Why does Jordan say the new plan is also "more fair"?
Analyze and Evaluate Information in Spoken English · TELPAS Grades 8–9 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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Planning the Soil Project
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Nadia: So we said we'd test which kind of soil holds the most water, right? Sand, clay and potting soil.
Jordan: Right. But I read the science fair rules last night, and every project needs at least three trials for each sample.
Nadia: Three trials each? That's nine tests, and the fair is in two weeks.
Jordan: It's not as bad as it sounds. Each test takes about twenty minutes. The slow part is drying the soil out between trials. That takes days.
Nadia: Then let's not reuse the soil. My uncle works at a garden center. If he gives us a whole bag of each kind, we can use fresh soil every time.
Jordan: That would work. And it's more fair, too. Soil we already used might be packed down, and that could change how much water it holds.
Nadia: I'll text him tonight. You make the data table, and I'll write the materials list.
Jordan: Deal. And let's take a photo of every trial. Ms. Guerrero said the judges like to see the process.
The question
Choose the best answer.
Why does Jordan say the new plan is also "more fair"?
- Used soil might give different results.Correct answer
- Each student will do the same amount of work.
- The judges will see photos of every trial.
- Nadia's uncle will not charge them for soil.
Why “Used soil might give different results.” is correct
This question asks the student to understand a speaker's reasoning. In science, a "fair test" means only one thing changes between trials. Jordan explains that reused soil "might be packed down," which could change how much water it holds and make the results unfair.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Each student will do the same amount of work. — Dividing the work comes later and is not what he means by fair.
- The judges will see photos of every trial. — The photos are a separate idea for the display.
- Nadia's uncle will not charge them for soil. — Cost is never mentioned.
Practice more of this
More listening practice for Grades 8–9, or see the TELPAS practice test for 8th and 9th 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.