A Guide to the ATI TEAS Reading Test: with Tips & Free Tests
Jul 11, 2023For prospective student nurses, the ATI TEAS Reading test can seem a little daunting. This comprehensive reading test is notoriously difficult and requires plenty of study and practice. Here, you will find all the info you need about the test, including how to give yourself the best chance of passing it.
If you’re a student looking to take the ATI TEAS Reading test, then you’ve come to the right place. This difficult exam is much harder to pass if you don’t have the right information and aren’t prepared to practice hard in readiness for it.
Here, you’ll get all the information you need to know, along with helpful tips and valuable resources. By the end, you’ll know how to plan properly for the ATI TEAS Reading test. Let’s start by looking at exactly what this test is and what it’s used for.
A List of ATI TEAS Tests Available for Practice in 2025
What Is the TEAS Reading Test?
The TEAS Reading test, also known as the ATI TEAS Reading Comprehension test, is a standardized assessment designed to evaluate a student's reading comprehension abilities.
It specifically focuses on assessing their attention to detail, as well as their proficiency in reading, analyzing, and selecting appropriate answers in an efficient and organized manner.
In order to excel in this test, proper preparation for this career test is essential.
Practice plays a crucial role in helping students become comfortable with quickly digesting lengthy passages and effectively answering questions based on the provided information. The TEAS Reading test encompasses various styles and types of question to comprehensively evaluate the students' reading skills.
The duration of the TEAS Reading test is 55 minutes, during which students are required to answer 45 items. These items are divided into three main groups, each contributing a specific percentage to the overall test:
- Key Ideas and Details – This section consists of 15 items, accounting for 38% of the entire test. It focuses on evaluating the student's understanding of the main concepts and details presented in the given passages.
- Craft and Structure – Comprising nine items, this section accounts for 24% of the reading test. It assesses the student's ability to analyze the organization, structure, and language features of the provided text.
- Integration of Knowledge and Ideas – With 15 items, this section also represents 38% of the Reading test. It aims to gauge the student's aptitude for synthesizing and applying information from multiple sources to draw conclusions or make inferences.
Additionally, there are six additional questions included in the test, which serve as pretest items and do not contribute to the final score. These questions are used for research purposes to gather statistical information about their effectiveness in future test development.
The TEAS Reading test is primarily taken by individuals aspiring to pursue a career in nursing. As reading comprehension is a vital skill in the healthcare field, this test helps assess the candidates' ability to comprehend complex medical literature, follow instructions accurately, and effectively communicate with patients and colleagues.
To succeed in the TEAS Reading test, prospective nursing students are encouraged to dedicate ample time to practice, develop strong reading comprehension strategies, and familiarize themselves with the test format and question types.
By doing so, they can enhance their performance and increase their chances of achieving their academic and professional goals in the field of nursing.
Why It Is Important to Practice the Test
Practicing the ATI TEAS Reading test is crucial for several reasons. The test is known for its level of difficulty, requiring students to concentrate on their answers and engage in regular practice.
Many individuals who have taken the test recommend dedicating a minimum of eight weeks to practice to achieve a satisfactory outcome.
There are several important benefits to practicing for the ATI TEAS Reading test:
Familiarity With the Test Format
Regular practice allows students to become familiar with the structure and format of the test. They can gain a better understanding of the types of question that are typically asked, the time constraints, and the overall expectations.
This familiarity helps reduce anxiety and allows students to focus more on comprehending the passages and selecting the correct answers.
Improved Reading Comprehension Skills
The ATI TEAS Reading test assesses a student's reading comprehension abilities, including their understanding of main ideas, details, and the ability to draw inferences.
Regular practice enables students to strengthen their reading skills by exposing them to a variety of texts and challenging passages. This practice helps improve their ability to comprehend complex information efficiently.
Develop Time Management Skills
The test duration for the ATI TEAS Reading test is limited to 55 minutes. Practicing within a time constraint helps students develop effective time management skills.
By practicing regularly, students can learn to allocate their time wisely, read passages efficiently, and answer questions accurately within the given time frame.
Identify Weak Areas
Regular practice allows students to identify areas that require improvement. By reviewing their performance and analyzing their mistakes, students can focus on specific skills or question types that need more attention.
This targeted practice helps them to strengthen their weaknesses and perform better on the actual test.
Preparing for the ATI TEAS Reading Test
To prepare for the ATI TEAS Reading test, it’s important to not only practice the test but also ensure that you're in the right mental space to be at your best.
Here are some tips on how to best prepare for the test.
Complete TEAS Reading Practice Tests
Using online resources that provide sample questions and practice tests can help simulate the actual testing environment.
This allows students to gauge their readiness, identify areas of improvement, and become familiar with the question types they may encounter. Doing lots of TEAS Reading exam practice is going to be the best preparation.
Review TEAS Reading Study Guides
Reviewing reading materials, such as a TEAS reading study guide, can enhance overall comprehension skills.
Engaging with a variety of texts, such as articles, essays, and scientific passages, can expose students to different writing styles and subject matters, improving their ability to comprehend diverse content.
Take Additional Lessons
Enrolling in reading-focused lessons or courses can provide targeted instruction to enhance reading comprehension skills. These lessons can include strategies for effectively analyzing and interpreting passages, improving vocabulary, and honing critical thinking abilities.
Prioritize Your Well-Being
It is essential to prioritize self-care and well-being during the preparation process. Adequate rest, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and managing stress levels can significantly impact cognitive abilities, focus, and overall performance.
Practice ATI TEAS Reading Questions
If you're unsure of exactly what the ATI TEAS Reading test entails, here are some TEAS Reading exam practice questions to give you an insight into the test.
ATI TEAS Reading Questions – Example 1
The Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 18th century, brought about significant changes in manufacturing and transportation. It led to the mechanization of production processes and the rise of factories. These changes had far-reaching effects on society, including urbanization and the growth of the middle class. However, it also resulted in poor working conditions and increased pollution.
Which of the following best describes the main idea of the passage?
a) The Industrial Revolution led to the mechanization of production processes.
b) The Industrial Revolution had positive and negative impacts on society.
c) The Industrial Revolution caused urbanization and the growth of the middle class.
d) The Industrial Revolution resulted in poor working conditions and increased pollution.
The correct answer is: b)
The passage discusses both the positive and negative effects of the Industrial Revolution, such as mechanization, urbanization, the growth of the middle class, but also poor working conditions and increased pollution. Option b) accurately captures the main idea of the passage.
ATI TEAS Reading Questions – Example 2
Literary analysis involves critically examining a work of literature to understand its meaning, themes, and techniques employed by the author. It requires careful reading and interpretation of the text, analyzing elements such as plot, character development, symbolism, and literary devices. By delving into these aspects, readers can gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the work.
Which of the following is not an aspect of literary analysis?
a) Examining the author's use of symbolism
b) Analyzing the plot structure and narrative arc
c) Evaluating the historical context of the work
d) Assessing the grammatical correctness of the text
The correct answer is: d)
Literary analysis focuses on understanding the meaning, themes, and techniques employed by the author, rather than evaluating the grammatical correctness of the text.
Options a), b), and c) are all valid aspects of literary analysis, while option d) is unrelated to the main purpose of literary analysis.
ATI TEAS Reading Questions – Example 3
Sigmund Freud, a renowned psychologist, developed the psychoanalytic theory, which emphasized the role of the unconscious mind in shaping human behavior. According to Freud, the unconscious mind contains repressed thoughts, desires, and memories that influence an individual's conscious thoughts and actions. By exploring the unconscious through techniques such as dream analysis and free association, individuals can gain insight into their hidden motivations and conflicts.
What is the main focus of Freud's psychoanalytic theory?
a) The role of the unconscious mind in shaping human behavior
b) The importance of conscious thoughts and actions
c) Techniques for analyzing dreams and free association
d) The influence of repressed memories on human behavior
The correct answer is: a)
The passage highlights Freud's emphasis on the role of the unconscious mind in shaping human behavior. Options b), c), and d) mention specific aspects related to psychoanalytic techniques but do not capture the central focus of Freud's theory as accurately as option a).
These are original sample questions for the ATI TEAS Reading test, designed to assess reading comprehension skills and the ability to analyze and interpret passages. By practicing with similar questions, students can become familiar with the test format and improve their performance on the actual exam.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TEAS Reading test?
The TEAS Reading test, also known as the ATI TEAS Reading Comprehension test, assesses a student's reading comprehension skills, attention to detail, and ability to read, analyze, and make efficient and organized answer choices.
Is the ATI TEAS Reading test hard?
The difficulty level of the ATI TEAS Reading test can vary from person to person. It is important to dedicate sufficient time for preparation and practice to perform well on the test, including using a TEAS Reading study guide from TestHQ.
Where can I prepare for the ATI TEAS Reading test?
There are various resources available to prepare for the ATI TEAS Reading test. Online platforms, a TEAS reading study guide, practice tests, and review books specifically designed for the TEAS test can help you prepare effectively.
There are many places to get an ATI TEAS reading practice test, try the ones here on TestHQ.
How many reading questions are on the TEAS test?
The TEAS test has a total of 45 reading questions that assess different aspects of reading comprehension. These questions are split into four groups, including a pretest set of six questions.
How long is the reading section of the TEAS test?
The reading section of the TEAS test has a duration of 55 minutes. It’s easy to trip over these questions and make mistakes. Therefore, you should take your time and not rush through the test.
How can I ace the TEAS Reading test?
To ace the TEAS Reading test, it is important to practice regularly, familiarize yourself with the test format, develop effective time management skills, strengthen your reading comprehension abilities, and use a TEAS reading test study guide, like those here on TestHQ.
How should I study for the reading section of the TEAS?
Studying for the reading section of the TEAS involves a ATI TEAS reading practice test, using study guides, like the ones on TestHQ and review materials, improving your vocabulary, developing effective reading strategies, and analyzing and interpreting various types of texts.
Many see taking an ATI TEAS 7 Reading Practice Test as the best possible preparation.
What happens if I fail the TEAS Reading test?
If you fail the TEAS Reading test, you may need to retake the test or explore alternative options depending on the requirements of the school or institution you are applying to.
It is important to consult with the school or admissions office to understand their policies and recommendations in such cases.
What are the best sites for TEAS Reading test preparation?
There are several reputable websites that offer study materials and resources for the TEAS Reading test preparation – some offer free TEAS reading practice tests, others you may have to pay for.
Some popular options include the official ATI TEAS website, educational platforms, and nursing test prep websites. It is recommended to choose reliable sources and review multiple sites to access a variety of study materials. Try the test prep packages on TestHQ.
What can help me with my TEAS 6 reading portion?
To excel in the TEAS 6 reading portion, practicing with sample questions on TestHQ, using study guides and reviewing materials specifically designed for TEAS 6, improving your time management skills, and focusing on strengthening your reading comprehension abilities are key strategies that can help you succeed.
How can I improve my reading comprehension for TEAS?
To improve your reading comprehension for the TEAS, practice active reading techniques, such as annotating and summarizing passages, develop a strong vocabulary, practice reading a variety of texts, and work on identifying main ideas, supporting details, and drawing accurate inferences while reading.
Final Thoughts
For many pursuing a career in nursing, the ATI TEAS Reading test can be an important step. To ace this test, you’ll need plenty of preparation and practice.
Many find the test difficult, and it can be easy to slip up on the questions without taking practice tests first.
The tips listed above should be a valuable starting point so you can perform at your best. There’s no substitute for hard work but with dedication and consistent practice, you’ll give yourself the best chance to pass the test and further your career.
