What problem does Omar have?
Basic Understanding of Spoken English · TELPAS Grades 4–5 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 in the school library. Then answer the questions.
At the Library Desk
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Omar: Ms. Carter, is the new book about sharks back yet? My friend said it was really good.
Ms. Carter: Let me check. Hmm. Someone has it until next Thursday, and two other students are already waiting for it.
Omar: Oh, no. That means I won't get it for weeks.
Ms. Carter: Probably not for a little while. But I can add your name to the list. And while you wait, have you seen this one about ocean animals that glow in the dark? The photographs are amazing.
Omar: I didn't know some animals could glow. Could I look at it?
Ms. Carter: Of course. It's on the shelf right behind you, the one with the green cover.
The question
Choose the best answer.
What problem does Omar have?
- The book he wants is checked out.Correct answer
- He lost a book his friend lent him.
- He cannot find the shark shelf.
- His library card has run out.
Why “The book he wants is checked out.” is correct
This tests the problem in a conversation. Ms. Carter says, "Someone has it until next Thursday, and two other students are already waiting for it." That means another student has checked the book out. Omar’s reply, "I won’t get it for weeks," confirms the problem.
Why the other answers are wrong
- He lost a book his friend lent him. — Omar’s friend only told him the book was good; nothing was lent or lost.
- He cannot find the shark shelf. — Omar never asks where the shark books are; he asks if one book is back.
- His library card has run out. — Nothing in the conversation is about a library card.
Practice more of this
More listening practice for Grades 4–5, or see the TELPAS practice test for 4th and 5th 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.