According to Amara, what actually gets most library books returned?
Listen to a Speaker Support an Opinion · ELPAC Grades 9–10 listening. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.
An extended conversation in which one classmate argues for an opinion, followed by four questions.
Listen to the conversation between Devin and Amara. Then answer the questions.
Overdue Fines
Press play to listen. You can pause, rewind, and replay as often as you like.
Show transcript
Devin: Amara, I saw your name on the petition to end overdue fines at the city library. If nobody pays anything for keeping a book late, why would anyone bring books back?
Amara: That was my first reaction too. But the fine is not what gets most books back. What gets them back is that you cannot borrow anything else until you return what you have.
Devin: The fines still bring in money, though.
Amara: Less than you would think. The library’s own budget report says the fines bring in about what it costs to collect them, once you count the staff time, the notices and the payment system.
Devin: Then who is it hurting?
Amara: Kids, mostly. When a card owes more than ten dollars, it gets blocked, and hundreds of the blocked cards in our city belong to students. A kid who lost a book in fourth grade can still be locked out in ninth. The fine is not teaching anyone to be responsible. It is just keeping them out.
The question
Choose the best answer.
According to Amara, what actually gets most library books returned?
- The fear of paying a fine.
- Reminder notices sent by the library staff.
- Not being able to borrow anything else until the books come back.Correct answer
- Volunteers who collect books from people’s homes.
Why “Not being able to borrow anything else until the books come back.” is correct
This tests catching the reason a speaker gives to answer an objection. Devin's question assumes fines are what bring books back, and Amara answers it directly: the block on borrowing is what does the work. Students should hear her contrast, 'the fine is not what gets most books back. What gets them back is...'.
Why the other answers are wrong
- The fear of paying a fine. — This is the assumption Amara is arguing against.
- Reminder notices sent by the library staff. — Notices are mentioned only as part of the cost of collecting fines.
- Volunteers who collect books from people’s homes. — Volunteers are never mentioned.
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.