What does Brandon mean when he says, "I've had a lot on my plate this week"?
Understand Spoken Words and Language Structures · TELPAS Grades 6–7 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.
The Science Poster
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Show transcript
Natalie: Brandon, did you finish your part of the science poster?
Brandon: Not yet. I've had a lot on my plate this week. Band practice ran late every day, and then there was the math test on Wednesday.
Natalie: Okay. Can you have it done by Monday?
Brandon: Yes, I'll work on it this weekend.
The question
Choose the best answer.
What does Brandon mean when he says, "I've had a lot on my plate this week"?
- He has been busy with many different things.Correct answer
- He has been eating too much food this week.
- He has been bored because he had nothing to do.
- He has been helping with lunch in the cafeteria.
Why “He has been busy with many different things.” is correct
This tests understanding a common idiom in conversation. Having "a lot on your plate" means having many tasks or responsibilities. Brandon explains himself right away, naming band practice and a math test, which is the clue that the phrase is about being busy.
Why the other answers are wrong
- He has been eating too much food this week. — This is the literal meaning of the words; Brandon is talking about band practice and a test, not food.
- He has been bored because he had nothing to do. — This is the opposite: he has had too much to do.
- He has been helping with lunch in the cafeteria. — The cafeteria is never mentioned.
Practice more of this
More listening practice for Grades 6–7, or see the TELPAS practice test for 6th and 7th 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.