TEAS Reading Practice Questions

Excerpt: An interesting birthday party On Saturday afternoon, local eccentric Dr. Oliver Creekstone held a remarkable 90th birthday at his countryside estate. Present were 3000 guests, four zebras, two monster trucks, and a famous bagpipe player from Scotland. Though pleased with the entertainment, attendees reportedly were shocked that the complimentary buffet contained only boiled asparagus and pickled carrots. At nightfall, the party was treated to a stunning and seemingly endless fireworks display. According to our sources, Dr. Creekstone felt that next year's birthday party would have to be even bigger and more interesting. 'We'll need at least seven more zebras,' he said.

1. Which of the following contains only key points of the passage?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Choice A provides a comprehensive list of key points from the passage about Dr. Creekstone's 90th birthday party, including the number of guests, unique elements like zebras and monster trucks, the buffet contents, and the fireworks display. Choices B and C do not cover all the important details mentioned in the passage, making them incomplete and inaccurate. Choice D is a partial summary, missing essential details such as the unique elements and the limited buffet, so it is not the best option.

2. What is the topic excerpt?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, 'An interesting birthday party.' The passage describes Dr. Oliver Creekstone's remarkable 90th birthday party at his countryside estate, featuring unusual elements like zebras, monster trucks, and a bagpipe player. The guests were surprised by the buffet of boiled asparagus and pickled carrots, and the evening ended with a spectacular fireworks display. Choice B, 'A disappointing buffet menu,' is incorrect as the buffet is just one aspect of the overall event. Choice C, 'Dr. Creekstone's eccentricities,' while partially relevant, does not capture the main focus of the passage. Choice D, 'The lack of adequate lighting at the estate,' is unrelated to the topic of the excerpt.

Excerpt: An interesting birthday party On Saturday afternoon, local eccentric Dr. Oliver Creekstone held a remarkable 90th birthday at his countryside estate. Present were 3000 guests, four zebras, two monster trucks, and a famous bagpipe player from Scotland. Though pleased with the entertainment, attendees reportedly were shocked that the complimentary buffet contained only boiled asparagus and pickled carrots. At nightfall, the party was treated to a stunning and seemingly endless fireworks display. According to our sources, Dr. Creekstone felt that next year’s birthday party would have to be even bigger and more interesting. 'We’ll need at least seven more zebras,' he said.

3. What is the tone of the passage?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Witty.' The tone of the passage is light-hearted and humorous, characterized by amusing details like the eccentric birthday party with zebras, monster trucks, and a limited buffet of boiled asparagus and pickled carrots. The mention of Dr. Creekstone planning an even bigger party with more zebras adds to the whimsical and humorous tone. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as there is no indication of disbelief, hostility, or anxiety in the passage; instead, it conveys a sense of fun and amusement.

Excerpt: The volunteers for the incumbent candidate planned to canvass the neighborhood in an attempt to garner more support from constituents in their political party. ٧nbeknownst to them, the voter address list was erroneously switched. Meaning that although they were walking door to door, they were walking to the doors of people registered under a different political party. In a surprising twist, the process of discussing the candidate's stance on the issues did raise support. On Election Day, the incumbent candidate lost, but received more votes in the neighborhoods where volunteers canvassed, despite focusing on members of the opposing party.

4. Which detail from the passage supports the conclusion that the passage takes place in the 21st century?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The reference to sending a text message in the passage is a clear indication of the 21st century. This action of sending a text message is a modern communication method commonly associated with contemporary times. Choices A, B, and D do not provide any specific details or actions that distinctly tie them to the 21st century. Choice A focuses on the location of an office, which does not inherently place the passage in a specific time period. Choice B uses a metaphorical reference to Medusa, which is a mythological figure not limited to any particular era. Choice D describes a scene involving running to a parking garage, which could occur in various time periods without indicating a specific century.

5. Which of the following sources would be the best to understand the suspense genre better?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, an encyclopedia entry about the suspense genre. This choice would be the best source to understand the suspense genre better as it provides a comprehensive and detailed overview of the genre's history, characteristics, and key elements. Option A, a public library's digital catalog, may list suspense novels available but does not offer in-depth information about the genre itself. Option B, online reviews of the genre, are subjective opinions and may not provide a holistic view of the genre. Option C, a New York Times bestseller list, showcases popular titles but doesn't delve into the specifics of the suspense genre.

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