KEY IDEAS & details TEAS

What is the goal when summarizing a multi-paragraph text?

To identify the main idea and most important details, leaving out examples, extra facts, and opinions..

Where is the main idea usually found?

In the first or last sentence of a paragraph.

What does it mean to make an inference?

To make a logical guess based on clues in the text, even if something isn’t directly stated.

How can you draw a conclusion from a passage?

By combining details from the text with your own reasoning to figure out what the author means or what might happen.

What should you pay attention to in written directions?

Sequence words (first, then, next) and order of steps — follow them in the correct order.

What’s the best strategy to locate specific information quickly?

Scan for keywords from the question and use headings, bold text, and topic sentences to find answers fast.

What are useful clues when reading directions?

Look for time and order words like first, next, after, before, finally.

How do you interpret charts and graphs on the TEAS?

Read titles, labels, legends, and compare data. Look for trends or specific values that answer the question.

What’s one tip for understanding sequence of events?

Make a timeline or list of steps/events in order using clue words like "then," "before," and "after."

What’s the difference between a main idea and a supporting detail?

The main idea is the central point of a paragraph or passage; supporting details explain, prove, or describe it.

What is an implied main idea?

A main idea that’s not directly stated—you have to figure it out from clues and repeated ideas in the passage.

How do you avoid choosing the wrong answer in a summary question?

Don’t choose answers with extra examples, opinions, or small details—stick to the central idea only.

What’s one way to spot a good summary?

It covers the beginning, middle, and end of the passage briefly without repeating everything.

What’s a clue that a question is asking for an inference?

Words like "implies," "suggests," or "can be concluded" show that the answer isn’t directly stated.

How do you tell if an inference is correct?

It must be supported by the text — even if it's not stated directly, you must be able to find clues that back it up.

What should you always do before answering a question about a visual (like a chart or graph)?

Read the title, axis labels, and legend to understand what the visual is showing.

Why is understanding sequence important?

It helps you follow steps in a process, events in order, or figure out what happened first or last

What is a good way to handle a long set of directions?

Break them down into numbered or bulleted steps and follow them in order.

What should you do if you're stuck between two answer choices?

Re-read the part of the passage the question refers to and eliminate the answer that includes irrelevant or extreme information.