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TEAS Test Prep Guide

Videos to help with TEAS practice.

TEAS Test

The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is a test for people applying to nursing and health-related programs. It checks knowledge and skills in four main areas:

  • Reading: Understanding and interpreting written passages. (55 minutes)

  • Mathematics: Basic math skills like arithmetic and algebra. (57 minutes)

  • Science: Knowledge of human anatomy, biology, and chemistry. (60 minutes)

  • English and Language Usage: Grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary skills. (37 minutes)

The TEAS test is commonly required for admission into nursing programs and serves as a predictor of a candidate's success in nursing school. The exam is typically multiple-choice and is timed, with each section having its own time limit.

Here is a breakdown of the TEAS concepts covered in each section:

1. Reading

  • Key Ideas and Details:
    • Summarizing a passage
    • Identifying the main idea and supporting details
    • Following a sequence of events
    • Making inferences and drawing conclusions
  • Craft and Structure:
    • Understanding the author's purpose and point of view
    • Determining the meaning of words and phrases in context
    • Analyzing text features (e.g., headings, subheadings)
  • Integration of Knowledge and Ideas:
    • Evaluating arguments and evidence
    • Comparing and contrasting themes or ideas from different texts

2. Mathematics

  • Numbers and Algebra:
    • Operations with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals
    • Ratios, proportions, and percentages
    • Algebraic expressions and equations
    • Solving word problems involving algebra
  • Measurement and Data:
    • Units of measurement and conversions
    • Data interpretation (e.g., graphs, tables, charts)
    • Basic statistics (mean, median, mode)
    • Geometry (shapes, perimeter, area, volume)

3. Science

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology:
    • Body systems (e.g., circulatory, respiratory, digestive)
    • Structure and function of organs and tissues
    • Basic physiological processes (e.g., homeostasis, metabolism)
  • Biology:
    • Cell structure and function
    • Genetics and heredity
    • Evolution and natural selection
    • Ecology and ecosystems
  • Chemistry:
    • Atomic structure and periodic table
    • Chemical reactions and equations
    • Properties of matter
    • Solutions and mixtures
  • Scientific Reasoning:
    • Interpreting scientific data
    • Understanding scientific experiments and the scientific method
    • Analyzing and drawing conclusions from scientific information

4. English and Language Usage

  • Conventions of Standard English:
    • Grammar and usage (e.g., subject-verb agreement, verb tenses)
    • Punctuation and capitalization
    • Sentence structure (e.g., fragments, run-ons)
  • Knowledge of Language:
    • Choosing precise and concise words
    • Understanding the tone and style of writing
    • Correcting errors in writing for clarity and coherence
  • Vocabulary Acquisition:
    • Determining the meaning of words based on context
    • Recognizing and using common prefixes, suffixes, and root words
    • Understanding and using academic and domain-specific vocabulary

Here are some general test-taking tips that can help you prepare for the TEAS test:

  1. Familiarize Yourself with the Test Format: Understand the structure of the TEAS test, including the number of sections, types of questions, and time limits for each section.

  2. Create a Study Plan: Develop a study schedule that covers all sections of the TEAS test. Allocate more time to areas where you need improvement.

  3. Use Official Study Materials: Utilize official TEAS study guides, practice tests, and resources provided by ATI or reputable publishers to familiarize yourself with the content and format of the exam.

  4. Take Practice Tests: Regularly take practice tests to assess your knowledge and identify areas of weakness. Practice tests can help you get accustomed to the timing and types of questions you'll encounter.

  5. Review Content Areas: Focus on reviewing key concepts in reading, mathematics, science, and English language usage. Prioritize understanding over memorization.

  6. Practice Time Management: During practice tests, simulate real test conditions by timing yourself. Learn to pace yourself to ensure you can complete all sections within the allotted time.

  7. Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: Analyze your performance on practice tests to identify areas where you excel and areas that need improvement. Adjust your study plan accordingly.

  8. Utilize Test-Taking Strategies:

    • Read each question carefully and thoroughly before answering.
    • Eliminate obviously incorrect answer choices to increase your chances of selecting the correct answer.
    • Guess if you're unsure of an answer, as unanswered questions receive no points.
    • Use the process of elimination to narrow down answer choices for multiple-choice questions.
  9. Stay Calm and Focused: On test day, manage test anxiety by taking deep breaths and maintaining a positive attitude. Focus on each question and avoid getting stuck on difficult ones.

  10. Review Before Test Day: Review key concepts and formulas the day before the test, but avoid cramming. Get plenty of rest and eat a balanced meal to ensure you're well-rested and focused on test day.

Effective time management is crucial for performing well on the TEAS test. Here are some tips specifically for managing your time during the exam:

  1. Know the Test Structure: Familiarize yourself with the number of sections, total time allowed, and time limits for each section of the TEAS test.

  2. Practice with Timed Tests: Take practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the actual testing environment. This helps you get accustomed to the pace required for each section.

  3. Read Instructions Carefully: Spend a few seconds reading the instructions for each section to understand what is expected. This prevents misunderstandings that can waste time.

  4. Budget Time Wisely: Quickly assess the number of questions and time available for each section. Plan how much time you can afford to spend on each question while ensuring you complete the section within the time limit.

  5. Flag Difficult Questions: If you encounter a particularly challenging question, flag it and move on to easier ones. Come back to flagged questions if you have time left at the end.

  6. Use Breaks Wisely: If breaks are allowed during the test, use them strategically to stretch, relax, and clear your mind. Avoid spending too much time on breaks that could otherwise be used for completing sections.

  7. Practice Skimming and Scanning: Develop the ability to skim passages and scan questions for keywords. This helps you locate relevant information quickly, especially in the Reading section.

  8. Manage Your Pace: Monitor your progress throughout the test. Adjust your pace if you find yourself spending too much time on a particular question or section.

  9. Stay Calm and Focused: Maintain a positive attitude and stay focused on the task at hand. If you find yourself feeling anxious or stuck, take a deep breath and move on to the next question.

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