TEAS Reading & English Language Usage 2026: Complete Strategy Guide
The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) has 4 sections, and you probably already know about Math and Science. But the Reading and English & Language Usage sections together account for nearly half your composite score — and they're the two sections students most frequently underestimate.
The Reading section is the longest section on the TEAS (55 minutes, 45 questions), and English & Language Usage is the shortest (37 minutes, 37 questions — exactly 1 minute per question). Both reward specific strategies that you can learn and practice.
This guide covers every question type, the techniques that boost your score, and the most commonly tested grammar and vocabulary concepts.
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TEAS Reading Section Overview
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Questions | 45 questions (39 scored + 6 unscored pretest) |
| Time | 55 minutes |
| Content Areas | Key Ideas & Details, Craft & Structure, Integration of Knowledge & Ideas |
| Question Types | Passage-based, graphic-based, map reading, instruction following |
| Score Weight | ~31% of composite TEAS score |
Reading Content Area Breakdown
| Content Area | % of Section | What It Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Key Ideas & Details | ~38% | Main idea, supporting details, summarizing, drawing conclusions |
| Craft & Structure | ~24% | Author's purpose, tone, point of view, text structure |
| Integration of Knowledge & Ideas | ~38% | Using evidence, evaluating arguments, comparing texts, interpreting graphics |
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Key Ideas & Details: Strategies for the Biggest Category
Finding the Main Idea
The main idea is the central point of a passage. TEAS passages are typically 4–7 paragraphs long, and main idea questions are the most common question type.
The PIRR Method:
- Preview — Read the first sentence of each paragraph before reading the full passage
- Identify — What topic keeps appearing? That's likely the main idea
- Read — Now read the full passage with the main idea in mind
- Reconfirm — Does the last paragraph reinforce the main idea?
Active Annotation Strategy: As you read, actively mark the passage:
- Underline the main idea of each paragraph
- Circle key terms and names
- Note the purpose of each paragraph in the margin (e.g., "example," "contrast," "evidence")
- This forces engagement and makes answering questions faster
Common Traps:
- ❌ Choosing a detail that's true but too narrow (only covers one paragraph)
- ❌ Choosing an answer that's too broad (covers more than the passage discusses)
- ❌ Choosing an answer based on outside knowledge (not stated in the passage)
Identifying Supporting Details
Supporting detail questions ask "According to the passage..." or "Which of the following is stated in the passage?"
Strategy: These are fact-finding questions — the answer is always DIRECTLY stated in the passage. Don't infer, don't assume. Find the exact sentence.
Time-Saver: Read the question FIRST, identify the keyword, then scan the passage for that keyword or synonym.
Drawing Conclusions and Making Inferences
Inference questions ask what can be "reasonably concluded" or "inferred" from the passage. The answer won't be directly stated but must be logically supported.
The Evidence Test: For each answer choice, ask: "Can I point to specific text that supports this?" If you can't, eliminate it.
Summarizing
Summary questions ask you to identify the best summary of a passage or paragraph.
Good summaries:
- ✅ Cover the main idea and key supporting points
- ✅ Are balanced (don't over-emphasize one detail)
- ✅ Use general language (not specific quotes or data points)
Bad summaries:
- ❌ Include only one specific detail
- ❌ Add information not in the passage
- ❌ Miss the main idea entirely
Craft & Structure: Reading Like a Writer
Author's Purpose
Every passage is written to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain. TEAS passages are predominantly informational or persuasive.
| Purpose | Clues |
|---|---|
| Inform | Neutral tone, facts, data, no opinion |
| Persuade | Opinion words ("should," "must," "clearly"), one-sided evidence |
| Explain | Step-by-step structure, "how" or "why" focus |
| Entertain | Narrative structure, descriptive language, dialogue |
Distinguishing Fact vs. Opinion
This is a commonly tested skill under Craft & Structure:
| Type | Characteristics | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Fact | Can be verified, uses objective language | "The heart pumps blood through the circulatory system." |
| Opinion | Expresses a belief or judgment, uses subjective language | "Cardiology is the most fascinating field of medicine." |
Signal words for opinions: should, must, best, worst, believe, think, feel, most important, clearly
Trap: Statistics and data can be used to support opinions. Just because a sentence contains a number doesn't make it a fact. "Most nurses agree that..." is still an opinion.
Tone and Point of View
Tone is the author's attitude toward the subject. Common TEAS tone words:
| Positive | Neutral | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Optimistic | Objective | Critical |
| Enthusiastic | Informative | Skeptical |
| Supportive | Analytical | Dismissive |
| Admiring | Impartial | Cautionary |
Point of View:
- First person (I, we) — Personal experience or opinion
- Second person (you) — Instructional or advisory
- Third person (he, she, they) — Most common in TEAS passages; objective reporting
Text Structure
Passages use organizational patterns. Identifying the structure helps you predict what information comes next:
| Structure | Signal Words | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Chronological | first, then, next, finally, after | History of a medical discovery |
| Compare/Contrast | similarly, however, on the other hand, unlike | Two treatment approaches |
| Cause/Effect | because, therefore, as a result, consequently | Why a disease spreads |
| Problem/Solution | the issue, one approach, the solution | Addressing nurse shortages |
| Description | for example, such as, including, features | Anatomy of the heart |
Integration of Knowledge & Ideas: The Critical Thinking Section
Evaluating Arguments
These questions ask you to identify:
- The claim (what the author argues)
- The evidence (facts supporting the claim)
- Logical flaws (weak reasoning)
Common Logical Flaws on TEAS:
- Hasty generalization: Drawing broad conclusions from limited examples
- False cause: Assuming correlation equals causation
- Appeal to authority: Using credentials instead of evidence
- Either/or fallacy: Presenting only two options when more exist
Interpreting Graphics
The TEAS includes questions based on:
- Charts and graphs (bar, line, pie)
- Tables with data
- Maps and diagrams
- Infographics combining text and visuals
Strategy: Read the title, axis labels, and legend BEFORE looking at data. The labels tell you what the graphic measures.
Comparing and Contrasting Multiple Sources
These questions give you two passages on the same topic and ask how they differ in:
- Main argument or perspective
- Evidence used
- Tone or purpose
Strategy: Read both passages completely before answering. Note where they agree, disagree, and what each includes that the other doesn't.
Following Directions
The TEAS includes practical direction-following questions:
- Reading a recipe or procedure and identifying the next step
- Following a set of instructions and determining the outcome
- Identifying when a step was done incorrectly
Strategy: Read ALL steps before answering. Pay attention to sequence words (first, before, after, finally).
Practice TEAS Reading with AI-Powered Help
Our AI study assistant can help you practice reading comprehension strategies. Ask questions like:
- "Give me a TEAS-style reading passage and questions"
- "Explain how to identify the main idea in a passage"
- "What are the most common TEAS reading question traps?"
TEAS English & Language Usage Section Overview
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Questions | 37 questions (33 scored + 4 unscored pretest) |
| Time | 37 minutes (exactly 1 minute per question) |
| Content Areas | Conventions of Standard English, Knowledge of Language, Using Language & Vocabulary in Context |
| Score Weight | ~19% of composite TEAS score |
English Content Area Breakdown
| Content Area | % of Section | What It Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Conventions of Standard English | ~36% | Grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure |
| Knowledge of Language | ~33% | Clarity, conciseness, tone, formal vs. informal |
| Using Language & Vocabulary | ~31% | Context clues, word parts (prefixes/suffixes/roots), word meaning |
Conventions of Standard English: The Grammar Rules That Matter
Subject-Verb Agreement
The #1 most-tested grammar concept on the TEAS:
| Rule | Correct | Incorrect |
|---|---|---|
| Singular subject → singular verb | The nurse administers medication | The nurse administer medication |
| Plural subject → plural verb | The nurses administer medication | The nurses administers medication |
| "Neither...nor" → verb matches closer subject | Neither the doctors nor the nurse is available | Neither the doctors nor the nurse are available |
| Collective nouns → usually singular | The team meets at 3 PM | The team meet at 3 PM |
Tricky Cases:
- Words between subject and verb: "The list of medications is on the counter" (not "are")
- "Each" and "every" are always singular: "Each of the patients has been seen"
- "There is/are" — look at what follows: "There are three options" (not "is")
Comma Rules
| Rule | Example |
|---|---|
| Before FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) in compound sentences | The patient ate dinner, but he refused dessert. |
| After introductory phrases | After the surgery, the patient rested. |
| In a series (Oxford comma) | The nurse checked vitals, administered medication, and documented findings. |
| Around non-essential information | Dr. Smith, who specializes in cardiology, performed the procedure. |
Commonly Confused Words
| Words | How to Remember |
|---|---|
| affect (verb) vs. effect (noun) | "Affect = Action, Effect = End result" |
| than (comparison) vs. then (time) | "Than compares, then shows when" |
| their (possession) vs. there (place) vs. they're (they are) | Substitute "they are" — if it works, use "they're" |
| its (possession) vs. it's (it is) | Substitute "it is" — if it works, use "it's" |
| accept (receive) vs. except (exclude) | "Accept = Agree to take" |
| principal (leader/main) vs. principle (rule/belief) | "The principal is your pal" |
| complement (complete) vs. compliment (praise) | "I complement to complete" |
Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
Another frequently tested grammar concept:
| Rule | Correct | Incorrect |
|---|---|---|
| Singular antecedent → singular pronoun | Each nurse must complete her or his training | Each nurse must complete their training |
| Plural antecedent → plural pronoun | The nurses completed their training | The nurses completed her training |
| "Everyone/anybody/each" → singular | Everyone should bring his or her ID | Everyone should bring their ID |
Note: While "they/their" as a singular pronoun is increasingly accepted in everyday English, the TEAS tends to test traditional pronoun-antecedent agreement rules.
Semicolons and Apostrophes
Semicolon Rules:
| Use | Example |
|---|---|
| Join two related independent clauses | The patient improved**;** she was discharged Tuesday. |
| Before conjunctive adverbs (however, therefore, moreover) | The test was difficult**;** however, she passed. |
| In complex lists with internal commas | The team includes Dr. Smith, cardiologist**;** Dr. Lee, neurologist**;** and Dr. Patel, surgeon. |
Apostrophe Rules:
| Use | Example |
|---|---|
| Possession (singular) | The nurse**'s** station |
| Possession (plural ending in s) | The nurses**'** station |
| Contractions | It**'s** = it is; don**'t** = do not |
| NOT for plurals | ❌ The nurse's are busy → ✅ The nurses are busy |
Sentence Structure
Types tested on TEAS:
- Simple: One independent clause (The patient improved.)
- Compound: Two independent clauses joined by FANBOYS (The patient improved, and she was discharged.)
- Complex: Independent + dependent clause (Although the patient improved, she remained hospitalized.)
- Compound-complex: Multiple independent + dependent clauses
Common Errors:
- Run-on: Two sentences smashed together without punctuation
- Comma splice: Two sentences joined with only a comma (needs FANBOYS or semicolon)
- Fragment: Missing a subject or verb
Knowledge of Language: Writing Clearly
Conciseness
Choose the option that says the same thing with fewer words:
| Wordy | Concise |
|---|---|
| "Due to the fact that" | "Because" |
| "In the event that" | "If" |
| "At this point in time" | "Now" |
| "In spite of the fact that" | "Although" |
| "Has the ability to" | "Can" |
| "A large number of" | "Many" |
Formal vs. Informal Tone
TEAS tests your ability to identify appropriate tone for context:
| Context | Appropriate Tone |
|---|---|
| Medical documentation | Formal, objective |
| Patient education materials | Semi-formal, clear |
| Peer-reviewed journal | Formal, technical |
| Personal narrative | Informal, subjective |
Transition Words
| Purpose | Transitions |
|---|---|
| Addition | furthermore, moreover, in addition, also |
| Contrast | however, nevertheless, on the other hand, conversely |
| Cause/Effect | therefore, consequently, as a result, thus |
| Example | for instance, specifically, for example, such as |
| Time | subsequently, meanwhile, previously, ultimately |
| Conclusion | in conclusion, ultimately, to summarize, overall |
Using Language & Vocabulary in Context
Context Clues (The #1 Vocabulary Strategy)
When you encounter an unknown word, use surrounding text:
| Clue Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Definition | "Hemostasis, the process of stopping blood flow, is critical during surgery" |
| Synonym | "The patient was lethargic; this sluggish behavior concerned the nurse" |
| Antonym | "Unlike her gregarious sister, Maria was shy and reserved" |
| Example | "Analgesics such as aspirin and ibuprofen reduce pain" |
Medical Prefixes, Suffixes, and Roots
This is high-yield content for both the English AND Science sections:
Essential Prefixes:
| Prefix | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| hyper- | above/excessive | hypertension (high blood pressure) |
| hypo- | below/deficient | hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) |
| tachy- | fast | tachycardia (fast heart rate) |
| brady- | slow | bradycardia (slow heart rate) |
| anti- | against | antibiotic (against bacteria) |
| pre- | before | prenatal (before birth) |
| post- | after | postoperative (after surgery) |
Essential Suffixes:
| Suffix | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| -itis | inflammation | arthritis (joint inflammation) |
| -ectomy | surgical removal | appendectomy (removal of appendix) |
| -ology | study of | cardiology (study of the heart) |
| -pathy | disease | neuropathy (nerve disease) |
| -emia | blood condition | anemia (low red blood cells) |
| -osis | abnormal condition | stenosis (abnormal narrowing) |
Essential Roots:
| Root | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| cardi/o | heart | cardiovascular |
| pulm/o | lung | pulmonary |
| hepat/o | liver | hepatitis |
| ren/o | kidney | renal |
| neur/o | nerve | neurology |
| derm/o | skin | dermatitis |
| oste/o | bone | osteoporosis |
| hem/o | blood | hemorrhage |
Time Management Strategy: Reading vs. English
| Section | Questions | Time | Per Question | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 45 | 55 min | 1 min 13 sec | Spend more time on passage-based Qs; less on graphic Qs |
| English | 37 | 37 min | 1 min exactly | If unsure after 45 sec, mark and move on |
Reading Section Time Tips
- Don't read the passage first for detail questions — read the question, find the answer
- Do read the passage first for main idea and inference questions
- Skip time-consuming questions and come back — don't let one question eat 3 minutes
- Graphic questions are fastest — do them first if your testing platform allows
English Section Time Tips
- Trust your ear — if an answer "sounds wrong," it probably is
- Eliminate obviously wrong answers first to improve your odds
- Don't overthink vocabulary — context clues are always in the question
- Grammar rules are mechanical — once you know them, apply them quickly
TEAS Score Breakdown: Why These Sections Matter
| Section | Weight | What Nursing Schools Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | ~31% | Communication and comprehension skills |
| Math | ~22% | Dosage calculation ability |
| Science | ~28% | Scientific reasoning and A&P knowledge |
| English | ~19% | Written communication and documentation |
Many nursing programs require a minimum composite score of 60–70% and may set minimum section scores. Reading is worth the most, so improving your Reading score has the biggest impact on your overall TEAS composite.
Ready to Ace All 4 TEAS Sections?
Our comprehensive TEAS prep covers all 4 sections:
- Reading strategies and passage-based practice
- Math fundamentals and word problems
- Science (anatomy, biology, chemistry, physics)
- English grammar, vocabulary, and language skills
- AI-powered study tools — get instant explanations for any question
100% FREE. No credit card required. Start today.
Before You Start: Take a Diagnostic Test
Before diving into study strategies, take a full-length TEAS practice test to identify your weak areas. Many candidates discover they're strong in Reading but weak in English (or vice versa), which changes how they should allocate study time.
Recommended study timeline:
- 4–6 weeks if you're a strong reader and writer
- 6–8 weeks for most candidates
- 10–12 weeks if you've been out of school for several years
Focus your time on your weakest sections first — improving a 50% to 70% has more composite score impact than improving a 75% to 85%.
Official TEAS Resources
- ATI TEAS Official Page — Register for the TEAS exam
- ATI TEAS Study Guide — Official study materials
- Your nursing program admissions office — Program-specific TEAS score requirements