Which tool do the directions describe?
Understand Spoken Words and Language Structures · TELPAS Grades 4–5 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 directions. Then answer the question.
A Tool for Looking Closely
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Choose the tool that a scientist holds close to a leaf or a bug to make it look much bigger, so she can see the tiny details.
The question
Choose the best answer.
Which tool do the directions describe?
- a pair of binoculars
- a magnifying glassCorrect answer
- a telescope
- a ruler
Why “a magnifying glass” is correct
The direction gives three clues: a scientist holds it close, it makes things look bigger, and it shows tiny details. Binoculars and a telescope also make things look bigger, so the student has to catch the words "close to a leaf or a bug." Those two tools are for things far away. On the real test the choices are pictures.
Why the other answers are wrong
- a pair of binoculars — Binoculars make things look bigger, but they are for things far away, not a leaf held close.
- a telescope — A telescope is for looking at things very far away, like the moon and stars.
- a ruler — A ruler measures how long something is; it does not make it look bigger.
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.