Reading - TEAS

Topic

The general subject of a passage (usually one or two words).

Main Idea

The central point the author wants the reader to understand.

Topic vs. Main Idea

Topic = what the passage is about; Main Idea = what the author says about the topic.

Supporting Details

Facts, examples, statistics, or explanations that develop the main idea.

Topic Sentence

The sentence that introduces the main idea of a paragraph.

Summary

A brief statement including only the main idea and key supporting details without opinions.

Paraphrase

Restating information in your own words while keeping the original meaning.

Summary vs. Paraphrase

A summary shortens the passage; a paraphrase rewrites it in your own words with similar detail.

Explicit Information

Information directly stated by the author.

Implicit Information

Information suggested but not directly stated.

Inference

A logical conclusion based on clues in the passage and your reasoning.

Inference vs. Prediction

An inference explains what is implied; a prediction guesses what will happen next.

Prediction

A reasonable guess based on evidence from the passage.

Drawing Conclusions

Making a final judgment supported by evidence from the text.

Context Clues

Words or phrases surrounding an unfamiliar word that help determine its meaning.

Types of Context Clues

Definition, synonym, antonym, example, and inference clues.

Author's Purpose

The reason an author writes: Persuade, Inform, or Entertain (PIE).

Persuade

To convince the reader to think, believe, or do something.

Inform

To explain, teach, or provide facts.

Entertain

To amuse, interest, or tell a story.

Narrative Passage

A story with characters, setting, conflict, and plot.

Expository Passage

A nonfiction passage that explains or teaches using facts.

Descriptive Passage

A passage that uses vivid sensory details to help readers visualize.

Technical Passage

A passage explaining a process or specialized topic using precise language.

Sequence

The order in which events or steps occur.

Chronological Order

Information arranged from earliest to latest.

Cause and Effect

Explains why something happened and what happened as a result.

Compare and Contrast

Shows similarities and differences between two or more ideas.

Problem and Solution

Presents a problem followed by one or more solutions.

Signal Words

Words that help identify text structure (ex: because, however, first, finally, similarly).

Point of View

The perspective from which a story or passage is told.

First-Person Point of View

The narrator uses "I," "me," "my," "mine," "we," or "our."

Second-Person Point of View

The narrator speaks directly to the reader using "you" or "your."

Third-Person Point of View

The narrator refers to characters using "he," "she," "it," or "they."

Third-Person Limited

The narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of only one character.

Third-Person Omniscient

The narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of all characters.

Objective Language

Factual language that is free of opinions or emotions.

Subjective Language

Language based on personal opinions, beliefs, or feelings.

Tone

The author's attitude toward the subject or audience.

Mood

The feeling or atmosphere the reader experiences.

Tone vs. Mood

Tone = author's attitude; Mood = reader's emotional response.

Word Choice (Diction)

The author's selection of words that creates tone, meaning, and purpose.

Bias

Favoring one side unfairly while ignoring or minimizing the other.

Author's Position

The author's opinion or stance on a topic.

Fact

A statement that can be proven true or false using evidence.

Opinion

A belief, judgment, or feeling that cannot be objectively proven.

Fact vs. Opinion

Facts can be verified; opinions express beliefs or judgments.

Stereotype

An oversimplified belief or assumption about a group of people.

Generalization

A broad statement that may be true in many cases but allows exceptions.

Overgeneralization

A statement that is too broad and ignores exceptions.

Denotation

The literal dictionary definition of a word.

Connotation

The emotional or implied meaning associated with a word.

Denotation vs. Connotation

Denotation = literal meaning; Connotation = emotional meaning.

Figurative Language

Language that goes beyond the literal meaning to create imagery or comparisons.

Simile

A comparison using "like" or "as."

Metaphor

A comparison stating one thing is another without using "like" or "as."

Personification

Giving human qualities to animals, objects, or ideas.

Hyperbole

An intentional exaggeration used for emphasis.

Imagery

Descriptive language that appeals to the five senses.

Theme

The underlying message, lesson, or universal idea of a text.

Theme vs. Main Idea

Main Idea = what the text is about; Theme = the lesson or message.

Heading

Introduces the topic of a section and helps readers locate information.

Subheading

Breaks a section into smaller topics and improves organization.

Caption

Explains or provides additional information about a picture, graph, chart, or table.

Table of Contents

Lists chapters or major sections with page numbers; found at the beginning of a book.

Glossary

An alphabetical list of important terms and their definitions; usually found at the back of a book.

Index

An alphabetical list of topics with page numbers used to quickly locate information.

Footnote

Information at the bottom of a page explaining or citing material.

Endnote

Information at the end of a chapter or document explaining or citing material.

Map Key (Legend)

Explains the symbols, colors, and markings used on a map.

Timeline

Displays events in chronological order.

Bar Graph

Compares quantities between categories.

Line Graph

Shows changes or trends over time.

Pie Chart

Shows how a whole is divided into proportional parts.

Pictograph

Uses pictures or symbols to represent data; always check the key.

Primary Source

An original firsthand account created by someone with direct knowledge or experience.

Secondary Source

A source that analyzes, summarizes, or interprets primary sources.

Credible Source

A trustworthy source that is accurate, unbiased, and supported by evidence.

Evaluating a Source

Check the author, publisher, publication date, evidence, citations, purpose, audience, and possible bias.

Claim

The author's main argument or position.

Evidence

Facts, examples, statistics, or quotations used to support a claim.

Claim vs. Evidence

A claim is what the author argues; evidence is what supports the claim.

Memo

A formal written communication used within an organization.

Classified Advertisement

A short advertisement used to buy, sell, or advertise goods or services.

Persuasive Techniques

Methods authors use to convince readers, including emotional appeals, logic, and credibility.

Textual Evidence

Specific information from the passage that supports an answer or conclusion.

Best Summary Question

Choose the answer with only the main idea and key supporting details—avoid opinions and minor details.

Vocabulary in Context

Determine a word's meaning using surrounding words and sentences, not outside knowledge.

Eliminate Wrong Answers

Remove choices that are unsupported, too extreme, or contradict the passage.

Absolute Words

Be cautious of words like always, never, all, and only unless the passage directly supports them.

ATI Reading Strategy

Read the question first, identify the skill being tested, find evidence in the passage, eliminate incorrect answers, and choose the best-supported answer.

Posted Advertisement

a public notice created to promote, sell, or encourage people to buy a product, service, event, or opportunity