TEAS Reading Practice Test 2025

Welcome to your free TEAS Reading practice resource! This comprehensive guide helps you understand and overcome the most challenging aspects of the reading section. Whether you're just starting your TEAS journey or fine-tuning your skills, these strategies are proven to help boost your score. This page will showcase some of the elements of our ATI Test Prep products. 

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Free TEAS Reading Sample Questions

The following six sample questions will help you familiarize yourself with the types of questions you'll encounter on a free TEAS Test. These questions cover the three essential skills.   

The first passage primarily covers the skill of "Integration of Knowledge & Ideas" from the TEAS Reading exam. Integration of Knowledge & Ideas in the TEAS reading test typically focus on the following skills:

  • Using evidence to make predictions, inferences, and draw conclusions
  • Comparing and contrasting themes expressed in one or more texts
  • Evaluating arguments
  • Evaluating and integrating data from multiple sources across various formats

Question 1

Following are the updated FDA regulations about food labeling, which, naturally, apply also to us. Please read and let us know of any current violations in any parts of the establishment.
A. Label information shall include:

  1. The common name of the food, or, if a common name does not exist, an adequate description;
  2. If made from two or more ingredients, a list of ingredients in descending order of predominance by weight, including a declaration of artificial color or flavor and chemical preservatives contained;
  3. An accurate declaration of the quantity of contents, detailed in either weight or liquid volume;
  4. The name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor (or all three if not the same); and
  5. The name of the food source for each major food allergen contained in the food, unless the food source is already part of the common or usual name of the respective ingredient.

B. Bulk food that is available for consumer self-dispensing shall be prominently labeled with the following information in plain view of the consumer:

  1. The manufacturer or processor's label that was provided with the food; OR
  2. A card, sign, or other method of notification that includes the information specified under Subparagraphs (A)(1), (2), (3), and (5) of this section.

C. Bulk, unpackaged foods, such as bakery products and unpackaged foods that are portioned to consumer specification, need not be labeled if:

  1. A health, nutrient content, or other claim is not made;
  2. The food is manufactured or prepared on the premises of the food establishment or at another food establishment or food processing plant owned by the same person.

Which of the following information is not required to appear on the label of packaged tortilla shells sold in bulk?

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The correct answer is (C).

As stated in article (B)(2), bulk food is required to some, but not all, of the labeling requirements in article (A). The requirement not included is (A)(4), which is the name and place of business of, among others, the packer.

Answer (A) is incorrect because as stated in article (B)(1), if available, the original manufacturer or processor’s label should be attached to the product.
All other answers refer to conditions from article (A), but they refer also to bulk food under article (B)(2).

Answer (B) is incorrect because as stated in article (A)(5), the name of the food source of each major allergen must be stated.

Answer (D) is incorrect because as stated in article (A)(1), the product’s name, or a description of it, is a requirement.

Answer (E) is incorrect because as stated in article (A)(2-3), whether if made of one or more ingredients, the quantity, or weight, of the ingredients must be stated.

The question tests the reader's ability to integrate information from multiple parts of the text and apply it to a specific scenario (packaged tortilla shells sold in bulk), which is a key aspect of the "Integration of Knowledge & Ideas" skill. When faced with complex, detailed passages, create a mental outline of the main points. For this question, categorize information under "packaged foods" and "bulk foods." This organization will help you quickly locate and compare relevant details when answering questions.

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The next passage, question, and answer primarily cover the skill of "Key Ideas and Details" from the TEAS Reading exam. Key Ideas and Details in the TEAS reading test typically focus on the following skills:

  • Summarizing multi-paragraph texts
  • Making inferences and drawing conclusions about a text's purpose and meaning
  • Demonstrating comprehension of written directions
  • Locating specific information in a text
  • Analyzing, interpreting, and applying information from charts, graphs, and other visuals

Question 2

Both human liver enzymes and bacteria can process caffeine and other drugs. Liver enzymes can remove the CH3 groups stuck to the rings, just as bacterial enzymes do, resulting in caffeine derivatives, the most simple of which is known as xanthine, the door. The bacteria hang onto them, chopping down the rings to their component elements and harvesting energy.

In bacteria, caffeine ____

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The correct answer is (A).

Let's break down why this is correct and why the other options are wrong:

  • Correct - Option A: The passage tells us that bacteria literally "chop down" the rings in caffeine molecules and "harvest energy" from this process. Think of it like bacteria breaking down a complex Lego structure (caffeine) into smaller pieces and using the process to generate energy for themselves.

Wrong answers explained:

  • Option B (cannot be used for energy) directly contradicts what the passage says about bacteria harvesting energy from caffeine.
  • Option C (is hazardous) isn't mentioned anywhere in the passage. The text actually suggests that bacteria can process caffeine quite effectively.
  • Option D (is not processed in the liver) is incorrect because the passage isn't talking about where bacteria process caffeine - it's discussing how they process it.

Fun fact from the passage: Both humans and bacteria can break down caffeine, but they do it differently. Human liver enzymes remove CH3 groups (a type of chemical group), while bacteria break down the entire ring structure of the caffeine molecule. The simplest form of this breakdown product is called xanthine (the "door" as mentioned in the text).

This explanation gives us a clearer picture of how bacteria can actually benefit from caffeine, rather than just being affected by it like humans are!

Focus on identifying the main idea and supporting details in short scientific passages. Underline or highlight key terms and their definitions or functions. In this case, noting how bacteria process caffeine differently from liver enzymes is crucial for answering the question correctly.


The next passage, question, and answer also covers the skill of "Integration of Knowledge & Ideas" from the TEAS Reading exam.

Just as nurses must carefully read patient charts to make accurate medical decisions, we need to read weather probability charts precisely to make good farming decisions. This is a crucial skill in many professions!

Question 3

As an organic farmer, you need to approximate the weather for each of the ten days following the sowing of your fields (sunny day, cloudy day and rainy day).

The graph below includes vertical lines representing the minimum (lower point) and maximum (upper point) chances of, in percentages, sunny/cloudy/rainy weather.

According to the graph, if a super sunny day is defined as one whose vertical line is above 20% percent, how many super sunny days are counted? 

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The correct answer is (B).

Let's break this down step by step:

What we're looking for:

  • Days where the vertical line (showing the range of sunny weather probability) extends ABOVE 20%
    We need to check BOTH the lower and upper points of each vertical line


Analyzing the graph:

  • Most days have vertical lines starting BELOW 20% at their lower point
  • Only Day 8 has its entire vertical line above 20% (ranging from about 25% to 95%)
  • Days 1 and 7 might look promising at first, but their lower points start at 15%, so they don't qualify
  • The remaining days have even lower chances of sunny weather

Wrong answers explained:

  • Option A (0): Misses the one qualifying day
  • Option C (2): Might be chosen if you incorrectly count Days 1 or 7, but remember to check the lower points!
  • Options D (3) and E (4): Far too many days - shows a misunderstanding of the "above 20%" requirement

Remember: Just like how a nurse must be precise when reading patient vital signs, we need to be exact when reading these weather probabilities. A small misreading could lead to poor farming decisions!

Practice interpreting graphs and charts regularly. When answering questions about visual data, always refer back to the graph and double-check your interpretation against the specific criteria given in the question. Here, pay close attention to the definition of a "super sunny day" and compare it to each data point. If you want to improve your English language usage, try our free test. 


 

While this guide focuses on the TEAS Reading test, it's crucial to remember that nursing requires proficiency across multiple disciplines. The reading section often includes interpreting graphs and charts, a skill that overlaps with mathematical literacy. As you prepare for the reading component, don't overlook the importance of the TEAS Math test.

The 4th passage, question, and answer primarily covers the skill of "Craft & Structure" from the TEAS Reading exam. Craft and Structure in the TEAS reading test typically focus on the following skills:

  • Distinguishing between fact and opinion
  • Using context to interpret the meaning of words and phrases
  • Evaluating an author's purpose in a given text
  • Evaluating an author's point of view in a given text
  • Identifying an author's tone and bias

Question 4

Read the passage below before answering the question.

When Carlos and Donna Royal, a retired couple from San Marcos, California, decided to install an owl box in their eco-friendly yard, little did they know this spontaneous decision would affect millions. For two years the box sat empty, until one winter day a toppled fence drew Carlos to that corner of the yard, where he heard scratching sounds coming from the box.
He hurried back into the house and turned on the TV, which was connected to a camera fitted inside the box. "Donna!" he exclaimed, "I think we have a visitor!" Indeed, the box was occupied by a beautiful female barn owl. At night, she was joined by a gentleman caller, who delivered a fresh meal in the form of a rabbit. The Royals named the owls Molly and McGee, and Carlos, eager to share the experience with his 94-year-old mother, asked his grandson's assistance in streaming live video from the box across the Web. He never expected what came next.

Which of the following is a reasonable prediction about what the author will include in the paragraphs to follow?

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The correct answer is (B). Details about the technical issues Carlos encountered while trying to live stream the video.

Let's do a careful analysis of the passage clues (just as precisely as we would read medical charts):
Key evidence supporting B:

  • The text mentions that Carlos "asked his grandson's assistance in streaming live video" - suggesting he might not be technically savvy
    This was meant to be a simple family stream to share with his 94-year-old mother
  • The line "He never expected what came next" directly follows the mention of setting up the livestream
    The setup involves connecting a TV to a camera in the owl box - a potentially complex technical arrangement

Why the other options don't work:

  • Option A (Eggs and owlets): We already know there are two owls in the box, and natural breeding behavior wouldn't be unexpected
  • Option C (Multinational popularity): While the first line mentions "affecting millions," that's likely a broader reference to the entire story's impact, not what immediately follows
  • Option D (Mother's infatuation): The mother is only briefly mentioned as the intended audience, not a major part of the upcoming narrative

Key lesson: When making predictions, we should focus on the immediate context (the streaming setup) rather than jumping to broader conclusions. Just as in healthcare, sometimes the most immediate situation (technical difficulties) is more relevant than the bigger picture (eventual popularity).

As you read narrative passages, look for clues about the author's intended direction. Pay attention to phrases that hint at future events or create suspense, like "little did they know" or "He never expected what came next." These often indicate what information the author is likely to provide in subsequent paragraphs.


In healthcare, being a skilled reader is just as important as being scientifically literate – the TEAS test is your first step in proving you have both these essential skills. Click here if you want to improve your English language skills.

The penultimate question primarily assesses the "Integration of Knowledge and Ideas" skill from the TEAS Reading exam.

Note the need to understand geometry in this question. Excelling in both reading and math will build a strong foundation for your nursing career. Remember, a well-rounded preparation approach is key to succeeding not just in the TEAS test but also in your future nursing studies and practice.

Question 5

Please choose the correct answer.
Draw a square. Draw a diagonal connecting the upper right-hand vertex (corner) to the lower left-hand vertex. From the midpoint of the diagonal, draw a line extending to the upper left-hand vertex. Write the letter "A" at each end of the diagonal (the upper right-hand vertex and the lower left-hand vertex) and the letter "B" next to the remaining two vertices (corners). Rotate the drawing 45 degrees clockwise.

Which of the following drawings corresponds with the directions?

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The correct answer is (D).

Step 1: draw a square:
     
Step 2: draw a diagonal connecting the upper right-hand vertex (corner) to the lower left-hand vertex:

  • Connect upper right to lower left
  • Like drawing a line for an incision, precision matters 

Step 3: draw a line extending from the midpoint of the diagonal to the upper left-hand vertex:

Creates a triangular pattern in the square       

Step 4: write the letter "A" at both ends of the diagonal:   

Step 5: write the letter "B" next to the remaining vertices (corners):   

Step 6: rotate by 45 degrees clockwise:

Why D is correct:

  • When we rotate the completed figure 45° clockwise
  • The A-A diagonal becomes diagonal
  • The "B"s end up in correct positions
  • The additional line from midpoint matches

Why others are wrong: A: Rotation is incorrect B: Letters are in wrong positions C: Incorrect orientation of the square

Remember: Just as in medical procedures, each step must be followed exactly in the right order to get the correct result. One misplaced line or incorrect rotation changes everything!

For questions involving step-by-step instructions, read through all directions first before looking at the answer choices. Then, mentally follow each step, creating a clear image in your mind. Only after you have a complete mental picture should you compare it to the given options. This approach helps avoid confusion from partially correct answers.

This synthesis of reading and science mimics the real-world scenarios nurses face daily, where understanding dense medical literature and translating it into practical patient care is crucial. By honing both your scientific knowledge and advanced reading strategies, you'll not only excel in the TEAS test but also lay a solid foundation for your nursing education and career.

The final question primarily covers the skill of "Key Ideas and Details" from the TEAS Reading exam.

Question 6

Read the memo below before answering the question.
To: All employees
From: Management
Date: June 30th, 2017
Subject: The Office Kitchen

It has come to the management's attention that the office kitchen is often left in an unpleasant state.
Those who eat last constantly suffer from this problem.
Therefore, we ask you to make sure you leave a clean table and a clean sink once you have finished your lunch break.
A new dishwasher has been installed for your convenience.
Wet wipes and paper towels can be found in the kitchen's cupboard.
Bonuses will be awarded to employees who take an active part in this joint effort.

Which of the following statements is accurate according to the above memo?

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The correct answer is (D).

Let's break down this memo.

The Memo: Think of it like a group text from your boss.

The memo is basically telling everyone that the office kitchen is a mess. Nobody likes walking into a dirty kitchen, especially if they're trying to eat. So, management is asking everyone to clean up after themselves. They've even made it easier by getting a new dishwasher and stocking up on cleaning supplies. Plus, they're offering bonuses as an incentive – like a reward for being responsible.

Now, let's look at the multiple-choice answers, explaining why each one is right or wrong:

  • A. Employees are expected to bring wet wipes and paper towels with them.

    • WRONG. The memo specifically says the wipes and towels are already there in the cupboard. It's like your mom saying, "The cleaning supplies are under the sink," not "Go buy some."
  • B. Employees are expected to install the dishwasher before using it.

    • WRONG. The memo says the dishwasher has already been installed. This means it's ready to go – no assembly required. Imagine showing up to work and your boss telling you to build the microwave before you can use it – that wouldn't make sense!
  • C. Managers are asking employees to leave behind a clean kitchen at the end of the day.

    • WRONG. The memo focuses on cleaning up after lunch. It's about not leaving a mess for the next person who uses the kitchen during the day, not about a final cleanup at closing time. Think of it like cleaning up your dishes right after you eat, not waiting until the end of the day to do a massive kitchen cleaning.
  • D. Employees who leave a clean table and sink behind may receive bonuses.

    • CORRECT. This is exactly what the memo says. They're offering bonuses to encourage people to keep the kitchen clean. It's like a reward for good behavior.

Key takeaway: When reading memos or instructions at work (or even in school), pay close attention to the specific wording. The memo says the supplies are in the cupboard, the dishwasher is already installed, and the cleaning is expected after lunch. These small details are what make the difference between a right and wrong answer.

When reading workplace documents like memos, focus on identifying the main message and specific instructions or expectations. Look for keywords that indicate important information, such as "therefore," "we ask you to," and "bonuses will be awarded." These often point to key details that questions will address.


Get Our Free Reading Comprehension Study Guide PDF

Is the TEAS Reading section giving you trouble? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Our free study guide provides a clear and concise review of essential concepts, effective strategies, and common question types. Identify your weak spots and gain the confidence you need to succeed.

Ready to see how you'd perform on the real exam? Use our free TEAS Reading practice questions. It's the perfect way to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses and see how our Complete TEAS 7 Test Prep Pack can help you achieve your best score.

This is a Reference Materials/Resource Selection type question from the TEAS Reading section, which tests your ability to identify the most appropriate source for finding specific medical information.

Question 7

"The patient is displaying symptoms typical of dermatofibroma."

If you did not know the exact meaning of the underlined word, which of the following would be the best source to look for it?

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The correct answer is (B) - The Ultimate Glossary for Skin Care Physicians

Let's break down why answer (B) is correct, thinking like a healthcare professional who needs to efficiently find accurate information:

Key Analysis Steps:

  1. Word Analysis:
    • The root "derm-" indicates skin-related condition (as in dermatologist)
    • "-fibroma" suggests some type of growth or mass
    • This is clearly a specialized skin term
  2. Why each source would or wouldn't be helpful:

BEST CHOICE - B (Skin Care Physicians Glossary):

  • Most specific to skin conditions
  • Comprehensive for skin specialists
  • Likely contains detailed definitions of specialized skin terms
  • Perfect match for looking up a skin-specific medical term

Why other options fall short:

  • Option A (Internal Medicine):
    • Wrong medical specialty - internal organs, not skin
    • Too broad and mismatched with "derm-" prefix
  • Option C (Skin Allergies Guide):
    • Too narrow in focus - only covers allergies
    • May miss other skin conditions
    • Not comprehensive enough for general skin terminology
  • Option D (General Medical Dictionary):
    • Too broad - while it would likely have the term, it's not the most efficient choice
    • When a specialized resource is available, it's better to use that

Healthcare Tip: Just as you would consult a specialist for specific medical conditions, you should consult specialized references for specific medical terms!

What Is the ATI TEAS Reading Test?

The TEAS Reading Test assesses skills that are fundamental to effective nursing practice. Strong reading comprehension and analytical skills enable nurses to understand complex medical information, follow detailed instructions, make informed decisions, and communicate effectively. These skills ensure that nurses can provide quality care, maintain patient safety, and contribute effectively to the healthcare team.

You will have 64 minutes to answer the 53 items in the reading section. The ATI TEAS Test Reading section is comprised of three topics:

  • Key Ideas and Details
  • Craft & Structure
  • Integration of Knowledge & Ideas

Six questions are included as pretest items that do not count toward your final score.


How Do I Prepare for the TEAS Reading?

Preparing for the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Reading section involves several strategies to enhance your reading comprehension and test-taking skills. Here are some tips:

  • Know Your Test: Familiarize yourself with the test format - 45 questions in 55 minutes.
  • Time is Your Ally: Create a 2-3 month study schedule. Consistency is key, so set aside daily reading practice time.
  • Sharpen Your Skills: Focus on these critical areas: • Summarizing multi-paragraph texts • Making inferences and drawing conclusions • Comprehending written directions • Locating specific information •Analyzing charts and graphs • Interpreting event sequences
  • Diversify Your Reading: Dive into scientific articles and health-related journals. After reading, summarize key points to boost retention.
  • Master the Clock: Take timed practice tests to develop your exam pacing skills.
  • Boost Your Vocabulary: Learn to quickly identify main ideas and supporting details • Study unfamiliar words from practice materials • Use context clues to decipher word meanings
  • Think Critically: Practice distinguishing fact from opinion and evaluating arguments.
  • Simulate Test Day: Take full-length practice tests under exam conditions. Review mistakes and focus on weak areas. Try some more free TEAS Sample questions.
  • Read Strategically: Preview questions before tackling passages • Use keywords to locate important information
  • Team Up: Join study groups or seek tutoring for collaborative learning.

Remember, preparation is half the battle. With these steps, you'll be well-equipped to conquer the TEAS reading test!

TEAS Reading Scoring

To achieve a competitive TEAS test score, it's essential to understand the scoring system, which includes a 100% scale with no penalty for guessing, and to prepare for the Reading section, which accounts for a significant portion of your overall score.


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FAQ's

The TEAS Reading exam contains 51 questions. However, it's important to note that out of these, 45 questions are scored, and the remaining 6 are unscored pre-test questions that are used for test development purposes. 


A good TEAS Reading score, would ideally fall within the (78% to 90%) or (90.7% to 100%) ranges. These scores represent high levels of academic preparedness, indicating that students are well-prepared and likely will not need additional preparation for health science programs.

However, it's essential to recognize that what constitutes a "good" score can vary significantly from one institution to another. Specific programs may have their benchmarks for what they consider a passing or competitive score.


The TEAS Reading exam lasts 55 minutes. During this time, test-takers must answer all the questions in the reading section.