How does Jacob respond to Lauren's idea?
Analyze and Evaluate Information in Spoken English · TELPAS Grades 6–7 listening. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.
Reporting category 3: make inferences from what was said, and work out a speaker's purpose, opinion, or what will happen next.
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Community Service Hours
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Ms. Martinez: Today's question is: should every seventh grader have to do ten hours of community service before the end of the year? Jacob, you're for the rule.
Jacob: Yes. A lot of us never see what people in our own neighborhood need. When I helped at the food bank last spring, I found out how many families near our school need help. Ten hours is not very much, and it would show everyone that they can make a difference.
Ms. Martinez: Lauren, you're against the rule.
Lauren: I agree that helping is important. But some students already take care of younger brothers and sisters after school, or have long bus rides home. If service is required, it just turns into one more assignment. I think it should be a choice, and students who do it could get a certificate at the end of the year.
Jacob: But if it's only a choice, the same few students will sign up every time.
Ms. Martinez: Good points on both sides. Let's take a vote.
The question
Choose the best answer.
How does Jacob respond to Lauren's idea?
- He agrees that students are already too busy.
- He says the certificates would cost too much.
- He says only a few students would choose to help.Correct answer
- He changes his mind and decides to vote against the rule.
Why “He says only a few students would choose to help.” is correct
This asks the student to follow how a speaker answers another speaker's argument. Jacob's reply begins with "But," which signals disagreement, and he says that if service is a choice "the same few students will sign up every time." The student has to understand this as a weakness he sees in Lauren's plan.
Why the other answers are wrong
- He agrees that students are already too busy. — He does not agree; he points out a problem with her idea.
- He says the certificates would cost too much. — Cost is never mentioned.
- He changes his mind and decides to vote against the rule. — He keeps arguing for the rule, and the vote has not happened yet.
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.