TEAS 2025 - Reading

Main Idea

The _ is the thesis, claim, or message that an author states or expresses about the topic of a text; the central point in each paragraph

Claim

A _ is a statement made in an argument that something about a topic is true

Key Points

K____ _ are ideas that elaborate on and support the main idea about a topic in each paragraph

Procedure

A _ is an ordered set of steps to follow in a set of written directions to complete a task safely, efficiently, and effectively

Inference

An is a logical assumption, or guess, that can be made about a topic based on evidence, reasoning, and personal experience or knowledge

Conclusion

A ___ is a deduction made by a reader that takes the details, evidence, and assumptions presented in a text to the next logical step

Explicit = Describes information that is directly stated in a text

Implicit = Describes ideas that are suggested rather than stated directly in a text

E_ = Describes information that is directly stated in a text

I = Describes ideas that are suggested rather than stated directly in a text

Heading = A title within a text, commonly used by authors to organize information​​​​​​​

H_ = A title within a text, commonly used by authors to organize information​​​​​​​

Subheading = A title of a subdivision of information within a larger division of a text

S__ = A title of a subdivision of information within a larger division of a text

Footnote

A f___ is a comment at the bottom of a page that provides additional information about something within the text

Index

An i is a text feature usually found in the back of a book that includes an alphabetized list of key details and concepts and the page numbers where that information can be found

Table of Contents

Text feature usually found in the front matter of a book that lists chapter titles and page numbers

Glossary

A text feature usually found in the back of a book that includes an alphabetized list of key terms and their definitions

Sidebar

A s_b is a text feature that is set apart from the main body of a text; often includes additional information, charts, graphs, and/or images

Legend

A l is a map feature that explains symbols and other elements that represent information on the map, such as routes, populations, and capital cities

Superscript

A s_ is a small character, usually a number, set slightly above a line of text; used to refer readers to a footnote or endnote that provides additional information about a topic​​​​​

Mood = How the elements in a text, such as word choice, affect the reader

Ex: Old - advanced in age; connotation: feeble, needing care

Mature - fully developed; connotation: experienced, competent

_ = How the elements in a text, such as word choice, affect the reader

Ex: Old - advanced in age; connotation: feeble, needing care

Mature - fully developed; connotation: experienced, competent

Metaphor - Comparison between unlike things without using "like" or "as"

Shanaya's phone was a dinosaur.

What figurative language device is being used here?

Simile - Comparison between unlike things using "like" or "as"

The hurdler cleared the barriers as gracefully as a gazelle.

What figurative language device is being used here?

Personification - Giving human attributes to something nonhuman

The gurney groaned under the weight of the injured wrestler.

What figurative language device is being used here?

Hyperbole - An intentional exaggeration of the truth

I was dying of laughter.

What figurative language device is being used here?

Informative Writing

What is the author's intent?

1. Includes facts

2. Utilizes text features

3. Does not give opinions

Persuasive Writing

What is the author's intent?

1. Argues in favor of a position

2. Includes facts and opinions

3. Can include a call to action

4. Can use emotional, logical, and ethical language

Entertaining Writing

What is the author's intent?

1. Includes fiction or anecdotes

2. Can use action, drama, and/or humor

3. Includes the elements of storytelling: plot, conflict, setting, characterization, and theme

Descriptive Writing

What is the author's intent?

1. Uses sensory details to create vivid mental pictures for readers

2. Tells about people, places, things, and events of all kinds

Expository Writing

What is the author's intent?

1. Explains how to do something

2. Utilizes text features, particularly numbered steps

Examples of Facts

The United States was founded in 1776.

Apples are a type of fruit.

Some fabrics are made of natural materials, while others are synthetic.

Examples of

1. The United States was founded in 1776.

2. Apples are a type of fruit.

3. Some fabrics are made of natural materials, while others are synthetic.

Examples of Opinions

The U.S. is the best nation in the world.

Apples are an essential part of a balanced diet.

Natural fabrics are the right choice for consumers who care about the earth.

Examples of

1. The U.S. is the best nation in the world.

2. Apples are an essential part of a balanced diet.

3. Natural fabrics are the right choice for consumers who care about the earth.

First person: I, me

Second person: you

Third person: he, she, they, them

person: I, me

_ person: you

person: he, she, they, them

Big ideas and messages often come through narration and exposition. Look for how characters change as a result of story events.

Big ideas and messages often come through n and e__. Look for how characters change as a result of story events.

Authors choose settings that will enhance the plot and thus the theme. For example, an author might choose to set a story on a space station where the last human beings must live because humanity has taken Earth and its natural environment for granted. The theme can be that people should take care of nature because protecting Earth means protecting humanity.

Authors choose s_ that will enhance the plot and thus the theme. For example, an author might choose to set a story on a space station where the last human beings must live because humanity has taken Earth and its natural environment for granted. The theme can be that people should take care of nature because protecting Earth means protecting humanity.

The journeys and adventures—emotional or physical—that characters endure and the obstacles they overcome throughout the course of a story give hints about the themes in texts. A character who must overcome many physical and emotional hardships and is rewarded for their efforts might suggest the theme that endurance is a key quality of survival.

The journeys and adventures—emotional or physical—that c endure and the obstacles they overcome throughout the course of a story give hints about the themes in texts. A c who must overcome many physical and emotional hardships and is rewarded for their efforts might suggest the theme that endurance is a key quality of survival.

Like narration and exposition, the dialogue that characters speak in stories often reveal insights into the ways characters change as a result of plot events.

Like narration and exposition, the d__ that characters speak in stories often reveal insights into the ways characters change as a result of plot events.

Like settings, a story's plot helps readers determine its themes. In a story with a theme such as "Crime doesn't pay," for example, the story's plot must reflect the theme: the criminal character must be caught by the end. As another example, in a story with the theme "Love conquers all," the protagonist (or main character) will triumph over the obstacles they face along the way by expressing or acting out of love.​​​​​​​

Like settings, a story's p____ helps readers determine its themes. In a story with a theme such as "Crime doesn't pay," for example, the story's plot must reflect the theme: the criminal character must be caught by the end. As another example, in a story with the theme "Love conquers all," the protagonist (or main character) will triumph over the obstacles they face along the way by expressing or acting out of love.​​​​​​​

Counterclaim

A _ is a conflicting opinion that an author acknowledges and responds to when making an argument

Rhetorical Devices

R_ D_ are appeals used in arguments to persuade readers emotionally, morally, and intellectually

Ethos

is a rhetorical device that uses a speaker's authority and reputation to persuade an audience

Ex: By featuring Michael Jordan, a world-famous athlete, Gatorade boosts the brand's credibility.

Pathos

is a rhetorical device that uses language to evoke an emotional response in an audience

Ex: A statement like "caring for the environment may not change your life, but it will change the lives of your children" appeals to people's love for their children.

Logos

is the use of evidence and reasoning to persuasively support a claim.

Ex: a speaker claims that "teen pregnancy has decreased in the last five years" by citing studies that show a significant decrease in teenage pregnancy

Primary Source

A __ source is a firsthand document or source created at the time in question

Secondary Source

A ___ source secondhand account of events

Tertiary Source

A ___ source is a compilation of primary and secondary sources