the author describe them this way?
From “The Bats That Work the Night Shift”
- To suggest that farmers train the bats to guard their fields
- To point out that the bats are active only in the state of Texas
- To remind readers of the useful job bats do by eating pestsCorrect answer
- To warn readers that bats can be dangerous to people after dark
Why “To remind readers of the useful job bats do by eating pests” is correct
This asks about author's craft. Bats do not really have jobs, so the author is using figurative language. Describing them as workers connects back to paragraph 4, where bats protect crops and save farmers money, and it supports the call to protect their homes.
Why the other answers are wrong
- To suggest that farmers train the bats to guard their fields — The bats eat insects naturally; no one trains them.
- To point out that the bats are active only in the state of Texas — The bats spend the winter in Mexico, and the phrase is about their usefulness.
- To warn readers that bats can be dangerous to people after dark — The paragraph is about protecting bats, not fearing them.
8. Read this sentence from paragraph 3. "Nurses, restaurant workers, cleaning crews, and others who work evening shifts are stranded by the same schedule." What does "stranded" mean in this sentence?
From “Our City Needs Buses After Dark”
- Left with no way to get homeCorrect answer
- Paid less for working late shifts
- Made to work many extra hours
- Confused by a complicated timetable
Why “Left with no way to get home” is correct
This tests a word from context. "The same schedule" refers back to the bus that leaves before workers finish, and paragraph 2 describes the author having "no way to get home." Being stranded means being stuck somewhere without a way to leave.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Paid less for working late shifts — The paragraph is about getting home, not about pay.
- Made to work many extra hours — Their work hours do not change; the problem is the ride home.
- Confused by a complicated timetable — The schedule is not described as confusing; it simply ends too early.
9. How does the author respond to council members who say too few people would ride later buses?
From “Our City Needs Buses After Dark”
- She agrees with them and asks the city to add buses only on weekends.
- She says the number of people who ride the buses does not matter at all.
- She claims that running buses later at night would cost the city nothing.
- She says few ride now because few buses run, and suggests a trial.Correct answer
Why “She says few ride now because few buses run, and suggests a trial.” is correct
This asks how an author handles a counterargument. In paragraph 4 she first states the opposing view, then answers it: ridership is low "for an obvious reason," since "people cannot ride a bus that does not exist." She then offers a six-month trial as a fair test. Strong arguments often answer the other side this way.
Why the other answers are wrong
- She agrees with them and asks the city to add buses only on weekends. — She disagrees, and she asks for weeknight service.
- She says the number of people who ride the buses does not matter at all. — She suggests counting riders during a trial, so she thinks the numbers matter.
- She claims that running buses later at night would cost the city nothing. — She never discusses cost; she answers the argument about riders.
10. Why does the author describe her own job and her walk home in paragraph 2?
From “Our City Needs Buses After Dark”
- To show that she works hard and deserves a raise from the store
- To explain why the stores in the mall should close earlier at night
- To criticize her mother for working late instead of driving her home
- To give a real example that helps readers understand the problemCorrect answer
Why “To give a real example that helps readers understand the problem” is correct
This asks about the purpose of a personal example. Paragraph 1 states the problem in general; paragraph 2 makes it concrete, with exact times, a two-and-a-half-mile walk, and a road with no sidewalks. Personal examples make an argument easier for readers to picture and believe.
Why the other answers are wrong
- To show that she works hard and deserves a raise from the store — Her job is an example of the bus problem, not a request for more pay.
- To explain why the stores in the mall should close earlier at night — She wants buses to run later, not stores to close earlier.
- To criticize her mother for working late instead of driving her home — She mentions her mother's shift only to show why a ride is hard to get.
11. What must applicants turn in along with the application?
From “Now Hiring: Teen Tech Aides”
- A copy of their school schedule
- Proof that they speak a second language
- A letter of recommendationCorrect answer
- A list of the computer programs they know
Why “A letter of recommendation” is correct
This is a detail question about a workplace document. The "How to apply" section says to return the application "along with one letter of recommendation from a teacher or employer." Headings help readers find this kind of detail quickly.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A copy of their school schedule — A schedule is not requested; applicants only need to be available for two shifts.
- Proof that they speak a second language — A second language is a plus but is not required.
- A list of the computer programs they know — This is not mentioned in the posting.
12. According to the posting, which is one of the duties of a tech aide?
From “Now Hiring: Teen Tech Aides”
- Repairing broken computers and printers
- Reporting broken equipment to library staffCorrect answer
- Teaching a weekly computer class for adults
- Choosing new e-books for the library to buy
Why “Reporting broken equipment to library staff” is correct
This is a detail question. The "Duties" section lists helping visitors log in and print, showing them the catalog and e-books, keeping the lab neat, and reporting broken equipment. The wrong answers take a word from the list, such as "broken" or "e-books," and attach it to a different duty.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Repairing broken computers and printers — Aides report broken equipment; they do not fix it.
- Teaching a weekly computer class for adults — Aides help visitors one at a time; no class is mentioned.
- Choosing new e-books for the library to buy — Aides show visitors how to borrow e-books, not choose them.
13. Based on the posting, which applicant meets all of the requirements?
From “Now Hiring: Teen Tech Aides”
- Omar, who is 17, speaks Arabic and English, is patient with adults, and can work only on Wednesdays
- Lily, who is 15 and turns 16 in September, is great with computers, and can work all three shifts each week
- Kiara, who turns 16 in April, can work Mondays and Fridays, and is patient helping older adults with technologyCorrect answer
- Ben, who is 16, can work Mondays and Wednesdays, but gets impatient with adults who are slow to learn new things
Why “Kiara, who turns 16 in April, can work Mondays and Fridays, and is patient helping older adults with technology” is correct
This asks the student to apply several requirements at once: age by June 1, at least two shifts, and patience with adults. Each wrong applicant fails one requirement, and some have an attractive extra, such as a second language or computer skill, that does not make up for it.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Omar, who is 17, speaks Arabic and English, is patient with adults, and can work only on Wednesdays — He can work only one shift, but the posting requires at least two.
- Lily, who is 15 and turns 16 in September, is great with computers, and can work all three shifts each week — She will not be 16 by June 1.
- Ben, who is 16, can work Mondays and Wednesdays, but gets impatient with adults who are slow to learn new things — The posting requires patience with adults who are new to computers.
14. Where does the campus tour begin?
From “Campus Visit Day”
- In the Main Hall auditorium
- At the Science Building
- At the dining hall
- At the Student CenterCorrect answer
Why “At the Student Center” is correct
Reading a schedule means finding an event and reading across to its place. The 10:15 line says the campus tour "leaves from the Student Center." Each wrong answer is the place for a different event on the same schedule.
Why the other answers are wrong
- In the Main Hall auditorium — That is where the welcome talk is held.
- At the Science Building — That is where the health careers panel is held.
- At the dining hall — That is where lunch is served.
15. A student wants to become a nurse and is also worried about paying for college. What does the schedule show about this student's plans at 11:30?
From “Campus Visit Day”
- The student can go to both sessions, first one and then the other.
- The student must pick one session, because both are at the same time.Correct answer
- The student should skip the campus tour to have time for both sessions.
- The student will hear about financial aid during lunch with students.
Why “The student must pick one session, because both are at the same time.” is correct
This asks the student to apply the schedule to a person's needs. A future nurse would want the health careers panel, and someone worried about cost would want the financial aid workshop, but both are listed at 11:30 under "Choose one." The student has to connect each interest to a session and notice the conflict.
Why the other answers are wrong
- The student can go to both sessions, first one and then the other. — Both sessions are at 11:30, and the schedule says "Choose one."
- The student should skip the campus tour to have time for both sessions. — The tour comes before 11:30; it is the two sessions that conflict.
- The student will hear about financial aid during lunch with students. — Financial aid is a separate workshop, not part of lunch.
16. According to the chart, how many students chose more group study rooms?
From “Library Survey Results”
- 22
- 46
- 58Correct answer
- 74
Why “58” is correct
Reading a bar chart means finding the right bar and reading its value. The bar for "More group study rooms" is labeled 58. Each wrong answer is the value of a different bar, so the student has to match the label carefully.
Why the other answers are wrong
- 22 — Twenty-two students chose more books to check out.
- 46 — Forty-six students chose more computers and printers.
- 74 — Seventy-four students chose longer hours after school.
17. Which conclusion is best supported by the survey results?
From “Library Survey Results”
- More students want longer hours than want more books.Correct answer
- Most of the students in the survey never use the library.
- Over half of the students want more computers and printers.
- None of the students in the survey care about library books.
Why “More students want longer hours than want more books.” is correct
This asks for a conclusion that the data actually supports. Longer hours (74) is the largest group and more books (22) is the smallest, so the correct statement is directly shown. The wrong answers overstate the data or answer a question the survey did not ask, a common trap with charts.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Most of the students in the survey never use the library. — The survey asks what would make students use it more, not how often they use it now.
- Over half of the students want more computers and printers. — Only 46 of 200 students, less than a quarter, chose computers and printers.
- None of the students in the survey care about library books. — Twenty-two students chose more books; the smallest group is not zero.
18. Read this sentence from paragraph 3. "In exchange for building the capitol, they received the land." What does "in exchange for" mean in this sentence?
From “A Capitol Paid For With Land”
- Instead of
- At the same time as
- In order to stop
- As payment forCorrect answer
Why “As payment for” is correct
This tests a multi-word phrase. "In exchange for" means that one thing is given as payment for another: the investors built the capitol, and the land was their payment. Paragraph 1, "not with money, but with land," supports this meaning.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Instead of — They did build the capitol; they did not get land in place of building it.
- At the same time as — The phrase is about what they got for their work, not about timing.
- In order to stop — Nothing in the sentence is about stopping the building.
19. According to the passage, why did Texas pay for its capitol with land?
From “A Capitol Paid For With Land”
- The investors from Chicago only wanted to become ranchers.
- The state had little money but owned a lot of land.Correct answer
- Land in the Panhandle was worth more than the new building.
- The fire of 1881 had destroyed all of the state's money.
Why “The state had little money but owned a lot of land.” is correct
This is a detail question about cause. Paragraph 2 says the state "had little money to spend. What it did have was land." The short sentence "What it did have was land" signals the contrast that explains the decision.
Why the other answers are wrong
- The investors from Chicago only wanted to become ranchers. — They did start a ranch, but the passage gives the state's lack of money as the reason.
- Land in the Panhandle was worth more than the new building. — The passage never compares the value of the land with the value of the building.
- The fire of 1881 had destroyed all of the state's money. — The fire destroyed the old capitol building, not the state's money.
20. Why does the author include the information about limestone in paragraph 4?
From “A Capitol Paid For With Land”
- To show that Central Texas limestone is the strongest stone
- To argue that the capitol should have been built of limestone
- To explain why the builders switched to red graniteCorrect answer
- To describe the steps workers used to cut the granite blocks
Why “To explain why the builders switched to red granite” is correct
This asks about text structure. Paragraph 4 is organized as problem and solution: the planned stone stained and changed color, so the builders accepted donated granite instead. The limestone detail is the problem that explains the solution.
Why the other answers are wrong
- To show that Central Texas limestone is the strongest stone — The limestone was rejected because it stained, so the author is not praising it.
- To argue that the capitol should have been built of limestone — The author says granite would last far longer; there is no argument for limestone.
- To describe the steps workers used to cut the granite blocks — Cutting is mentioned only briefly; the limestone detail explains the change of plan.
21. At the start of the poem, the speaker says each English word is "a stone I test / before I put my weight on it." What does this comparison show?
From “Two Languages”
- The speaker thinks English words are heavy and hard to say aloud.
- The speaker likes to walk to school by crossing a river on stones.
- The speaker chooses English words slowly, unsure if they are right.Correct answer
- The speaker throws away any English words that are not useful.
Why “The speaker chooses English words slowly, unsure if they are right.” is correct
This tests figurative language. Someone crossing a stream tests each stone before stepping on it in case it moves. The comparison shows the speaker checks each English word before trusting it. The phrase "careful steps" in the first line supports this reading.
Why the other answers are wrong
- The speaker thinks English words are heavy and hard to say aloud. — The stone is about testing before trusting it, not about how words sound.
- The speaker likes to walk to school by crossing a river on stones. — The stones are a comparison, not a real walk.
- The speaker throws away any English words that are not useful. — Testing a stone means checking it, not throwing it away.
22. What do the last four lines of the poem suggest about the speaker?
From “Two Languages”
- The speaker feels pulled between two languages but keeps them connected.Correct answer
- The speaker has decided to stop speaking Spanish at home with family.
- The speaker cannot sleep at night because of noise from a nearby bridge.
- The speaker's teacher and grandmother do not like each other at all.
Why “The speaker feels pulled between two languages but keeps them connected.” is correct
This asks for an interpretation of an image. A bridge sits between two sides and carries traffic in both directions; the speaker is that bridge between English and Spanish. "Lie awake" shows strain, and "holding, and holding" shows the speaker keeps going. Students need to read the image, not the literal words.
Why the other answers are wrong
- The speaker has decided to stop speaking Spanish at home with family. — Nothing suggests giving up a language; the bridge carries traffic both ways.
- The speaker cannot sleep at night because of noise from a nearby bridge. — The bridge and traffic are part of a comparison, not real noise.
- The speaker's teacher and grandmother do not like each other at all. — They are mentioned in the lines before, but the poem never says they disagree with each other.
23. Read this sentence from paragraph 2. "During spring and summer, a leaf holds so much chlorophyll that its green color masks every other color in the leaf." What does "masks" mean in this sentence?
From “The Hidden Colors of Fall”
- Mixes together with
- Hides from viewCorrect answer
- Destroys completely
- Makes brighter
Why “Hides from view” is correct
This tests a familiar noun used as a verb. A mask covers a face, and "masks" here means covers up or hides. Paragraph 3 confirms the meaning with "they are hidden by the green."
Why the other answers are wrong
- Mixes together with — If the colors mixed, the green would change; the passage says the others are hidden.
- Destroys completely — The other colors are still there all summer, as paragraph 3 explains.
- Makes brighter — The other colors cannot be seen, so they are not made brighter.
24. The word photosynthesis is made of photo-, meaning "light," and synthesis, meaning "putting together." Which meaning of photosynthesis fits the passage best?
From “The Hidden Colors of Fall”
- Taking pictures of leaves in sunlight
- Breaking down chlorophyll in the fall
- Using light to make food for the treeCorrect answer
- Changing the color of leaves each year
Why “Using light to make food for the tree” is correct
This tests using word parts. Light plus putting together gives "making something with light," and paragraph 2 says photosynthesis makes food for the tree using energy from sunlight. Students who know "photo" only from "photograph" may choose the picture answer.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Taking pictures of leaves in sunlight — Photo- here means light, not photograph.
- Breaking down chlorophyll in the fall — Synthesis means putting together, the opposite of breaking down.
- Changing the color of leaves each year — Photosynthesis is how a leaf makes food, not how it changes color.
25. According to the passage, why do many leaves turn yellow and orange in the fall?
From “The Hidden Colors of Fall”
- Cool nights cause trees to make new yellow and orange substances.
- The green breaks down, so colors that were already there show.Correct answer
- The leaves begin to dry out and fade after they fall from trees.
- The trees soak up more sunlight in the fall than in the summer.
Why “The green breaks down, so colors that were already there show.” is correct
This is a detail question about a process. Paragraph 4 says that as chlorophyll breaks down, "the yellows and oranges that were underneath it all along finally show." The hardest wrong answer mixes in the explanation for red, which paragraph 5 says works differently.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Cool nights cause trees to make new yellow and orange substances. — That describes the reds, anthocyanins; the yellows and oranges were in the leaf all summer.
- The leaves begin to dry out and fade after they fall from trees. — The colors change while the leaves are still on the tree.
- The trees soak up more sunlight in the fall than in the summer. — The days get shorter in fall; nothing says trees take in more light.
26. Why does the author end paragraph 1 with the sentence "In fact, some of them were there all along"?
From “The Hidden Colors of Fall”
- To show that the maples at Lost Maples stay colorful all year
- To argue that Texas has better fall colors than other states
- To sum up all of the main ideas of the whole passage at once
- To make readers curious about an idea the passage will explainCorrect answer
Why “To make readers curious about an idea the passage will explain” is correct
This asks about author's craft. The sentence is surprising: how can colors be there before they appear? It raises a question that paragraphs 2 to 4 answer by explaining hidden carotenoids. Writers often open with a puzzle like this to keep readers reading.
Why the other answers are wrong
- To show that the maples at Lost Maples stay colorful all year — The colors were hidden during summer; they were not visible all year.
- To argue that Texas has better fall colors than other states — The author says Texas has fewer of these displays.
- To sum up all of the main ideas of the whole passage at once — It introduces one idea that paragraphs 2 to 4 explain; it does not cover reds or falling leaves.
27. Which word or phrase best completes the text?
From “From a Science Article”
- However
- As a resultCorrect answer
- For example
- In contrast
Why “As a result” is correct
This tests transitions that show how ideas are related. Clearing trees from the banks came first, and loose soil and muddy water followed, so the relationship is cause and effect. Ask the student to name the relationship before choosing a transition.
Why the other answers are wrong
- However — "However" signals a contrast, but the second sentence describes an effect of the first.
- For example — The washed-away soil is not an example of clearing trees; it is a result.
- In contrast — The two sentences do not describe opposite things.
28. What can the reader infer from this text?
From “From a Short Story”
- Marisol's brother broke a dish and is trying to hide it.
- Marisol forgot that today was her brother's birthday.
- Marisol has come home early to bake a cake for her family.
- Marisol's brother is secretly baking a cake for her.Correct answer
Why “Marisol's brother is secretly baking a cake for her.” is correct
This asks for an inference from several clues. The brother hides the oven, there is flour and a cake recipe, and today is marked with Marisol's name. None of these says "surprise" or "birthday," but together they point to a cake made for her. Students should be able to name the clues that support their answer.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Marisol's brother broke a dish and is trying to hide it. — The flour, cookbook, and oven point to baking, not an accident.
- Marisol forgot that today was her brother's birthday. — Her name, not her brother's, is written under today's date.
- Marisol has come home early to bake a cake for her family. — She has just walked in; her brother is the one using the oven.
29. What does the second sentence mean?
From “From a School Newspaper”
- The council did not choose the courtyard, so the rain did not ruin the decorations.Correct answer
- The council chose the courtyard, and the rainstorm ruined all of the decorations.
- The council wanted the courtyard but could not use it because rain was expected.
- The rainstorm that evening ruined the decorations that were hanging in the gym.
Why “The council did not choose the courtyard, so the rain did not ruin the decorations.” is correct
This tests an inverted conditional. "Had the council chosen" means "If the council had chosen," and it describes something that did not happen and what would have followed. English learners often read it as a past fact. Rewriting it with "if" makes the meaning clearer.
Why the other answers are wrong
- The council chose the courtyard, and the rainstorm ruined all of the decorations. — "Had the council chosen" describes something that did not happen.
- The council wanted the courtyard but could not use it because rain was expected. — The sentence says nothing about what the council wanted; it imagines a different choice.
- The rainstorm that evening ruined the decorations that were hanging in the gym. — The decorations would have been ruined only in the courtyard, and the dance was in the gym.
30. Read this sentence from paragraph 6. "Mr. Garrison went on to explain a chart he wanted Andy to fill out each day, and Annie translated every word of it carefully, as if being exact now could make up for what she had left out." What does "make up for" mean in this sentence?
From “The Interpreter”
- Invent a story about
- Get her mother ready for
- Explain the reasons for
- Fix the harm done byCorrect answer
Why “Fix the harm done by” is correct
This tests a phrasal verb. "Make up for" something means to do something good to balance out a mistake. Annie feels guilty about changing the teacher's words, so she is extra careful with the next part. English learners may confuse it with "make up," which can mean invent.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Invent a story about — "Make up" alone can mean invent, but "make up for" means to repair a wrong.
- Get her mother ready for — The phrase is about Annie's earlier choice, not about preparing her mother.
- Explain the reasons for — Annie does not explain anything about what she left out.
31. In the last paragraph, Annie's mother says, "Let me decide what is too heavy to carry." What does she mean?
From “The Interpreter”
- She wants to judge for herself how much bad news she can handle.Correct answer
- She wants Annie to carry fewer of the bags out to the car next time.
- She thinks the daily chart will be too difficult for Andy to use.
- She is too tired to talk any more about the conference right now.
Why “She wants to judge for herself how much bad news she can handle.” is correct
This tests figurative language. "Heavy" here means hard to hear or emotionally difficult. Annie left out the bad news to protect her mother, and her mother is saying she should be the one to decide what she can handle. The context of "You wanted to protect me" supports this meaning.
Why the other answers are wrong
- She wants Annie to carry fewer of the bags out to the car next time. — Nothing is being carried; the words are figurative.
- She thinks the daily chart will be too difficult for Andy to use. — She is talking about what Annie tells her, not about the chart.
- She is too tired to talk any more about the conference right now. — She has just explained clearly what she wants; she is not ending the talk.
32. What does Annie leave out when she interprets for her mother?
From “The Interpreter”
- That Andy's reading has moved up two levels this year
- That Andy has been sent to the hallway three timesCorrect answer
- That Mr. Garrison wants Andy to fill out a chart every day
- That Mr. Garrison thinks Andy is a bright kid in his class
Why “That Andy has been sent to the hallway three times” is correct
This is a detail question that requires comparing two versions. Paragraph 4 gives the teacher's full words, and paragraph 5 gives Annie's much shorter version, which drops the hallway and the refusing to share. Her mother's words in the car, "Three times in the hallway," confirm what was left out.
Why the other answers are wrong
- That Andy's reading has moved up two levels this year — Annie translates the praise about reading, and her mother's smile grows.
- That Mr. Garrison wants Andy to fill out a chart every day — Annie translates the chart explanation "every word of it carefully."
- That Mr. Garrison thinks Andy is a bright kid in his class — Annie translates this, and her mother smiles and nods.
33. Why does Annie soften the teacher's words?
From “The Interpreter”
- She does not want her mother to be hurt or disappointed.Correct answer
- She does not know the Vietnamese words for what he said.
- She is afraid that Andy will be angry with her afterward.
- She thinks that Mr. Garrison is being unfair to her brother.
Why “She does not want her mother to be hurt or disappointed.” is correct
This asks for a character's motive, which the story shows but does not state. Before she speaks, Annie looks at her mother's "hopeful face" and thinks about "how quiet her mother got when she was disappointed." Her mother later confirms it: "You wanted to protect me."
Why the other answers are wrong
- She does not know the Vietnamese words for what he said. — She translates everything else easily; paragraph 5 shows she chooses to change this part.
- She is afraid that Andy will be angry with her afterward. — Andy is not there, and Annie is thinking about her mother, not Andy.
- She thinks that Mr. Garrison is being unfair to her brother. — Nothing shows that she disagrees with the teacher.
34. Read this sentence from the agreement. "Gardeners who receive two written warnings in one season will forfeit their plot." What does "forfeit" mean in this sentence?
From “Community Garden Plot Agreement”
- Be allowed to make bigger
- Have to pay extra money for
- Lose the right to keepCorrect answer
- Be moved to a different
Why “Lose the right to keep” is correct
This tests a formal word common in agreements and rules. The next sentence explains what happens: the plot "will be offered to the next person on the waiting list." So to forfeit the plot is to lose it as a penalty.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Be allowed to make bigger — Warnings are a penalty, so they would not lead to a reward.
- Have to pay extra money for — The fee is not refunded, but no extra payment is mentioned.
- Be moved to a different — The plot goes to the next person on the waiting list; the gardener does not get another one.
35. According to the agreement, why are chemical sprays not allowed?
From “Community Garden Plot Agreement”
- They can drift onto other plots and harm crops.Correct answer
- They use up the water that all gardeners share.
- They cost too much money for most gardeners.
- They have to be locked in the tool shed at night.
Why “They can drift onto other plots and harm crops.” is correct
This is a detail question. Rule 3 gives the rule and its reason in the next sentence: "Chemical sprays can drift onto neighboring plots and harm other gardeners' crops." The wrong answers borrow words from the other rules.
Why the other answers are wrong
- They use up the water that all gardeners share. — Shared water is part of rule 2, not rule 3.
- They cost too much money for most gardeners. — The cost of sprays is never mentioned.
- They have to be locked in the tool shed at night. — Rule 4 is about returning tools to the shed, not storing sprays.
36. A gardener already has one written warning for weeds. In August, she leaves her plot unplanted for a month while she travels. What will most likely happen?
From “Community Garden Plot Agreement”
- She will receive her very first written warning.
- She will lose her plot and will not get her fee back.Correct answer
- She will be asked to attend an extra garden workday.
- The coordinator will water her plot while she is gone.
Why “She will lose her plot and will not get her fee back.” is correct
This asks the student to apply two parts of the agreement to a new case. Rule 1 says a plot left unplanted for more than three weeks gets a written warning, and the last section says two warnings mean the gardener forfeits the plot without a refund. The student has to combine both.
Why the other answers are wrong
- She will receive her very first written warning. — She already has one warning, so this would be her second.
- She will be asked to attend an extra garden workday. — Workdays are a separate rule; the agreement does not use them as a penalty.
- The coordinator will water her plot while she is gone. — Nothing in the agreement says the coordinator cares for plots.
Writing
37. Which sentence is written correctly?
- The game was canceled because of the storm we stayed home and studied.
- The game was canceled because of the storm, so we stayed home and studied.Correct answer
- The game was canceled because of the storm, we stayed home and studied.
- Because the game was canceled because of the storm. We stayed home and studied.
Why “The game was canceled because of the storm, so we stayed home and studied.” is correct
This tests sentence boundaries. Two complete sentences can be joined with a comma and a joining word such as "so," or kept as two sentences. Running them together, joining them with only a comma, or cutting off a "because" clause as its own sentence are all errors.
Why the other answers are wrong
- The game was canceled because of the storm we stayed home and studied. — This is a run-on sentence: two complete sentences are joined with no punctuation or joining word.
- The game was canceled because of the storm, we stayed home and studied. — A comma alone cannot join two complete sentences; this is a comma splice.
- Because the game was canceled because of the storm. We stayed home and studied. — The first part begins with "Because" and has no main clause, so it is a fragment.
38. Read the sentence. The underlined word has an error. The robotics team won [it's] first match of the season. Which word should replace the underlined word?
- its'
- it
- it is
- itsCorrect answer
Why “its” is correct
This tests a commonly confused pair. "It's" always means "it is" or "it has." The possessive, meaning "belonging to it," is "its," with no apostrophe, like "his" and "hers." Reading the sentence with "it is" shows the error.
Why the other answers are wrong
- its' — "Its'" is never correct in English; the possessive of "it" has no apostrophe.
- it — "It" is not possessive, so "won it first match" does not make sense.
- it is — "It's" means "it is," and "won it is first match" does not make sense.
39. Read the sentence. The underlined word has an error. We finished writing the lab report, and [than] we cleaned the beakers. Which word should replace the underlined word?
- that
- thenCorrect answer
- there
- when
Why “then” is correct
This tests a commonly confused pair. "Than" is used to compare ("harder than"), while "then" tells what happened next. The sentence describes two actions in order, so it needs "then."
Why the other answers are wrong
- that — "And that we cleaned the beakers" is not a complete idea.
- there — "There" refers to a place, but the sentence needs a word about time.
- when — "And when we cleaned the beakers" leaves the sentence unfinished.
40. Read the sentence. The underlined word has an error. Marisa answered every question in her job interview [confident]. Which word should replace the underlined word?
- confidentlyCorrect answer
- confidence
- more confident
- confidential
Why “confidently” is correct
This tests adjectives and adverbs. The word describes how Marisa answered, so it modifies the verb "answered" and must be an adverb. Many adverbs are formed by adding -ly to an adjective: confident becomes confidently.
Why the other answers are wrong
- confidence — "Confidence" is a noun; the sentence needs a word that describes how she answered.
- more confident — This is still an adjective, and nothing is being compared.
- confidential — "Confidential" means secret, which is a different word with a different meaning.
41. Read the sentence. The underlined word has an error. There [is] three reasons why our school needs a new gym. Which word should replace the underlined word?
- areCorrect answer
- be
- was
- has been
Why “are” is correct
This tests subject-verb agreement in sentences that start with "There." The real subject comes after the verb: "three reasons." Because it is plural, the verb must be "are." English learners often use "there is" for everything because it is so common in speech.
Why the other answers are wrong
- be — "Be" is the base form and cannot be the main verb here.
- was — "Was" is singular, and "three reasons" is plural.
- has been — "Has been" is singular, and "there has been three reasons" does not agree.
42. Read the sentence. One of the underlined words or phrases has an error. [Because] the library [closes] early on Fridays, my friends and I usually [studies] at the coffee shop [instead]. Which underlined word or phrase has the error?
- Because
- closes
- studiesCorrect answer
- instead
Why “studies” is correct
This tests subject-verb agreement with a compound subject. "My friends and I" is plural, so the verb should be "study," not "studies." The singular verb "closes" earlier in the sentence is correct, which can make students doubt the right one.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Because — "Because" correctly introduces the reason.
- closes — "Closes" agrees with the singular subject "the library" and describes something that happens every Friday.
- instead — "Instead" correctly shows that the coffee shop takes the place of the library.
Read next
- TELPAS Reading and Writing Test: What to Expect and How to Practice: The TELPAS reading and writing test is the second of the two online TELPAS tests for grades 2–12. Students read passages and answer questions, fix errors in sentences, and write three responses of their own, all in one test. Here is how it is built, how it is scored, and how to practice for it.
- TELPAS Writing Test: Rubric, Prompts and Samples: Since spring 2023, TELPAS writing in grades 2–12 has been part of the online reading and writing test, with three written responses and six editing questions. Here is what the writing prompts look like, how the TELPAS writing rubric works, where to find real writing samples, and how to practice.
- How to Prepare for TELPAS: Practice and Tips by Domain: TELPAS measures English that a student builds over months and years, so there is no shortcut to a higher rating. What preparation can do is make sure the test itself is familiar, so a student's real English shows. Here is what is worth doing, domain by domain.
This is an independent study resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Texas Education Agency or the official TELPAS program. All questions here are original practice material written to match the published test design.