ATI TEAS Practice Exam
Complete 200-Question Study Guide
Reading • Mathematics • Science • English & Language Usage
With Answer Keys and Detailed Explanations
Section Questions | Time
Reading Comprehension 53 Questions | 64 min
Mathematics 36 Questions | 54 min
Science 53 Questions | 63 min
English & Language Usage 28 Questions | 28 min (+ 28
adj)
TOTAL 200 Questions | ~209 min
Instructions
• Read each question carefully before selecting an answer.
• For calculation questions, show your work to check your answers.
• Answer explanations appear below each question with the correct answer highlighted.
• Simulate exam conditions by timing yourself per section.
• Use this document as a study tool — review explanations for all questions, including those you
answer correctly.
,SECTION 1: READING
Questions 1–53 | Time: 64 minutes
1. A nurse reads a passage about proper handwashing techniques. The main purpose of the
passage is most likely to:
A. Entertain readers with stories about germs
B. Persuade readers to buy antibacterial soap
C. Inform readers about correct handwashing procedure
D. Describe the history of handwashing
✔ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The main purpose of an informational passage on handwashing techniques is to inform readers
of the correct procedure. This is the primary intent of instructional/procedural texts.
2. Which of the following best describes an author's 'tone'?
A. The central idea of a passage
B. The author's attitude toward the subject
C. The supporting details in a passage
D. The sequence of events in a story
✔ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Tone refers to the author's attitude or emotional stance toward the subject matter, conveyed
through word choice and style.
3. A passage states: 'The new medication significantly reduced inflammation in 85% of patients.'
This sentence is best classified as:
A. An opinion
B. A fact
C. A hypothesis
D. A bias
✔ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: This statement presents a measurable, verifiable result (85% reduction), making it a fact rather
than an opinion or hypothesis.
4. What is an 'inference' in reading comprehension?
A. A directly stated fact from the text
B. A conclusion drawn from evidence and reasoning
C. The author's explicit opinion
D. A definition provided in the passage
✔ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: An inference is a logical conclusion drawn from evidence presented in the text, going beyond
what is directly stated.
,5. Read: 'Despite the heavy rain, Maria arrived at the hospital on time.' What can be inferred?
A. Maria dislikes rainy weather
B. Maria was motivated to be punctual despite obstacles
C. The hospital is close to Maria's home
D. Maria drove a waterproof vehicle
✔ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The word 'despite' signals a contrast — Maria overcame the difficulty of heavy rain to arrive on
time, inferring motivation and determination.
6. Which text structure is used when an author presents a problem and then offers a resolution?
A. Chronological order
B. Compare and contrast
C. Problem and solution
D. Cause and effect
✔ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Problem-and-solution structure presents a challenge or issue followed by one or more
proposed resolutions or answers.
7. A passage describes how increased stress leads to higher cortisol levels, which then impairs
immune function. This is an example of:
A. Compare and contrast
B. Cause and effect
C. Chronological order
D. Problem and solution
✔ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The passage shows a chain where one event (stress) directly produces another (high cortisol),
which in turn produces a third effect (impaired immunity) — classic cause-and-effect structure.
8. The term 'context clues' refers to:
A. A dictionary definition of a word
B. Surrounding words or sentences that help determine meaning
C. The author's background information
D. Footnotes at the bottom of a page
✔ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Context clues are hints found within the surrounding text that help a reader figure out the
meaning of an unfamiliar word.
9. In a passage, the word 'benign' appears in the sentence: 'The tumor was benign, so no further
treatment was needed.' The word 'benign' most likely means:
A. Malignant and spreading
B. Painful and recurring
C. Not harmful or threatening
D. Requiring immediate surgery
✔ Correct Answer: C
, Explanation: The context clue 'no further treatment was needed' signals a positive outcome, indicating the
tumor was not dangerous — benign means not harmful.
10. A 'primary source' is best defined as:
A. A textbook summarizing research findings
B. An original, firsthand document or record
C. A review article in a journal
D. A secondary analysis of existing data
✔ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A primary source is original material — such as a journal article reporting original research, a
diary, or an official document — created firsthand.
11. Which of the following is an example of a secondary source?
A. A nurse's direct patient notes
B. An original research study
C. A textbook summarizing cardiovascular disease research
D. A patient's medical history
✔ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Secondary sources summarize, analyze, or interpret primary sources. A textbook summarizing
existing research is a secondary source.
12. An author writes: 'Everyone knows that home remedies are always more effective than
prescription drugs.' This statement demonstrates:
A. Logical reasoning
B. Author bias
C. Statistical evidence
D. Objective analysis
✔ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The use of 'everyone knows' and 'always' are absolute claims unsupported by evidence,
indicating author bias.
13. What is the difference between 'skimming' and 'scanning' a text?
A. Skimming means reading every word; scanning means reading quickly
B. Skimming gets a general overview; scanning searches for specific information
C. Skimming is used for novels; scanning is used for textbooks
D. There is no difference between the two
✔ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Skimming involves reading quickly to get the gist of a text. Scanning involves moving eyes
quickly to find specific information or keywords.
14. A passage that presents two sides of a healthcare debate without favoring either side is best
described as:
A. Biased
B. Persuasive
Complete 200-Question Study Guide
Reading • Mathematics • Science • English & Language Usage
With Answer Keys and Detailed Explanations
Section Questions | Time
Reading Comprehension 53 Questions | 64 min
Mathematics 36 Questions | 54 min
Science 53 Questions | 63 min
English & Language Usage 28 Questions | 28 min (+ 28
adj)
TOTAL 200 Questions | ~209 min
Instructions
• Read each question carefully before selecting an answer.
• For calculation questions, show your work to check your answers.
• Answer explanations appear below each question with the correct answer highlighted.
• Simulate exam conditions by timing yourself per section.
• Use this document as a study tool — review explanations for all questions, including those you
answer correctly.
,SECTION 1: READING
Questions 1–53 | Time: 64 minutes
1. A nurse reads a passage about proper handwashing techniques. The main purpose of the
passage is most likely to:
A. Entertain readers with stories about germs
B. Persuade readers to buy antibacterial soap
C. Inform readers about correct handwashing procedure
D. Describe the history of handwashing
✔ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The main purpose of an informational passage on handwashing techniques is to inform readers
of the correct procedure. This is the primary intent of instructional/procedural texts.
2. Which of the following best describes an author's 'tone'?
A. The central idea of a passage
B. The author's attitude toward the subject
C. The supporting details in a passage
D. The sequence of events in a story
✔ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Tone refers to the author's attitude or emotional stance toward the subject matter, conveyed
through word choice and style.
3. A passage states: 'The new medication significantly reduced inflammation in 85% of patients.'
This sentence is best classified as:
A. An opinion
B. A fact
C. A hypothesis
D. A bias
✔ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: This statement presents a measurable, verifiable result (85% reduction), making it a fact rather
than an opinion or hypothesis.
4. What is an 'inference' in reading comprehension?
A. A directly stated fact from the text
B. A conclusion drawn from evidence and reasoning
C. The author's explicit opinion
D. A definition provided in the passage
✔ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: An inference is a logical conclusion drawn from evidence presented in the text, going beyond
what is directly stated.
,5. Read: 'Despite the heavy rain, Maria arrived at the hospital on time.' What can be inferred?
A. Maria dislikes rainy weather
B. Maria was motivated to be punctual despite obstacles
C. The hospital is close to Maria's home
D. Maria drove a waterproof vehicle
✔ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The word 'despite' signals a contrast — Maria overcame the difficulty of heavy rain to arrive on
time, inferring motivation and determination.
6. Which text structure is used when an author presents a problem and then offers a resolution?
A. Chronological order
B. Compare and contrast
C. Problem and solution
D. Cause and effect
✔ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Problem-and-solution structure presents a challenge or issue followed by one or more
proposed resolutions or answers.
7. A passage describes how increased stress leads to higher cortisol levels, which then impairs
immune function. This is an example of:
A. Compare and contrast
B. Cause and effect
C. Chronological order
D. Problem and solution
✔ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The passage shows a chain where one event (stress) directly produces another (high cortisol),
which in turn produces a third effect (impaired immunity) — classic cause-and-effect structure.
8. The term 'context clues' refers to:
A. A dictionary definition of a word
B. Surrounding words or sentences that help determine meaning
C. The author's background information
D. Footnotes at the bottom of a page
✔ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Context clues are hints found within the surrounding text that help a reader figure out the
meaning of an unfamiliar word.
9. In a passage, the word 'benign' appears in the sentence: 'The tumor was benign, so no further
treatment was needed.' The word 'benign' most likely means:
A. Malignant and spreading
B. Painful and recurring
C. Not harmful or threatening
D. Requiring immediate surgery
✔ Correct Answer: C
, Explanation: The context clue 'no further treatment was needed' signals a positive outcome, indicating the
tumor was not dangerous — benign means not harmful.
10. A 'primary source' is best defined as:
A. A textbook summarizing research findings
B. An original, firsthand document or record
C. A review article in a journal
D. A secondary analysis of existing data
✔ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A primary source is original material — such as a journal article reporting original research, a
diary, or an official document — created firsthand.
11. Which of the following is an example of a secondary source?
A. A nurse's direct patient notes
B. An original research study
C. A textbook summarizing cardiovascular disease research
D. A patient's medical history
✔ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Secondary sources summarize, analyze, or interpret primary sources. A textbook summarizing
existing research is a secondary source.
12. An author writes: 'Everyone knows that home remedies are always more effective than
prescription drugs.' This statement demonstrates:
A. Logical reasoning
B. Author bias
C. Statistical evidence
D. Objective analysis
✔ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The use of 'everyone knows' and 'always' are absolute claims unsupported by evidence,
indicating author bias.
13. What is the difference between 'skimming' and 'scanning' a text?
A. Skimming means reading every word; scanning means reading quickly
B. Skimming gets a general overview; scanning searches for specific information
C. Skimming is used for novels; scanning is used for textbooks
D. There is no difference between the two
✔ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Skimming involves reading quickly to get the gist of a text. Scanning involves moving eyes
quickly to find specific information or keywords.
14. A passage that presents two sides of a healthcare debate without favoring either side is best
described as:
A. Biased
B. Persuasive
