TEAS Reading Practice Test — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passage states: 'The Amazon rainforest produces approximately 20% of the world's oxygen and is home to 10% of all species on Earth.' What is the main idea of this sentence?
- The Amazon rainforest is the largest forest in the world.
- The Amazon rainforest plays a critical role in global biodiversity and oxygen production. (Correct answer)
- Ten percent of all species live in South America.
- Oxygen is primarily produced by forests.
Correct answer: The Amazon rainforest plays a critical role in global biodiversity and oxygen production.
The sentence highlights two key facts about the Amazon's global importance — oxygen production and species diversity — making option B the main idea. The other choices are either not stated or too narrow.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes an author's purpose when writing an informational text about climate change risks?
- To entertain readers with stories about extreme weather
- To persuade readers to move to safer geographic regions
- To inform readers about the causes and potential consequences of climate change (Correct answer)
- To argue that governments are solely responsible for environmental damage
Correct answer: To inform readers about the causes and potential consequences of climate change
Informational texts are written primarily to inform — presenting facts, explanations, and evidence. While an informational text may include persuasive elements, its core purpose is to educate the reader on the topic, in this case climate change risks.
Question 3: Read this passage: 'Maria studied for her nursing exam every evening for three weeks. On the day of the test, she arrived early, felt calm, and answered each question methodically.' What inference can be drawn?
- Maria found the exam extremely difficult.
- Maria's preparation likely contributed to her composure during the exam. (Correct answer)
- Maria had taken the exam before.
- The exam was shorter than expected.
Correct answer: Maria's preparation likely contributed to her composure during the exam.
The passage links consistent studying (cause) with calm, methodical performance on exam day (effect). This supports the inference that her preparation contributed to her composure. No information supports the other answer choices.
Question 4: Which context clue strategy would best help a reader determine the meaning of the word 'ubiquitous' in the sentence: 'Smartphones are ubiquitous; you can find them in every home, office, and restaurant'?
- Synonym clue — a nearby word with the same meaning
- Antonym clue — a contrasting word revealing the opposite meaning
- Example clue — examples given after the word clarify its meaning (Correct answer)
- Definition clue — the word is directly defined in the sentence
Correct answer: Example clue — examples given after the word clarify its meaning
The sentence provides examples ('every home, office, and restaurant') after the semicolon, illustrating what 'ubiquitous' means (present everywhere). This is an example clue. The sentence does not offer a direct definition, synonym, or antonym.
Question 5: A nursing student reads the following: 'Despite the medication's efficacy in clinical trials, some physicians remain cautious due to limited long-term safety data.' The word 'efficacy' most likely means:
- Affordability
- Effectiveness (Correct answer)
- Availability
- Toxicity
Correct answer: Effectiveness
The contrast set up by 'despite' indicates that the medication performed well in trials, while caution remains due to safety concerns. 'Efficacy' in a clinical context means effectiveness or the ability to produce the desired result, which fits the contrast.
Question 6: A passage has three paragraphs: the first describes symptoms of dehydration, the second explains physiological causes, and the third outlines prevention strategies. Which text structure does this passage use?
- Cause and effect
- Compare and contrast
- Problem and solution (Correct answer)
- Chronological order
Correct answer: Problem and solution
The passage moves from identifying a problem (dehydration symptoms and causes) to offering a solution (prevention strategies). This fits the problem-and-solution text structure. Cause and effect might apply to one section, but the overall arc is problem → solution.
