A Guide to the ATI TEAS English Test: Tips & Free Test Questions
Aug 21, 2023Introduced in the late 1990s, the ATI TEAS is a widely used entrance exam for nursing schools in the US.
This article focuses specifically on the English and language usage section of the test, covering what it involves and providing a number of free TEAS English practice test questions to help you prepare.
A List of ATI TEAS Tests Available for Practice in 2025
What Is the ATI TEAS English Test?
The ATI TEAS is designed and administered by the Assessment Technologies Institute, an educational company that provides assessment and preparation materials for students pursuing careers in healthcare.
The TEAS, or the Test of Essential Academic Skills, is geared toward nursing, testing fundamental skills in science, math, reading and English language.
As one of the most commonly used exams for admission to nursing programs, it is used by a number of schools and colleges across the country.
The latest version, the TEAS 7, includes a number of updated TEAS English questions designed to reflect the current skill set required in the nursing profession.
The questions aim to assess your ability to communicate effectively in written English, an essential skill for all healthcare professionals in the US.
For many, this can be a challenging part of the test as it requires a strong command of the English language and a solid understanding of grammar, punctuation, sentence structure and vocabulary.
TEAS English Test Format
TEAS English questions make up 22% of the overall exam, with 37 questions in total.
This includes 33 scored questions and four pre-testing questions – questions included as a trial to inform the future development of the test.
While pre-testing questions have no impact on your final score, you will not be told which questions they are, so it’s important to approach every task with the same attention to detail.
The 33 scored questions are divided across three sub-content areas:
- Conventions of standard English – 12 questions
- Knowledge of language – 11 questions
- Using language and vocabulary to express ideas in writing – 10 questions
Let’s take a closer look at these TEAS English questions in more detail.
TEAS English Questions: Conventions of Standard English
The areas you should be prepared to cover in this section are as follows:
1. Grammar
This topic assesses your understanding of grammatical rules and principles.
You may encounter questions related to subject-verb agreement, verb tenses, pronoun usage (such as identifying correct pronoun antecedents), adjective and adverb usage, comparative and superlative forms and parallel structure.
You’ll need to demonstrate your knowledge of sentence structure and the correct usage of different parts of speech.
2. Punctuation
Questions in this category evaluate your knowledge of punctuation marks and their proper usage.
You might encounter questions about commas, semicolons, colons, apostrophes, quotation marks, end punctuation (periods, question marks, exclamation points) and hyphens.
You’ll need to identify correct punctuation usage and ensure clarity and correctness in sentences.
3. Sentence Structure
This topic examines your understanding of sentence construction and identifying errors in sentence structure.
You may be asked to identify sentence fragments, run-on sentences and comma splices.
Additionally, questions might focus on parallel structure, ensuring that elements within a sentence or a series of sentences are grammatically consistent.
TEAS English Questions: Knowledge of Language
For this section, you should prepare for the following question topics:
1. Vocabulary
This topic evaluates your understanding of word meanings, word usage and context clues
Questions may involve identifying synonyms, antonyms and appropriate word choices based on context.
You may also need to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words or phrases based on the surrounding text.
2. Language Skills
This category explores your knowledge of idiomatic expressions, figurative language and word relationships.
Questions may require you to understand idioms, recognize metaphors or similes, interpret figurative language in a given context and understand word relationships such as analogies or word associations.
TEAS English Questions: Using Language and Vocabulary to Express Ideas in Writing
Finally, for this section:
1. Writing Skills
This topic assesses your ability to express ideas clearly and coherently in written form.
You may encounter questions related to paragraph organization, sentence transitions and maintaining the overall flow and logical progression of ideas.
Questions may also focus on the appropriate use of supporting details, examples and evidence to develop and clarify your written responses.
Types of TEAS English Questions
In addition to the different areas assessed, you’ll also face different question formats:
- Multiple choice – You’ll be presented with a question or incomplete sentence and four answer choices. You need to select the correct or most appropriate answer
- Sentence completion – You’ll be provided with a sentence missing a word or phrase and will need to choose the option that correctly completes the sentence
- Paragraph reorganization – Here, you’ll be given a paragraph with sentences presented in a jumbled order. Your task is to rearrange the sentences to create a logical and coherent paragraph
In total, you’ll have 37 minutes to complete the TEAS 7 English and language usage section.
TEAS English Practice Test Questions
Use the following questions to get started with your preparation, then take a full TEAS English practice test.
TEAS English Practice Test: Question 1
Select the sentence that demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement:
a) The group of students is planning a field trip.
b) The group of students are planning a field trip.
c) The group of students am planning a field trip.
d) The group of students were planning a field trip.
The correct answer is: a) The group of students is planning a field trip.
In this sentence, the singular subject 'group' agrees with the singular verb 'is'. Option b) has an incorrect verb form, c) has a subject-verb disagreement and d) uses a plural verb form with a singular subject.
TEAS English Practice Test: Question 2
Identify the type of figurative language used in the sentence:
The stormy seas roared their disapproval.
a) Metaphor
b) Simile
c) Hyperbole
d) Personification
The correct answer is: d) Personification.
Personification is a figure of speech where human qualities or actions are attributed to non-human entities. In this sentence, the seas are given the human quality of roaring, which is an example of personification.
TEAS English Practice Test: Question 3
Reorganize the following sentences to create a coherent paragraph.
- The company introduced a new product
- It received positive feedback from customers
- The sales increased significantly
- This led to a rise in revenue
a) 2, 4, 3, 1
b) 1, 3, 2, 4
c) 4, 2, 3, 1
d) 3, 2, 4, 1
The correct answer is: c) 4, 2, 3, 1
Rearranging the sentences in this order creates a logical and coherent paragraph: “This led to a rise in revenue. It received positive feedback from customers. The sales increased significantly. The company introduced a new product”.
TEAS English Practice Test: Question 4
Choose the sentence that most effectively introduces the topic of recycling.
a) Recycling is good for the environment
b) Many people recycle their waste
c) Did you know that recycling can reduce pollution and conserve resources?
d) Recycling bins are available throughout the city
The correct answer is: c) Did you know that recycling can reduce pollution and conserve resources?
This sentence effectively introduces the topic of recycling by presenting a thought-provoking question and mentioning the benefits of recycling, engaging the reader’s interest.
Access Practice Material With TestHQ
How did you do with the example questions? If you were stronger at some sections over others, focus your practice on where you need it most.
For a huge range of practice material, take advantage of the TestHQ practice tests to access more than 800 questions and answers.
The package includes full solutions and explanations, so you can understand how to get to the correct answer and avoid those dreaded point deductions.
TEAS English Study Guide
Passing the TEAS English test takes careful and comprehensive preparation. We’ve prepared this TEAS English study guide to help you.
Understand the Topics Covered
Knowing exactly what you’ll face on the day is the first step toward effective test prep, so start by exploring the topics covered in detail.
Take note of any areas you think you might struggle with so you can allocate your study time accordingly.
Practice English Tests Online
Taking practice tests allows you to assess your strengths and weaknesses, identify areas that require further study, and build confidence in your test-taking abilities.
The TEAS 7 English practice test questions in this article are a good place to start.
You can also take practice verbal reasoning tests through TestHQ. These are very similar to TEAS English questions and can be immensely helpful in familiarizing yourself with the format, question types, and content of the exam.
Read and Use English
Improving your English language skills requires exposure and practice, so engage in activities that promote reading and using English in different contexts:
- Read widely – Explore a variety of materials, such as books, articles, newspapers and online resources. This will enhance your vocabulary, comprehension and reading speed
- Play word games – Engage in word puzzles, crosswords or word association games to expand your vocabulary and reinforce word meanings
- Practice writing – Regularly write short essays, summaries or responses to prompts to enhance your writing skills and express ideas clearly.
Get a Good Rest
Remember to prioritize your well-being during your TEAS preparation since adequate rest is essential for effective studying and optimal performance on the exam.
Create a study schedule that allows for breaks and sufficient sleep.
Taking care of your physical and mental well-being will contribute to better concentration, memory retention and overall success on the TEAS exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ATI TEAS English test?
The ATI TEAS English test is a component of the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam administered by ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute).
Used by a number of schools across the US, it assesses a candidate’s proficiency in English language skills necessary for success in the nursing profession.
TEAS English questions evaluate areas such as grammar, sentence structure, punctuation and vocabulary.
To succeed in the test, you’ll need to demonstrate a strong knowledge of standard English conventions, an understanding of language usage and the ability to express ideas effectively in writing.
Is the ATI TEAS English test hard?
How hard you find the TEAS English test will depend on your general language proficiency and the amount of preparation you put in.
The test is designed to assess skills considered essential, so if you’re well suited to the nursing profession, you should find it manageable.
That said, its format and timed nature do pose additional challenges. Completing plenty of TEAS English test practice questions will help you here.
How long is the ATI TEAS English test?
Candidates are given 37 minutes to complete as many of the 37 TEAS English questions as they can.
This makes effective time management vital for achieving a high score.
For every full ATI TEAS English practice test you take, do so under timed conditions to improve your speed.
How can I prepare for the English TEAS test?
Your preparation for the TEAS English test should include a combination of practice questions, full sample papers and revision of the core concepts involved.
Take advantage of sites like TestHQ that offer free TEAS English practice test questions and complete verbal reasoning tests that replicate the exam itself.
Focus on understanding the concepts, practicing consistently and identifying areas that require further attention.
How to pass reading and English ATI TEAS VI?
It’s important to adopt a strategic approach to study to pass the reading and English section of the TEAS 7.
You should focus on improving your reading comprehension and general language skills and developing effective time management strategies to ensure you can complete the sections within the allotted time.
What to study for the English part of TEAS?
When studying for TEAS English questions, you’ll need to focus on the three core areas covered: conventions of standard English, knowledge of language and using language and vocabulary to express ideas in writing.
Key things to pay attention to are grammar rules, including subject-verb agreement, verb tenses, punctuation and sentence structure.
You should also develop your ability to arrange thoughts effectively, create logical paragraphs, and use suitable language and vocabulary.
Where can I get sample questions for TEAS English test?
You can find English TEAS 7 practice test questions from multiple sources.
Test preparation websites are a good place to start, with sites like TestHQ offering practice tests based on the TEAS English exam.
These resources will help you understand the format and content of the test and allow you to practice your skills.
You’ll also find an ATI TEAS English practice test available through the ATI testing website.
How many questions are on the English TEAS test?
There are a total of 37 TEAS English questions on the latest version of the test, the TEAS 7.
Note that only 33 of these will contribute to your final score, as four are included for pre-testing purposes only.
The 33 scored TEAS English questions are distributed across three content areas:
- Conventions of standard English – 12 questions
- Knowledge of language – 11 questions
- Using language and vocabulary to express ideas in writing – 10 questions
What type of English is on the TEAS?
TEAS English questions evaluate language proficiency and ensure candidates have the necessary skills to succeed in academic programs related to nursing.
If you’re asked to take the test, you can expect to come across questions that ask you to identify grammatical errors, select appropriate words and phrases, analyze sentence structure and demonstrate comprehension of written passages.
What happens if I fail the English section of the TEAS test?
TEAS English questions make up 22% of the full TEAS exam. If you fail in this section, it will impact your overall score and potentially your eligibility for certain academic programs.
It’s important to check the specific requirements of your desired program and consult with the admissions office for clarification on this.
If you fail the English section, you may need to retake the TEAS exam and focus on improving your English language skills to achieve a passing score.
Where can I get a complete guide for the ATI TEAS English test?
You’ll find a complete TEAS English study guide available from multiple online sources, as well as printed materials available for purchase.
We recommend using an official ATI TEAS English practice test, along with practice questions available on reputable test prep sites like TestHQ.
Final Thoughts
As one part of the full ATI TEAS exam, TEAS English questions measure your understanding and application of English language conventions, grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure and written expression.
These skills are seen as essential for the nursing profession, and you’ll need to demonstrate a strong grasp of them to be accepted into a nursing program.
To give yourself the best chance of success, be sure to plan your preparation using this TEAS English study guide and complete plenty of TEAS English practice test questions.
This will help you build both skills and confidence so you can put in a solid performance on your official test day.
