Why can't Malik do the lab yet?
Basic Understanding of Spoken English · TELPAS Grades 8–9 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.
The Missed Quiz
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Malik: Mr. Collins, I was absent on Friday. Did I miss the lab?
Mr. Collins: You missed the lab safety quiz, which is the bigger problem. Nobody works with the hot plates until they've passed it.
Malik: Can I take it today at lunch?
Mr. Collins: You can, but read the safety rules first. The quiz asks about specific ones, like what to do if you spill something. People who skip the reading usually end up taking it twice.
Malik: So if I pass at lunch, I can do the lab with my group tomorrow?
Mr. Collins: If you pass, yes. If you don't, you'll be the one recording data for your group while they handle the equipment.
The question
Choose the best answer.
Why can't Malik do the lab yet?
- He has not passed the safety quiz.Correct answer
- He has not turned in a form.
- His group already finished the lab.
- He was late to class today.
Why “He has not passed the safety quiz.” is correct
This is a detail question. Mr. Collins says, "Nobody works with the hot plates until they've passed it," referring to the safety quiz that Malik missed. Students should notice the teacher's phrase "the bigger problem," which signals the important point.
Why the other answers are wrong
- He has not turned in a form. — No form is mentioned in the conversation.
- His group already finished the lab. — His group does the lab tomorrow.
- He was late to class today. — He was absent on Friday, not late today.
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.