TEAS Exam Sample Questions for the Science Section
Anatomy & Physiology: Key Systems and Functions
The Science section is often the most challenging, as it accounts for the largest portion of the exam. Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) questions focus on the biological mechanisms that maintain homeostasis. You might encounter a question regarding the endocrine system, asking which hormone is responsible for lowering blood glucose levels. To answer correctly, you must understand the role of the pancreas and the specific function of insulin versus glucagon. A typical question might present a scenario where a patient has a calcium deficiency, requiring you to identify the parathyroid hormone as the agent that stimulates osteoclasts to break down bone matrix. Scoring in this sub-section depends on your ability to link a specific organ to its physiological output. Candidates should be wary of questions that mix up the functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, as these are frequent targets for assessment.
Chemistry and Biology Foundational Concepts
Chemistry and biology questions on the TEAS 7 focus on the building blocks of life and matter. You will likely see TEAS science sample questions involving the structure of atoms, specifically the calculation of subatomic particles. For example, if an element has an atomic number of 11 and a mass number of 23, you must determine it has 12 neutrons. In biology, the focus shifts to cellular processes such as mitosis and meiosis. A common exam scenario involves identifying the phase of mitosis where chromosomes align at the equatorial plate—metaphase. Understanding the nuances of DNA replication and protein synthesis is also vital. You may be asked to identify a sequence of mRNA based on a given DNA template, which requires a firm grasp of base-pairing rules (e.g., Uracil replacing Thymine in RNA). These foundational questions test your literacy in the language of science, ensuring you can handle the more complex biochemical concepts presented in nursing school.
Interpreting Scientific Experiments and Data
Scientific reasoning questions evaluate your ability to apply the scientific method to experimental data. You may be presented with a description of an experiment testing the effect of light intensity on plant growth. The question might ask you to identify the independent variable (light intensity) or the dependent variable (growth height). It is critical to distinguish between these variables and the control group, which serves as the baseline for comparison. Many candidates lose points by confusing a hypothesis with a conclusion. A hypothesis is a testable prediction, whereas a conclusion is an interpretation of the collected data. You might also be asked to evaluate the validity of an experiment based on its design, such as whether it used a sufficient sample size or controlled for external factors. These questions assess your critical thinking and your ability to remain objective when reviewing evidence.
Navigating Mathematics and Algebra Sample Questions
Solving Algebraic Equations and Inequalities
The math section requires precision and a systematic approach to variables. In TEAS math practice problems, you will frequently encounter linear equations where you must isolate a variable. For instance, solving for x in an equation like 3(x - 5) = 12 requires applying the distributive property before performing inverse operations. Beyond simple equations, the TEAS 7 includes inequalities where you must remember the rule of flipping the inequality sign when multiplying or dividing by a negative number. Algebraic reasoning also extends to proportions. You might be asked to solve a problem where the ratio of nurses to patients is 2:15, and you must calculate how many nurses are needed for 120 patients. Setting up the proportion 2/15 = x/120 and using cross-multiplication is the standard method for finding the solution. Mastery of these algebraic steps is non-negotiable for achieving a competitive score.
Applied Arithmetic for Dosage and Conversions
Arithmetic on the TEAS is rarely abstract; it is usually applied to real-world nursing scenarios. You will need to perform conversions between the metric system and the household system of measurement. A common problem might require converting 250 milliliters to liters or determining how many milligrams are in 0.5 grams. Memorizing conversion factors, such as 1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds or 5 milliliters = 1 teaspoon, is essential for speed. Dosage calculations are also a staple of the exam. You might be given a doctor's order for 500 mg of a medication and a bottle labeled 250 mg per tablet. Calculating that the patient needs 2 tablets is a simple but high-stakes task. Accuracy in these problems reflects your ability to safely administer medication, a core competency that the TEAS is designed to screen for before you enter a clinical environment.
Statistics, Graphs, and Data Interpretation
Data interpretation questions test your ability to extract information from visual representations like pie charts, line graphs, and histograms. You may be asked to find the mean, median, or range of a set of patient temperatures. For example, in a set of data {98.6, 99.1, 98.6, 100.2, 98.8}, the mode is 98.6 because it appears most frequently. Another common task is interpreting a trend on a scatter plot to determine if there is a positive or negative correlation between two variables. The exam often uses "distractor" data points that are irrelevant to the specific question asked, such as providing a table with five columns of data when the question only pertains to two. Developing the habit of reading the labels and units on each axis before looking at the answer choices will prevent common errors in this sub-section.
Mastering Reading Comprehension Sample Passages
Identifying Main Ideas and Supporting Details
The reading section evaluates your ability to process complex texts and identify the core message. In TEAS reading comprehension questions, you will often be asked to distinguish between the main idea and a supporting detail. The main idea is the overarching point the author is making, while supporting details provide evidence or examples to back up that point. A passage might discuss the history of vaccination, and while it mentions specific dates and scientists (supporting details), the main idea is the impact of vaccines on public health. To find the main idea, look for the topic sentence, which is frequently located at the beginning or end of a paragraph. If you struggle to find it, ask yourself what single sentence the other sentences in the paragraph are working to prove.
Making Logical Inferences and Predictions
Inference questions go beyond what is explicitly stated in the text. You must use the provided evidence to draw a logical conclusion that is not directly written out. This is often called "reading between the lines." For example, if a passage describes a character shivering and looking at a thermometer that reads 30 degrees Fahrenheit, you can infer that the character is cold, even if the word "cold" is never used. On the TEAS, these questions often involve predicting what might happen next based on the established facts. If a passage describes a rise in housing prices and a decrease in available properties, a logical prediction would be that the market is becoming more competitive for buyers. The key to success here is ensuring your inference is strictly supported by the text and not by outside knowledge or personal bias.
Understanding Author's Purpose and Tone
Every piece of writing has a purpose: to inform, persuade, entertain, or express feelings. Identifying the author's purpose requires looking at the word choices and the structure of the passage. An informative passage will use objective language and facts, whereas a persuasive passage will use "loaded" words and emotional appeals to sway the reader's opinion. Similarly, the tone of a passage reflects the author's attitude toward the subject. A tone can be clinical, skeptical, optimistic, or urgent. For instance, a passage about a new medical breakthrough might have an optimistic tone, while a passage about the dangers of a specific drug might be cautionary. Recognizing these nuances helps you answer questions about why an author chose a specific word or how they feel about the topic, which are frequent components of the Reading sub-test.
Conquering English and Language Usage Questions
Grammar Rules: Subject-Verb Agreement and Modifiers
The English and Language Usage section focuses on the mechanics of the English language. One of the most common topics is subject-verb agreement. You must ensure that a singular subject is paired with a singular verb and a plural subject with a plural verb. This can become tricky when phrases come between the subject and the verb, such as "The group of students is going on the field trip." The subject is "group" (singular), not "students." Another frequent area of testing is the use of modifiers. A misplaced modifier occurs when a word or phrase is placed too far from the word it describes, leading to confusion. For example, "Sizzling in the pan, the chef flipped the steak" implies the chef is sizzling. Correcting this to "The chef flipped the steak sizzling in the pan" demonstrates a clear understanding of sentence logic and clarity.
Punctuation and Sentence Structure Corrections
Punctuation questions often focus on the correct use of commas, semicolons, and colons. You might be asked to identify which sentence correctly uses a semicolon to join two independent clauses. For instance, "The lab results are ready; the doctor will review them shortly" is correct because both sides of the semicolon could stand alone as complete sentences. You will also encounter TEAS 7 practice questions with answers that require you to identify sentence fragments or run-on sentences. A fragment lacks either a subject or a verb, while a run-on improperly joins two sentences without the necessary punctuation or conjunctions. Understanding the difference between a simple, compound, and complex sentence is vital for choosing the correct answer in these scenarios. These questions measure your ability to produce professional, clear written communication, which is essential for charting and patient documentation.
Context Clues for Vocabulary Acquisition
Vocabulary questions on the TEAS often ask for the meaning of a word as it is used in a specific sentence. This requires using context clues rather than relying solely on prior memorization. There are four main types of context clues: synonyms, antonyms, definitions, and examples provided within the text. If a sentence says, "The patient's condition was precarious, as his vitals were fluctuating wildly," the word "fluctuating" serves as a clue that "precarious" means unstable or dangerous. You may also be tested on your knowledge of affixes (prefixes and suffixes) and root words. Knowing that the prefix "hypo-" means below or deficient can help you determine the meaning of "hypothermia" even if you haven't seen the word before. This skill is critical for nursing students who must constantly learn and apply new medical terminology throughout their education.
Common Pitfalls in TEAS Sample Questions
Recognizing 'Distractor' Answer Choices
One of the most effective ways to improve your score is to learn how to spot "distractors." These are answer choices that are designed to look correct but are factually or logically flawed. In the Science section, a distractor might be a true statement that simply doesn't answer the specific question asked. In the Math section, distractors are often the result of common calculation errors, such as forgetting to carry a digit or performing operations in the wrong order according to PEMDAS. For example, if a question asks for the area of a circle and you provide the circumference, that circumference value will almost certainly be one of the multiple-choice options. Training yourself to re-read the question after finding an answer—but before selecting it—is the best defense against these traps.
Time-Management Traps in Lengthy Problems
The TEAS is a timed exam, and certain questions are designed to consume more time than they are worth. Lengthy reading passages or multi-step math word problems can drain your clock, leaving you with insufficient time for the final questions in a section. A critical strategy is to recognize when a problem is taking too long. Since every question is worth the same amount of points, it is often better to make an educated guess, flag the question for review, and move on to simpler problems. This ensures you see every question in the section. Many students fail to finish the latest TEAS test questions not because they lack knowledge, but because they spent five minutes on a single difficult problem instead of answering three easier ones in the same timeframe.
Misreading Scientific Terminology or Graph Labels
In the heat of the exam, it is easy to misread "mitosis" as "meiosis" or "afferent" as "efferent." These small misreadings can lead to choosing the exact opposite of the correct answer. Similarly, failing to check the units on a graph can be disastrous. If a graph shows weight in kilograms but the question asks for the answer in pounds, skipping the conversion step will lead to an incorrect choice. Always pay close attention to qualifying words like "except," "not," "always," or "never," as these words completely change the requirements for a correct answer. Developing a habit of underlining these keywords in your mind can significantly reduce the number of "silly" mistakes that lower your overall percentage.
Building a Mental Framework for Question Types
As you work through various practice sets, you will begin to notice that the TEAS repeats certain question formats. By categorizing questions as "recall" (basic facts), "application" (using a rule), or "analysis" (interpreting data), you can develop a mental framework for how to approach each one. For recall questions, trust your first instinct. For application questions, write out the formula or rule immediately. For analysis questions, spend more time examining the provided stimulus before looking at the answers. This framework reduces the cognitive load of the exam, allowing you to focus your mental energy on the content rather than the format of the question itself.
Developing a Process of Elimination Strategy
The process of elimination is one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal. Even if you aren't sure of the correct answer, you can often identify two choices that are definitely wrong. This increases your odds of guessing correctly from 25% to 50%. On the TEAS, look for "extreme" answers that use words like "all" or "none," as these are rarely correct in a scientific or nuanced context. Also, look for two answers that are opposites; often, one of them is the correct choice. By systematically crossing out the least likely options, you clear the mental clutter and can focus on the subtle differences between the remaining choices, which is where the correct answer usually hides.
Using Sample Questions to Guide Final Review
Your performance on sample questions should act as a diagnostic tool for your final weeks of study. Don't just look at your total score; look at which sub-sections you consistently struggle with. If you are getting 90% of the math questions right but only 60% of the A&P questions, you should shift your focus entirely to the human body systems. Use the rationales provided in practice tests to understand why you missed a question. Was it a lack of knowledge, a misinterpretation of the question, or a calculation error? Addressing the specific cause of your mistakes is the only way to ensure they don't happen on the actual exam day. This targeted approach is the hallmark of a high-scoring candidate.