What is Henry's problem?
Basic Understanding of Spoken English · TELPAS Grade 2 listening. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.
Reporting category 2: understand the main points and important details of spoken stories and informational passages, about everyday life and school subjects.
Listen to the conversation.
The Broken Pencil
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Show transcript
Henry: Oh no. The tip of my pencil just broke, and I still have five spelling words to write.
Sofia: Here, you can use my other one. I always keep two in my box.
Henry: Thanks, Sofia! I'll give it back after spelling.
Sofia: Okay. And if you need help with a hard word, just ask me.
The question
Choose the best answer.
What is Henry's problem?
- His pencil broke.Correct answer
- He lost his spelling list.
- He has no paper.
- He forgot his pencil box.
Why “His pencil broke.” is correct
This is a basic detail question: the problem is stated in Henry's first line. The other choices are all school problems that sound possible, so the student has to remember what Henry actually said rather than guess.
Why the other answers are wrong
- He lost his spelling list. — Henry still has spelling words to write; he never says he lost the list.
- He has no paper. — Paper is not mentioned in the conversation.
- He forgot his pencil box. — Henry has a pencil; its tip broke. The pencil box that is mentioned is Sofia's.
Practice more of this
More listening practice for Grade 2, or see the TELPAS practice test for 2nd 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.