ELPAC listening practice questions for grades 3–5
Short spoken passages played as recorded audio, with a transcript available, followed by questions.
These 20 questions are grouped by task type, one group at a time. Answer a question to see whether it was right and why. Nothing is timed and nothing is recorded.
Set 1 of 4. 0 of 20 questions answered.
Listen to a Short Exchange
A two-turn exchange between two speakers, followed by a question about it.
Listen to the conversation between Priya and Mr. Tanaka in the school library. Then answer the question.
Checking Out a Book
Press play to listen. You can pause, rewind, and replay as often as you like.
Show transcript
Priya: Mr. Tanaka, I finished the book about volcanoes. Can I check out another one today?
Mr. Tanaka: You can, but the computer says you still have two books at home. The rule is three books at a time.
Priya: Oh. I brought one back this morning and put it in the return bin.
Mr. Tanaka: Then let me scan the bin before you choose. If your book is in there, you will be under the limit.
Question 1 of 6
Choose the best answer.
What will Mr. Tanaka do next?
Listen to the conversation between Diego and Ms. Okafor. Then answer the question.
The Field Trip Form
Press play to listen. You can pause, rewind, and replay as often as you like.
Show transcript
Diego: Ms. Okafor, my mom signed the field trip form last night, but I think I left it on the kitchen table.
Ms. Okafor: The bus leaves at nine o'clock tomorrow. I cannot let anyone on without a signed form.
Diego: Could my mom send a picture of it to the school email?
Ms. Okafor: A picture will not work. She can drop off the paper form at the front office before the bus leaves.
Question 2 of 6
Choose the best answer.
What does Ms. Okafor mean when she says, "A picture will not work"?
Listen to the conversation between Leila and Nathan. Then answer the question.
Garden Club at One O'Clock
Press play to listen. You can pause, rewind, and replay as often as you like.
Show transcript
Leila: Nathan, are you coming to the garden club after lunch?
Nathan: I want to, but I have to finish my math corrections first. Mr. Reyes said they are due today.
Leila: We are planting the tomato seedlings at one o'clock. Could you bring the watering cans from the science room on your way?
Nathan: Sure. If I am late, start without me and save me a row.
Question 3 of 6
Choose the best answer.
What does Leila ask Nathan to do?
Listen to the conversation between Camila and Ms. Okafor. Then answer the question.
Markers on a Rainy Day
Press play to listen. You can pause, rewind, and replay as often as you like.
Show transcript
Camila: Ms. Okafor, it's raining really hard. Are we still going out to the playground for recess?
Ms. Okafor: Not today. We will stay in the classroom. You can play a board game or draw at your desk.
Camila: Can I use the new markers on the art shelf?
Ms. Okafor: Yes, you may. Just put the caps back on when you finish, or the markers will be dried out by tomorrow.
Question 4 of 6
Choose the best answer.
Why does Ms. Okafor tell Camila to put the caps back on the markers?
Listen to the conversation between Jamal and Hana. Then answer the question.
The Green Water Bottle
Press play to listen. You can pause, rewind, and replay as often as you like.
Show transcript
Jamal: Hana, have you seen my green water bottle? I had it at soccer practice yesterday.
Hana: I saw a green one on the bench by the field after practice. I thought it was Coach Lin's.
Jamal: Did it have a sticker of a whale on it?
Hana: Yes, it did. Coach Lin always takes anything left on the bench to the lost-and-found box in the gym. You should look there before class.
Question 5 of 6
Choose the best answer.
Where will Jamal most likely find his water bottle?
Listen to the conversation between Grant and Mr. Salazar. Then answer the question.
The Reading Log
Press play to listen. You can pause, rewind, and replay as often as you like.
Show transcript
Grant: Mr. Salazar, I finished my reading log, but I left it in my cubby. Should I go get it now?
Mr. Salazar: Hold on to that thought. We're lining up for the assembly right now.
Grant: Okay. When should I give it to you?
Mr. Salazar: As soon as we get back to the classroom. The assembly is about forty minutes, so we'll be back before lunch.
Question 6 of 6
Choose the best answer.
What does Mr. Salazar mean when he says, "Hold on to that thought"?
6 questions in this set are still unanswered. You can move on without answering them.
Ready for the whole thing? Take the mixed practice test 1 for Grades 3–5.
Every answer, explained
Each question has its own page with the correct answer and why each other choice is wrong.
Listen to a Short Exchange
- What will Mr. Tanaka do next?
- What does Ms. Okafor mean when she says, "A picture will not work"?
- What does Leila ask Nathan to do?
- Why does Ms. Okafor tell Camila to put the caps back on the markers?
- Where will Jamal most likely find his water bottle?
- What does Mr. Salazar mean when he says, "Hold on to that thought"?
Listen to a Classroom Conversation
- According to Mr. Salazar, what did the assignment ask students to do?
- Why does Mr. Salazar say the report feels crowded?
- What should Amara do tonight?
- What problem does Hector notice about one of the books?
- Why does Mr. Tanaka say Hector should take his facts from the newer book?
- What should Hector do if the two books say different things?
Listen to a Story
Read next
- How to Prepare for the ELPAC: Effective ELPAC preparation is about steady daily language development rather than frantic test cramming. Here is a practical, domain-by-domain guide for parents and teachers.
- ELPAC Scores Explained: A Summative ELPAC report gives an overall performance level from 1 to 4, plus separate results for oral language and written language. Here is what each part means, and what it does not mean.
This is an independent study resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the California Department of Education or the official ELPAC program. All questions here are original practice material written to match the published task formats.