Why does Ms. Whitaker discourage Imani from asking Marcus to cover her shift?
Listen to a Short Exchange · ELPAC Grades 11–12 listening. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.
A two-turn exchange between two speakers, followed by a question about it.
Listen to the conversation between Imani and Ms. Whitaker at the store where Imani works. Then answer the question.
Covering a Shift
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Show transcript
Imani: Ms. Whitaker, I need a Saturday morning off two weeks from now. I am taking a college placement exam that morning.
Ms. Whitaker: I can approve that, but the schedule for that week is already posted, so I cannot just take you off it. You need to find someone to cover the shift, and they need to tell me themselves.
Imani: Could I ask Marcus? He said he wants more hours.
Ms. Whitaker: You can ask him, but he is already scheduled for forty hours that week. One more shift would put him into overtime, and I cannot approve overtime without the district manager. Try someone who works part-time.
The question
Choose the best answer.
Why does Ms. Whitaker discourage Imani from asking Marcus to cover her shift?
- Marcus does not know how to do Imani’s job.
- One more shift would put Marcus into overtime, which she cannot approve on her own.Correct answer
- Marcus has already asked for that Saturday off.
- Only the district manager can change the posted schedule.
Why “One more shift would put Marcus into overtime, which she cannot approve on her own.” is correct
This tests hearing the reason behind a qualified answer. Ms. Whitaker allows Imani to ask, but explains that Marcus is already at forty hours, so another shift means overtime, which needs the district manager. Choice d borrows 'district manager' from that sentence and attaches it to the wrong decision.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Marcus does not know how to do Imani’s job. — Nothing is said about whether Marcus can do the work.
- Marcus has already asked for that Saturday off. — Marcus's own schedule requests are never mentioned; Imani says he wants more hours.
- Only the district manager can change the posted schedule. — Ms. Whitaker can approve a covered shift herself; the district manager is needed only for overtime.
Practice more of this
More listening practice for Grades 11–12, or see the ELPAC practice test for grades 11–12. For other grades, see free ELPAC practice tests by grade.
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