What does Coach Hill mean when she says, “Break a leg out there”?
Understand Words and Language Structures · TELPAS Grade 3 reading. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.
Reporting category 1: work out what words and phrases mean from context, and understand how sentences and word forms work.
Read the passage. Then answer the question.
The Big Game
Kiara had her first soccer game on Saturday. Before the game, her stomach felt jumpy, and she kept tying and untying her shoes. Coach Hill smiled at her and said, “Break a leg out there!” Kiara laughed. She knew Coach Hill did not really want anyone to get hurt.
The question
Choose the best answer.
What does Coach Hill mean when she says, “Break a leg out there”?
- Be careful.
- Run faster.
- Good luck.Correct answer
- Sit down.
Why “Good luck.” is correct
This tests understanding an idiom, a phrase that does not mean what its words say. “Break a leg” is a way of wishing someone good luck. The text helps: Kiara laughs, and she knows the coach does not want anyone hurt.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Be careful. — “Be careful” is a warning; the coach is cheering Kiara on before the game.
- Run faster. — The coach says nothing about speed.
- Sit down. — The coach is sending Kiara out to play, not telling her to sit.
Practice more of this
More reading practice for Grade 3, or see the TELPAS practice test for 3rd 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.