Key Takeaways
- You have approximately 73 seconds per question—manage time carefully
- Read questions first for single-question passages to focus your reading
- Use process of elimination when unsure—eliminate contradicted and unsupported answers
- Be suspicious of extreme language ("always," "never") in answer choices
- Mark difficult questions, guess, and return if time permits—answer every question
Last updated: January 2026
TEAS Reading Strategies and Time Management
Success on the TEAS Reading section requires not only comprehension skills but also effective test-taking strategies. With 45 questions in 55 minutes, you have approximately 1.2 minutes per question.
Time Management
| Component | Time | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Per question | ~73 seconds | Don't spend more than 2 minutes on any question |
| Long passages | 3-4 minutes | Read efficiently, focus on structure |
| Short passages | 1-2 minutes | Get the main idea quickly |
| Review | 5 minutes | Save time to check flagged questions |
Active Reading Strategies
Before Reading:
- Read the question first (for single-question passages)
- Preview the passage structure
- Note the source/type of text
During Reading:
- Identify the main idea early
- Note key supporting details
- Pay attention to signal words and transitions
- Mentally summarize each paragraph
After Reading:
- Answer the question from memory first
- Return to the passage to verify
- Eliminate obviously wrong answers
- Choose the best supported answer
Question Type Strategies
| Question Type | Strategy |
|---|---|
| Main idea | Focus on first/last sentences; ask "What is this about?" |
| Detail/fact | Scan for keywords from the question; verify with text |
| Inference | Find evidence in text + use logical reasoning |
| Vocabulary | Use context clues; substitute answer choices |
| Structure | Look for signal words; identify organizational pattern |
| Purpose/tone | Consider word choice; think about author's goal |
| Synthesis | Read all sources; find connections and differences |
Common Trap Answers
| Trap Type | Description | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Too extreme | Uses words like "always," "never," "all" | Look for more moderate options |
| True but irrelevant | Correct statement but doesn't answer the question | Stay focused on what's asked |
| Partially correct | Some truth mixed with errors | Read entire answer carefully |
| Opposite meaning | Reverses or negates the correct answer | Double-check for negatives |
| Beyond the text | Requires outside knowledge | Stick to what's stated or implied |
Process of Elimination
When unsure:
- Eliminate answers contradicted by the passage
- Eliminate answers not supported by evidence
- Eliminate answers that are too extreme
- Choose from remaining options based on best support
Reading Speed Tips
Speed Up By:
- Skipping fillers (very, really, basically)
- Not subvocalizing every word
- Expanding your eye span (read phrases, not words)
- Skimming familiar or simple content
- Practicing timed reading
Slow Down For:
- Key definitions and terms
- Numbers, dates, and statistics
- Transition words that signal structure
- Complex or unfamiliar content
- Information directly related to questions
Vocabulary in Context
When you encounter unfamiliar words:
- Look at surrounding sentences for clues
- Identify the word's part of speech
- Look for synonyms or definitions nearby
- Consider the overall tone
- Substitute your guess and check if it makes sense
Common TEAS Reading Topics
The TEAS often includes passages about:
- Health and medicine
- Science and nature
- Social issues
- History and culture
- Instructions and procedures
Practice Recommendations
Daily Practice:
- Read for 20-30 minutes from varied sources
- Practice summarizing paragraphs in one sentence
- Time yourself on practice questions
- Review explanations for wrong answers
Weekly Practice:
- Complete one full-length reading section
- Analyze your error patterns
- Focus on weakest question types
- Track your improvement
Test Day Tips
- Get adequate sleep the night before
- Eat a nutritious breakfast
- Arrive early and relaxed
- Read each question carefully
- Trust your first instinct (usually)
- Mark and return to difficult questions
- Answer every question (no penalty for guessing)
Test Your Knowledge
What is the recommended approach when you encounter a difficult question on the TEAS Reading section?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
When reading a TEAS passage, what should you focus on first?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Which answer choice type should you be most suspicious of?
A
B
C
D