Why does Ms. Herrera turn down Jonah's suggestion?
Listen to a Short Exchange · ELPAC Grades 9–10 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 Jonah and Ms. Herrera in the counseling office. Then answer the question.
The Work Permit
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Show transcript
Ms. Herrera: Jonah, you left me a note about a work permit. Has the store already offered you the job?
Jonah: Yes. They want me to start next Monday, three evenings a week after school.
Ms. Herrera: Then I need two things before I can sign anything. Your parent fills out the top section, and your supervisor fills out the middle section and signs it.
Jonah: I already have my mother's part. Could I bring the supervisor's part to you on Monday morning?
Ms. Herrera: The permit has to be issued before your first shift, not on the day of it. Get the store to fill in their section this week, and I will have the permit ready for you on Friday afternoon.
The question
Choose the best answer.
Why does Ms. Herrera turn down Jonah's suggestion?
- Jonah's mother has not filled out her section of the form.
- The permit must be issued before Jonah works his first shift.Correct answer
- She is not in the counseling office on Monday mornings.
- The store has not formally offered Jonah the job yet.
Why “The permit must be issued before Jonah works his first shift.” is correct
This tests whether a student can hear the reason behind a refusal rather than just the refusal itself. Jonah proposes bringing the supervisor's section on Monday morning, and Ms. Herrera answers with the rule: the permit has to exist before the shift, 'not on the day of it'. Her follow-up, telling him to have the store complete it this week, confirms that timing is the only obstacle.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Jonah's mother has not filled out her section of the form. — Jonah says he already has his mother's part, so that section is done.
- She is not in the counseling office on Monday mornings. — She never mentions her own schedule; she offers to have the permit ready on Friday.
- The store has not formally offered Jonah the job yet. — The offer is the first thing established in the conversation, and Jonah confirms a start date.
Practice more of this
More listening practice for Grades 9–10, or see the ELPAC practice test for grades 9–10. For other grades, see free ELPAC practice tests by grade.
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