According to Rafael, why are students walking past the table?
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 Dana and Rafael in the quad. Then answer the question.
The Registration Table
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Dana: Rafael, the voter registration table has been set up for twenty minutes and nobody has stopped.
Rafael: Look at our sign. It says register here, and that is all it says. Nobody walking past knows what they would be registering for.
Dana: So should I make a new one? The markers are still in the club room.
Rafael: Put the age on it. Anyone who turns eighteen before the election can fill out a form today, and most of the seniors have no idea that is allowed.
Dana: I will go write it. Can you stand in front of the table instead of behind it? People walk past a table, but they stop for a person.
The question
Choose the best answer.
According to Rafael, why are students walking past the table?
- The sign does not say what students would be signing up for.Correct answer
- The table is in a corner of the quad where few students walk.
- Most seniors at the school have already registered.
- Students assume the club is asking them for money.
Why “The sign does not say what students would be signing up for.” is correct
This tests understanding an explanation that is spread over two sentences instead of stated in one. Rafael quotes the sign, 'register here', and then draws the conclusion: nobody walking past knows what they would be registering for. Students who catch only the first sentence hear a complaint about the sign without hearing what is wrong with it.
Why the other answers are wrong
- The table is in a corner of the quad where few students walk. — Dana says the table has been set up in the quad and never suggests the location is the problem.
- Most seniors at the school have already registered. — Rafael says the opposite, that most seniors do not know they are allowed to register yet.
- Students assume the club is asking them for money. — Money is never mentioned in the conversation.
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.
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.