TEAS 7 Reading Practice Questions

Topic of a Passage

TEAS-Style Question

Which of the following best defines the topic of a passage?

A. The author's most important claim in a passage

B. The sentence that begins a paragraph

C. The subject of the passage

D. The examples that relate to the author's claim

C. The subject of the passage

Why?

The topic is simply what the passage is about. It is usually one or two words.

Example:

Topic = Diabetes

Main Idea = Diabetes can be managed through proper diet and exercise.

Topic of a Passage = TEAS Memory Trick

TOPIC = THING

If the question asks for the topic, think:

➡️ "What THING is the passage about?"

Topic = One Word or Short Phrase Main Idea = What the author says about that topic

Quick Test-Day Tip

If an answer sounds like a complete opinion or message, it's probably the main idea, not the topic.

Mode of a Passage

TEAS-Style Question

If the goal of a passage is to entertain or relay a story with a beginning, middle, and end, which mode best describes the passage?

A. Expository

B. Narrative

C. Descriptive

D. Persuasive

B. Narrative

Why?

A narrative passage tells a story. It often includes:

Characters

Setting

Plot

Beginning, Middle, End

Mode of a Passage = Mode of a Passage

TEAS Memory Trick

NARRATIVE = NARRATES A STORY

Think:

🎬 Movie = Narrative

If people are doing things and events are happening in sequence, it's a narrative.

TEAS Reading Passage Types Cheat Sheet

Type —> Purpose —> Memory Trick

Narrative —> Tell a story —> 🎬 Movie

Expository —> Explain or Inform —> 📚 Textbook

Persuasive —> Convince —> 🗣️ Debate

Descriptive —> Paint a picture with words —> 🎨 Painting

A passage discusses the causes, symptoms, and treatment of asthma. The author provides facts and explanations but does not tell a story or try to persuade readers.

What is the mode of the passage?

A. Narrative

B. Persuasive

C. Descriptive

D. Expository

D. Expository

Memory Trick: EXPO = EXPOSING FACTS

Think: 📖 Science textbook = Expository

When you see a Reading question:

Topic? → What is it about?

Main Idea? → What is the author saying about it?

Narrative? → Story

Expository? → Facts

Persuasive? → Convince

Descriptive? → Describe using senses

TEAS Mnemonic

S-F-C-D

Story = Narrative

Facts = Expository

Convince = Persuasive

Describe = Descriptive