TEAS 7 Reading: Types of Passages Subtopics
Each passage type is represented, with questions mimicking what you will see on the exam.
Informational / Expository Passage
Passage 1
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants convert light energy into chemical energy. Chlorophyll, the green pigment in leaves, absorbs sunlight and combines carbon dioxide from the air with water from the roots to produce glucose and oxygen. This process occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells. Glucose serves as food for the plant, while oxygen is released into the atmosphere. Without photosynthesis, life on Earth would not exist as we know it, because the process produces the oxygen most organisms need to survive.
1. What is the main idea of the passage?
A) Chlorophyll is green.
B) Photosynthesis converts light into chemical energy and produces oxygen.
C) Plants need water to survive.
D) Glucose is a type of sugar.
2. According to the passage, where does photosynthesis occur?
A) In the roots
B) In the chloroplasts
C) In the soil
D) In the flowers
3. What text feature would best help a reader understand this process visually?
A) A glossary
B) A diagram showing water, CO2, sunlight → glucose + oxygen
C) A footnote
D) A bibliography
4. What is the cause-and-effect relationship described?
A) Oxygen causes chlorophyll to turn green.
B) Sunlight + CO2 + water cause glucose and oxygen to be produced.
C) Glucose causes photosynthesis.
D) Roots cause water absorption.
5. Which sentence best summarizes the passage?
A) Plants are green because of chlorophyll.
B) Photosynthesis uses sunlight, water, and CO2 to make glucose and oxygen in chloroplasts.
C) Oxygen is necessary for life.
D) Scientists study plant cells.
Narrative Passage
Passage 2
Elena clutched the worn leather journal as the train rattled through the countryside. Her grandmother had given it to her that morning, saying, “This belonged to your great-grandmother when she immigrated. Now it’s your turn to write your story.” Elena opened to the first page and saw elegant cursive in faded ink: “June 3, 1923 – I cannot speak English, but my heart is full of hope.” Tears blurred Elena’s vision. She pulled out a pen and wrote beneath it: “June 3, 2025 – I will not waste this chance.”
6. What is the tone of the passage?
A) Humorous and light
B) Serious and emotional
C) Angry and bitter
D) Neutral and detached
7. What can be inferred about Elena’s feelings?
A) She is annoyed by her grandmother.
B) She feels a deep connection to her great-grandmother’s experience.
C) She plans to throw away the journal.
D) She cannot read cursive.
8. What is the sequence of events?
A) Elena writes → grandmother gives journal → train stops
B) Grandmother gives journal → Elena reads old entry → Elena writes new entry
C) Elena reads old entry → grandmother gives journal → train rattles
D) Great-grandmother writes → Elena cries → grandmother leaves
9. The point of view is:
A) First-person (Elena)
B) Second-person
C) Third-person limited (follows Elena)
D) Third-person omniscient
10. Which word best describes the author’s purpose?
A) Persuade
B) Inform
C) Entertain through storytelling
D) Instruct
Persuasive / Argumentative Passage
Passage 3
Requiring community service for high school graduation benefits both students and society. A 2022 study of 5,000 graduates found that those who completed 50+ service hours had 30% higher college persistence rates. Volunteering teaches empathy, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving. Critics argue that mandatory service feels forced and reduces intrinsic motivation. However, research from Stanford shows that structured service learning increases future volunteerism. Schools that implement this requirement produce more engaged citizens. It’s time to make service a graduation requirement nationwide.
11. What is the author’s claim?
A) Community service is fun.
B) High schools should require community service for graduation.
C) College persistence rates are too low.
D) Stanford University supports volunteering.
12. Which evidence does the author use?
A) Anecdotal story
B) Statistical study (5,000 graduates, 30% higher persistence)
C) Emotional appeal only
D) No evidence
13. What counterargument does the author address?
A) Students are too busy.
B) Mandatory service feels forced and reduces intrinsic motivation.
C) Service learning is expensive.
D) Teachers don’t want to supervise service.
14. What is the author’s rebuttal?
A) Students will disobey.
B) Stanford research shows structured service increases future volunteerism.
C) The requirement is optional.
D) Only wealthy students can volunteer.
15. The author uses which appeal when citing a Stanford study?
A) Pathos (emotion)
B) Ethos (credibility)
C) Logos (logic/evidence)
D) Both B and C
Technical Passage
Passage 4 (Instructions)
How to Replace a Fire Alarm Battery
Tools needed: New 9-volt battery, step stool (if needed)
Step 1: Locate the fire alarm on the ceiling or high wall.
Step 2: Twist the alarm counterclockwise to detach it from the mounting plate.
Step 3: Open the battery compartment on the back of the alarm.
Step 4: Remove the old battery and disconnect the old wire connector.
Step 5: Attach the new 9-volt battery to the connector (match positive and negative terminals).
Step 6: Close the battery compartment.
Step 7: Retwist the alarm clockwise onto the mounting plate until it clicks.
Step 8: Press the “Test” button to ensure the alarm sounds.
16. What is the purpose of this passage?
A) To persuade readers to buy a new alarm
B) To explain why batteries die
C) To instruct readers on replacing a battery step by step
D) To narrate a story about a fire
17. What should you do immediately after removing the old battery?
A) Press the Test button
B) Attach the new battery to the connector
C) Twist the alarm counterclockwise
D) Close the battery compartment
18. What does “counterclockwise” mean in this context?
A) Turn to the right
B) Turn opposite direction of clock hands (left)
C) Push upward
D) Pull downward
19. What text feature would be most helpful to accompany these instructions?
A) A photograph or diagram showing battery terminal matching (+ and -)
B) A glossary of fire safety terms
C) A historical timeline of fire alarms
D) A persuasive essay on smoke detectors
20. This passage is classified as:
A) Narrative
B) Persuasive
C) Technical
D) Expository
Graphic & Multimedia (Text + Graph Integration)
Passage 5
Text:
The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has grown significantly over the past decade. In 2015, EVs made up only 0.5% of new car sales in the United States. By 2020, that number had risen to 2.5%. Early adopters were motivated by environmental concerns. More recently, falling battery prices and expanded charging infrastructure have driven mainstream interest. However, challenges remain, including range anxiety and limited charging in rural areas.
Graph Data:
· 2015: 0.5%
· 2018: 1.2%
· 2020: 2.5%
· 2022: 5.0%
· 2024: 8.5% (projected)
· Shaded area: “Increasing charging stations + tax credits”
21. According to the graph, which statement is true?
A) EV sales were highest in 2015.
B) EV sales increased every year from 2015 to 2024.
C) EV sales doubled between 2020 and 2022.
D) EV sales decreased after 2022.
22. What does the graph show about 2024?
A) EV sales will definitely reach 8.5%.
B) EV sales are projected to reach 8.5%.
C) EV sales dropped to 0%.
D) No data is available for 2024.
23. Which reason for EV growth is mentioned in the text but NOT directly shown on the graph?
A) Percentage of new car sales
B) Falling battery prices and expanded charging infrastructure
C) Year-by-year increase
D) The year 2020
24. Both the text and the graph support which conclusion?
A) EV adoption has increased over time, with faster growth after 2020.
B) EVs will replace all gas cars by 2025.
C) Rural areas have the most EVs.
D) Tax credits caused 100% of the growth.
25. The shaded area on the graph labeled “Increasing charging stations + tax credits” suggests:
A) These factors likely contributed to the steeper growth after 2020.
B) These factors had no effect.
C) EV sales decreased because of charging stations.
D) The data is unreliable.
Answer Key with Explanations
1. B
The passage explains the process and outcome of photosynthesis.
2. B
Photosynthesis occurs in chloroplasts.
3. B
A diagram best represents a biological process visually.
4. B
Inputs (sunlight, CO2, water) produce outputs (glucose, oxygen).
5. B
This option includes all major ideas in a concise way.
6. B
The imagery and emotional moment create a serious, emotional tone.
7. B
Elena connects emotionally and personally to the journal.
8. B
This correctly follows the narrative order.
9. C
The narrator follows Elena but is not Elena herself.
10. C
The passage tells a story for emotional impact.
11. B
The author argues for mandatory service.
12. B
Uses statistical evidence from a study.
13. B
Opponents say mandatory service reduces motivation.
14. B
The author rebuts with Stanford research.
15. D
It combines credibility (ethos) and logical evidence (logos).
16. C
The passage provides step-by-step instructions.
17. B
The next step is attaching the new battery.
18. B
Counterclockwise means leftward rotation.
19. A
A diagram helps clarify correct battery placement.
20. C
Step-by-step instructions = technical writing.
21. C
Data shows steady increase with faster growth after 2020.
22. B
2024 is a projection, not a certainty.
23. B
These reasons appear in text but not on graph.
24. A
Both sources show growth over time with acceleration.
25. A
The shaded explanation links policy and infrastructure to growth.
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