Where will Omar work?
Listen to a Short Exchange · ELPAC Grade 1 listening. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.
A two-turn exchange between two speakers, followed by a question about it.
Listen to Omar talk to his teacher, Ms. Reed. Then answer the question.
The Wet Paint
Press play to listen. You can pause, rewind, and replay as often as you like.
Show transcript
Ms. Reed: Omar, do not sit at that table. The paint is still wet.
Omar: Where can I work?
Ms. Reed: Take the table by the window. The paint will be dry soon. I will call you then.
Omar: Okay. I will bring my markers.
The question
Choose the best answer.
Where will Omar work?
- At the table with wet paint
- Outside the classroom
- At the table by the windowCorrect answer
- At Ms. Reed's desk
Why “At the table by the window” is correct
Short exchanges at this grade almost always contain one instruction, and the question asks the child to act on it. Ms. Reed rules out one table and then names another, so the child has to hold both halves of what she says. On a second listen, ask first where Omar may not sit, and then where he may.
Why the other answers are wrong
- At the table with wet paint — That is the table Ms. Reed tells Omar to stay away from, because the paint is still wet.
- Outside the classroom — Nobody mentions going outside. The whole exchange is about finding another table in the room.
- At Ms. Reed's desk — Ms. Reed's desk is never mentioned; she offers Omar the table by the window.
Practice more of this
More listening practice for Grade 1, or see the ELPAC practice test for grade 1. For other grades, see free ELPAC practice tests by grade.
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.