Why can't Diego leave with Danny early in the morning?
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 between two students. Then answer the questions.
Saturday Plans
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Danny: Diego, my uncle is taking me fishing at the lake on Saturday. He said I could bring a friend. Do you want to come?
Diego: Count me in! I've never been fishing before. What time are you going?
Danny: Early. He wants to leave at six in the morning. He says the fish bite more when it's still cool outside.
Diego: Six? Oh, no. My mom works on Saturday mornings, so I have to watch my little sister until lunch.
Danny: Hmm. Wait, my uncle said we're staying at the lake all day. What if your mom drops you off when she gets home?
Diego: That could work. I'll ask her tonight. Should I bring anything?
Danny: Just a hat and some sunscreen. My uncle has extra fishing poles.
The question
Choose the best answer.
Why can't Diego leave with Danny early in the morning?
- He has to watch his little sister.Correct answer
- He has a soccer game that morning.
- He does not have a fishing pole.
- His mom does not want him to go.
Why “He has to watch his little sister.” is correct
Diego gives the reason in one sentence: his mom works Saturday mornings, so he has to watch his little sister until lunch. The student has to understand the word "so" as the link between the cause and the result. The choice about his mom is a trap because she is part of the reason, but for a different reason.
Why the other answers are wrong
- He has a soccer game that morning. — No game is mentioned in this conversation.
- He does not have a fishing pole. — Danny's uncle has extra poles, and that is not why Diego can't go early.
- His mom does not want him to go. — His mom works on Saturday mornings; nothing says she does not want him to go.
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.