TELPAS listening practice test 2 for 4th and 5th grade
A second listening test, the length of the real one, with new passages and 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
- 27 questions covering listening.
- 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.
- Listening questions play recorded audio. A written transcript is available under each one.
What this test covers
- Understand Spoken Words and Language Structures (6 questions): Reporting category 1: follow spoken directions and understand words and phrases as they are used in speech. On the real test some of these ask the student to click on a picture.
- Basic Understanding of Spoken English (14 questions): Reporting category 2: understand the main points and important details of spoken stories and informational passages, about everyday life and school subjects.
- Analyze and Evaluate Information in Spoken English (7 questions): Reporting category 3: make inferences from what was said, and work out a speaker's purpose, opinion, or what will happen next.
To work on one part at a time, use the listening practice for Grades 4–5.
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.
Listening
1. Which tool do the directions describe?
From “A Tool for Looking Closely”
- a pair of binoculars
- a magnifying glassCorrect answer
- a telescope
- a ruler
Why “a magnifying glass” is correct
The direction gives three clues: a scientist holds it close, it makes things look bigger, and it shows tiny details. Binoculars and a telescope also make things look bigger, so the student has to catch the words "close to a leaf or a bug." Those two tools are for things far away. On the real test the choices are pictures.
Why the other answers are wrong
- a pair of binoculars — Binoculars make things look bigger, but they are for things far away, not a leaf held close.
- a telescope — A telescope is for looking at things very far away, like the moon and stars.
- a ruler — A ruler measures how long something is; it does not make it look bigger.
2. Which picture matches the directions?
From “Getting Ready for Class”
- The backpack is on the seat, and the lunch box is under the chair.
- The backpack is under the chair, and the lunch box hangs on the chair.
- The backpack is beside the chair, and the lunch box is on the seat.
- The backpack hangs on the chair, and the lunch box is under the chair.Correct answer
Why “The backpack hangs on the chair, and the lunch box is under the chair.” is correct
This tests position words that English learners often mix up: on, under, beside, and on the back of. The student has to hold two things in mind at once, one place for the backpack and one for the lunch box. A choice that gets one of the two right is the most common trap. On the real test the choices are pictures.
Why the other answers are wrong
- The backpack is on the seat, and the lunch box is under the chair. — The lunch box is in the right place, but the backpack should hang on the back of the chair, not sit on the seat.
- The backpack is under the chair, and the lunch box hangs on the chair. — This switches the two things: the backpack should hang, and the lunch box should be on the floor.
- The backpack is beside the chair, and the lunch box is on the seat. — Neither thing is where the directions say.
3. What should students do after they put their test in the tray?
From “After the Test”
- Go back to their seat and read quietly.Correct answer
- Turn the paper over and check it again.
- Line up at the door for recess.
- Help other students finish the test.
Why “Go back to their seat and read quietly.” is correct
This tests following a spoken direction with several steps in order: turn the paper over, bring it to the tray, go back to your seat, and read. The word "then" signals what comes after the tray. Students who remember only the first step often choose the answer about turning the paper over.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Turn the paper over and check it again. — Turning the paper over comes before the tray, and the teacher never says to check it again.
- Line up at the door for recess. — Recess is never mentioned.
- Help other students finish the test. — The teacher says to read quietly until everyone is done, not to help.
4. Which plant is the speaker describing?
From “A Texas Plant”
- a bluebonnet
- a pecan tree
- a prickly pear cactusCorrect answer
- a sunflower
Why “a prickly pear cactus” is correct
The student has to combine several clues: dry places, flat green pads, sharp spines, and yellow flowers. Each wrong choice matches one clue, such as growing in Texas or having yellow flowers, but only the prickly pear fits them all. Words like pads and spines may be new, so the student must use the whole description.
Why the other answers are wrong
- a bluebonnet — Bluebonnets grow in Texas, but they have blue flowers and soft leaves, not flat pads with spines.
- a pecan tree — A pecan is a tall tree with nuts; it has no spiny pads.
- a sunflower — A sunflower has yellow flowers, but it has a tall stem and leaves, not flat pads with spines.
5. What does Ms. Garza mean when she says, "keep an eye on Pepper"?
From “Taking Pepper Home”
- Look into Pepper's eyes.
- Watch Pepper carefully.Correct answer
- Keep Pepper's cage covered.
- Feed Pepper every morning.
Why “Watch Pepper carefully.” is correct
"Keep an eye on" is an idiom that means to watch someone or something closely. The next sentence is the clue: Pepper can slip into tiny spaces very fast, so she needs to be watched. English learners often take each word literally and think the phrase is about Pepper's eyes.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Look into Pepper's eyes. — This takes the words one by one. The phrase is about watching, not about Pepper's eyes.
- Keep Pepper's cage covered. — Ms. Garza is talking about when the cage is open, not about covering it.
- Feed Pepper every morning. — Ms. Garza talks about fresh water later, but that is a different instruction.
6. What did Chloe need to bring before she could take Pepper home?
From “Taking Pepper Home”
- a bag of hamster food
- a new cage for Pepper
- a note signed by a parentCorrect answer
- a photo of her cat, Biscuit
Why “a note signed by a parent” is correct
This is a detail question. Ms. Garza says she needs a note from a parent, and Chloe says her dad signed it. The answer is spread across two speakers, so the student has to connect what the teacher asks for with what Chloe says she has.
Why the other answers are wrong
- a bag of hamster food — Food is never mentioned.
- a new cage for Pepper — Pepper already has a cage; Chloe does not need a new one.
- a photo of her cat, Biscuit — Chloe talks about her cat, but she does not need to bring a picture of it.
7. Why does Chloe plan to keep the cage in her bedroom with the door shut?
From “Taking Pepper Home”
- so Pepper can sleep without noise
- because Ms. Garza told her to
- because her bedroom is the warmest room
- to keep her cat away from PepperCorrect answer
Why “to keep her cat away from Pepper” is correct
Chloe does not say her reason in so many words. Right after her plan, she says her cat gets very curious about small animals. The student has to connect the two sentences and infer that the closed door is to protect the hamster from the cat.
Why the other answers are wrong
- so Pepper can sleep without noise — Chloe never talks about noise. She talks about her cat.
- because Ms. Garza told her to — It was Chloe's own idea. Ms. Garza only says, "Good thinking."
- because her bedroom is the warmest room — Nothing is said about how warm the room is.
8. When should families return the order form?
From “Picture Day”
- by TuesdayCorrect answer
- next Wednesday morning
- on the makeup day
- this afternoon
Why “by Tuesday” is correct
This tests listening for one detail among several dates and times. The announcement mentions this afternoon, Tuesday, next Wednesday, and a makeup day two weeks later. The student has to match the right time to the right action: return the envelope by Tuesday.
Why the other answers are wrong
- next Wednesday morning — Wednesday is Picture Day itself; the form is due the day before.
- on the makeup day — The makeup day is only for students who are absent.
- this afternoon — The envelope goes home this afternoon; it is not due back then.
9. A student is sick at home on Picture Day. What will most likely happen?
From “Picture Day”
- The student will not be in the yearbook.
- The student will have a picture taken later.Correct answer
- The student's family will have to buy pictures.
- The student will have a picture taken on Tuesday.
Why “The student will have a picture taken later.” is correct
This asks the student to apply information to a new situation. Mr. Barrera never says the word "sick," but he says that students who are absent can come to a makeup day two weeks later. A student who connects "absent" with being sick at home can predict what will happen.
Why the other answers are wrong
- The student will not be in the yearbook. — Mr. Barrera says every student will have a picture taken, and there is a makeup day for absent students.
- The student's family will have to buy pictures. — Buying pictures is a choice for every family; being absent does not change that.
- The student will have a picture taken on Tuesday. — Tuesday is when the order form is due, not a picture day.
10. Why did the kite keep spinning and falling?
From “The Kite That Would Not Fly”
- Its string was too short.
- There was not enough wind.
- Its tail was too short.Correct answer
- The newspaper was torn.
Why “Its tail was too short.” is correct
The reason is given by Mrs. Lozano: the kite needs a longer tail, because a long tail keeps it from spinning. The story first says Nico tied on a short piece of yarn, so the student can connect that detail to the problem. The fix at the end, a long ribbon, confirms it.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Its string was too short. — The story does not say anything was wrong with the string.
- There was not enough wind. — The story says it was a windy Saturday.
- The newspaper was torn. — Nothing in the story says the newspaper tore.
11. What did Paloma use to make the tail longer?
From “The Kite That Would Not Fly”
- a short piece of yarn
- a sheet of newspaper
- her neighbor's dog leash
- an old red ribbonCorrect answer
Why “an old red ribbon” is correct
This is a detail question. Several materials are named in the story: sticks, newspaper, tape, yarn, and a ribbon. The student has to remember which one was added at the end. The yarn is a strong trap because it is also part of the tail.
Why the other answers are wrong
- a short piece of yarn — The yarn was the first tail, the one that was too short.
- a sheet of newspaper — Newspaper was used for the kite itself, not the tail.
- her neighbor's dog leash — Mrs. Lozano was walking her dog, but the leash was never used for the kite.
12. What did Paloma learn about building a kite?
From “The Kite That Would Not Fly”
- A kite needs a long tail to fly well.Correct answer
- A kite flies best when there is no wind.
- Newspaper is too heavy to make a kite.
- Little brothers should not help build kites.
Why “A kite needs a long tail to fly well.” is correct
Paloma's last words, "Next time we'll make the tail long from the start," show what she learned without saying it directly. The student has to connect her words to the problem and the fix in the story. This kind of inference about a lesson is part of reporting category 3.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A kite flies best when there is no wind. — The kite flew on a windy day; wind is what lifts it.
- Newspaper is too heavy to make a kite. — Their newspaper kite flew once the tail was fixed.
- Little brothers should not help build kites. — Nico helped the whole time, and Paloma is happy at the end.
13. What is Ms. Carter's talk mostly about?
From “Why the Moon Changes Shape”
- how people first traveled to the moon
- why the moon seems to change shapeCorrect answer
- why the sun is brighter than the moon
- how to keep a science journal
Why “why the moon seems to change shape” is correct
This asks for the main idea of an informational talk. Most of what the teacher says explains why the moon looks different from night to night, even though its shape never really changes. The journal assignment is a detail at the end, and students who remember only the last thing they heard often choose it.
Why the other answers are wrong
- how people first traveled to the moon — Travel to the moon is never mentioned.
- why the sun is brighter than the moon — The sun is mentioned only as the source of the moon's light.
- how to keep a science journal — The journal is the homework at the end, not the main topic.
14. According to Ms. Carter, where does the moon's light come from?
From “Why the Moon Changes Shape”
- from the sunCorrect answer
- from the stars
- from the moon itself
- from lights on Earth
Why “from the sun” is correct
This is a detail that many children find surprising, so it is worth checking. The teacher says the moon does not make its own light; the light we see is sunlight bouncing off it. A student who hears "its own light" but misses "does not" may pick the moon itself.
Why the other answers are wrong
- from the stars — Stars are never mentioned.
- from the moon itself — The teacher says the moon does not make its own light.
- from lights on Earth — The teacher says the light is sunlight bouncing off the moon.
15. Why does Ms. Carter ask students to draw the moon every night for a month?
From “Why the Moon Changes Shape”
- so they will go to bed on time
- so they can practice drawing circles
- so they can see the changes for themselvesCorrect answer
- so the moon will change its shape
Why “so they can see the changes for themselves” is correct
The teacher's last sentence hints at the purpose: in a month the students will have their own record of how the moon changes. The student has to infer that she wants them to observe the pattern from her talk with their own eyes. One month matches the time she says the moon takes to go around the Earth.
Why the other answers are wrong
- so they will go to bed on time — Bedtime is when they draw, not the reason for drawing.
- so they can practice drawing circles — The moon will not always look like a circle, and drawing practice is not the point.
- so the moon will change its shape — Drawing the moon cannot change it, and the teacher says it never really changes shape.
16. What does Diego mean when he says, "Count me in"?
From “Saturday Plans”
- He wants to count the fish.
- He is not sure yet.
- He wants Danny to wait for him.
- He wants to go.Correct answer
Why “He wants to go.” is correct
"Count me in" is an everyday way to say yes to joining a plan. The clues are Diego's excited tone and his next question, "What time are you going?" English learners who know "count" only as working with numbers may be confused by this phrase.
Why the other answers are wrong
- He wants to count the fish. — This takes the word "count" literally. Nobody is counting anything.
- He is not sure yet. — Diego sounds excited and asks what time they leave, so he is sure he wants to go.
- He wants Danny to wait for him. — The problem about the time comes later; "count me in" is his first answer.
17. Why can't Diego leave with Danny early in the morning?
From “Saturday Plans”
- He has to watch his little sister.Correct answer
- He has a soccer game that morning.
- He does not have a fishing pole.
- His mom does not want him to go.
Why “He has to watch his little sister.” is correct
Diego gives the reason in one sentence: his mom works Saturday mornings, so he has to watch his little sister until lunch. The student has to understand the word "so" as the link between the cause and the result. The choice about his mom is a trap because she is part of the reason, but for a different reason.
Why the other answers are wrong
- He has a soccer game that morning. — No game is mentioned in this conversation.
- He does not have a fishing pole. — Danny's uncle has extra poles, and that is not why Diego can't go early.
- His mom does not want him to go. — His mom works on Saturday mornings; nothing says she does not want him to go.
18. What will Diego most likely do tonight?
From “Saturday Plans”
- buy his own fishing pole
- ask his mom for a ride to the lakeCorrect answer
- call Danny's uncle about the time
- pack a lunch for his sister
Why “ask his mom for a ride to the lake” is correct
This is a prediction. Danny suggests that Diego's mom drop him off when she gets home, and Diego says, "I'll ask her tonight." The student has to know that "her" means his mom and connect it to the plan about getting a ride.
Why the other answers are wrong
- buy his own fishing pole — Danny says his uncle has extra poles.
- call Danny's uncle about the time — Danny already solved the time problem; Diego says he will ask his mom.
- pack a lunch for his sister — Diego watches his sister in the morning, but nothing says he will pack her a lunch.
19. What will volunteers do at Bike Safety Day?
From “Bike Safety Day”
- teach students to ride with no hands
- sell new bikes and helmets
- check brakes and pump up tiresCorrect answer
- paint stop signs on the parking lot
Why “check brakes and pump up tires” is correct
This is a detail question. Coach Salinas names two jobs for the volunteers: checking brakes and pumping up low tires. The other choices mix up words from the announcement, such as helmets and stop signs, with things that were never said.
Why the other answers are wrong
- teach students to ride with no hands — This would be unsafe, and it is never mentioned.
- sell new bikes and helmets — The helmets are given away free; nothing is sold.
- paint stop signs on the parking lot — The course has stop signs, but no one is painting them.
20. What should a student who does not have a helmet do?
From “Bike Safety Day”
- Stay home on Saturday.
- Ride the course without one.
- Buy a helmet in the parking lot.
- Come to the event anyway.Correct answer
Why “Come to the event anyway.” is correct
The answer is in the last part of the announcement: come anyway, because there will be some free helmets. The rule that every rider must wear a helmet might make a student think they should stay home, so this checks that the student listened all the way to the end.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Stay home on Saturday. — Coach Salinas says to come anyway.
- Ride the course without one. — Every rider must wear a helmet on the course.
- Buy a helmet in the parking lot. — The helmets are free, not for sale.
21. What is the first part to come out of a bean seed?
From “From Seed to Sprout”
- the rootCorrect answer
- the leaves
- the shoot
- the flower
Why “the root” is correct
This tests sequence words in a science talk. The teacher says, "The first part to come out is the root," and then, "Next, a small green shoot pushes up." The shoot is the trap, because many people picture the green part first.
Why the other answers are wrong
- the leaves — Leaves come later, after the shoot pushes up.
- the shoot — The shoot comes next, after the root.
- the flower — Flowers are never mentioned.
22. Where does a young plant get its food before it has leaves?
From “From Seed to Sprout”
- from the dirt around it
- from food stored in the seedCorrect answer
- from the water in the cup
- from the light outside
Why “from food stored in the seed” is correct
The teacher says that until the plant has leaves to make food from sunlight, it lives on food stored inside the seed. The sentence starts with "until," which can be hard for English learners to follow. Many people also believe plants eat soil, so the dirt is a strong trap.
Why the other answers are wrong
- from the dirt around it — The root takes in water from the soil, but the teacher says the food was stored in the seed.
- from the water in the cup — Water helps the seed start growing, but it is not the plant's food here.
- from the light outside — A plant needs leaves to make food from sunlight, and this one has none yet.
23. What does Mr. Anderson most likely expect to happen to the seeds in the refrigerator?
From “From Seed to Sprout”
- They will grow faster than the others.
- They will turn into a different plant.
- They will grow slowly or not at all.Correct answer
- They will grow leaves before roots.
Why “They will grow slowly or not at all.” is correct
This is a prediction based on the talk. Early on, the teacher says a seed needs water, air, and warmth. The two cups get the same water, but one is warm and one is cold, so the student can predict the cold seeds will have trouble growing. The student has to connect a fact from the start of the talk to the plan at the end.
Why the other answers are wrong
- They will grow faster than the others. — The refrigerator is cold, and the teacher says seeds need warmth to grow.
- They will turn into a different plant. — A bean seed can only grow into a bean plant.
- They will grow leaves before roots. — The teacher says the root always comes out first.
24. How did they know which jacket was Omar's?
From “The Lost Jacket”
- It had his name written inside.
- It was the only blue jacket in the box.
- It was still on the playground.
- It had a star and no zipper pull.Correct answer
Why “It had a star and no zipper pull.” is correct
This is a detail question. Omar describes two things that make his jacket different: a yellow star patch and a missing zipper pull. Mr. Turner finds a jacket with both. The color alone is not enough, because there are four blue jackets.
Why the other answers are wrong
- It had his name written inside. — Omar says his name is not written in it; that is why Mr. Turner tells him to write it.
- It was the only blue jacket in the box. — There were four blue jackets in the box.
- It was still on the playground. — They found it in the lost and found box, not on the playground.
25. Why does Mr. Turner tell Omar to write his name on the tag?
From “The Lost Jacket”
- so he can get it back if it is lostCorrect answer
- so the jacket will look like new
- so he can practice writing neatly
- so no one else will wear a blue jacket
Why “so he can get it back if it is lost” is correct
Mr. Turner gives the reason in a roundabout way: "Then if it ever gets lost again, it will come right back to you." The student has to understand that a name lets people know whose jacket it is. It also connects to the problem earlier, when there were four blue jackets and no name.
Why the other answers are wrong
- so the jacket will look like new — A name on the tag does not change how the jacket looks.
- so he can practice writing neatly — Handwriting is never mentioned.
- so no one else will wear a blue jacket — Other students can still wear blue jackets.
26. What is Ms. Garza's talk mostly about?
From “Why Leaves Change Color”
- how to collect leaves on a walk
- why many leaves change color in the fallCorrect answer
- which trees grow best in Texas
- how trees make seeds in the spring
Why “why many leaves change color in the fall” is correct
This asks for the main idea. The teacher asks a question at the start, "Have you ever wondered why?", and spends the rest of the talk answering it. The plan for the walk comes at the very end, which makes it a trap for students who remember only the last thing they heard.
Why the other answers are wrong
- how to collect leaves on a walk — The walk is planned for next week; it is not the main topic.
- which trees grow best in Texas — No kinds of trees or places are compared.
- how trees make seeds in the spring — Seeds are never mentioned.
27. Why does the green color fade from leaves in the fall?
From “Why Leaves Change Color”
- The hot sun dries out the leaves.
- Rain washes the green color away.
- The tree stops making chlorophyll.Correct answer
- Insects eat the green part of the leaf.
Why “The tree stops making chlorophyll.” is correct
The teacher explains a cause and effect: shorter days mean less sunlight, so the tree stops making chlorophyll, and the green fades. Chlorophyll is a new science word for most students, but the talk defines it as the green part of a leaf, so the student can follow it from context.
Why the other answers are wrong
- The hot sun dries out the leaves. — The teacher says there is less sunlight in the fall, not more.
- Rain washes the green color away. — Rain is never mentioned.
- Insects eat the green part of the leaf. — Insects are never mentioned.
Read next
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- 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.
- TELPAS Scores Explained: Levels, Scale Scores and What They Mean: A TELPAS report gives each of the four domains a level from Beginning to Advanced High, and combines them into a composite rating. From grade 2 there are scale scores as well. Here is what TELPAS scores mean, how the pieces fit together and how to read them.
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.