Mr. Adeyemi writes that the bus leaves "at 6:45 a.m. sharp." What does sharp mean in this sentence?
Understand Words and Language Structures · TELPAS Grades 8–9 reading. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.
Reporting category 1: work out what words and phrases mean from context, and understand how sentences and word forms work.
Read the email. Then answer the questions.
Email from the Robotics Club
From: Mr. Adeyemi To: Robotics Club members and families Subject: Schedule changes for competition week
Hello, team,
Because the gym is being used for the band concert on Tuesday, February 10, our practice that day will move to Room 214 and will end at 5:00 instead of 5:30. Please bring only your laptops. The practice field will stay in the gym storage room until Wednesday.
On Wednesday and Thursday, we will practice until 6:00 to make up the lost time. If your student cannot stay late, please reply to this email so I can plan the driving and building teams.
The regional competition is Saturday, February 14, at Lakeview High School. The bus leaves our front entrance at 6:45 a.m. sharp, and it will not wait. Every student must turn in the signed permission form by Thursday. Without it, I cannot let anyone board the bus, even if a parent calls me that morning.
Thank you for all your hard work. I am proud of this team. Mr. Adeyemi
The question
Choose the best answer.
Mr. Adeyemi writes that the bus leaves "at 6:45 a.m. sharp." What does sharp mean in this sentence?
- exactly at that timeCorrect answer
- a little after that time
- with a loud warning
- very early in the cold
Why “exactly at that time” is correct
This tests a multiple-meaning word. "Sharp" usually describes a knife or a point, but after a time it means "exactly." The words that follow, "and it will not wait," confirm the meaning.
Why the other answers are wrong
- a little after that time — This is the opposite of the meaning; he adds that the bus "will not wait."
- with a loud warning — Nothing in the email mentions a warning sound.
- very early in the cold — The word is about timing, not weather.
Practice more of this
More reading 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.