TEAS Reading Practice Test #1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Dog : dog /dawg/ {noun} a domesticated cadid, bred in many varieties. Which form of meaning is illustrated by the example here?

Connotative
Personification
Ironic
Denotative (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Denotative

The example provides a dictionary definition of 'dog,' including its pronunciation, part of speech, and a literal description. This type of meaning, which refers to the literal or primary sense of a word, is known as its denotative meaning. Connotative meaning, in contrast, refers to the associated feelings or ideas a word suggests.

Question 2: Where in a passage is the summary usually found?

Within the last paragraph (Correct answer)
At the end of the introduction
In the last sentence of the passage
In the body paragraphs

Correct answer: Within the last paragraph

A summary typically provides a concise overview of the main points and conclusions of a text. In most academic and formal writing, this synthesis and restatement of key information is found within the last paragraph, which serves as the conclusion. This placement allows the author to reiterate their argument or findings effectively.

Question 3: What kind of source is a picture in a textbook regarded as?

Secondary (Correct answer)
Tertiary
Original
Primary

Correct answer: Secondary

A secondary source is an account or interpretation of primary sources. A picture in a textbook is typically a reproduction or representation of an original image or object, used to illustrate or support the textbook's narrative or analysis. The textbook itself is a secondary source, and the images within it serve a similar function, making them secondary in this context.

Question 4: Which of the following sources of information is the most slanted?

A magazine ranking nursing schools nationwide
An online forum discussing the best ways to study for the TEAS (Correct answer)
A blog of a college's academic support center that outlines the steps she followed to get good grades
A nursing school's student manual that lists college policies and procedures

Correct answer: An online forum discussing the best ways to study for the TEAS

A 'slanted' source is one that is biased or presents information from a particular viewpoint, often without full objectivity. An online forum discussing study methods is highly likely to be slanted because it comprises individual opinions, personal experiences, and anecdotal evidence, which are inherently subjective and can lack factual verification or balanced perspectives. Other options generally aim for more objective or factual reporting.

Question 5: What kind of source is a prehistoric artifact?

Tertiary
Compiled
Secondary
Primary (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Primary

A primary source is an original document or physical object created at the time under study, offering direct evidence. A prehistoric artifact, such as a tool, pottery, or artwork from a past era, is an original item from that period. Therefore, it serves as direct evidence for historical or archaeological study, classifying it as a primary source.

Question 6: What of the following constitutes a tertiary source?

Almanac
Encyclopedia
Census
Both a and b (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Both a and b

Tertiary sources compile, index, or summarize information from secondary sources. Both an almanac and an encyclopedia fit this description, as they provide broad overviews, summaries, and factual data drawn from numerous other sources rather than presenting original research or direct analysis of primary materials. Therefore, both 'a' and 'b' are correct examples of tertiary sources.

Question 7: What kind of text most closely resembles an academic essay?

Procedural
Narrative
Technical
Expository (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Expository

An academic essay primarily aims to explain, describe, or argue a particular point or topic, often supported by evidence and analysis. This purpose aligns most closely with an 'expository' text, which is designed to inform, explain, or clarify. Narrative texts tell stories, procedural texts give instructions, and technical texts provide detailed information, but expository best captures the explanatory nature of academic essays.

Question 8: A student is doing research for a term paper on nursing. Where should a student look first when searching online for reliable, peer-reviewed information?

Online encyclopedia
Search engine
Online database (Correct answer)
Search query

Correct answer: Online database

Online databases, such as academic or library databases, are specifically curated to provide access to scholarly articles, journals, and research papers. These resources are typically peer-reviewed, meaning experts in the field have vetted the information for accuracy and credibility. This makes them the most reliable source for academic research, unlike general search engines or online encyclopedias which may contain unverified information.

Question 9: The ship moaned in the storm as she battled the ocean's waves. What kind of metaphorical expression is this?

Simile
Metaphor
Personification (Correct answer)
Exaggeration

Correct answer: Personification

Personification is a literary device where human qualities or actions are attributed to inanimate objects or abstract ideas. In the sentence, the ship is described as 'moaning' and 'battling,' which are actions and emotions typically associated with humans. This technique gives life to the ship and creates a more vivid and engaging image for the reader.

Question 10: What is the name of the source that contains a number of maps?

Anthology
Almanac
App
Atlas (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Atlas

An atlas is a collection of maps, usually bound into a book or presented as a digital resource. Its primary purpose is to provide comprehensive geographical information, including physical features, political boundaries, and thematic data. Therefore, it is the definitive source for finding a compilation of maps.

Question 11: Which of the following best sums up the author's perspective?

One problem with diesel cars is that they are often more expensive than gasoline-powered cars.
Diesel cars are more popular in European countries than in the United States.
The increase in popularity of diesel cars in the United States is clearly due to increasing gas prices. (Correct answer)
Many people find driving a diesel-powered car to be enjoyable because of the added torque.

Correct answer: The increase in popularity of diesel cars in the United States is clearly due to increasing gas prices.

To identify the author's perspective, one looks for a statement that expresses a clear viewpoint, opinion, or argument rather than just a fact. This option presents a strong causal claim, asserting that the increase in diesel car popularity is 'clearly due to increasing gas prices.' This definitive link between two factors represents a specific interpretation and argument, characteristic of an author's perspective.

Question 12: You come across a vocabulary term with a superscript while reading a textbook. You want to find out more about it. Where should you start looking?

A reference dictionary
The textbook's glossary
The textbook's footnote (Correct answer)
The textbook's index

Correct answer: The textbook's footnote

A superscript in a textbook typically indicates a footnote, which provides additional information, clarification, or a source citation at the bottom of the page. Footnotes are specifically designed to elaborate on or reference content marked with a superscript in the main text. Therefore, to find out more about a term marked with a superscript, the footnote is the most direct and intended place to look.

Question 13: What kind of source is a diary?

Compiled
Primary (Correct answer)
Tertiary
Secondary

Correct answer: Primary

A diary is considered a primary source because it is a firsthand account written by someone who directly experienced or observed the events described. It offers an immediate, personal perspective from the time period it was created. Primary sources are original materials that have not been interpreted or analyzed by others.

Question 14: Which passage type is most likely to have dialogue?

Technical
Narrative (Correct answer)
Persuasive
Expository

Correct answer: Narrative

A narrative passage tells a story or recounts a sequence of events, often involving characters and their interactions. Dialogue, which is the spoken exchange between characters, is a fundamental element of storytelling and is therefore most commonly found in narrative passages. It helps to advance the plot, reveal character, and make the story more engaging.

Question 15: In a textbook, which section should you look to get the definition of a term?

Thesaurus
Index
Glossary (Correct answer)
Dictionary

Correct answer: Glossary

A glossary is a list of specialized terms with their definitions, typically found at the end of a book or textbook. Its purpose is to provide quick and easy access to the meanings of important vocabulary used within that specific text. Therefore, when looking for the definition of a term within a textbook, the glossary is the most appropriate section to consult.

Question 16: Which argument would the opponent's character be addressed by the major evidence?

Generalization
Ad Hominem (Correct answer)
Slippery slope
Bandwagon

Correct answer: Ad Hominem

An *ad hominem* fallacy is a type of argument that attacks the character, motive, or other attribute of an opponent rather than addressing the substance of their argument. The term 'ad hominem' literally means 'to the person' in Latin. Therefore, if the major evidence addresses the opponent's character, it aligns perfectly with the definition of an *ad hominem* argument.

Question 17: What text elements frequently appear outside the main text?

Sidebar
Footnote
Bold text
Both a and b (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Both a and b

Sidebars are blocks of text set apart from the main body, often providing supplementary information, related facts, or interesting anecdotes. Footnotes, indicated by superscripts, offer additional details, explanations, or source citations at the bottom of a page. Both elements serve to enhance the main text but are presented separately from its continuous flow, making them 'outside the main text'.

Question 18: When you see a citation in a paper, you may be curious about the original source. Where should you start looking?

Index
Bibliography (Correct answer)
Abstract
Online database

Correct answer: Bibliography

A bibliography (also known as 'Works Cited' or 'References') is a list of all the sources an author has consulted or cited in their work. When you see a citation in a paper, the bibliography provides the full details of that source, allowing you to locate and examine the original material. It serves as a comprehensive guide to the research underpinning the paper.

Question 19: From a primitive form of exercise to a sophisticated leisure and competitive sport, swimming has evolved. Swimming is a demanding sport that calls for extensive training because it works almost all of the muscles in the body. In competitions, swimmers compete to cover a specified distance in the shortest amount of time using a particular swimming stroke. Additionally, swimmers train to increase their stamina and capacity for long swims. It is interesting to consider how swimming will develop for people in the future, either advancing into a progressive purpose or regressing to a primal mode of movement, because swimming has developed into a highly intricate competitive sport where one incorrect technique can disqualify a participant. What word or phrase best describes the structure of this passage?

An activity narrowed to a specific purpose and expanded to consider future implications. (Correct answer)
An activity narrowed to a specific purpose and expanded to consider future deviations.
An activity and its purposes are explained.
A hypothesis tested against certain conditions, developed into a larger thesis.

Correct answer: An activity narrowed to a specific purpose and expanded to consider future implications.

The passage begins by tracing swimming's evolution from a 'primitive form of exercise' to a 'sophisticated leisure and competitive sport.' It then narrows its focus to the specific demands and techniques of competitive swimming. Finally, the passage expands its scope to consider 'how swimming will develop for people in the future,' explicitly discussing 'future implications' like advancing or regressing, thus fitting the described structure.

Question 20: From a primitive form of exercise to a sophisticated leisure and competitive sport, swimming has evolved. Swimming is a demanding sport that calls for extensive training because it works almost all of the muscles in the body. In competitions, swimmers compete to cover a specified distance in the shortest amount of time using a particular swimming stroke. Additionally, swimmers train to increase their stamina and capacity for long swims. It is interesting to consider how swimming will develop for people in the future, either advancing into a progressive purpose or regressing to a primal mode of movement, because swimming has developed into a highly intricate competitive sport where one incorrect technique can disqualify a participant. Which of the following scenarios would result in swimming as predicted by the author?

People swim in home and community pools to relax and exercise.
Animals, including amphibians, begin to swim instinctively upon birth, as a dominant genetic trait.
Swimming remains a competitive Olympic sport.
Humans settling on the moon use swimming techniques to move through space. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Humans settling on the moon use swimming techniques to move through space.

The author speculates about swimming's future, asking if it will advance into a 'progressive purpose' or regress. The scenario of 'Humans settling on the moon use swimming techniques to move through space' represents a highly advanced, novel, and 'progressive purpose' for swimming, aligning with the author's forward-looking speculation about its evolution beyond current forms. This option best reflects a significant future implication.

Question 21: The transmission of heat and water vapor from the ocean to the air depends on the presence of disequilibrium at the water-air interface. The air is almost completely saturated with water vapor and is nearly the same temperature as the surface water within a millimeter of the water. The disequilibrium is maintained by air at the surface mixing with air further up, which is often noticeably cooler and lower in water vapor content. Regardless of how tiny these changes may be, they are significant. The air is mixed by the turbulence, which gets its power from the wind. Turbulence and, by extension, the rate of heat and moisture transmission both rise as wind speed does. After more research, we can reach a comprehensive knowledge of this phenomenon. When waves are generated, wind momentum is transferred to water, which is a complex and interacting phenomenon. Significant amounts of energy are transferred when the wind creates waves; as a result, this energy is not accessible to create turbulence. According to the passage, which of the following does the wind over the ocean typically? I. Causes cool, dry air to approach the surface of the ocean. II. Consistently transfers heat and moisture from the ocean to the atmosphere. III. Causes frequent fluctuations in the temperature of the ocean's surface.

II only
II and III only
I and II only
I only (Correct answer)

Correct answer: I only

The passage states, 'The disequilibrium is maintained by air at the surface mixing with air further up, which is often noticeably cooler and lower in water vapor content.' This directly supports statement I, indicating that wind causes cool, dry air to approach the ocean surface. Statement II is incorrect because the passage notes that 'Significant amounts of energy are transferred when the wind creates waves; as a result, this energy is not accessible to create turbulence,' implying wind doesn't *consistently* transfer heat and moisture, especially when creating waves. Statement III is not supported; the passage mentions temperature differences but not frequent fluctuations *of the ocean's surface* caused by wind.

TEAS Reading Practice Test #1

Dog : dog /dawg/ {noun} a domesticated cadid, bred in many varieties.
Which form of meaning is illustrated by the example here?

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