What does Ms. Garza mean when she says, "keep an eye on Pepper"?
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 conversation between a student and her teacher. Then answer the questions.
Taking Pepper Home
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Chloe: Ms. Garza, is it really my turn to take Pepper home this weekend? I have been waiting since September.
Ms. Garza: It is. But before Pepper can go, I need a note from a parent that says it is okay. Did you bring one?
Chloe: It's right here in my folder. My dad signed it last night.
Ms. Garza: Wonderful. Now, hamsters are small and quick, so please keep an eye on Pepper whenever her cage is open. She can slip into tiny spaces very fast.
Chloe: I will. And I'm going to keep her cage in my bedroom with the door shut. Our cat, Biscuit, gets very curious about small animals.
Ms. Garza: Good thinking. Give Pepper fresh water every morning, and bring her back on Monday before the first bell.
The question
Choose the best answer.
What does Ms. Garza mean when she says, "keep an eye on Pepper"?
- Look into Pepper's eyes.
- Watch Pepper carefully.Correct answer
- Keep Pepper's cage covered.
- Feed Pepper every morning.
Why “Watch Pepper carefully.” is correct
"Keep an eye on" is an idiom that means to watch someone or something closely. The next sentence is the clue: Pepper can slip into tiny spaces very fast, so she needs to be watched. English learners often take each word literally and think the phrase is about Pepper's eyes.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Look into Pepper's eyes. — This takes the words one by one. The phrase is about watching, not about Pepper's eyes.
- Keep Pepper's cage covered. — Ms. Garza is talking about when the cage is open, not about covering it.
- Feed Pepper every morning. — Ms. Garza talks about fresh water later, but that is a different instruction.
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.