Baffled by this assignment, can anyone advise me?

Question

There are passages in my Spanish book that we must refer to for the answers to questions. Here is a passage, "Oi, Silvia, tenemos que volver a la zapateria para cambiar estos zapatos que le compramos a Juan Carlos la semana pasada. Le quedan un poco grandes." The question is, "Son los zapatos de Juan Carlos viejos o nuevos?" The passage doesn't say whether or not they're new or old. It just says that they are a little large for him and must be returned. Isn't that correct? Am I missing something? How do I answer the question?

Answer 1

Welcome to the forum!

You are correct in your observation that the words "viejos" or "nuevos" are not specifically used in your reading...however, since the object of the assignment is reading or comprehension, you are asked to arrive at a conclusion based on the information that is given. This is a common method in language instruction; you will get used to it!

Meanwhile, would it be helpful if you read over the questions before you do the reading, so that you basically know what types of information you are looking for?

Good answer Mountaingirl! - Nicole-B, ENE 27, 2010

Answer 2

It says they bought them last week

Obviously. But it doesn't say if they're new or old. A week old purchase is considered old by many people, including myself. - TheGryphon, ENE 29, 2010

Answer 3

That would make them new sweetie

Not to me. Not to many people I know. That would be OLD. I came here to ask for some help, I don't understand the smart replies... - TheGryphon, ENE 29, 2010