Which object is the teacher describing? “A compass”
Understand Spoken Words and Language Structures · TELPAS Grades 10–12 listening. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.
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.
Listen to the teacher. Then answer the question.
Press play to listen. You can pause, rewind, and replay as often as you like.
Show transcript
Mr. Collins: Each group will carry one of these on the trail today. It's small and flat, and it fits in the palm of your hand. Inside there's a thin needle that swings freely. No matter which way you turn, the needle settles and points north, so you can use it to record which direction the creek is flowing.
The question
Choose the best answer.
Which object is the teacher describing?
- A compassCorrect answer
- A thermometer
- A stopwatch
- A magnifying glass
Why “A compass” is correct
The teacher never names the object, so the student has to put the clues together: small and flat, a needle that swings freely, always points north, and is used to find which direction something is going. Only a compass fits. Knowing the words "needle" and "direction" is the key.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A thermometer — A thermometer measures temperature; it does not point in a direction.
- A stopwatch — A stopwatch can have a moving hand, but it measures time, not direction.
- A magnifying glass — A magnifying glass makes small things look bigger and has no needle.
Practice more of this
More listening practice for Grades 10–12, or see the TELPAS practice test for 10th–12th grade.
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.