ATI TEAS – Knowledge of Language

Vocabulary flashcards covering sentence structure, transitions, verb tenses, diction, run-ons, narrative elements, language formality, and paragraph development as outlined in the ATI TEAS lecture.

Complete Sentence

A group of words containing a subject and a predicate that expresses a complete thought.

Subject

The noun or pronoun in a sentence that performs the action or is described.

Predicate

The part of a sentence (verb or verb phrase) that tells what the subject does or is.

Sentence Fragment

An incomplete sentence missing a subject, a predicate, or both.

Imperative Sentence

A sentence that issues a command or request; the subject “you” is usually implied.

Transition Words

Words or phrases that connect ideas and show relationships such as agreement, opposition, cause, or effect.

Agreement Transitions

Transition words that show similarity or addition (e.g., also, indeed, naturally).

Opposition Transitions

Transitions that signal contrast or contradiction (e.g., although, however, nevertheless).

Tense

The form of a verb that shows the time of an action (past, present, future, etc.).

Past Tense

Verb form indicating an action that already happened (e.g., went, wrote).

Present Simple

Verb form expressing habitual or general truths (e.g., I walk, she writes).

Present Progressive

Verb form showing ongoing action in the present (e.g., I am walking).

Future Tense

Verb form indicating an action that will happen (e.g., will go, will write).

Diction

An author’s choice of words, which shapes tone and mood.

Tone

The author’s attitude conveyed through word choice and style.

Mood

The feeling or atmosphere a text creates for the reader.

Run-on Sentence

Two or more independent clauses incorrectly joined without proper punctuation or conjunction.

Period Fix (Run-on)

Correcting a run-on by separating clauses into distinct sentences with a period.

Comma + Conjunction Fix

Correcting a run-on by adding a comma and coordinating conjunction (e.g., and, but).

Semicolon Fix

Correcting a run-on by joining related independent clauses with a semicolon.

Setting

The time and place in which a story occurs.

Scenario

The sequence of events or situation forming the plot of a story.

Formal Language

Precise, impersonal language used in academic or professional contexts; avoids contractions and slang.

Informal Language

Conversational, personal language often using contractions, slang, or colloquialisms.

Slang

Very informal words or expressions used by specific groups (e.g., What’s up?).

Contraction

A shortened form of two words with an apostrophe (e.g., can’t, what’s).

Culturally Inclusive Language

Word choices that respect diverse backgrounds and avoid stereotypes or bias.

Topic Sentence

The sentence that states the main idea of a paragraph.

Supporting Details

Sentences that explain, prove, or elaborate on the topic sentence.

Paragraph Conclusion

The final sentence that summarizes or reinforces a paragraph’s main idea.

Chronological Order

Arranging information in the sequence in which events occurred.

Unnecessary Information

Details that do not support the topic sentence and should be removed.

Omitted Information

Relevant details missing from a paragraph that are needed for clarity.