Why does Ms. Okafor tell Camila to put the caps back on the markers?
Listen to a Short Exchange · ELPAC Grades 3–5 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 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.
The question
Choose the best answer.
Why does Ms. Okafor tell Camila to put the caps back on the markers?
- So the other students can find the markers on the shelf
- So the markers will not be dried out by tomorrowCorrect answer
- So Camila can take the markers outside at recess
- So the markers do not get wet in the rain
Why “So the markers will not be dried out by tomorrow” is correct
This question tests listening for a reason, which is often joined to an instruction with the word "or". Ms. Okafor says, "put the caps back on when you finish, or the markers will be dried out by tomorrow" — the second half of the sentence is the reason for the first. Students who catch only the instruction will know what to do but not why.
Why the other answers are wrong
- So the other students can find the markers on the shelf — Finding the markers is never mentioned; Camila already knows they are on the art shelf.
- So Camila can take the markers outside at recess — Ms. Okafor says the class is staying inside today, so nobody is taking markers to recess.
- So the markers do not get wet in the rain — The rain is the reason recess is indoors, not the reason for the caps. The markers stay in the classroom.
Practice more of this
More listening practice for Grades 3–5, or see the ELPAC practice test for grades 3–5. 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.