By UATeam in testing —

TEAS Test Reading Questions: A Complete Guide to Preparation

The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is an important exam for students entering nursing and allied health programs. The reading section of the TEAS evaluates your ability to comprehend, interpret, and analyze written passages. This article provides a detailed overview of the TEAS reading test and includes sample questions to help you prepare effectively.

What Is the TEAS Reading Section?

The reading section assesses your ability to:

  • Identify Key Ideas: Determine main ideas, supporting details, and themes.
  • Analyze Text Structure: Understand how authors organize information.
  • Interpret Information: Use evidence from passages to draw conclusions and make inferences.

Test Details

  • Number of Questions: 39.
  • Time Limit: 55 minutes.
  • Question Types:
    • Multiple-choice questions.
    • Questions based on short and long passages, charts, or graphs.

TEAS Reading Test Question Categories

1. Key Ideas and Details

Sample Question 1:
Read the passage below and answer the question:

"Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. They work by stimulating the body’s immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens. By increasing vaccination rates, communities can achieve herd immunity, protecting even those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons."

Question: What is the main idea of the passage?

  • a) Vaccinations stimulate the immune system.
  • b) Vaccinations prevent the spread of diseases.
  • c) Herd immunity benefits the entire community.
  • d) Medical exemptions are necessary for some people.

Answer: b) Vaccinations prevent the spread of diseases.
Explanation: The main idea focuses on how vaccinations prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Sample Question 2:
Which detail supports the concept of herd immunity?

  • a) "Vaccinations stimulate the body’s immune system."
  • b) "Herd immunity protects even those who cannot be vaccinated."
  • c) "Vaccinations fight specific pathogens."
  • d) "Medical reasons prevent some people from being vaccinated."

Answer: b) "Herd immunity protects even those who cannot be vaccinated."
Explanation: This detail directly supports the concept of herd immunity.

2. Craft and Structure

Sample Question 3:
Read the sentence below and identify the author’s purpose:
"Regular exercise reduces stress, improves mood, and enhances overall health, making it an essential part of daily life."

Question: What is the author’s primary purpose?

  • a) To entertain.
  • b) To inform.
  • c) To persuade.
  • d) To describe.

Answer: c) To persuade.
Explanation: The author is persuading the reader to incorporate regular exercise into their daily life.

Sample Question 4:
Which organizational structure is used in the passage below?
"To bake a cake, first gather the ingredients. Then, preheat the oven to 350°F. Next, mix the dry and wet ingredients in separate bowls before combining them. Finally, pour the batter into a pan and bake for 30 minutes."

  • a) Compare and contrast.
  • b) Cause and effect.
  • c) Sequence.
  • d) Problem and solution.

Answer: c) Sequence.
Explanation: The passage follows a step-by-step sequence of actions.

3. Integration of Knowledge and Ideas

Sample Question 5:
Refer to the following excerpt:
"Studies have shown that individuals who get at least seven hours of sleep each night are more likely to have improved cognitive function, better physical health, and a reduced risk of chronic illnesses."

What conclusion can be drawn from the passage?

  • a) People who sleep less than seven hours are healthier.
  • b) Sleep has no impact on chronic illnesses.
  • c) Adequate sleep contributes to overall well-being.
  • d) Cognitive function is unrelated to sleep.

Answer: c) Adequate sleep contributes to overall well-being.
Explanation: The passage clearly supports the conclusion that sleep improves health and cognitive function.

Sample Question 6:
A graph shows the percentage of energy sources used in a region:

  • Solar: 20%.
  • Wind: 15%.
  • Fossil Fuels: 50%.
  • Nuclear: 15%.

Question: What can be inferred from the graph?

  • a) Renewable energy sources dominate the region’s energy usage.
  • b) Fossil fuels are the primary energy source in the region.
  • c) Solar energy is more popular than wind energy.
  • d) Nuclear energy surpasses all other sources.

Answer: b) Fossil fuels are the primary energy source in the region.
Explanation: The graph indicates that fossil fuels account for 50% of the energy used, more than any other source.

Tips for Excelling in the TEAS Reading Section

  1. Practice Active Reading:
    • Highlight key points, such as the main idea and supporting details, as you read.
  2. Understand Question Types:
    • Familiarize yourself with identifying main ideas, inferring information, and analyzing organizational structures.
  3. Manage Your Time:
    • Allocate about 1-1.5 minutes per question to ensure you complete the section.
  4. Use Context Clues:
    • Rely on surrounding words and sentences to deduce the meaning of unfamiliar terms.
  5. Review Charts and Graphs:
    • Practice interpreting data from visuals, as these are common in the test.

Conclusion

The TEAS reading section tests your ability to analyze and interpret written material effectively. By practicing with sample questions and honing your critical reading skills, you can confidently approach this section. Use this guide to familiarize yourself with the test format and question types, and you’ll be well-prepared to succeed.