Why does Jamal mention that the varsity starters are almost all seniors?
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 Camila and Jamal. Then answer the question.
The Tryout List
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Show transcript
Camila: Jamal, the soccer list is up. I am on junior varsity again. I really thought this was my year for varsity.
Jamal: I know it stings. But think about who is actually going to play on varsity. Coach told us the starting players are almost all seniors this season.
Camila: So I would have spent the season on the bench.
Jamal: Most of it, probably. On junior varsity you will play every minute of every game, and Coach watches those games to decide who moves up next year. That is a lot more time on the field than anyone sitting on the varsity bench is going to get.
The question
Choose the best answer.
Why does Jamal mention that the varsity starters are almost all seniors?
- To show Camila that she would have played very little on varsity, but will play a lot on junior varsity.Correct answer
- To explain that only seniors were allowed to try out for varsity.
- To suggest that Camila ask the coach to change the list.
- To tell Camila that she will never be chosen for varsity.
Why “To show Camila that she would have played very little on varsity, but will play a lot on junior varsity.” is correct
This tests following how a speaker turns a disappointment into a reason for optimism. Jamal uses the seniors to show that a varsity spot would have meant sitting on the bench, then contrasts that with playing 'every minute of every game' on junior varsity. Students should hear the comparison that closes his last turn: more time on the field than the varsity bench gets.
Why the other answers are wrong
- To explain that only seniors were allowed to try out for varsity. — Jamal says the starters are mostly seniors, not that only seniors could try out.
- To suggest that Camila ask the coach to change the list. — He never suggests changing the list; he argues that her place on it has advantages.
- To tell Camila that she will never be chosen for varsity. — He says the coach watches junior varsity games to choose who moves up next year, so he expects she could still make varsity.
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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