TEAS Reading Section

Predictions

A guess about what will happen next. Always subject to revision as the reader acquires more information

Narrative Passage

A story that can be fiction or nonfiction Must have a plot (series of events), proceed in clear sequence (this is not a requirement), must have characters (can be people, animals or inanimate objects, so long as they participate in the plot), must contain figurative language which is meant to stimulate the imagination of readers by making comparisons and observations (ex: a metaphor, a description of one thing in terms of another. 'The moon was a frosty snowball')

Line Graph

A type of graph that is typically used for measuring trends over time.

Expository Passage

Aims to inform and enlighten readers Passage is nonfiction and usually centers around a simple, easily defined topic. Goal is to teach Should be clear as possible. Contains helpful organizing words like 'First, next, for example, and therefore' More effective if you use colorful writing. Maintain steady attention Not always about subjects that will naturally interest a reader, so the writer is often more concerned with clarity and comprehensibility than with engaging the reader.

Cause

An act or event that makes something happen 'Since, because, due to'

Appeal to Emotion

An attempt to persuade or distract the reader from the weakness of the argument. Ex: pity, bandwagon (opinion is correct because it is held by the majority), name-calling, celebrity testimonial. Poor reasoning, weak argument

Stereotype

Applied specifically to a group or a place. Considered to be particularly abhorrent because the practice promotes negative generalizations about people. Reveal the authors ignorance and lack of curiosity.

Supporting details

Arguments from the passage Should be included in the summary, none of the details should be irrelevant or insignificant.

Expression of feelings

Author may write with emotion for any number of reasons. They are describing a personal situation of great pain or happiness. Will attempt to persuade readers by evoking their emotions. 'I felt, I sense'

Descriptive Text

Author seeks to describe events, ideas or people to the reader. Focuses on a particular subject and attempts to depict the subject in a way that will be clear to readers. Contain adjectives and adverbs. Fails when it is unclear to the reader. Will be informative and the passage may be persuasive and entertaining as well.

Italics

Being discussed as a word, when it is being defined or its use in a sentence is being described. Used for the titles of long or large works like books magazines, long operas and epic poems. Frequent use - author is creating a tone of high emotion Restrained use - calm and reason tone

Credibility

Believable when the author is knowledgeable and objective or unbiased. The authors motivations for writing the text play a critical role in determining their credibility.

Fact

Can be subjected to analysis and can be either proved or disproved. Something that is known with certainty and has been verified by several independent individuals

Identifying the logical conclusion

Can help you determine whether you agree with the writer or not. Much like making an interference: the approach requires you to combine the information given by the text with what you already know in order to make a logical conclusion.

Memo (Memorandum)

Common form of written communication. Heading: at the top including the author, date and recipient (in some cases, the author's title and name of their institution) Body: typically written by and for members of the same organization. Contain a plan of action, a request for information on a specific topic, or a response to such a request. Considered official documents and are usually written in a formal style. Organized with numbers or bullet points, which make it easier for the reader to identify key ideas.

Posted announcement

Contain all of the information the reader requires to act on the message. Ex: a lost pet announcement needs to include a good description of the animal and a contact number for the owner. Can have color and decoration to attract the eye of the passerby, it must also convey the necessary information clearly.

Legend / Key of a Map

Defined the symbols used on the map for carious landmarks. Placed in the corner of the map Contain listings for all the important symbols on the map. Contain special symbols to show certain places, such as a picnic table for a campground.

Personification

Description of nonhuman thing as if the item were human. Process of making something human Intent is to describe things in a manner that will be comprehensible to readers. Ex: A tree groans in the wind. The tree is making a noise similar to a human groan. Establishes a tone of sadness or suffering.

Summarize

Effective outline Accurately define the main idea of the passage Lay out the most supporting details or arguments from the passage All supporting details should be included and none of the details should be irrelevant or insignificant Accurately report all these details Should contain as much as the same message in the original text.

Topic and Summary sentences

Encapsulate the main idea of a text. In textbooks and academic articles, the author will place them at the beginning of each section as a means of preparing the reader for what is to come When it is not provided, jot down your own so you can refresh your memory.

Journal Articles

Evaluated by 6 criteria: Source: Reliable authors, references to more publications on the same topic Length: The citation states an articles number of pages, an indication of its research utility Authority: Research sources should be authoritative, written by experts affiliated with academic institutions Date: Must be as current as possible. Audience: If an author wrote an article for professional colleagues, it will include subject specific language and terminology. Usefulness: Evaluate whether an article is relevant to one's own research topic.

Scale readings of Standard Measurement Instruments

Ex: ruler.

Simile

Figurative expression that is similar to a metaphor, yet the expression requires the use of distancing words like 'like or as'. Ex: The child howled like a coyote. Creates a space between the description and the thing being described. The description is not the same thing as the thing being described.

Problem-Solution Text Structure

Found in nonfiction texts, organized this way. Problem is explained before the solution If the problem is well known, the solution may be presented at the beginning of the text. Other passages may focus on the solution and the problem will be referenced only occasionally. Some texts may be organized with more than one solution for the reader to choose Pay attention to authors agenda Only by understanding the author's perspective and interests can one develop a proper judgement of the proposed solution

Headings

Gives the topic that will be addressed in the paragraphs below. Meant to alert you about what is coming next.

Connotative

Goes beyond the literal meaning of the word and includes the emotional reaction that a word may invoke. Takes the denotive meaning a step further due to associations which the reader makes with the denotative meaning. Found in fiction.

Word meaning from context

Identify a words meaning based on words around it and the way it is used in a sentence. Can also be defined by what they are not.

Logical conclusion

If the author intended the reader to draw a certain conclusion, then you can expect the author's argument and detail to be leading in that direction. Take notes and this can clarify the conclusion, make sure the author doesn't raise any pertinent questions . Conclusions must be supported directly from the text.

Similar themes

In most cultures, authors address themes of personal growth and the struggle for maturity. Conflict between the individual and society.

Topic and Main Idea

In nonfiction, they will be stated directly and often appear in a sentence at the very beginning or end of the text.

Dividing or Classifying

Information into separate items according to their similarities.

Figurative Language

Language devices that authors use to convey their meaning in a descriptive way. Language that goes beyond the literal meaning of a word or phrase. EX: Descriptive language, similes, metaphors, exaggeration.

Endnote

Listed at the end of paragraphs and chapters of a document.

Drawing Conclusions

Look for critical 'hedge'[ phrases such as 'likely, may, can, will often' Extreme positive or negative answers such as always or never are usually not correct. The reader should not use any outside knowledge that is not gathered from the passage to answer the related questions. Correct answers can be derived straight from the passage.

Entertaining Texts

May be fiction or nonfiction and they may describe real or imagined people, places and events. Often narratives or poems Contains colorful language that engages the imagination and emotions Features a great deal of figurative language which enlivens the subject matter with images and analogies. May appeal to the readers emotions and cause him or her to think differently about a particular subject. Tend to showcase the personality of the author more than other types of writing.

Illustrations

May be used to support the thesis. Examples are the most common form of this organization.

Persuasive Passage

Meant to change the mind of readers and lead them into agreement with the author Intent may be obvious or difficult to discern. Will be indistinguishable from one that is informative. Both passages make an assertion and offer supporting details. More likely to appeal to readers emotions and make claims based on opinions. May not describe alternate positions, when they do, they display a significant bias. Giving the authors viewpoint, or the passage may adopt a seemingly objective tone Successful if it can make a convincing argument and win the trust of the reader.

Compare and Contrast

Most common form in nonfiction. Can contain both in a single sentence 'Natalie and Lila love ice cream but Natalie prefers vanilla and Lila prefers strawberry.'

Purpose

Most narratives are written to entertain but also to inform and persuade. Informative texts are easy to identify, while the most difficult purpose of a text to identify is persuasion because the author has an interest in making this purpose hard to detect. Persuasive texts often try to establish an entertaining tone and hope to amuse the reader into agreement An informative tone may be implemented to create an appearance of authority and objectivity. Evident in the organization of the text. If the main idea is set clearly at the beginning, the purpose is to inform. If it is not and starts giving evidence, they are trying to persuade. If they tell a story, they are trying to entertain.

Local Organization

Presenting material in a logical pattern that makes intuitive sense. Some patterns that are frequently used are illustrated, definition, compare/contrast, cause/effect, problem/solution, and division/classification.

Supporting Details

Provide evidence and backing for the main point. To show that a main idea is correct or valid, authors add details to prove their point. Serve to reinforce some larger point. Most commonly found in informative and persuasive texts. Indicated with "For example/ for instance, first, second, last" Consider if the authors details back up their main point. Can be factual and correct, but may be irrelevant to the point. Can be pertinent, but can be ineffective because they are based on opinion or assertions that cannot be proven.

Counterargument

Readers should be alert for direct statements that are subsequently rejected or weakened by the author.

Paraphrase

Rephrasing what the author has written, or translates in as many details as they can.

Following directions

Scan the directions to determine whether special equipment or preparations are needed. Complete each step before moving on to the next. If this is not possible, visualize each step before reading the next.

Theme

Seldom expressed directly in a text and can be difficult to identify. An issue, an idea or a question raised by the text. Ex: Cinderella - perseverance as the title character serves her step sisters and step mother and the prince seeks to find the girl with the missing slipper. They raise more questions than they can answer Consider the themes in a deeper way Constantly ask about the general issues that the text is addressing. Author does not need to express them directly, they can be expressed through events and actions

Drawing conclusions

Sometimes they are implied from written information and other times the information is stated directly within the passage. Aim to come to a conclusion from information stated within the passage versus mere implications. Always read through the entire passage Authors conclusions are not always at the beginning or the end of their passage

Argumentative and persuasive

Take a stand on a debatable issue, seek to explore all sides of the issue and find the best possible solution. Should not be combative or abusive. Should be calm and reasonable presentation of an authors ideas for others to consider. Want to reveal current understanding of the question at hand and suggest a solution to a problem. Purpose is to reach the best solution.

Opinion

The authors personal thoughts or feelings which may not be alterable by research or evidence. May be indicated by words like 'believe, think, feel' Can be supported by facts such as 'New York is overcrowded because x,y,z'

Internet sources

The best sources are those affiliated with established institutions such as universities, public libraries and think tanks. A website can be considered trustworthy if it is referenced by other sites that are known to be reputable. Tend to be properly maintained and frequently updated. A site is easier to trust when the author provides some information about himself including some credentials that indicate expertise in the subject matter.

Primary Sources

The documentary evidence closest to the subject being studied. Ex: An essay about penguins, this source would be photographs and recordings of the birds as well as accounts of people who have studied penguins in person. Should be credible and if it is on a subject that is being explored, recent. Check to see how often it is mentioned in other books and articles on the same subject. Works cited and bibliographies, one can get a sense of what the reliable sources authorities in the field are.

Denotive

The literal meaning of the word. Most nonfiction is fact based and do not use flowery figurative language.

Sequence

The order of which things happen. Indicated with signal words like 'first, second, next, last' Can be implied and must be noted by the reader. Ex: He walked through the garden and gave water and fertilizer to the plants -first he collected water and fertilizer, walked through the garden and gave water or fertilizer to the plants. Sometimes they begin at the end and start over at the beginning.

Effect

The thing that happens as a result of the cause 'Consequently, therefore, this leads to'

Implications

Things that the author does not state directly, but readers can assume based on what the author does say. Ex: I stepped outside and opened my umbrella. By the time I got to work, the cuffs of mu pants were soaked. It is implied that it is raining. Should have multiple pieces of evidence.

Metaphor

Type of figurative language in which the write equates one thing with a different thing. Ex: The bird was an arrow arcing through the sky. The point is to encourage the reader to consider the item being described in a different way. A way for the author to describe an item without being direct and obvious. Lyrical and suggestive way of providing information. The reference of a metaphor will not always be mentioned explicitly by the author.

Foreshadowing

Uses hints in a narrative to let the audience anticipate future events in the plot. Can be indicated by a number of literary devices and figures of speech as well as through dialogue between characters.

Authors Position

When an author uses emotional language or clearly favors one side of an argument, their position is clear. May be evident too in what they DON'T WRITE. Look for language and argumentation that seems to indicate a particular stance on the subject.

Counterarguments

When authors give both sides of the argument they build trust with the readers. Start with an undecided and neutral position. Can be appealing to skeptical readers. Sharing values with undecided readers can allow people to switch positions without giving up what they feel is important. Having an open mind can be a powerful tool in arguing a position without antagonizing other views. Objections can be countered on a point by point basis or in a summary paragraph. If authors are unfair to the other side of the argument, lose trust.

Bias

When they ignore reasonable counterarguments or distort opposing viewpoints. Evident whenever the author is unfair or inaccurate in their presentation. May be intentional or unintentional and readers should be skeptical of the authors argument. Author may still be correct in their beliefs, however, they will be correct in spite of their bias not because of it.

Synthesize

When you generate questions about what the data that you have collected and see if you understand it and whether you can answer your own questions.

Topic sentence

Will be clear and not contain any jargon

Secondary source

Would be a review of a movie about penguins or a book outlining the observations made by others.

Technical Passage

Written to describe a complex object or process. Common in medical and technological fields, in which complex ideas of mathematics, science and engineering need to be explained simply and clearly. Usually leads in a very logical order. Clear headings and subheadings Divide sections up with numbers or letters. Look more like an outline than a piece of prose. Jargon may or may not be more difficult depending on the audience it is intended for. Try to avoid language the audience will have to research in order to understand, but sometimes it is inevitable.

Informative texts

Written to educate and enlighten readers. Almost always nonfiction and are rarely structured as a story. Intention is to deliver information in the most comprehensible way. The thesis statement is one or sometimes two sentences that appear at the end of the first paragraph. Author may use colorful language but they are likely to put emphasis on clarity and precision. Do not typically appeal to the emotions, often contain facts and figures and rarely include the opinion of the author.

Inference

a piece of information that is implied but not written outright by the author. Ex: After the final out of the inning, the fans were filled with joy and rushed the field. Avoid using information beyond the provided passage before making inferences

Problem and solution

a simple and effective manner of logically organizing material. It is very commonly used and lucidly presents information.

Examples and illustrations

add an emotional component to arguments. Persuade readers in ways that facts and statistics cannot The emotional component is effective when used with objective information that can be confirmed

Index

an alphabetical listing of names and subtopics along with page numbers where they are discussed, typically found at the end of a book

Classified advertisement

are used to sell or buy goods, to attract business, to make romantic connections, and to do countless other things. A way to make a brief pitch. Begins with a word or phrase indicating what is being sold or sought. Then the listing will give a brief description of the product or service. In newspapers, there will often contain abbreviations for common attributes, ex: 'bk' - black 'obo'- or best offer. Conclude by listing the price followed by contact information like a telephone number or email address.

Persuasive writing

author is attempting to change the readers mind or convince them of something that they did not believe previously. Uses: opinion presented as a fact, and emotional language. Will try to use emotions to appeal to the reader. Will give unfair explanation of opposing positions, if they are even mentioned at all.

Pie chart

circle graph, used for depicting how a single unit or category is divided. Each wedge is proportional in size to a part of the whole. Effective at showing how a single entity is divided into parts. Not effective at demonstrating the relationships between parts of different wholes.

Descriptive Language

evokes imagery in the reader's mine

Comparing and contrasting

excellent tools to use with certain kinds of information, A phenomenon may be traced to its cause for organizing a subject logically.

Subheadings

give topics of smaller sections.

Library Media Specialists

important figures in contemporary learning communities which now consist of administrators, teachers and parents and international, national, state, regional and local communities. Connected by shared needs, interests and rapidly increasing technologies in telecommunications Help to aid students in attaining and improving their information literacy. Have the objective of helping every student to creatively and actively find, evaluate and use information toward the ends of fulfilling their own curiosities and imaginations by pursuing reading and research activities and of exercising and developing their own critical thinking abilities. Bring their skills for finding and evaluating information in a variety of ways. Bring an awareness of various issues related to information to the attention of students, teachers, administrators and other involved parties. Also serve to model for students the strategies they can learn to find, access and evaluate information inside and outside the libraries.

Spatial organization

lets the user "see" the information, to fix it in space. This benefits for those individuals who are visually adept at processing information.

Unstated topic/Main Idea

read every sentence of the text and try to come up with an overarching idea that is supported by each of those sentences.

Text evidence

refers to information that supports a main point or minor points and can help the reader come to a conclusion. Precise, descriptive, and factual. A main point is often followed by supporting details that provide evidence to back up a claim. Needs to be provided that supports the thesis and additional arguments. Most arguments need to be supported by facts or statistics.

Footnote

text that is listed at the bottom of a page which lists where facts and figures within that document page were obtained

Dialectic Approach

the author is more likely to dramatize themes by using characters to express opposing viewpoints.

Body Paragraph

the main topic sentence here, (but not always) will give you a summary of the context in the paragraph.

Chronological organization

the most common presentation of information. This method places information in the sequence with which it occurs. This is useful in explaining a process that occurs in a step-by-step pattern.

Main Idea

the most important point being made by the author. Needs to be a full sentence and completely be defined.

Topic

the subject of the text (what the text is all about) Usually expressed in a few words at the most You may be able to skim the passage for a general idea by reading only the first sentence of each paragraph.

Guide Words

the two words at the top of each page in a dictionary.

Bar Graph

used to illustrate sets of numerical data.