Adult ESL/ELL Beginner Quiz: Identifying Requests In Texts
10 questions · exam conditions
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Identifying Requests In TextsQuestion 1 of 10

Hi Neighbors,

We are having a small party for my mother's 70th birthday on Saturday evening. There will be music and guests in our backyard from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. If the noise bothers you, please knock on our door or send me a text at 555-0278, and we will turn the music down right away.

We appreciate your patience! The Garcia Family

What does the Garcia family ask neighbors to do if the party noise is a problem?

Call the local noise complaint line to report the loud music before the party ends at 10:00 PM
Come to the backyard party between 6:00 and 10:00 PM and enjoy the music with the Garcia family
Contact the Garcia family directly by knocking on their door or texting them so they can lower the music
Wait patiently at home until the party finishes at 10:00 PM and the noise stops on its own
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Adult ESL/ELL Beginner Quiz

Adult ESL/ELL Beginner Quiz: Identifying Requests In Texts

Practice Identifying Requests In Texts in Adult ESL/ELL Beginner with focused quiz questions that help you check what you know, review explanations, and build confidence with test-style prompts.

What this quiz covers

This quiz focuses on Identifying Requests In Texts, giving you a quick way to practice the rules, question types, and explanations that matter most for Adult ESL/ELL Beginner.

How to use this quiz

Try each quiz question before looking at the correct answer. Use the explanations to review missed ideas, then come back to similar questions until the pattern feels familiar.

All questions

Question 1

Hi Neighbors,

We are having a small party for my mother's 70th birthday on Saturday evening. There will be music and guests in our backyard from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. If the noise bothers you, please knock on our door or send me a text at 555-0278, and we will turn the music down right away.

We appreciate your patience! The Garcia Family

What does the Garcia family ask neighbors to do if the party noise is a problem?

  1. Call the local noise complaint line to report the loud music before the party ends at 10:00 PM
  2. Come to the backyard party between 6:00 and 10:00 PM and enjoy the music with the Garcia family
  3. Contact the Garcia family directly by knocking on their door or texting them so they can lower the music (correct answer)
  4. Wait patiently at home until the party finishes at 10:00 PM and the noise stops on its own
Explanation: When reading a short note or letter, focus on what the writer directly asks or instructs. Questions like this one test your ability to find specific information that is clearly stated in the text — so read carefully and match the passage's words to the answer choices. The Garcia family writes: "please knock on our door or send me a text at 555-0278, and we will turn the music down right away." This sentence gives two clear actions: knock on the door or send a text. The result? The family will lower the music. Choice C matches this exactly — it says to contact the Garcia family by knocking or texting so they can lower the music. C is the correct answer. Choice A is a trap because it sounds official and reasonable, but the passage never mentions a "noise complaint line." The Garcias want neighbors to contact them, not a government or city service. Choice B misreads the passage completely — the party guests are already in the backyard, but neighbors are not invited to join. The letter is about managing noise, not extending an invitation. Choice D is tempting because the passage does say the party ends at 10:00 PM, but the Garcias never tell neighbors to simply wait. They actually offer a solution so the problem can be fixed immediately. A helpful strategy: when a question asks "what does the writer ask you to do," look for action words in the passage — verbs like knock, text, or call. Those words point directly to the answer. Ignore details that are true but don't answer the specific question being asked.

Question 2

From: Rosa To: Kevin

Hi Kevin,

I left my umbrella at your apartment last night. I think it is near the front door. I don't need it right now, but could you put it somewhere safe so it doesn't get lost? When we see each other on Sunday, you can give it back to me then.

Thanks! Rosa

What does Rosa want Kevin to do right now?

  1. Bring the umbrella to Rosa's home because she will need it before Sunday
  2. Check if the umbrella is still near the door and call Rosa to let her know
  3. Return the umbrella to Rosa when they meet on Sunday at his apartment
  4. Look near the front door and keep the umbrella in a safe place until Sunday (correct answer)
Explanation: When reading a short message or email, focus on what the writer is asking the other person to do right now versus later. Rosa's email has two time frames: what she wants Kevin to do immediately, and what will happen on Sunday. Reading carefully, Rosa says she does not need the umbrella right now, but she asks Kevin to "put it somewhere safe so it doesn't get lost." Then she says he can return it when they see each other on Sunday. This tells you the immediate request is to find the umbrella near the front door and store it safely — making D the correct answer. It matches both actions Rosa describes for right now. Choice A is wrong because Rosa clearly says she does not need the umbrella right now, so there is no reason for Kevin to bring it to her home. Choice B sounds reasonable, but Rosa never asks Kevin to call her or report back — she only asks him to keep the umbrella safe. Choice C contains a detail that is partially true (returning it Sunday is correct), but it says "at his apartment," which Rosa never mentions — she simply says "when we see each other." More importantly, C ignores the right now part of the question entirely. A useful strategy: when a question asks what someone wants done right now, underline or mentally note any time words in the passage — "right now," "before Sunday," "then," etc. These time clues help you separate the immediate request from future plans and avoid traps like C, which mixes a true detail with a false one.

Question 3

Hi,

This is a reminder from Happy Smiles Dental Office. You have an appointment tomorrow, Wednesday, at 3:15 PM. Please arrive 10 minutes early to fill out some new patient forms. If you need to cancel, call us at least 24 hours before your appointment at 555-0344.

Thank you!

The message asks the patient to arrive early. Why?

  1. To have enough time to complete some new patient paperwork before the appointment (correct answer)
  2. Because the dentist's schedule runs early and appointments often start ahead of time
  3. So the dental office can confirm the patient's insurance information over the phone
  4. Because parking near the dental office is difficult and takes extra time to find
Explanation: When reading a short message like this, your job is to find the answer in the text itself — not to guess or use outside knowledge. The passage tells you exactly why the patient should arrive early: to fill out some new patient forms. That makes A the correct answer. The passage states, "Please arrive 10 minutes early to fill out some new patient forms." This is a direct match — arriving early gives the patient time to complete paperwork before the appointment begins. Now let's look at why the other choices are wrong. B says the dentist's schedule runs early and appointments start ahead of time — but the passage never mentions anything about the dentist's schedule being early. This is information that isn't in the text. C suggests the dental office wants to confirm insurance information over the phone, but the only reason the office mentions calling is if the patient needs to cancel — not for insurance purposes. D claims parking is difficult near the office, but the passage says nothing about parking at all. This is a common trap: it sounds like a realistic reason to arrive early, but it is not supported by anything written in the message. The key strategy here is to stick to the text. On reading comprehension questions, the correct answer will always be supported by words actually written in the passage. If you find yourself thinking, "Well, that could be true in real life..." — stop. That is a sign you are adding outside information. Always ask: Where does the passage say this?

Question 4

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Dear Customer,

We noticed unusual activity on your account. For your safety, we have temporarily locked your online account. To unlock it, you must verify your identity by answering your security questions on our website. Do NOT share your password with anyone, including our staff.

What does the notice ask the customer to do to access their account again?

  1. Answer security questions on the website to prove who they are (correct answer)
  2. Call customer service and give a staff member the account password for verification
  3. Create a brand-new password and new security questions on the company website
  4. Wait for the company to review the unusual activity and unlock the account automatically
Explanation: When reading notices or announcements, your job is to find the specific action the writer is asking you to take. Look for key instruction words like "must," "should," or "need to." In this notice, one sentence tells you exactly what to do: "To unlock it, you must verify your identity by answering your security questions on our website." That makes A the correct answer — the customer must answer security questions on the website to prove who they are. The notice uses the word "must," which signals a required action. B is a trap because the notice actually says the opposite — it warns you to "NOT share your password with anyone, including our staff." Calling a staff member and giving your password would go against the notice's instructions. C is incorrect because the notice never mentions creating a new password or new security questions. It only asks you to answer existing security questions. Be careful not to add details that aren't in the text. D is tempting because the notice says the account is "temporarily locked," but it never says the company will unlock it automatically. The customer must take action — waiting is not an option the notice offers. A helpful strategy: when a reading question asks "what does the notice ask you to do," go back and find the sentence with action words like "must," "need to," or "please." That sentence almost always contains the answer. Also watch for "NOT" in the passage — it often makes one of the wrong answers look right at first glance.

Question 5

Notice to All Tenants:

The building's water will be shut off on Thursday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM for repairs. Please fill your bathtubs or large containers with water before 10:00 AM on Thursday if you need water during that time. Contact the building manager at Room 1A with any questions.

What does the notice ask tenants to do if they need water on Thursday during the repair hours?

  1. Call the building manager to request a special water supply for their apartment
  2. Wait until 3:00 PM when the water will come back on in the building
  3. Move to a different part of the building where the water is still running
  4. Store water in tubs or large containers before 10:00 AM on Thursday (correct answer)
Explanation: When reading notices or announcements, your job is to find the specific action the writer wants you to take. Look for command words like "please," "must," or "should" — these signal the main instruction. In this notice, the key sentence is: "Please fill your bathtubs or large containers with water before 10:00 AM on Thursday if you need water during that time." This sentence directly answers the question. The notice tells tenants to collect and store water ahead of the shutdown — which makes D the correct answer. It matches the passage almost word for word. Now let's look at why the other choices don't work. A is a trap because the notice does mention the building manager — but only for questions, not for requesting a special water supply. Reading carefully matters here; don't assume a detail means something the passage never says. B describes something that will happen (water returns at 3:00 PM), but the question asks what tenants are asked to do — waiting is not an instruction the notice gives. C is completely made up. The notice never mentions any part of the building where water stays on, so this choice has no support in the passage at all. A helpful strategy: when a question asks "what does the notice ask you to do," scan the passage for action words directed at the reader — words like fill, contact, or please. Those are your answer clues. Avoid choices that mention details from the passage but twist their meaning, like choice A does here.

Question 6

Dear Student,

Your library book is now two weeks overdue. You must return the book to the main desk by this Friday or you will receive a fine. If you cannot come in person, please call us at 555-0192 to make other arrangements.

Thank you, City Library

What does the library want the student to do FIRST?

  1. Pay the overdue fine at the main desk before Friday arrives
  2. Call 555-0192 to explain why the book is late
  3. Bring the book back to the library by Friday (correct answer)
  4. Ask a friend to return the book on their behalf this week
Explanation: When a question asks what someone wants you to do "first," look for the main request in the message — the most direct action the writer is asking for. In this library notice, the main request appears early and clearly: "You must return the book to the main desk by this Friday." The word "must" signals that this is the primary, required action. Everything else in the letter supports or follows from that central request, making C the correct answer. Let's look at why the other choices miss the mark. A is a trap — the letter actually says you will receive a fine if you don't return the book, meaning the fine hasn't happened yet. Paying a fine is not what the library is asking you to do first. B is also a trap because the phone number is only given as an option if you cannot come in person — the library is not asking everyone to call and explain themselves. D describes one possible way to return the book, but the letter never mentions asking a friend; this detail is invented and not supported by the passage. A useful strategy for reading comprehension questions like this: watch for words like must, should, please, and need to — these signal the writer's main request or instruction. Also, be careful with answer choices that use details from the passage but twist their meaning (like A and B do here). Always go back to what the text actually says, not what sounds reasonable on its own.

Question 7

From: Boss Tom To: All Staff

Hello everyone,

We have a staff meeting next Tuesday at 9:00 AM in Conference Room B. Please reply to this email by Monday to confirm you are coming. Also, bring your project update report with you to the meeting.

See you there, Tom

According to the email, what are employees asked to do BEFORE the meeting?

  1. Print copies of the project update report for every person in the room
  2. Go to Conference Room B on Tuesday morning at nine o'clock
  3. Send a reply email to Tom by Monday confirming their attendance (correct answer)
  4. Prepare a project update report and present it to the whole team
Explanation: When a question asks what employees must do before a meeting, your job is to find actions with a deadline that comes earlier than the meeting itself. Scan the email for time words like "by," "before," or specific days. In this email, Boss Tom gives two instructions: reply to the email by Monday to confirm attendance, and bring a project update report to the meeting. The word "by Monday" is the key — Monday comes before Tuesday's meeting, making this a before-the-meeting task. That makes C the correct answer. Tom directly asks staff to "reply to this email by Monday to confirm you are coming," which means sending a confirmation email before the meeting takes place. A is a trap because it sounds related to the report, but Tom never asks anyone to print copies for the whole room. That detail was invented — always check that the answer matches what the passage actually says. B describes going to Conference Room B on Tuesday at 9:00 AM, which is accurate information from the email, but this is the meeting itself, not something done before it. The question specifically asks about actions taken before the meeting. D mentions preparing a report and presenting it to the team, but the email only says to bring the report — it never mentions a formal presentation. A helpful strategy: when you see the word "before" in a question, underline any time references in the passage (days, deadlines, clock times). Match those clues to the answer choices, and eliminate anything that happens at or after the event.

Question 8

Hey Carlos,

I'm moving to a new apartment this Saturday. I have a lot of boxes and furniture. Could you come over at 8:00 AM to help me load the truck? I think we will be done by noon. I will buy you lunch after!

Thanks, David

What is David asking Carlos to help with?

  1. Drive the moving truck to David's new apartment on Saturday morning
  2. Load David's belongings onto a truck early on Saturday morning (correct answer)
  3. Buy food for both of them after the move is finished on Saturday
  4. Pack David's boxes and furniture into bags before Saturday arrives
Explanation: When reading a short message or email, your job is to find the main request — the specific action the writer is asking for. Look for key phrases like "could you" or "can you help me," which signal a request. In David's message, the clearest request is: "Could you come over at 8:00 AM to help me load the truck?" The word "load" means to put things onto the truck, and David even mentions he has "a lot of boxes and furniture" — the belongings that need to be loaded. This confirms that B is correct: David is asking Carlos to help load his belongings onto a truck early Saturday morning. A is a trap because the truck is mentioned, but David never asks Carlos to drive it. Driving and loading are two very different actions — don't let a familiar word like "truck" pull you toward the wrong answer. C confuses a reward with a request. David says he will buy lunch for Carlos — this is something David is offering, not something he's asking Carlos to do. D mentions packing into bags and doing it before Saturday, but the message says nothing about bags, and the help is needed on Saturday morning, not before. A useful strategy: always go back to the passage and find the exact words that match the answer. The correct answer should be supported by specific language in the text — not just a topic that sounds related. If an answer adds details the passage never mentions (like "bags" or "drive"), it is almost always wrong.

Question 9

Hi Maria,

I hope you are doing well. I need a big favor. My car is broken, and I have a doctor's appointment on Friday at 2:00 PM. Can you pick me up at my house at 1:30 PM? I live at 45 Oak Street. Please let me know if you can help.

Thank you, Linda

What is Linda asking Maria to do?

  1. Drive her to the doctor's office on Friday afternoon and wait for her there
  2. Give her a ride from her home to her appointment on Friday afternoon (correct answer)
  3. Call the doctor's office and make an appointment for Friday at 2:00 PM
  4. Help her fix her broken car before Friday so she can drive herself
Explanation: When reading a short message or letter, focus on the main request — what is the writer asking the other person to do? Look for action words like "can you," "please," and "help." In Linda's message, the key sentence is: "Can you pick me up at my house at 1:30 PM?" "Pick up" means to drive somewhere to get a person and take them somewhere else. Linda tells Maria her address (45 Oak Street) and explains she has a doctor's appointment at 2:00 PM. This means Linda wants a ride from her home to her appointment — which makes B the correct answer. Now let's look at why the other choices are wrong. A adds information that isn't in the letter — Linda never asks Maria to wait at the doctor's office. Be careful of answers that take something true and add extra details that aren't supported by the text. C is incorrect because Linda already has an appointment — she just needs transportation. Making an appointment is never mentioned. D is a trap: yes, Linda mentions her car is broken, but she doesn't ask Maria to fix it. She explains the broken car as the reason she needs a ride, not the problem she wants solved. A useful strategy: on reading comprehension questions, always return to the text and find the exact sentence that answers the question. If an answer choice includes something the passage never says, eliminate it — even if it sounds helpful or logical.

Question 10

Dear Parent or Guardian,

Your child, Ana, was absent from school on March 5th and March 6th. Please send a written note explaining the reason for the absence. The note must be signed by a parent or guardian and given to the school office within three days of receiving this letter.

Sincerely, Principal Johnson

What does the school ask the parent or guardian to do?

  1. Visit the school office in person and speak directly with Principal Johnson about each day Ana was absent
  2. Write and sign a note explaining why Ana was absent and deliver it to the office within three days (correct answer)
  3. Make sure Ana attends all remaining school days and does not miss any more classes this semester
  4. Call the school office within three days and explain the reason for each of Ana's two absences
Explanation: When reading a letter like this one, your goal is to find the specific action the writer is requesting. Focus on words like "please," "must," or "need to" — these signal the main request. In this letter, Principal Johnson makes three clear requests: send a written note, have it signed by a parent or guardian, and deliver it to the school office within three days. That matches answer B exactly — it captures all three parts of the request accurately. Answer A is incorrect because the letter never asks anyone to visit the school or speak with Principal Johnson in person. That detail is invented and not supported by the passage. Answer C is wrong because the letter says nothing about future attendance or the rest of the semester — it only addresses the two days Ana already missed. Answer D sounds close, but notice the key difference: the letter asks for a written note, not a phone call. Replacing "written note" with "call" changes the meaning entirely, making D incorrect. Choices A and D are classic traps — they contain details that sound reasonable for a school situation but aren't actually in the passage. Always go back to the text and ask yourself: Did the passage actually say this? A useful tip for reading comprehension questions: underline or mentally highlight the action words in the passage (here: "send," "signed," "given"). Then match those specific words to the answer choices. The correct answer will reflect what the passage truly says, not what you might expect a school to do.