TELPAS listening practice test 2 for 8th and 9th 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 (5 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 (15 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 8–9.
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. How does Mr. Mitchell want the students to fold the paper?
From “Folding the Paper”
- So it becomes short and wide
- Into four small squares
- So it becomes long and narrowCorrect answer
- Into a triangle from one corner
Why “So it becomes long and narrow” is correct
This tests the direction word "lengthwise," which means along the long side of something. Mr. Mitchell also explains it: the crease runs "from the top of the page all the way to the bottom." Folding words like lengthwise and crosswise come up often in classroom directions, and on the real test this kind of item may ask the student to click a picture.
Why the other answers are wrong
- So it becomes short and wide — This is the other way to fold a page in half. "Lengthwise" means along the long side.
- Into four small squares — He says to fold it in half once, not twice.
- Into a triangle from one corner — He describes a crease from the top to the bottom of the page, not a corner fold.
2. What does Malik mean when he says he is "on the fence"?
From “Choosing an Elective”
- He has not decided yet.Correct answer
- He is waiting outside.
- He does not want an elective.
- He has already picked choir.
Why “He has not decided yet.” is correct
Being "on the fence" means you cannot decide between two choices, as if sitting on a fence between two yards. Malik shows it right away by naming two classes he likes. English learners who hear only the literal words may picture a real fence.
Why the other answers are wrong
- He is waiting outside. — Read literally, a fence is outside, but here the phrase is an expression about choosing.
- He does not want an elective. — He likes both choir and art, so he does want one.
- He has already picked choir. — He is still thinking about both choir and art.
3. What will a student who did not dress out do today?
From “Dressing Out”
- Sit on the bleachers
- Line up by the net
- Go change in the locker room
- Keep score at the tableCorrect answer
Why “Keep score at the table” is correct
This tests the words "not ... like last week" and "instead." The coach first says what will not happen and then gives the new plan, so a student who only catches "sitting on the bleachers" will choose the wrong answer. "Dress out" is a gym class expression for changing into gym clothes.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Sit on the bleachers — That is what happened last week. The coach says "not like last week."
- Line up by the net — Only students who dressed out line up with a ball.
- Go change in the locker room — The coach never tells anyone to go change.
4. When may the students turn their tests over?
From “Before the Test”
- As soon as they get a copy
- After the teacher sets the timerCorrect answer
- When they finish reading quietly
- When time is called
Why “After the teacher sets the timer” is correct
This item tests time words in a spoken direction: "until," "once" and "early." "Once I set the timer, you may turn it over" means turning the test over comes right after the timer is set. Students need to put the steps in the right order.
Why the other answers are wrong
- As soon as they get a copy — They must wait "until everyone has a copy," and then for the timer.
- When they finish reading quietly — Reading quietly is for students who finish early.
- When time is called — Time is called at the end of the test, not the start.
5. What are Jasmine and Adrian mainly planning?
From “A Gift for Abuela”
- A birthday gift for their grandmotherCorrect answer
- A trip to visit family in Monterrey
- A surprise party for their cousin Veronica
- A video for a school project
Why “A birthday gift for their grandmother” is correct
This asks for the main topic of a conversation. Jasmine opens by saying Abuela's seventieth birthday is coming and she needs a gift, and the rest of the talk is about making a video of family memories for her.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A trip to visit family in Monterrey — Relatives in Monterrey will send videos; nobody plans to travel.
- A surprise party for their cousin Veronica — Veronica is asked to help collect videos.
- A video for a school project — The video is for Abuela, not for school.
6. What job does Adrian give himself?
From “A Gift for Abuela”
- Calling Tío Tony
- Making the list of people to ask
- Recording a message for Abuela
- Putting the video togetherCorrect answer
Why “Putting the video together” is correct
This is a detail question about who does what. Adrian says, "I'll put it all together on the laptop. You make the list." Listeners must keep track of which speaker takes which job, since both jobs are mentioned close together.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Calling Tío Tony — They plan to go through Veronica because Tío Tony does not answer.
- Making the list of people to ask — Adrian gives that job to Jasmine.
- Recording a message for Abuela — Everyone will record messages, but his own task is to put them together.
7. Why does Adrian suggest asking their cousin Veronica for help?
From “A Gift for Abuela”
- She is good at making videos.
- She can reach relatives they cannot.Correct answer
- She has the best memories of Abuela.
- She can keep the gift a secret.
Why “She can reach relatives they cannot.” is correct
This question asks the student to connect two statements. Jasmine says Tío Tony never answers his phone, and Adrian replies that Tío Tony always answers Veronica, who lives near the family in Monterrey. The speakers never say "because," so the listener has to work out the reason.
Why the other answers are wrong
- She is good at making videos. — Adrian will make the video himself.
- She has the best memories of Abuela. — Her memories are never mentioned.
- She can keep the gift a secret. — Keeping it a surprise is for everyone, not a reason to choose Veronica.
8. What will happen to things left on the lost and found table after Friday?
From “The Lost and Found Table”
- They will be thrown away.
- They will go to the science office.
- They will be given to a clothing drive.Correct answer
- They will be moved inside the cafeteria.
Why “They will be given to a clothing drive.” is correct
This is a detail question from an announcement. Naomi says that everything still on the table Friday afternoon "will be donated to the clothing drive." Students need to know that "donated" means given away to help others.
Why the other answers are wrong
- They will be thrown away. — Naomi says the items will be donated, not thrown out.
- They will go to the science office. — The science office is where permission slips go.
- They will be moved inside the cafeteria. — The table is already outside the cafeteria.
9. Why does Naomi tell the story about the sixth grader and his grandfather's watch?
From “The Lost and Found Table”
- To get students to check the table soonCorrect answer
- To ask whether anyone has found a watch
- To show how full the table is
- To ask students to give clothes to the drive
Why “To get students to check the table soon” is correct
This question asks about a speaker's purpose. Right after the story, Naomi says, "Please don't let that happen to you. Check the table at lunch this week." The story is a warning that makes her request more convincing.
Why the other answers are wrong
- To ask whether anyone has found a watch — The watch was lost last year, and she is not looking for it.
- To show how full the table is — She shows that with the list of jackets and shoes.
- To ask students to give clothes to the drive — She wants students to take their own things back.
10. What is the lesson mainly about?
From “How Caves Are Made”
- Why caves are dangerous to explore
- How water slowly forms caves in rockCorrect answer
- Where the biggest caves in Texas are
- How rain makes limestone stronger
Why “How water slowly forms caves in rock” is correct
This question asks for the main idea of a lesson. Mr. Ochoa states his goal early: "how a cave can form inside solid rock. The answer is water, and a lot of time." Each later part explains one step in that process.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Why caves are dangerous to explore — Safety in caves is not discussed.
- Where the biggest caves in Texas are — He mentions the Hill Country but does not name or rank caves.
- How rain makes limestone stronger — Rain slowly dissolves limestone; it does not make it stronger.
11. According to Mr. Ochoa, what lets rainwater dissolve limestone?
From “How Caves Are Made”
- Rain falls on it very hard.
- The water is heated by warm rock underground.
- Stalactites drip minerals onto it.
- Carbon dioxide turns it into a weak acid.Correct answer
Why “Carbon dioxide turns it into a weak acid.” is correct
This is a detail question about cause and effect. Mr. Ochoa says rain "picks up a gas called carbon dioxide," which "turns the rainwater into a very weak acid," and limestone dissolves in it. Science words like dissolve and acid can make this harder for English learners.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Rain falls on it very hard. — He says the rock dissolves slowly, not that it is broken by force.
- The water is heated by warm rock underground. — The temperature of the water is never mentioned.
- Stalactites drip minerals onto it. — Dripping minerals build stalactites later, after a cave forms.
12. Why does Mr. Ochoa say, "Stalactites hold tight to the ceiling. Stalagmites might reach them someday"?
From “How Caves Are Made”
- To explain why stalagmites grow faster
- To warn students not to touch them
- To help students tell the two apartCorrect answer
- To show that stalactites are stronger
Why “To help students tell the two apart” is correct
This asks about a speaker's purpose. He introduces the lines with "Here's how to remember which is which." The "t" in tight matches stalactites and the "m" in might matches stalagmites, a memory trick many science teachers use.
Why the other answers are wrong
- To explain why stalagmites grow faster — He does not compare how fast they grow.
- To warn students not to touch them — He gives no safety warning.
- To show that stalactites are stronger — Strength is not part of the lesson.
13. Why did Daniel join the cross country team?
From “The Finish Line”
- To become the fastest runner
- Because Brandon asked him to
- Because his family runs together
- To meet people at his new schoolCorrect answer
Why “To meet people at his new school” is correct
This is a detail question about a character's reason. The story says Daniel joined "for one reason": his family had just moved, and running seemed like a way to meet people "without having to talk very much."
Why the other answers are wrong
- To become the fastest runner — The story says he was not fast and does not say he wanted to win.
- Because Brandon asked him to — Daniel meets Brandon at the first meet, after he joins.
- Because his family runs together — His family is only mentioned as having moved to Lubbock.
14. What did Brandon do at the first meet?
From “The Finish Line”
- He cheered for Daniel at the finish.Correct answer
- He ran the last part of the race with Daniel.
- He stopped to tie his shoe.
- He went to get snacks.
Why “He cheered for Daniel at the finish.” is correct
This detail question asks students to tell apart several people in the story. Brandon "was still standing at the finish line" and "was clapping as if Daniel were in first place." The wrong answers borrow actions from other people in the same part of the story.
Why the other answers are wrong
- He ran the last part of the race with Daniel. — Brandon stood at the finish line; he did not run with Daniel.
- He stopped to tie his shoe. — A different runner stopped to tie her shoe.
- He went to get snacks. — Most of the crowd left for snacks, but Brandon stayed.
15. What does the end of the story show about Daniel?
From “The Finish Line”
- He is still upset about finishing last.
- He is passing on what Brandon did for him.Correct answer
- He wants to win the next race.
- He is waiting for Brandon to finish his race.
Why “He is passing on what Brandon did for him.” is correct
This question asks the student to infer a change in a character. At the end, Daniel walks back to the finish line and claps for the last runner, just as Brandon once did for him. The story never says this directly, so the listener has to connect the ending to the first meet.
Why the other answers are wrong
- He is still upset about finishing last. — By the end he finishes in the middle of the pack.
- He wants to win the next race. — Winning is never his goal in the story.
- He is waiting for Brandon to finish his race. — Brandon won his race long before; Daniel waits for the last runner.
16. Why does the shelter have volunteers read out loud to the cats?
From “Volunteering at the Shelter”
- It teaches the cats to come when called.
- It helps young volunteers practice reading.
- It helps shy cats get used to voices.Correct answer
- It keeps the cats from being lonely at night.
Why “It helps shy cats get used to voices.” is correct
This is a detail question that answers Sara's own question, "Why?" Ms. Castillo explains that shy cats "get used to people's voices that way, so they're calmer when families come to meet them."
Why the other answers are wrong
- It teaches the cats to come when called. — Ms. Castillo does not say anything about training.
- It helps young volunteers practice reading. — The reading is for the cats, not for the volunteers.
- It keeps the cats from being lonely at night. — Volunteers come on Saturday mornings, and nights are not mentioned.
17. What will Sara most likely do next?
From “Volunteering at the Shelter”
- Sign up with her older sister
- Start walking dogs at the shelter
- Wait until she turns sixteen
- Ask her mom to come with herCorrect answer
Why “Ask her mom to come with her” is correct
This question asks for a prediction. Her dad works Saturdays, her sister does not count, and Ms. Castillo says, "If your mom can come with you, I'll sign your service form." Putting these together, asking her mom is the next step.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Sign up with her older sister — Ms. Castillo says only a parent or guardian counts.
- Start walking dogs at the shelter — Dog walking is for volunteers who are sixteen.
- Wait until she turns sixteen — The Saturday program means she does not have to wait.
18. What should a student do if the person does not answer?
From “Hands-Only CPR”
- Point at one person to call for helpCorrect answer
- Shout for anyone nearby to get help
- Check that the area is safe
- Wait for someone with training to arrive
Why “Point at one person to call for help” is correct
This detail question follows the order of spoken steps. After tapping and shouting with no answer, Mr. Salazar says, "Point at one person and say, you, call nine one one." The negative direction, "don't just yell," is a trap for listeners who catch only part of the sentence.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Shout for anyone nearby to get help — He says, "don't just yell for somebody to get help."
- Check that the area is safe — That is step one, before tapping the person.
- Wait for someone with training to arrive — Students start pushing on the chest and keep going until help arrives.
19. Why does Mr. Salazar most likely play music while students practice?
From “Hands-Only CPR”
- To help them relax during the test
- To cover the noise of the dummies
- To help them push at the right speedCorrect answer
- To show how deep each push should go
Why “To help them push at the right speed” is correct
This asks the student to infer a teacher's reason. He says one hundred to one hundred twenty pushes a minute is "faster than most people expect," so he will play music "with that same beat." The listener must link the beat of the music to the speed of the pushes.
Why the other answers are wrong
- To help them relax during the test — He does not say they are being tested or that they should relax.
- To cover the noise of the dummies — Noise is never mentioned.
- To show how deep each push should go — Music has a beat, which matches speed, not depth.
20. What reason does Nadia give for choosing the garden?
From “The Empty Lot”
- Kids have nowhere to skate.
- Many families nearby do not have yards.Correct answer
- A garden would be quieter than a skate park.
- The lot gets a lot of sun.
Why “Many families nearby do not have yards.” is correct
This is a detail question about an opinion and its reason. Nadia says families near the lot "live in apartments, so they don't have yards," and a garden would let them grow vegetables. In a discussion, listeners have to match each reason to the right speaker.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Kids have nowhere to skate. — That is Jordan's reason for the skate park.
- A garden would be quieter than a skate park. — Noise is never discussed.
- The lot gets a lot of sun. — Sun comes up at the end, about which side the garden gets.
21. Why does Mr. Mitchell say, "You're both thinking about who would use it"?
From “The Empty Lot”
- To point out what their reasons shareCorrect answer
- To tell them their ideas are wrong
- To end the discussion
- To choose the skate park
Why “To point out what their reasons share” is correct
This question asks about a speaker's purpose in a discussion. Mr. Mitchell notices that both students care about the neighbors who would use the lot, and then asks, "Is there any way to have both?" That pushes them toward the shared plan they agree on at the end.
Why the other answers are wrong
- To tell them their ideas are wrong — He calls their ideas "interesting" and does not reject them.
- To end the discussion — He keeps it going with another question.
- To choose the skate park — He does not pick either plan.
22. Ms. Howard says Texas was "land rich but cash poor." What does she mean?
From “A Capitol Paid For With Land”
- It sold land to get rich.
- It had a lot of land but little money.Correct answer
- Its land was poor for farming.
- It owed land to other states.
Why “It had a lot of land but little money.” is correct
This tests an expression built from two opposite parts. Ms. Howard explains it in the next sentence: the state "owned millions of acres of open land, but it didn't have much money to spend." Students need to know that "cash" means money.
Why the other answers are wrong
- It sold land to get rich. — The state traded land for work; it did not get rich from selling it.
- Its land was poor for farming. — "Poor" here describes money, not the soil.
- It owed land to other states. — Nothing is said about owing other states.
23. How did Texas pay the people who built the capitol?
From “A Capitol Paid For With Land”
- With granite from Marble Falls
- With cattle from a ranch
- With land in the PanhandleCorrect answer
- With money from the United States
Why “With land in the Panhandle” is correct
This is a detail question. Ms. Howard says Texas paid the builders "with land, about three million acres in the Panhandle," and repeats the idea at the end. The wrong answers use other details from the lesson in the wrong place.
Why the other answers are wrong
- With granite from Marble Falls — The granite was used to build the capitol, not to pay for it.
- With cattle from a ranch — The builders made a ranch after they got the land.
- With money from the United States — The lesson says Texas paid with land, "not with money."
24. How will the boys do the work with only one mower?
From “The Lawn Business”
- They will take turns on different days.
- They will borrow the cousin's mower.
- They will buy a second mower.
- One mows while the other trims and bags.Correct answer
Why “One mows while the other trims and bags.” is correct
This detail question asks how a problem is solved. Jordan says, "One of us mows, and the other one trims the edges and bags the grass." Words like trim and bag may be new to English learners in this setting.
Why the other answers are wrong
- They will take turns on different days. — They plan to work together, splitting the jobs.
- They will borrow the cousin's mower. — The cousin is mentioned only when they talk about price.
- They will buy a second mower. — Jordan says one mower "is fine for now."
25. What does Sebastian say they must do before they split the money?
From “The Lawn Business”
- Save money to buy gasCorrect answer
- Pay his dad for the mower
- Raise their price
- Ask Mrs. Phillips to pay first
Why “Save money to buy gas” is correct
This is a detail question. Sebastian says, "we put the gas money aside before we split anything." "Put aside" means to save, so students must understand the phrase to choose the answer.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Pay his dad for the mower — His dad asks them to buy the gas, not to pay for the mower.
- Raise their price — They agree to start at twenty-five dollars.
- Ask Mrs. Phillips to pay first — Payment from customers is not discussed.
26. What is the lesson mainly about?
From “Lightning and Thunder”
- How to stay safe indoors during a lightning storm
- Why we see lightning before we hear thunderCorrect answer
- Why some storms have no thunder
- How sound travels through water
Why “Why we see lightning before we hear thunder” is correct
This question asks for the main idea. Mr. Collins opens with the question of why lightning comes first and thunder later, explains that light travels faster than sound, and shows how to use the delay.
Why the other answers are wrong
- How to stay safe indoors during a lightning storm — Safety comes up only at the end, in one rule.
- Why some storms have no thunder — He says thunder and lightning happen together.
- How sound travels through water — He talks about sound traveling through air.
27. According to Mr. Collins, what causes thunder?
From “Lightning and Thunder”
- Clouds bump into each other high in the sky.
- Light hits the ground.
- Rain falls very hard.
- Lightning heats the air very quickly.Correct answer
Why “Lightning heats the air very quickly.” is correct
This is a cause-and-effect detail. Mr. Collins says lightning heats the air "so quickly that the air expands with a boom. That boom is thunder." The wrong answer about clouds is a common belief, so students must listen for what the teacher actually said.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Clouds bump into each other high in the sky. — This is a common belief, but the lesson does not say it.
- Light hits the ground. — He talks about light reaching our eyes, not the ground.
- Rain falls very hard. — Rain is never mentioned.
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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.