What can the reader infer about Jacob?
Analyze and Evaluate Information and Ideas · TELPAS Grades 8–9 reading. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.
Reporting category 3: make inferences, draw conclusions, and think about why the author wrote a text and how it is built.
Read the paragraph. Then answer the question.
Before His Turn
Jacob checked the clock above the whiteboard again and slid his note cards back into his pocket. He had read them so many times that the corners had gone soft. Two more speakers, then him. When Mr. Delgado finally called his name, Jacob stood up so quickly that his pencil rolled off the desk, and he walked to the front of the room without picking it up.
The question
Choose the best answer.
What can the reader infer about Jacob?
- He is worried about being late to class.
- He thinks he has lost his note cards.
- He is angry with Mr. Delgado about a grade.
- He is nervous about his turn to speak.Correct answer
Why “He is nervous about his turn to speak.” is correct
This question asks for an inference based on a character's actions. The worn note cards, the repeated clock checks and the dropped pencil all point to nervousness, though the paragraph never uses that word. Students should look for several clues that point the same way.
Why the other answers are wrong
- He is worried about being late to class. — He is watching the clock because he is waiting for his turn, not because he is late.
- He thinks he has lost his note cards. — He puts his note cards in his pocket, so he knows where they are.
- He is angry with Mr. Delgado about a grade. — Nothing shows anger; his actions show nerves.
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.