π
Reading β 45 Questions Β· 55 Minutes
Key ideas & details Β· Craft & structure Β· Integration of knowledge & ideas
55 min
Key Ideas & Main Idea Questions
- Main idea: The central point of the entire passage β what it is mostly about. Usually in the first or last paragraph. Not the same as the topic (topic = subject; main idea = what the author says about the subject).
- Supporting details: Specific evidence, facts, or examples that back up the main idea. NOT the main idea itself.
- Explicit information: Directly stated in the text. Look for the exact words that answer the question.
- Implicit/inferred information: Not directly stated β you must draw a conclusion based on evidence in the text. Inferences must be supported by evidence, not just opinion.
- Summary: A brief restatement of the most important points. A good summary includes the main idea + key supporting details without opinion.
- Objective summary: Does NOT include the reader's opinions, judgments, or interpretations β only what the text actually says.
- Theme: The overarching message or lesson of a literary text. Different from main idea (main idea = informational; theme = literary).
Text Structure & Organizational Patterns
- Chronological/sequence: Events in time order. Signal words: first, then, next, finally, before, after, subsequently.
- Cause and effect: One event causes another. Signal words: because, therefore, as a result, consequently, due to, thus.
- Compare and contrast: Shows similarities and differences. Signal words: however, on the other hand, similarly, in contrast, whereas, both, unlike.
- Problem and solution: Identifies a problem then proposes solutions. Signal words: the problem is, one solution, to address this, in response.
- Description/definition: Explains characteristics of a subject. Often uses specific sensory details.
- Order of importance: Information arranged from most to least important, or vice versa.
- Identifying structure: Look at the FIRST and LAST sentences of each paragraph, then identify the signal words β they reveal the pattern.
Craft & Structure β Author's Purpose & Tone
- Author's purpose (PIE): Persuade (convince the reader), Inform (teach/explain), Entertain (engage/amuse). Most TEAS passages are informational.
- Point of view: First person (I/we) = narrator is the subject. Third person limited = one character's perspective. Third person omniscient = all-knowing narrator.
- Tone: Author's attitude toward the subject. Words that describe tone: objective, critical, optimistic, cautionary, enthusiastic, neutral, alarmed.
- Mood: The feeling the text creates in the reader (as opposed to the author's attitude).
- Bias: When an author presents only one side or uses loaded language. Look for one-sided claims, exaggerations, unsupported opinions.
- Fact vs. opinion: Fact = verifiable. Opinion = judgment or interpretation. Watch for: "I believe," "it seems," "in my opinion," superlatives without evidence.
- Primary vs. secondary sources: Primary = original, firsthand (diary, experiment, speech). Secondary = analyzes/interprets primary sources (textbook, biography, review).
Informational Text Features
- Heading: Title of a section β tells you what that section is about. Use to predict content before reading.
- Subheading: Smaller titles within a section that break up content into subtopics.
- Table of contents: Organized list of chapters/sections with page numbers. Shows overall structure.
- Index: Alphabetical list at the back of a book with page numbers for specific topics.
- Glossary: Alphabetical list of key terms with definitions. Found in academic and textbook passages.
- Footnote/endnote: Additional information or citations referenced in the text. Numbered superscript in text.
- Caption: Text below an image, diagram, or graph that explains or provides context.
- Graphs and charts: Must be able to extract specific data, identify trends, and understand labels, axes, and legends.
Integration of Knowledge β Making Inferences
- Valid inference: A conclusion drawn from evidence in the text. Must be supportable β don't assume things not in the text.
- Argument evaluation: Identify the claim (main position), evidence (supporting data/reasons), and reasoning (logic connecting them).
- Logical fallacies: Ad hominem (attacking the person), slippery slope (extreme unlikely consequences), hasty generalization, false dichotomy (only 2 options).
- Relevance of evidence: Does the evidence actually support the claim? Look for irrelevant facts used to appear convincing.
- Multiple sources: Some questions ask you to compare information across two related passages. Look for agreement, contradiction, or complementary perspectives.
- Passage types on TEAS: Narrative (story), expository (explanation), technical (procedural/instructional), persuasive (argument). Each uses different strategies.
π Reading Strategy: Read the QUESTIONS first, then scan the passage for answers. For main idea questions, read the first paragraph and last paragraph. For detail questions, find the keyword from the question in the passage and read that section carefully. Never choose an answer that requires information NOT in the text.
Vocabulary in Context
- Context clues: Use surrounding words and sentences to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words. Don't skip to a definition β look for clues in the text first.
- Definition clue: The word is defined in the same sentence. "Tachycardia, an abnormally rapid heart rate, is often ..."
- Synonym clue: A similar word nearby suggests meaning. "The physician was reticent β quiet and reserved β when discussing the diagnosis."
- Antonym clue: A contrasting word suggests the opposite meaning. "Unlike her gregarious sister, Maria was withdrawn and avoided social gatherings."
- Example clue: Examples given after an unfamiliar term illustrate its meaning. "Several pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, can cause infection."
- Word roots, prefixes, suffixes: Break down unfamiliar medical and scientific words. Key medical prefixes: brady- (slow), tachy- (fast), hypo- (under), hyper- (over), peri- (around), anti- (against).
β οΈ Most Common Reading Traps: Watch out for answers that are TRUE but not stated in the passage β the TEAS only tests what the passage says. Watch for overly broad or overly narrow main idea answers. "Most likely" inference questions should use only what the text directly implies. Never bring in outside knowledge. If it's not in the passage, it cannot be the answer.
π’
Mathematics β 38 Questions Β· 57 Minutes
Numbers & algebra Β· Measurement & data Β· Calculator available (built-in)
57 min
Numbers, Operations & Number Sense
- Order of operations (PEMDAS): Parentheses β Exponents β Multiply/Divide (left to right) β Add/Subtract (left to right).
- Fractions: Add/subtract requires common denominator. Multiply = straight across. Divide = multiply by reciprocal (flip 2nd fraction).
- Converting fractions/decimals/percents: Fraction β decimal: divide top by bottom. Decimal β percent: multiply by 100. Percent β decimal: divide by 100.
- Ratios: Comparison of two quantities. Written as a:b, a/b, or "a to b." Simplify like fractions.
- Proportions: Two equal ratios. Solve by cross-multiplying. Critical for dosage calculations.
- Percentages: "Percent of" = multiply. "What percent of" = divide part by whole, multiply by 100. Percent increase/decrease = (newβold)/old Γ 100.
- Rounding: Look at the digit to the right of your target place. β₯5: round up. <5: round down.
Dosage Calculations & Proportional Reasoning
Nursing Dosage Formula:
Dose ordered Γ· Dose on hand Γ Volume = Amount to give
Example: Order 500mg, have 250mg/5mL β 500 Γ· 250 Γ 5 = 10 mL
- Unit conversions (metric): 1 g = 1,000 mg = 1,000,000 mcg. 1 L = 1,000 mL. 1 kg = 1,000 g = 2.2 lbs.
- Household to metric: 1 tsp = 5 mL. 1 tbsp = 15 mL. 1 oz = 30 mL. 1 cup = 240 mL.
- IV drip rates: mL/hr = total volume (mL) Γ· total time (hrs). Drops/min = (volume Γ drop factor) Γ· time in minutes.
- Weight-based dosing: mg Γ kg = total dose. Convert lbs to kg first (lbs Γ· 2.2).
- Dimensional analysis: Multiply by conversion fractions to cancel units. Set up so unwanted units cancel.
- Percentage solutions: 5% solution = 5g per 100 mL. Used for IV solutions and medication concentrations.
Algebra β Equations & Expressions
- Solving one-step equations: Isolate the variable using inverse operations. What you do to one side, do to the other.
- Solving two-step equations: Undo addition/subtraction first, then undo multiplication/division.
- Translating word problems: "More than/sum" = add. "Less than/difference" = subtract. "Times/product" = multiply. "Quotient/ratio" = divide. "Is" = equals.
- Linear equations: y = mx + b. m = slope (rise/run). b = y-intercept (where line crosses y-axis).
- Slope: (yβ β yβ) Γ· (xβ β xβ). Positive slope rises left to right. Negative slope falls.
- Inequalities: Flip the inequality sign when multiplying or dividing by a negative number.
- Systems of equations: Two equations with two unknowns. Solve by substitution or elimination.
Measurement, Geometry & Data
- Perimeter: Sum of all sides. Rectangle: P = 2l + 2w. Circle: C = 2Οr (circumference).
- Area: Rectangle: A = l Γ w. Triangle: A = Β½bh. Circle: A = ΟrΒ².
- Volume: Rectangular prism: V = l Γ w Γ h. Cylinder: V = ΟrΒ²h.
- Mean (average): Sum of all values Γ· number of values.
- Median: Middle value when data is sorted. If two middle values, average them.
- Mode: Most frequently occurring value. A set can have no mode, one mode, or multiple modes.
- Range: Maximum value β minimum value.
- Reading graphs: Bar graph (compare categories), line graph (trends over time), pie chart (parts of a whole). Check title, axes labels, and scale.
- Probability: P(event) = favorable outcomes Γ· total possible outcomes. Result is 0β1 (or 0β100%).
Key Formulas to Memorize
| Formula | Application |
|---|
| Part = Whole Γ Rate | Percent problems |
| Distance = Rate Γ Time | Motion problems |
| Interest = Principal Γ Rate Γ Time | Simple interest |
| Desired Γ· Have Γ Volume | Drug dosage calculations |
| Β°C = (Β°F β 32) Γ 5/9 | Temperature conversion |
| Β°F = (Β°C Γ 9/5) + 32 | Temperature conversion |
| aΒ² + bΒ² = cΒ² | Pythagorean theorem |
| Mean = Sum Γ· n | Average |
| kg = lbs Γ· 2.2 | Weight conversion |
| 1 L = 1,000 mL | Liquid measurement |
Math Strategy Tips
- Calculator use: The built-in calculator is available for ALL math questions. Use it β don't try to compute everything mentally.
- Estimation: For multiple choice, estimate first to eliminate obviously wrong answers before calculating.
- Label everything: In dosage problems, write down units at every step to avoid errors.
- Plug back in: After solving an equation, substitute your answer back in to verify it works.
- Convert first: In any problem mixing units (mg vs g, mL vs L), convert to the same unit BEFORE calculating.
- Word problems: Underline what the question is actually asking. Circle the numbers given. Identify which formula applies.
- Fractions vs decimals: When in doubt, convert fractions to decimals for easier arithmetic on the calculator.
π’ Most-Tested Math Concepts: Ratios and proportions (especially medication dosage), percent calculations, unit conversion (metric), interpreting graphs and statistical measures (mean/median/mode/range), and basic algebra. Dosage calculation questions are almost guaranteed β know the Desired Γ· Have Γ Volume formula cold.
π¬
Science β 50 Questions Β· 60 Minutes
Human anatomy & physiology Β· Life & physical sciences Β· Scientific reasoning
60 min
Body Systems Overview
| System | Primary Function | Key Structures |
|---|
| Integumentary | Protection, temp regulation, sensation | Skin (epidermis, dermis), hair, nails, sweat glands |
| Skeletal | Support, protection, movement, blood cell production | 206 bones, cartilage, ligaments, joints |
| Muscular | Movement, posture, heat production | Skeletal, smooth, cardiac muscle |
| Nervous | Control, coordination, sensation | Brain, spinal cord, neurons, CNS, PNS |
| Endocrine | Hormone secretion, homeostasis regulation | Pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, gonads |
| Cardiovascular | Transport Oβ, nutrients, waste, immune cells | Heart, arteries, veins, capillaries, blood |
| Lymphatic/Immune | Fluid balance, immune defense | Lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, lymphocytes |
| Respiratory | Gas exchange (Oβ in, COβ out) | Lungs, bronchi, alveoli, diaphragm, trachea |
| Digestive | Nutrient breakdown and absorption | Mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas |
| Urinary/Renal | Waste filtration, fluid/electrolyte balance | Kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra |
| Reproductive | Reproduction, sex hormone production | Gonads, uterus, testes, ovaries |
Cardiovascular System β High Priority
- Heart chambers: Right atrium β Right ventricle β Pulmonary circulation β Left atrium β Left ventricle β Systemic circulation.
- Pulmonary circuit: Heart β lungs (picks up Oβ, drops COβ) β heart. Deoxygenated blood to lungs.
- Systemic circuit: Heart β body (delivers Oβ, picks up COβ) β heart. Oxygenated blood to body.
- Blood vessels: Arteries carry blood AWAY from heart (high pressure). Veins carry blood TOWARD heart (low pressure). Capillaries are sites of gas/nutrient exchange.
- Cardiac cycle: Systole = ventricles contract (pumping). Diastole = ventricles relax (filling).
- Blood composition: Plasma (~55%), red blood cells (erythrocytes, carry Oβ), white blood cells (leukocytes, immune), platelets (thrombocytes, clotting).
- ABO blood types: Type A: A antigens, anti-B. Type B: B antigens, anti-A. Type AB: both antigens (universal recipient). Type O: no antigens (universal donor).
Respiratory & Nervous Systems
- Gas exchange at alveoli: Oβ diffuses into capillaries. COβ diffuses out of capillaries into alveoli to be exhaled. Driven by concentration gradient.
- Inhalation: Diaphragm contracts/flattens β chest cavity expands β pressure decreases β air rushes in.
- Exhalation: Diaphragm relaxes/domes up β chest cavity decreases β pressure increases β air pushed out.
- CNS vs PNS: CNS = brain + spinal cord (integration). PNS = all nerves outside CNS (input/output).
- Neuron structure: Dendrites (receive signals) β Cell body β Axon β Axon terminals (transmit signals).
- Sympathetic ("fight or flight"): Increases heart rate, dilates pupils, inhibits digestion, releases adrenaline.
- Parasympathetic ("rest and digest"): Decreases heart rate, stimulates digestion, constricts pupils.
- Synapse: Gap between neurons. Neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) cross to transmit signals. Examples: acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin.
Endocrine & Digestive Systems
- Pituitary gland ("master gland"): Controls other endocrine glands. Releases GH, TSH, FSH, LH, ADH, oxytocin.
- Thyroid: Releases T3/T4 (regulate metabolism). Calcitonin (lowers blood calcium).
- Adrenal glands: Cortex secretes cortisol (stress), aldosterone (Na/K balance). Medulla secretes epinephrine/norepinephrine (fight or flight).
- Pancreas (endocrine): Beta cells β insulin (lowers blood glucose). Alpha cells β glucagon (raises blood glucose).
- Negative feedback: High hormone level signals gland to stop producing. Maintains homeostasis. Example: high T4 β inhibits TSH β less T4 produced.
- Digestion path: Mouth (mechanical + salivary amylase) β Esophagus β Stomach (HCl + pepsin for protein) β Small intestine (absorption) β Large intestine (water absorption) β Rectum β Anus.
- Liver functions: Bile production (fat emulsification), detoxification, glycogen storage, protein synthesis, clotting factor production.
Cell Biology & Genetics
- Cell membrane: Phospholipid bilayer. Selectively permeable. Controls what enters/exits cell.
- Organelles: Nucleus (DNA/control), mitochondria (ATP energy), ribosomes (protein synthesis), ER (rough = ribosomes; smooth = lipids), Golgi apparatus (packages/ships proteins).
- Diffusion: Movement from high to low concentration (passive β no energy needed).
- Osmosis: Diffusion of WATER through a semipermeable membrane from low solute to high solute concentration.
- Active transport: Movement against concentration gradient β requires ATP energy. Example: sodium-potassium pump.
- DNA β RNA β Protein: Transcription (DNA β mRNA in nucleus) β Translation (mRNA β protein at ribosomes).
- Mitosis: Somatic cell division β 2 genetically identical daughter cells. PMAT: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase.
- Meiosis: Reproductive cell division β 4 genetically unique haploid gametes. Produces sperm and egg.
- Dominant vs recessive: Dominant allele masks recessive. Capital letter = dominant (B). Lowercase = recessive (b). Homozygous = BB or bb. Heterozygous = Bb.
Chemistry & Scientific Reasoning
- Atoms: Protons (positive, in nucleus), neutrons (neutral, in nucleus), electrons (negative, in electron cloud). Atomic number = protons. Mass number = protons + neutrons.
- Periodic table: Elements arranged by atomic number. Periods = rows. Groups/families = columns. Metals (left) vs nonmetals (right) vs metalloids (staircase).
- pH scale: 0β6 = acidic (HβΊ ions). 7 = neutral. 8β14 = basic/alkaline (OHβ» ions). Blood pH = 7.35β7.45 (slightly basic).
- Chemical bonds: Ionic (electron transfer, metal + nonmetal). Covalent (electron sharing, nonmetal + nonmetal). Hydrogen bonds (water's special bond).
- Scientific method: Observation β Question β Hypothesis β Experiment β Data collection β Analysis β Conclusion. Hypothesis must be testable and falsifiable.
- Variables: Independent variable (what you change). Dependent variable (what you measure). Control variable (what you keep constant).
- Control group: Not exposed to the experimental treatment. Used as baseline for comparison. Placebo group = control in medical studies.
- Macromolecules: Carbohydrates (energy, glucose), lipids (cell membranes, stored energy), proteins (enzymes, structure, transport), nucleic acids (DNA/RNA β genetic info).
π¬ Science Priority Guide: Human A&P is 32β35% of Science questions alone β spend the most time here. Cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, and endocrine systems are the highest-yield topics. Know the path of blood through the heart, gas exchange in alveoli, negative feedback for hormones, and cell transport mechanisms (diffusion, osmosis, active transport). Scientific reasoning questions often ask about experimental design and variable identification.
βοΈ
English & Language Use β 37 Questions Β· 37 Minutes
Conventions of standard English Β· Knowledge of language Β· Vocabulary acquisition
37 min
Grammar β Parts of Speech
- Noun: Person, place, thing, or idea. Subject of a sentence. Common (car) vs proper (Honda). Collective (team, family).
- Pronoun: Replaces a noun (he, she, they, it, who, which). Must agree with its antecedent in number and gender.
- Verb: Action (run, write) or linking (is, seems, becomes). Must agree with subject in number.
- Adjective: Modifies a noun or pronoun. Answers: which one? what kind? how many?
- Adverb: Modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. Answers: how? when? where? Many end in -ly.
- Preposition: Shows relationship between noun and another word (in, on, at, between, during, with, for).
- Conjunction: Connects words, phrases, clauses. FANBOYS (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) = coordinating. Because, although, since, while = subordinating.
- Interjection: Exclamatory word (Oh! Wow!) β rarely tested on TEAS.
Sentence Structure & Punctuation
- Complete sentence: Must have a subject + verb + complete thought. "She ran." is a complete sentence.
- Fragment: Missing subject, verb, or complete thought. "Running down the hall." has no subject β fragment.
- Run-on sentence: Two independent clauses joined incorrectly (without proper punctuation or conjunction). Fix with: period, semicolon, comma + FANBOYS, or subordinating conjunction.
- Comma splice: Two independent clauses joined with only a comma. "I studied, I passed." β incorrect. Fix: "I studied, so I passed." or "I studied; I passed."
- Semicolon: Joins two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction. "The procedure was complex; the surgeon was skilled."
- Colon: Introduces a list, quote, or explanation. Must follow an independent clause. "The kit contained three items: gauze, tape, and antiseptic."
- Apostrophe: Possession (nurse's stethoscope) or contraction (it's = it is). "Its" without apostrophe = possessive pronoun.
- Comma rules: After introductory clause, before FANBOYS in compound sentences, around non-essential clauses, in lists of 3+ items.
Subject-Verb Agreement
- Basic rule: Singular subject β singular verb. Plural subject β plural verb. "The nurse IS on duty." / "The nurses ARE on duty."
- Compound subjects with "and": Plural verb. "The doctor and the nurse ARE in the room."
- Compound subjects with "or/nor": Verb agrees with the CLOSER subject. "The nurses or the doctor IS responsible." / "The doctor or the nurses ARE responsible."
- Indefinite pronouns (singular): Anyone, everyone, someone, nobody, each, either, neither β singular verb. "Everyone IS present."
- Collective nouns: Team, staff, committee β usually singular. "The staff IS working." (acting as a unit)
- Phrases between subject and verb: Don't be tricked by prepositional phrases. "The list of medications NEEDS to be updated." (list = subject, not medications)
Pronoun Agreement & Reference
- Pronoun-antecedent agreement: Pronoun must agree with the noun it replaces in number and gender. "Each nurse should bring HER stethoscope." (if all female)
- Gender-neutral singular: Use "they/their" for singular indefinite pronouns when gender is unknown. "Each student should bring their ID." (acceptable on TEAS)
- Ambiguous pronoun reference: Pronoun should clearly refer to one specific antecedent. "When Dr. Lee told the patient the news, she was relieved." (Who is "she"? β ambiguous)
- Subjective pronouns: Used as subject. I, he, she, we, they, who. "She and I administered the medication."
- Objective pronouns: Used as object. Me, him, her, us, them, whom. "The nurse gave the medication to him and me."
- Reflexive pronouns: -self/-selves. Used when subject = object or for emphasis. "The patient administered the medication himself."
Vocabulary Acquisition Strategies
- Denotation: The literal, dictionary definition of a word.
- Connotation: The implied, emotional meaning of a word. "Slender" vs "thin" vs "skinny" β all mean similar things but have different connotations.
- Word roots β Latin/Greek: cardio (heart), pulmo (lung), neuro (nerve), hepat (liver), nephro (kidney), osteo (bone), derm (skin), hemo/hema (blood).
- Prefixes: pre- (before), post- (after), inter- (between), intra- (within), trans- (across), sub- (under), super/supra- (above), bi- (two), uni- (one), multi- (many).
- Suffixes: -ology (study of), -itis (inflammation), -ectomy (surgical removal), -plasty (surgical repair), -scopy (visual examination), -pathy (disease), -emia (blood condition).
- Context strategy: Look for signal words: "in other words," "that is," "also known as," "or" β these often signal a definition or synonym is coming.
Conventions of Standard English
- Parallel structure: Items in a list must use the same grammatical form. "She likes reading, swimming, and TO RUN." β fix to "reading, swimming, and running."
- Dangling modifier: Introductory phrase that doesn't logically modify the subject that follows. "Running down the hall, the medication spilled." (Medication wasn't running.)
- Misplaced modifier: Modifier is placed too far from what it modifies, creating confusion. "I only eat vegetables on Tuesdays." vs "I eat only vegetables on Tuesdays."
- Verb tense consistency: Don't shift tenses within a passage unless there's a logical reason. "She walked in and grabs the chart." β "She walked in and grabbed the chart."
- Commonly confused words: affect/effect Β· their/there/they're Β· its/it's Β· your/you're Β· then/than Β· accept/except Β· principal/principle Β· complement/compliment Β· who/whom
- Affect vs Effect: Affect = verb (to influence). Effect = noun (the result). RAVEN: Remember, Affect Verb Effect Noun.
βοΈ English Strategy: Read all answer choices before selecting. Eliminate answers with clear grammar errors. For punctuation questions, try saying the sentence aloud β commas often go where you'd pause. For vocabulary questions, cover the answer choices and predict the word's meaning from context first, then match to the best option.
β οΈ High-Frequency English Traps: Subject-verb agreement with prepositional phrases between subject and verb. Pronoun case (I vs me, who vs whom). Its vs it's. Comma splices and run-on sentences. Parallel structure in lists. Dangling/misplaced modifiers. These appear repeatedly β know all of them cold.