ATI TEAS
Test of Essential Academic Skills; a pre-admission exam.
Getting Started: Understanding the TEAS Exam
Free knowledge base
ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Version 7 — key terms, tricks & tips
Everything from the course in one searchable place: 219 entries. Use it to review before a practice test or look up a word you forgot.
219 results
Standardized Exam
An exam administered and scored in a consistent, predetermined manner.
Getting Started: Understanding the TEAS Exam
Allied Health
A broad category of healthcare professions distinct from nursing/medicine.
Getting Started: Understanding the TEAS Exam
Admission Requirements
Specific criteria applicants must meet to enter a program.
Getting Started: Understanding the TEAS Exam
Content Areas
The four main subjects tested on the TEAS: Reading, Math, Science, English.
Getting Started: Understanding the TEAS Exam
Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI)
The organization that develops and administers the TEAS exam.
Getting Started: Understanding the TEAS Exam
What is the ATI TEAS 7 and why is it important?
TEAS: 'T'hink 'E'ssential 'A'cademic 'S'kills – it's all about the basics!
Getting Started: Understanding the TEAS Exam
What is the ATI TEAS 7 and why is it important?
The ATI TEAS is a nationally recognized exam, and its requirements are consistent across all states, including California. Always verify specific score cutoffs with your chosen California nursing or allied health program.
Getting Started: Understanding the TEAS Exam
What is the ATI TEAS 7 and why is it important?
Not checking the specific TEAS score requirements for each program you apply to.
Getting Started: Understanding the TEAS Exam
What is the ATI TEAS 7 and why is it important?
Underestimating the importance of all four content areas; neglecting a weak subject.
Getting Started: Understanding the TEAS Exam
What is the ATI TEAS 7 and why is it important?
Assuming the TEAS is just a general knowledge test and not preparing specifically for it.
Getting Started: Understanding the TEAS Exam
Raw Score
Total number of correct answers in a section before scaling.
Getting Started: Understanding the TEAS Exam
Adjusted Individual Score
Scaled score (0-100%) accounting for exam difficulty variations.
Getting Started: Understanding the TEAS Exam
Percentile Rank
Indicates the percentage of test-takers you scored higher than.
Getting Started: Understanding the TEAS Exam
Pretest Items
Unscored questions used for future exam development; indistinguishable.
Getting Started: Understanding the TEAS Exam
Process of Elimination
Strategy of removing incorrect answer choices to find the correct one.
Getting Started: Understanding the TEAS Exam
Time Management
Strategically allocating time to each question or section of the exam.
Getting Started: Understanding the TEAS Exam
TEAS Exam Format, Scoring, & Strategies
R.M.S.E. - 'Read My Science Essay' helps you remember the four sections: Reading, Math, Science, English.
Getting Started: Understanding the TEAS Exam
TEAS Exam Format, Scoring, & Strategies
The ATI TEAS Version 7 includes 170 questions and has a total time limit of 209 minutes. Of these, 150 questions are scored, and 20 are unscored pretest items. You must answer all questions, as there is no penalty for incorrect answers.
Getting Started: Understanding the TEAS Exam
TEAS Exam Format, Scoring, & Strategies
Spending too much time on a single difficult question, leading to not finishing other questions.
Getting Started: Understanding the TEAS Exam
TEAS Exam Format, Scoring, & Strategies
Not reading all answer choices before selecting, potentially missing the best option.
Getting Started: Understanding the TEAS Exam
TEAS Exam Format, Scoring, & Strategies
Leaving questions blank because of uncertainty, missing out on potential points (no penalty for guessing).
Getting Started: Understanding the TEAS Exam
TEAS Exam Format, Scoring, & Strategies
Failing to review the exam's structure and time limits before test day.
Getting Started: Understanding the TEAS Exam
Main Idea
The central message or primary point of a text.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Supporting Details
Facts, examples, and reasons that explain or prove the main idea.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Explicit
Stated directly and clearly in the text.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Implicit
Suggested or hinted at, not directly stated; must be inferred.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Topic Sentence
A sentence that expresses the main idea of a paragraph.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Inference
A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Central Point
The most important aspect or focus of a passage.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Identifying Main Ideas and Supporting Details
Think of 'M' for Main Idea as the 'M'ountain peak – it's the highest, most important point. 'S' for Supporting Details are the 'S'teps leading up to it, providing the way.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Identifying Main Ideas and Supporting Details
The ATI TEAS often presents passages followed by questions asking 'What is the main idea of this passage?' or 'Which of the following best summarizes the author's primary purpose?' Look for the overarching message, not just a single detail.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Identifying Main Ideas and Supporting Details
Confusing a supporting detail for the main idea.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Identifying Main Ideas and Supporting Details
Selecting a main idea that is too broad or too narrow.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Identifying Main Ideas and Supporting Details
Overlooking an implicit main idea by only searching for explicit statements.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Text Structure
How an author organizes information in a passage.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Author's Purpose
The reason an author writes a particular text.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Cause and Effect
Explains why something happened and its consequences.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Comparison and Contrast
Highlights similarities and differences between subjects.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Sequence/Chronological
Presents events or steps in a specific order.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Problem and Solution
Introduces an issue and proposes ways to resolve it.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Inform
Author's purpose to educate or explain facts.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Persuade
Author's purpose to convince the reader of a viewpoint.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Analyzing Text Structure and Author's Purpose
P.I.E. for Purpose: P-Persuade, I-Inform, E-Entertain. Remember these three main reasons authors write!
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Analyzing Text Structure and Author's Purpose
The ATI TEAS exam often presents passages from scientific or medical journals. Be prepared to identify the text structure in descriptions of biological processes (sequence) or comparisons of research findings (comparison/contrast). The author's purpose is almost always to inform or persuade in these contexts.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Analyzing Text Structure and Author's Purpose
Confusing a descriptive passage with a persuasive one; descriptive just gives facts, persuasive tries to sway opinion.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Analyzing Text Structure and Author's Purpose
Not paying attention to signal words, which are huge clues for text structure.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Analyzing Text Structure and Author's Purpose
Assuming every text has only one purpose; sometimes there's a primary purpose with secondary elements.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Synthesizing
Combining separate ideas to form a new, integrated understanding.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Conclusion
A judgment or decision reached by reasoning from evidence.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Assumption
A thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Textual Evidence
Specific information from a text used to support an argument.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Deduction
The process of reaching a conclusion by reasoning.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Synthesizing Information and Drawing Conclusions
S.C.A.N. for Synthesis and Conclusions: **S**ummarize parts, **C**onnect ideas, **A**ssess evidence, **N**ote implications.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Synthesizing Information and Drawing Conclusions
The ATI TEAS often uses phrases like 'The author implies...' or 'Which of the following can be concluded from the passage?' These questions require you to synthesize information and draw conclusions based *only* on the provided text, not outside knowledge.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Synthesizing Information and Drawing Conclusions
Drawing conclusions based on personal opinion or outside knowledge not in the text.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Synthesizing Information and Drawing Conclusions
Confusing an assumption (unsupported belief) with a supported conclusion.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Synthesizing Information and Drawing Conclusions
Failing to connect different pieces of information across the entire passage.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Point of View
The perspective from which a story or argument is presented.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Bias
A prejudice for or against something, often in an unfair way.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Tone
The author's attitude toward the subject or audience.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
First-person POV
Narrative told from the perspective of 'I' or 'we'.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Third-person POV
Narrative told from an outside perspective, using 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' 'they'.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Confirmation Bias
Tendency to favor information confirming one's existing beliefs.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Selection Bias
Choosing data that supports a particular argument or conclusion.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Understanding Bias, Tone, and Point of View
To remember the three: 'B.P.T.' – Bias (is it leaning?), Point of View (who's talking?), Tone (how do they feel?).
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Understanding Bias, Tone, and Point of View
The ATI TEAS often includes passages that require you to infer the author's stance or purpose. Look for strong adjectives, adverbs, and rhetorical questions as clues to bias and tone. Keywords like 'advocates,' 'contends,' 'asserts,' or 'critiques' can signal a particular point of view or bias.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Understanding Bias, Tone, and Point of View
Confusing tone (author's attitude) with mood (reader's feeling).
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Understanding Bias, Tone, and Point of View
Assuming an objective tone means there is no bias; implicit bias can still be present.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Understanding Bias, Tone, and Point of View
Failing to consider the source of the text when evaluating for bias.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Fraction
Represents a part of a whole (numerator/denominator).
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Decimal
A number using base-10 to represent parts of a whole.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Percentage
A fraction or ratio expressed as a part of 100.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Ratio
Compares two or more quantities (e.g., a:b).
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Proportion
An equation stating that two ratios are equal.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Numerator
The top number in a fraction, indicating parts considered.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Denominator
The bottom number in a fraction, indicating total parts.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Simplifying Fractions
Reducing a fraction to its lowest terms.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Fractions, Decimals, Percentages, and Ratios
FDP: 'Fractions, Decimals, Percentages' – always remember they're just different ways to say the same thing, like different outfits for the same number!
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Fractions, Decimals, Percentages, and Ratios
The ATI TEAS exam frequently tests the ability to convert between fractions, decimals, and percentages, and to solve ratio and proportion problems, especially in clinical context. Look for keywords like 'what percent,' 'ratio of X to Y,' or 'how much of Z per A' to identify the required calculation type. Memorize common conversions like 1/2 = 0.5 = 50% and 1/4 = 0.25 = 25%.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Fractions, Decimals, Percentages, and Ratios
Confusing the numerator and denominator in fractions.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Fractions, Decimals, Percentages, and Ratios
Incorrectly moving the decimal point when converting between decimals and percentages (e.g., multiplying by 10 instead of 100).
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Fractions, Decimals, Percentages, and Ratios
Setting up proportions incorrectly, leading to incorrect cross-multiplication.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Variable
A letter representing an unknown number.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Equation
A statement that two expressions are equal.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Expression
A combination of numbers, variables, and operations.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Coefficient
A number multiplied by a variable.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Constant
A fixed value that does not change.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Inverse Operations
Operations that undo each other (e.g., + and -).
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Isolate the Variable
To get the variable alone on one side.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Algebraic Equations and Problem Solving
V.I.E.S. for Solving: Variables, Isolate, Equation, Solve! Remember to keep the Equation balanced!
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Algebraic Equations and Problem Solving
The TEAS exam often uses 'translating verbal statements into mathematical expressions' as a key objective. Look for keywords like 'is,' 'of,' 'sum,' 'difference,' 'product,' and 'quotient' to correctly set up your equations.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Algebraic Equations and Problem Solving
Forgetting to perform an operation on both sides of the equation, leading to an unbalanced equation and incorrect answer.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Algebraic Equations and Problem Solving
Misinterpreting keywords in word problems, such as confusing 'less than' with 'minus' in the wrong order (e.g., '5 less than x' is x - 5, not 5 - x).
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Algebraic Equations and Problem Solving
Making arithmetic errors during the solving steps, especially with negative numbers or fractions.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
U.S. Customary System
Measurement system using units like feet, pounds.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Metric System
Measurement system based on powers of ten.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Conversion Factor
Ratio used to convert one unit to another.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Dimensional Analysis
Method using unit cancellation for conversions.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Prefix
Added to a base unit to indicate a multiple/submultiple.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Base Unit
Fundamental unit in a measurement system (e.g., meter).
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Units of Measurement and Conversions
King Henry Died By Drinking Chocolate Milk: Kilo, Hecto, Deka, Base, Deci, Centi, Milli.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Units of Measurement and Conversions
The TEAS exam expects you to convert between common units of length, weight, and volume within both the metric and U.S. customary systems, and also between these systems. Pay close attention to questions involving medication dosages, as these are frequent applications.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Units of Measurement and Conversions
Forgetting to convert all values to the same unit before performing calculations.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Units of Measurement and Conversions
Incorrectly moving the decimal point when converting within the metric system (e.g., moving it the wrong direction or too many places).
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Units of Measurement and Conversions
Confusing multiplication with division when using conversion factors (e.g., multiplying when you should divide).
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Mean
The arithmetic average of a set of numbers.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Median
The middle value in an ordered data set.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Mode
The most frequently occurring value in a data set.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Bar Graph
Compares discrete categories using rectangular bars.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Line Graph
Shows trends over time using connected data points.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Pie Chart
Displays parts of a whole as sectors of a circle.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Histogram
Shows distribution of continuous data in intervals.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Outlier
A data point significantly different from others.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Interpreting Data: Graphs, Charts, and Statistics
My Mom Made Delicious Nachos: Mean, Mode, Median, Data, Numbers (to remember central tendencies and data types).
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Interpreting Data: Graphs, Charts, and Statistics
The ATI TEAS exam often presents data in a table or graph and asks you to identify specific values, calculate a measure of central tendency, or describe a trend. Keywords like 'average,' 'most frequent,' 'highest,' or 'lowest' indicate what to look for.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Interpreting Data: Graphs, Charts, and Statistics
Confusing mean with median, especially with outliers present.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Interpreting Data: Graphs, Charts, and Statistics
Misinterpreting the scale on a graph, leading to incorrect conclusions about trends or differences.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Interpreting Data: Graphs, Charts, and Statistics
Not reading the title and labels of a chart or table, which can lead to misunderstanding the data's context.
Essential Math Skills for TEAS
Anatomy
Study of the body's structure and its parts.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Physiology
Study of how the body and its parts function.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Homeostasis
Body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Metabolism
All chemical reactions occurring within the body.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Negative Feedback
Mechanism that reverses a stimulus to maintain balance.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Organ System
Group of organs working together for a common function.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Tissue
Group of similar cells with a specialized function.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology
Think 'A' before 'P': Anatomy (structure) comes before Physiology (function), just like A comes before P in the alphabet!
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology
The ATI TEAS often includes questions that require you to identify the primary organ system responsible for a specific function or to recognize how a disruption in one system might affect another. Focus on the interconnections.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology
Confusing anatomy (structure) with physiology (function). Remember: 'A' for Architecture, 'P' for Performance.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology
Not understanding the hierarchical nature of body organization; a problem at the cellular level affects tissues, organs, etc.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology
Misinterpreting negative feedback as something 'bad'; it's actually crucial for maintaining stability.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Matter
Anything that has mass and occupies space.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Energy
The ability to do work or cause change.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Physical Change
Alters form, not chemical composition.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Chemical Change
Forms new substances with new properties.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Gene
Unit of heredity on a chromosome.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Allele
Different forms of a gene.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Genotype
Genetic makeup of an organism.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Phenotype
Observable traits of an organism.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Key Concepts in Life and Physical Sciences
P-C-G-L: **P**hysical (form), **C**hemical (new substance), **G**enetics (heredity), **L**evels (hierarchy).
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Key Concepts in Life and Physical Sciences
The ATI TEAS exam often presents scenarios where you must differentiate between physical and chemical properties or changes. Keywords like 'boiling point,' 'density,' 'solubility' refer to physical properties, while 'reactivity,' 'flammability,' 'oxidation' refer to chemical properties. Know these distinctions.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Key Concepts in Life and Physical Sciences
Confusing physical changes (like melting) with chemical changes (like burning).
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Key Concepts in Life and Physical Sciences
Assuming that if a trait is present, it must be dominant.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Key Concepts in Life and Physical Sciences
Mixing up the definitions of genotype (genetic code) and phenotype (what you see).
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Scientific Method
Systematic approach to understanding the natural world.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Hypothesis
A testable, educated guess or proposed explanation.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Independent Variable
The factor intentionally changed by the experimenter.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Dependent Variable
The factor measured, expected to change due to manipulation.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Control Group
Group not receiving treatment, used for comparison.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Experimental Group
Group receiving the treatment or manipulation.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Falsifiable
Able to be proven wrong through observation or experiment.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
The Scientific Method & Experimental Design
Remember 'DRY MIX' for variables: Dependent Responds Y-axis; Manipulated Independent X-axis.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
The Scientific Method & Experimental Design
On the TEAS exam, be prepared to identify the independent and dependent variables in a given experimental scenario. Look for keywords like 'manipulated,' 'changed,' or 'applied' for the independent variable, and 'measured,' 'observed,' or 'result' for the dependent variable.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
The Scientific Method & Experimental Design
Confusing independent and dependent variables; remember the independent variable is what YOU change.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
The Scientific Method & Experimental Design
Neglecting the importance of a control group; without it, you can't be sure what caused the results.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
The Scientific Method & Experimental Design
Believing that a single experiment 'proves' a hypothesis; it only provides support or refutation.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Prokaryotic cell
Simple cell lacking nucleus/organelles
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Eukaryotic cell
Complex cell with nucleus/organelles
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Mitochondria
Cellular energy production (ATP)
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
DNA
Genetic material, double helix
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
RNA
Involved in gene expression
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Mitosis
Cell division for growth/repair
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Meiosis
Cell division for reproduction (gametes)
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Pathogen
Disease-causing microorganism
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Cell Structure, Genetics, and Microorganisms
My-Toe-Sis for 'My Toes' (body cells, growth, repair). Me-Oh-Sis for 'Me, Oh My!' (sex cells, reproduction, diversity).
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Cell Structure, Genetics, and Microorganisms
The ATI TEAS exam often presents scenarios requiring you to identify the function of specific organelles or the role of different microorganisms in disease. Pay close attention to keywords like 'energy production' (mitochondria), 'protein synthesis' (ribosomes, ER), or 'genetic material' (DNA, nucleus).
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Cell Structure, Genetics, and Microorganisms
Confusing the functions of the endoplasmic reticulum (rough vs. smooth).
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Cell Structure, Genetics, and Microorganisms
Mixing up mitosis (somatic cells, identical copies) and meiosis (gametes, genetic diversity).
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Cell Structure, Genetics, and Microorganisms
Underestimating the importance of beneficial microorganisms, focusing only on pathogens.
Foundations of Science for Healthcare
Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject and verb must match in number (singular/plural).
English Language Proficiency
Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
Pronoun must agree with its noun in number and gender.
English Language Proficiency
Comma Splice
Two independent clauses joined incorrectly by only a comma.
English Language Proficiency
Run-on Sentence
Two or more independent clauses joined without proper punctuation.
English Language Proficiency
Sentence Fragment
An incomplete sentence lacking a subject, verb, or complete thought.
English Language Proficiency
Independent Clause
A clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence.
English Language Proficiency
Dependent Clause
A clause that cannot stand alone and relies on an independent clause.
English Language Proficiency
Parallelism
Using similar grammatical structures for related ideas or lists.
English Language Proficiency
Grammar, Punctuation, and Sentence Structure
FANBOYS for coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So – they help you remember how to join independent clauses in compound sentences.
English Language Proficiency
Grammar, Punctuation, and Sentence Structure
The ATI TEAS exam often tests your ability to identify the correct use of semicolons to join independent clauses or to separate items in a complex list. Pay close attention to questions that offer semicolons as an option for combining sentences or punctuating lists with internal commas.
English Language Proficiency
Grammar, Punctuation, and Sentence Structure
Confusing 'its' (possessive) with 'it's' (it is).
English Language Proficiency
Grammar, Punctuation, and Sentence Structure
Using a comma to separate two complete sentences (comma splice).
English Language Proficiency
Grammar, Punctuation, and Sentence Structure
Misplacing modifiers, making it unclear what is being described.
English Language Proficiency
Homophone
Words that sound alike but have different spellings and meanings.
English Language Proficiency
Homograph
Words that are spelled the same but have different meanings and sometimes pronunciations.
English Language Proficiency
Proper Noun
A specific name of a person, place, organization, or thing, always capitalized.
English Language Proficiency
Common Noun
A general name for a person, place, thing, or idea, not capitalized unless at sentence start.
English Language Proficiency
Affect (verb)
To influence or produce a change in something.
English Language Proficiency
Effect (noun)
A result or consequence of an action or other cause.
English Language Proficiency
Capitalization
The use of capital letters for the first letter of a word.
English Language Proficiency
Spelling
The arrangement of letters that form a word.
English Language Proficiency
Spelling, Capitalization, and Word Usage
For 'affect' vs. 'effect': RAVEN (Remember Affect Verb Effect Noun). If you can replace it with a verb, use 'affect.' If you can replace it with a noun, use 'effect.'
English Language Proficiency
Spelling, Capitalization, and Word Usage
The ATI TEAS exam frequently tests your ability to distinguish between commonly confused words, especially homophones. Keywords to spot include 'affect/effect,' 'their/there/they're,' 'to/too/two,' and 'its/it's.' Memorize the specific definitions and grammatical roles of these pairs.
English Language Proficiency
Spelling, Capitalization, and Word Usage
Confusing 'its' (possessive) with 'it's' (it is).
English Language Proficiency
Spelling, Capitalization, and Word Usage
Forgetting to capitalize proper nouns or titles before names.
English Language Proficiency
Spelling, Capitalization, and Word Usage
Misspelling common words like 'definitely,' 'separate,' or 'receive.'
English Language Proficiency
Context Clues
Hints within text to understand unfamiliar words.
English Language Proficiency
Structural Analysis
Breaking words into parts (prefix, root, suffix) to find meaning.
English Language Proficiency
Suffix
Letters added to word end, changes function/meaning.
English Language Proficiency
Root Word
Basic part of a word carrying its primary meaning.
English Language Proficiency
Synonym Clue
Context clue using a word with similar meaning.
English Language Proficiency
Antonym Clue
Context clue using a word with opposite meaning.
English Language Proficiency
Context Clues & Vocabulary Building
P.S.R. for Word Power! (Prefix, Suffix, Root) – remember these parts to unlock new words!
English Language Proficiency
Context Clues & Vocabulary Building
The ATI TEAS exam tests your ability to 'Determine the meaning of words and phrases using context clues.' Pay close attention to definitions, examples, and synonyms/antonyms within the passage. Keywords like 'means,' 'is called,' 'such as,' 'for instance,' 'but,' and 'however' often signal context clues.
English Language Proficiency
Context Clues & Vocabulary Building
Guessing word meaning without looking for clues in the surrounding text.
English Language Proficiency
Context Clues & Vocabulary Building
Ignoring prefixes, suffixes, and root words when encountering an unfamiliar term.
English Language Proficiency
Context Clues & Vocabulary Building
Not verifying inferred meanings with a quick mental check against the overall sentence sense.
English Language Proficiency
Figurative Language
Language not meant to be taken literally, creating vivid imagery.
English Language Proficiency
Simile
Compares two unlike things using 'like' or 'as'.
English Language Proficiency
Metaphor
Directly states one thing is another for comparison.
English Language Proficiency
Personification
Giving human qualities to inanimate objects or ideas.
English Language Proficiency
Hyperbole
Extreme exaggeration for emphasis or effect.
English Language Proficiency
Idiom
A phrase whose meaning isn't obvious from its individual words.
English Language Proficiency
Literal Meaning
The exact, dictionary definition of words.
English Language Proficiency
Figurative Meaning
The implied or symbolic meaning of words.
English Language Proficiency
Understanding Figurative Language and Idioms
Remember 'S.M.I.L.E.' for Simile, Metaphor, Idiom, Literal vs. figurative, Exaggeration (Hyperbole)!
English Language Proficiency
Understanding Figurative Language and Idioms
The ATI TEAS often includes questions that require you to infer the meaning of a phrase or sentence. Look for keywords like 'implies,' 'suggests,' or 'best describes the meaning.' Pay close attention to context clues when encountering unfamiliar figurative language or idioms.
English Language Proficiency
Understanding Figurative Language and Idioms
Taking all phrases literally, especially when encountering idioms or hyperbole.
English Language Proficiency
Understanding Figurative Language and Idioms
Confusing similes and metaphors; remember 'like' or 'as' for similes.
English Language Proficiency
Understanding Figurative Language and Idioms
Ignoring the surrounding text (context) when trying to interpret figurative meaning.
English Language Proficiency