Free TEAS Reading Practice Test w/ Answer Key (2024)
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
Compare and contrast the themes expressed in one or more texts
What is the theme of the passage?
The Roman Republic, which lasted from 509 BCE to 27 BCE, was marked by a complex system of government and a deep sense of civic duty. At the heart of the Republic was the Senate, a council of around 300 patricians who advised the magistrates and made important decisions on behalf of the state. The magistrates themselves were elected officials who served for one year terms and were responsible for various aspects of governance, from maintaining public order to overseeing the distribution of grain. The most powerful magistrates were the consuls, who acted as military commanders and presided over the Senate. The Republic was also characterized by a deep sense of civic duty and patriotism, as Romans were expected to put the needs of the state above their own interests. This ethos was reflected in the Roman military, which was made up of citizen-soldiers who were expected to fight for their country when called upon. The Roman army was highly disciplined and organized, with soldiers trained in a variety of techniques and tactics. Military service was seen as a mark of honor and a way to earn social and political status.
The passage discusses the Roman Republic and its government structure, but the overarching theme is the emphasis on civic duty and patriotism in Roman society. The passage mentions how Romans were expected to put the needs of the state above their own interests, and how military service was seen as a way to earn honor and social status. Option A, the rise and fall of the Roman Republic, is a possible topic but not the main theme of this particular passage. Option D, the complexity of the Roman government system, is a detail discussed in the passage but not the main theme. Option C, the military tactics and organization of the Roman army, is a specific aspect of the passage but not the main theme.
Craft and Structure
Evaluate the author's purpose in a given text
Which of the following statements describes the author's primary claim in this passage?
The construction industry has been facing a productivity crisis for decades. Despite advances in technology and construction methods, productivity has remained stagnant or even decreased in recent years. One reason for this lack of productivity is the industry's reliance on outdated practices and resistance to change. In addition, a shortage of skilled labor and lack of investment in workforce development have further compounded the problem. The construction industry must embrace innovation and invest in the workforce to improve productivity and meet the growing demand for infrastructure.
The other answer choices are not the PRIMARY claim of the passage
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
Evaluate and integrate data from multiple sources across various formats, including media
Which of the following is a primary source of information about the life of Albert Einstein?
An interview of Albert Einstein about his move to America from Europe is considered a primary source of information because it is a firsthand account of Einstein's life by Einstein himself. The other answer choices are all secondary sources. They are told by other people about Einstein.A quote from Albert Einstein is also a primary source of information but a quote about the speed of light wouldn't tells us much about his life.
Craft and Structure
Evaluate the author's point of view or perspective in a given text
Which of the following statements best reflects the author's perspective on the current status of the construction industry in the passage?
The construction industry has been facing a productivity crisis for decades. Despite advances in technology and construction methods, productivity has remained stagnant or even decreased in recent years. One reason for this lack of productivity is the industry's reliance on outdated practices and resistance to change. In addition, a shortage of skilled labor and lack of investment in workforce development have further compounded the problem. The construction industry must embrace innovation and invest in the workforce to improve productivity and meet the growing demand for infrastructure.
The other answer choices are not points of view of the author on the construction industry.
Craft and Structure
Evaluate the author's point of view or perspective in a given text
Which of the following statements best reflects the author's perspective on the current status of the construction industry in the passage?
The construction industry has been facing a productivity crisis for decades. Despite advances in technology and construction methods, productivity has remained stagnant or even decreased in recent years. One reason for this lack of productivity is the industry's reliance on outdated practices and resistance to change. In addition, a shortage of skilled labor and lack of investment in workforce development have further compounded the problem. The construction industry must embrace innovation and invest in the workforce to improve productivity and meet the growing demand for infrastructure.
The other answer choices either contain information that was never said or incorrectly implied.
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
Evaluate an argument
Which of the following information from the passage best supports the author's claim that people shouldn't eat tilapia?
Tilapia is a popular fish species that is consumed worldwide. However, there are a number of reasons why people should avoid eating it. First and foremost, tilapia is often raised in crowded, unsanitary conditions, which can lead to disease and infection. Additionally, many tilapia farms use large amounts of antibiotics and other chemicals to keep the fish healthy, which can have negative effects on human health. Furthermore, tilapia has been found to have higher levels of inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids, which can lead to chronic inflammation and other health problems. Given these factors, it is best to avoid consuming tilapia and opt for healthier fish options instead.
The correct answer is D, "Tilapia has higher levels of inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids." This information supports the author's claim that people should avoid consuming tilapia because the imbalance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids can lead to chronic inflammation and other health problems.
Choice A, "Tilapia is a popular fish species that is consumed worldwide," is not relevant to the author's argument.
Choice B, "Tilapia is often raised in crowded, unsanitary conditions, which can lead to disease and infection," is a reason why people should avoid consuming tilapia, but it is not the strongest support for the author's claim as the passage doesn’t state in which way humans are affected by it.
Choice C, "Many tilapia farms use large amounts of antibiotics and other chemicals to keep the fish healthy," is also a reason to avoid consuming tilapia, but it is not the strongest support for the author's claim as the passage doesn’t state in which way humans are affected by antibiotics.
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
Evaluate an argument
Which of the following pieces of information from the passage does not contribute to making a good argument about why a flat tax is not more fair than a progressive tax?
A flat tax, while seemingly straightforward and equitable on the surface, is not inherently more fair than a progressive tax system. Millionaires and billionaires live eccentric lives, often from inheritances and not from their own work, meanwhile the lower income class struggle to put food on the table. The primary argument against a flat tax is its regressive nature, which means it disproportionately affects lower-income individuals. In a flat tax system, everyone pays the same percentage of their income, regardless of how much they earn. This means that a person earning $20,000 a year and another earning $2,000,000 a year would both pay, for example, 10% of their income in taxes. While 10% might be a minor inconvenience for the millionaire, for the individual earning $20,000, that same percentage could mean the difference between affording basic necessities or going without. A progressive tax, on the other hand, is designed to tax higher incomes at higher rates, ensuring that those with greater financial means contribute a larger share, which is seen by many as a more equitable approach. This system acknowledges the diminishing marginal utility of money: the idea that an additional dollar means less to someone who already has millions compared to someone living paycheck to paycheck.
A good argument should NOT include unsupported claims or personal attacks. The sentence that reads as "millionaires and billionaires live eccentric lives, often from inheritances and not from their own work" feels more like a personal attack compared to other sentences in the passage.
Key Ideas and Details
Summarize a multi-paragraph text
Which of the following statements accurately describes one of the recent developments in artificial intelligence mentioned in the passage?
Artificial intelligence has made significant strides in recent years, with many experts predicting that AI will play an increasingly important role in shaping our world. One of the most exciting developments in AI is the emergence of deep learning algorithms, which allow machines to learn and improve on their own, without human intervention. Deep learning has led to major breakthroughs in fields such as image and speech recognition, natural language processing, and even medical diagnosis. Another important area of AI development is reinforcement learning, which involves teaching machines to make decisions based on feedback from their environment. This approach has led to significant progress in areas such as robotics and autonomous vehicles, as well as game-playing AI systems.
The correct answer is B.
The passage states that deep learning algorithms allow machines to learn and improve on their own, without human intervention, and that this has led to major breakthroughs in fields such as image and speech recognition. Option A is incorrect, as the passage explicitly states that AI has made significant strides in recent years.
Option C is incorrect, as the passage states that reinforcement learning involves teaching machines to make decisions based on feedback from their environment, not random inputs.
Option D is incorrect, as the passage states that reinforcement learning has led to significant progress in areas such as robotics and autonomous vehicles, as well as game-playing AI systems.
Key Ideas and Details
Analyze, interpret, and apply information from charts, graphs, and other visuals
The graphic below displays the maximum temperature, which is the average highest temperature recorded on a daily basis in the United States. Which US state can be considered the hottest state?
According to the legend on the right side of the figure, dark red represents the hottest temperatures (more than 85 degrees Fahrenheit). Most of the dark red shading is within the boundaries of the state of Arizona.
Key Ideas and Details
Summarize a multi-paragraph text
Which of the following statements accurately summarizes the main points of the passage above?
During the reign of Emperor Nero in the first century CE, the Roman Empire experienced a period of great turmoil and upheaval. Nero was a controversial figure, known for his extravagance, cruelty, and erratic behavior. He was responsible for the deaths of many of his own family members, including his mother, and he was widely believed to have started the Great Fire of Rome in 64 CE in order to clear space for a grand new palace. The fire destroyed much of the city and left thousands homeless. Nero's rule ended in 68 CE, when he was given the death penalty following a revolt by the Roman Senate.
The correct answer is A. It accurately summarizes the main points of the passage, including the period of turmoil and upheaval during Nero's reign, his controversial behavior, his role in the Great Fire of Rome, and his eventual downfall at the hands of the Roman Senate. B, C, and D are all incorrect because they either contain significant inaccuracies or omit key points from the passage.
Key Ideas and Details
Locate specific information in a text
What motivated Theo to explore the woods behind his house?
The year was 2018. Theo had always been an adventurous boy, but when he decided to explore the woods behind his house, he had no idea what he was in for. After wandering around for a few hours, Theo realized that he was lost. The dense forest looked the same in every direction and there was no sign of civilization. Panic set in as he realized that it was getting dark and he had no idea how to get back home. Just as he was about to give up hope, he heard a rustling in the bushes. A friendly-looking dog emerged, wagging its tail. Theo was relieved to have some company and he followed the dog as it led him through the woods. After a while, they stumbled upon a small cabin. The door was open and Theo could see a flickering light inside. Curiosity getting the better of him, he cautiously approached the cabin. In the cabin, Theo and the wandering dog encountered a very old lady named Susan. She tells them she hadn’t seen anyone come by since her husband left for the war. With a face of curiosity, Theo asks which war as he hadn’t heard of any wars. Susan replies, the revolutionary war.
He was an adventurous boy
Craft and Structure
Distinguish between fact and opinion to identify misconceptions and biases
Which of the following sentences contains an opinion?
The appointment of US Supreme Court justices has long been a contentious issue in American politics. Critics argue that the current system, in which justices are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, is undemocratic and lacks transparency. A better solution would be to elect Supreme Court justices through a public voting process. This would ensure that justices are directly accountable to the people they serve and would help to eliminate the influence of political elites in the appointment process. Furthermore, public elections would increase transparency and public trust in the judiciary, making the Supreme Court a more effective and respected institution.
The correct answer is C) A better solution would be to elect Supreme Court justices through a public voting process.
This sentence contains an opinion because it expresses a belief or judgment about the issue at hand, which is the appointment of Supreme Court justices. The phrase "a better solution" indicates that the author is advocating for a particular course of action, which is to elect justices through a public voting process. In contrast, the other sentences in the passage present facts, arguments, or critiques, but they do not express a clear opinion on the matter.
Answer choice A presents a statement about the contentious nature of the issue, answer choice B presents a critique of the current system, and answer choice D presents a potential benefit of public elections, but none of them express a subjective perspective or preference.
Key Ideas and Details
Make inferences and draw conclusions about a text's purpose and meaning
What is the main idea of the passage?
The appointment of US Supreme Court justices has long been a contentious issue in American politics. Critics argue that the current system, in which justices are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, is undemocratic and lacks transparency. A better solution would be to elect Supreme Court justices through a public voting process. This would ensure that justices are directly accountable to the people they serve and would help to eliminate the influence of political elites in the appointment process. Furthermore, public elections would increase transparency and public trust in the judiciary, making the Supreme Court a more effective and respected institution.
The correct answer is C) Publicly electing Supreme Court justices would increase transparency and accountability. While the passage does mention that the appointment of Supreme Court justices is a contentious issue in American politics, this is not the main idea of the passage. The main idea is that the current system lacks transparency and is undemocratic, and that a better solution would be to elect Supreme Court justices through a public voting process. This would increase transparency and accountability, ensuring that justices are directly accountable to the people they serve and eliminating the influence of political elites. Option C directly states this idea, making it the correct answer.
Option A is too general and doesn't capture the main focus of the passage, which is on the problems with the current system and the proposed solution of publicly electing Supreme Court justices.
Option B is a supporting detail that explains one of the reasons why the current system is problematic, but it does not capture the main idea of the passage.
Option D is a supporting detail that explains how publicly electing Supreme Court justices would help to eliminate the influence of political elites in the appointment process, but it does not capture the main idea of the passage.
Craft and Structure
Evaluate the author's point of view or perspective in a given text
Which of the following statements best expresses the author's perspective on Thomas Edison?
Thomas Edison is often celebrated as one of America's greatest inventors, but a closer examination of his life reveals a different story. Edison was a ruthless businessman who would stop at nothing to protect his interests, even if it meant stealing other people's ideas or exploiting his employees. His famous invention, the light bulb, was not entirely his own creation. In fact, he borrowed ideas and technology from other inventors and filed dubious patents, which led to multiple legal battles. Edison also had a reputation for being a poor employer, underpaying and overworking his staff. His treatment of the Serbian inventor Nikola Tesla, whom he reportedly cheated out of promised compensation, is a prime example of his ruthless nature. Despite his popular image as a hero of American innovation, Edison's inventions, while innovative, were often impractical and failed to live up to their hype. For instance, his phonograph, which he claimed could reproduce sound without any loss of quality, was too fragile and unreliable for commercial use. His motion picture camera was similarly flawed, and he lost a legal battle to a competitor over who had the rightful claim to the invention. In the end, Edison's legacy is not one of creativity and progress, but of greed and exploitation.
The correct answer is C. The author's perspective on Thomas Edison is negative, as evidenced by the passage's pessimistic tone and critical language. The author suggests that Edison was a ruthless and unethical businessman who exploited other people's ideas and inventions, and that his inventions were often impractical and failed to live up to their hype. The passage's overall message is that Edison's legacy is not one of creativity and progress, but of greed and exploitation. Therefore, option C is the best choice as it accurately reflects the author's perspective on Thomas Edison.
Key Ideas and Details
Make inferences and draw conclusions about a text's purpose and meaning
Select all that apply. Which of the following details supports the main idea that people from the Roman Republic had a deep sense of patriotism?
The Roman Republic, which lasted from 509 BCE to 27 BCE, was marked by a complex system of government and a deep sense of civic duty. At the heart of the Republic was the Senate, a council of around 300 patricians who advised the magistrates and made important decisions on behalf of the state. The magistrates themselves were elected officials who served for one year terms and were responsible for various aspects of governance, from maintaining public order to overseeing the distribution of grain. The most powerful magistrates were the consuls, who acted as military commanders and presided over the Senate. The Republic was also characterized by a deep sense of civic duty and patriotism, as Romans were expected to put the needs of the state above their own interests. This ethos was reflected in the Roman military, which was made up of citizen-soldiers who were expected to fight for their country when called upon. The Roman army was highly disciplined and organized, with soldiers trained in a variety of techniques and tactics. Military service was seen as a mark of honor and a way to earn social and political status.
The correct answers are B and C. Answer choices B and C further elaborate on the sense of patriotism Romans were characterized by. Other answer choices just talk about the logistics of the Roman Republic.
Key Ideas and Details
Demonstrate comprehension of written directions
The instructions on how to cook the cake part of a tres leches dessert are below. According to the instructions, what is the second step with flour?
Cake Mix flour and baking powder. Set aside. Beat egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar. Add milk and vanilla. Add flour mix to egg yolk mix. Beat egg whites, add 1/4 cup sugar until stiff. Fold egg whites into batter. Pour into dish. Bake 25-30 minutes. Cool and poke holes.
Add flour mix to egg yolk mix is the second step that involves flour.
Craft and Structure
Interpret the meaning of words and phrases using context
Which of the following best captures the meaning of "when pigs fly" as used in the sentence?
I'll believe that my team has a chance of winning the championship when pigs fly, because they've been at the bottom of the league for so long that it seems impossible for them to turn things around.
The correct answer is A. Even if you didn’t already know the meaning of the phrase “when pigs fly”, you could’ve inferred the meaning of it by looking at the context of the sentence. The phrase “they've been at the bottom of the league for so long that it seems impossible for them to turn things around” gives us an idea that the phrase “when pigs fly” has to do with something difficult.
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
Use evidence from the text to make predictions, inferences, and draw conclusions
What inferences can you logically make about Theo after reading the passage?
The year was 2018. Theo had always been an adventurous boy, but when he decided to explore the woods behind his house, he had no idea what he was in for. After wandering around for a few hours, Theo realized that he was lost. The dense forest looked the same in every direction and there was no sign of civilization. Panic set in as he realized that it was getting dark and he had no idea how to get back home. Just as he was about to give up hope, he heard a rustling in the bushes. A friendly-looking dog emerged, wagging its tail. Theo was relieved to have some company and he followed the dog as it led him through the woods. After a while, they stumbled upon a small cabin. The door was open and Theo could see a flickering light inside. Curiosity getting the better of him, he cautiously approached the cabin. In the cabin, Theo and the wandering dog encountered a very old lady named Susan. She tells them she hadn’t seen anyone come by since her husband left for the war. With a face of curiosity, Theo asks which war as he hadn’t heard of any wars. Susan replies, the revolutionary war.
The passage suggests that Theo is a curious and inquisitive person. He is described as an adventurous boy who decides to explore the woods behind his house. He also exhibits curiosity when he approaches the cabin despite feeling scared and uncertain. The passage does not suggest that Theo is an experienced woodsman or good at following directions, as he becomes lost and needs the help of the friendly dog to find his way. Finally, while Theo does feel scared when lost, the passage does not suggest that he is easily frightened.
Key Ideas and Details
Demonstrate comprehension of written directions
What is the final shape of the paper?
Instructions: Fold the paper in half. Draw a circle in the top left corner of the paper. Write your name in the center of the circle. Underline your name twice. Draw a square in the bottom right corner of the paper. Shade in the square completely. Fold the paper in half again. Tear off the top right corner of the paper
The correct answer is B) A rectangle with a torn-off corner in the top right corner and a shaded square in the bottom right corner.To solve this question, the reader must carefully follow each of the instructions listed. The first step is to fold the paper in half, which creates a rectangle shape. The second step is to draw a circle in the top left corner of the paper and write their name in the center of the circle, underlining it twice. The third step is to draw a square in the bottom right corner of the paper and shade it in completely.The fourth step is to fold the paper in half again, which creates a smaller rectangle shape. The fifth step is to tear off the top right corner of the paper. The final shape of the paper is a rectangle with a torn-off corner in the top right corner and a shaded square in the bottom right corner, making answer choice B the correct answer.
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
Use evidence from the text to make predictions, inferences, and draw conclusions
Select all that apply. What prediction(s) can the reader make about Theo after reading the passage?
The year was 2018. Theo had always been an adventurous boy, but when he decided to explore the woods behind his house, he had no idea what he was in for. After wandering around for a few hours, Theo realized that he was lost. The dense forest looked the same in every direction and there was no sign of civilization. Panic set in as he realized that it was getting dark and he had no idea how to get back home. Just as he was about to give up hope, he heard a rustling in the bushes. A friendly-looking dog emerged, wagging its tail. Theo was relieved to have some company and he followed the dog as it led him through the woods. After a while, they stumbled upon a small cabin. The door was open and Theo could see a flickering light inside. Curiosity getting the better of him, he cautiously approached the cabin. In the cabin, Theo and the wandering dog encountered a very old lady named Susan. She tells them she hadn’t seen anyone come by since her husband left for the war. With a face of curiosity, Theo asks which war as he hadn’t heard of any wars. Susan replies, the American Revolutionary War.
The answers to this question would be option A and B. The passage suggests that Theo's experience of getting lost in the woods will likely make him more cautious when exploring the woods in the future. In the beginning of the passage, we were told the year was 2018. Later in the passage, we were told the lady hasn’t seen her son since the American Revolutionary War which happened in the 1700’s. This leads us to believe there’s something suspicious about that piece of information as the timeline does not make sense for the year 2018. The passage does not provide enough information to suggest that Theo will adopt the friendly dog as his own, forget about his experience in the woods, or become a hermit and live in the woods.
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