When can a runner start running?
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 coach.
The Relay Race
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Coach Rivera: Okay, everyone, today we will run a relay race. Each team has four runners.
Coach Rivera: The first runner holds a short stick. Run around the orange cone and come back. Then give the stick to the next runner on your team.
Coach Rivera: Do not start running until the stick is in your hand. The team that finishes first wins.
The question
Choose the best answer.
When can a runner start running?
- As soon as they see their teammate coming
- When the first runner falls down
- When the stick is in their handCorrect answer
- When the other team is done
Why “When the stick is in their hand” is correct
The coach gives a clear rule: "Do not start running until the stick is in your hand." The word until is the key. Choice a is tempting because it sounds like a smart way to get ahead, but it breaks the rule.
Why the other answers are wrong
- As soon as they see their teammate coming — Starting before you have the stick breaks the coach's rule.
- When the first runner falls down — No one falls down, and the coach says nothing about falling.
- When the other team is done — The teams race at the same time, so no one waits for the other team.
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.