Day 5
Topic Definitions for
ATI TEAS Knowledge of Language
1. Slang (Questions
1–5)
Definition:
Slang refers to
highly informal words, expressions, or phrases that are typically used within
specific social groups, subcultures, or generations. Slang is often temporary,
creative, and not appropriate for academic, medical, or professional writing.
Key Characteristics for TEAS:
- Informal,
casual, or playful
- May be
regionally or generationally specific
- Should be
replaced with standard English in formal contexts
Examples: kinda,
gonna, super (as adverb), weird, chill, bombed, freaked out, awesome, stuff,
thing
Slang → Standard English
|
Slang |
Standard English |
|
kinda |
somewhat /
rather |
|
gonna |
going to |
|
super tired |
very fatigued |
|
feeling weird |
experiencing
unusual symptoms |
|
bombed the test |
performed
poorly on the exam |
TEAS Tip:
If a sentence
appears in a nursing note, research paper, or professional email, slang makes
it incorrect.
2. Formal vs. Informal
Language (Questions 6–10)
Definition:
Formal
language: Standard English
used in academic writing, professional documents, medical records, business
correspondence, and official reports. Avoids contractions, slang,
colloquialisms, and first-person pronouns (I, we, you) unless necessary.
Informal
language: Casual English
used in everyday conversation, personal texts, social media, and diary entries.
Freely uses contractions, slang, sentence fragments, and first-person pronouns.
Key Characteristics for TEAS:
|
Feature |
Formal |
Informal |
|
Contractions |
Cannot (not
can't) |
Can't |
|
Pronouns |
One, a patient,
the researcher |
I, we, you |
|
Vocabulary |
Precise
(numerous, examine, determine) |
Vague (a lot
of, check out, figure out) |
|
Slang |
Never |
Often |
|
Sentence
structure |
Complete,
complex |
Fragments
allowed |
TEAS Tip:
Context
determines which is required. Patient handouts may allow “you,” but research
papers require third-person formal language.
3. Redundancy
(Questions 11–13)
Definition:
Redundancy occurs
when a word or phrase unnecessarily repeats information that has already been
expressed elsewhere in the sentence. Redundant words add no new meaning and
should be removed for clear, concise writing.
Key Characteristics for TEAS:
- Look for
pairs of words that mean the same thing
- Remove the
extra word without changing meaning
Common redundant pairs:
|
Redundant Phrase |
Corrected Version |
|
repeat again |
repeat |
|
final
conclusion |
conclusion |
|
two twins |
twins |
|
join together |
join |
|
past history |
history |
|
unexpected
surprise |
surprise |
|
close proximity |
proximity |
|
completely
eliminate |
eliminate |
TEAS Tip:
If you can remove
a word and the sentence still means the same thing, that word is likely
redundant.
4. Tone (Questions
14–16)
Definition:
Tone refers to
the writer’s attitude toward the subject or audience, conveyed through word
choice, sentence structure, and level of formality. For the TEAS, you must
identify whether a sentence’s tone is appropriate for its intended audience and
purpose.
Key Characteristics for TEAS:
|
Tone Type |
Characteristics |
Appropriate For |
|
Professional /
Objective |
Neutral,
precise, avoids emotion |
Nursing
reports, research papers, business memos |
|
Instructive /
Clear |
Direct, simple,
educational |
Patient
handouts, procedure manuals |
|
Casual /
Conversational |
Informal, uses
slang/contractions |
Personal
journals, fiction dialogue |
|
Persuasive |
Confident, may
use strong language |
Argumentative
essays, proposals |
TEAS Tip:
A sentence can be
grammatically correct but still wrong if its tone doesn’t match the context
(e.g., “super tired” in a nursing report).
5. Transition Words
(Questions 17–19)
Definition:
Transition words
(also called conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases) connect ideas between
sentences or clauses. They show relationships such as cause/effect, contrast,
addition, example, or sequence.
Key Categories for TEAS:
|
Relationship |
Transition Words |
|
Cause / Effect |
therefore,
consequently, as a result, thus |
|
Contrast |
however,
nevertheless, on the other hand, in contrast |
|
Addition |
furthermore,
moreover, in addition, also |
|
Example |
for example,
for instance, specifically |
|
Sequence |
first, next,
then, finally |
|
Conclusion |
in conclusion,
to summarize |
TEAS Tip:
Choose the
transition that best reflects the logical relationship between the two ideas.
6. Topic Sentences
(Questions 20–22)
Definition:
A topic sentence
is the first sentence of a paragraph (usually) that states the paragraph’s main
idea. It tells the reader what the paragraph will discuss and limits the scope
to one central point.
Key Characteristics for TEAS:
- Appears at
or near the beginning of a paragraph
- Contains the
paragraph’s controlling idea
- All other
sentences support the topic sentence
- Not too
broad or too narrow
Example:
Weak topic
sentence: “Handwashing is important.” (too vague)
Strong topic sentence: “Handwashing with soap removes harmful bacteria and
viruses, making it one of the most effective ways to prevent infection.”
(specific and supportable)
TEAS Tip:
If a sentence
does not relate to the topic sentence, it is likely out of place in that
paragraph.
7. Thesis Statements
(Questions 23–25)
Definition:
A thesis
statement is one sentence (usually at the end of an introduction) that states
the central argument or main claim of an entire essay or research paper. It
guides the direction of the paper and tells the reader what to expect.
Key Characteristics for TEAS:
- Makes a
specific, arguable claim
- Includes
main supporting points (2–3)
- Avoids “In
this essay I will…”
- Avoids vague
language (“many things,” “several ways”)
- Uses formal,
declarative language
Examples:
|
Weak Thesis |
Strong Thesis |
|
This paper will
talk about social media. |
Social media
negatively impacts mental health by increasing anxiety, reducing face-to-face
interaction, and promoting unrealistic comparisons. |
|
Exercise is
good for you. |
Regular
exercise improves cardiovascular health, reduces stress, and supports weight
management. |
|
There are pros
and cons to school uniforms. |
School uniforms
reduce bullying, improve focus, and eliminate socioeconomic pressure among
students. |
TEAS Tip:
A thesis must be
arguable — someone could reasonably disagree with it.
📊 Quick Reference Table
|
Topic |
Core Question |
Key Red Flag |
|
Slang |
Is this too
informal? |
kinda, gonna,
super, weird |
|
Formal vs
Informal |
Does it match
setting? |
contractions,
slang |
|
Redundancy |
Does it repeat
meaning? |
repeat again,
final conclusion |
|
Tone |
Is attitude
appropriate? |
casual tone in
reports |
|
Transition
words |
Is relationship
correct? |
wrong connector |
|
Topic sentences |
Is main idea
clear? |
off-topic
detail |
|
Thesis
statements |
Is claim
arguable? |
vague or “this
essay will…” |
📝 Practice Identification Exercise
Match each
sentence below to the topic it best illustrates:
- “The patient
was kinda restless all night.” → Slang
- “The two
twin brothers were admitted together.” → Redundancy
- “The medication
helped; however, side effects occurred.” → Transition
- “Vaccines
prevent disease by stimulating the immune system.” → Topic sentence
- “Mandatory
flu vaccines for healthcare workers reduce absenteeism and protect
vulnerable patients.” → Thesis statement
- “We think
the results are pretty good.” → Formal vs. Informal
- “The patient
was super anxious before surgery.” → Tone
ATI
TEAS 7 Practice Test: Knowledge of Language (Set 2)
(25 new questions – organized by topic)
Slang
(Questions 1–4)
Question
1
A nurse writes in a progress note: “The patient wasn't having any
of it when asked to get up.”
Which revision replaces the slang with professional language?
A) The patient refused to get up when asked.
B) The patient wasn't having anything when asked to get up.
C) The patient was not having any of it when asked to get up.
D) The patient said no way to getting up.
Answer:
A – “Wasn’t having any of it” is slang meaning refused or resisted.
Question
2
Which sentence contains slang inappropriate for a formal research
paper?
A) The data were collected over a 12-week period.
B) The results were pretty good compared to the control group.
C) The control group received a placebo.
D) Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference.
Answer:
B – “Pretty good” is informal slang in academic writing. Use “favorable” or
“positive.”
Question 3
Read the sentence from a patient
handout:
“Don’t freak out if you miss a dose — just take it when you remember.”
Which revision maintains clarity
with a professional tone?
A) Don’t panic if you miss a dose
— just take it when you remember.
B) Do not panic if you miss a dose — take it when you remember.
C) Chill out if you miss a dose — take it later.
D) Don’t worry if you miss a dose — just take it.
Answer:
B – Removes contraction (“don’t” → “do not”) and replaces slang (“freak out” →
“panic”).
Question 4
Which of the following is slang?
A) Cannot
B) Want to
C) Gonna
D) Will not
Answer:
C – “Gonna” is slang for “going to.”
Formal
vs. Informal Language (Questions 5–8)
Question 5
Which sentence is appropriate for
a formal laboratory report?
A) We got some pretty interesting
results from the experiment.
B) The experiment yielded results that were kinda unexpected.
C) The experimental data deviated from the predicted values.
D) The data looks like it might be off or something.
Answer:
C – Uses formal vocabulary (“deviated,” “predicted values”) with no
informality.
Question 6
Revise the following for a
professional email to a hospital administrator:
“Thanks a bunch for your help with the schedule.”
A) Thanks a lot for your schedule
help.
B) Thank you for your assistance with the schedule.
C) Thanks for helping with the schedule.
D) Appreciate you helping with the schedule thing.
Answer:
B – “Thank you for your assistance” is formal and professional.
Question 7
Which of the following is a
feature of formal language?
A) Contractions (e.g., don’t,
can’t)
B) First-person pronouns (I, we)
C) Precise vocabulary (e.g., numerous, examine)
D) Vague words (e.g., stuff, thing)
Answer:
C – Precise vocabulary is a hallmark of formal language.
Question 8
A student writes in a scholarship
essay: “I think that a lot of nurses are underpaid.”
Which revision is most formal?
A) I believe many nurses are
underpaid.
B) Many nurses are underpaid.
C) Research indicates that numerous nurses are undercompensated.
D) Lots of nurses don’t get paid enough.
Answer:
C – Removes first-person (“I think”), replaces “a lot of” with “numerous,” and
uses precise vocabulary (“undercompensated”).
Redundancy
(Questions 9–11)
Question 9
The nurse asked the patient to
return back to the examination room.
Which corrects the redundancy?
A) return back again
B) return
C) return a second time
D) come back back
Answer:
B – “Return” means to come back, so “back” is redundant.
Question 10
Which sentence contains a
redundancy?
A) The patient was discharged to
home.
B) The patient's vital signs were stable.
C) The unexpected surprise made the patient smile.
D) The doctor prescribed a new medication.
Answer:
C – A surprise is inherently unexpected. “Unexpected surprise” is redundant.
Question 11
The combined together efforts of
the team led to a successful outcome.
Which word is redundant?
A) combined
B) together
C) efforts
D) successful
Answer:
B – “Combined” already implies together.
Tone
(Questions 12–14)
Question 12
Which sentence has an
inappropriately casual tone for a nursing report?
A) The patient ambulated 100 feet
with a walker.
B) The patient denied nausea or vomiting.
C) The patient was in a great mood this morning.
D) The patient’s pain was 3/10 at rest.
Answer:
C – “In a great mood” is casual. Professional alternatives: “cheerful,”
“pleasant affect,” or “euthymic.”
Question 13
Read the sentence from a research
proposal:
“This study is going to look at how sleep affects test scores.”
Which revision has a more formal,
appropriate tone?
A) This study is gonna examine
sleep and test scores.
B) This study will investigate the relationship between sleep and academic
performance.
C) This study checks out sleep and grades.
D) This study is about sleep and test scores, basically.
Answer:
B – Uses formal vocabulary (“investigate,” “relationship,” “academic
performance”) and removes “going to.”
Question 14
Which sentence is most appropriate
for a patient education handout?
A) You must comply with all
medication instructions immediately.
B) Take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you.
C) The patient is required to adhere to the prescribed regimen.
D) Do not fail to take your medications.
Answer:
B – Clear, direct, and respectful without being overly casual or overly
technical.
Transition
Words (Questions 15–17)
Question 15
The patient followed the treatment
plan exactly; ______, her condition worsened unexpectedly.
A) therefore
B) consequently
C) however
D) for example
Answer:
C – “However” shows contrast between following the plan and the unexpected
worsening.
Question 16
The medication may cause
drowsiness; ______, patients should not drive until they know how it affects
them.
A) otherwise
B) for instance
C) similarly
D) therefore
Answer:
D – “Therefore” indicates a logical conclusion or recommendation.
Question 17
The first round of chemotherapy
was unsuccessful; ______, the oncology team recommended an alternative regimen.
A) in addition
B) as a result
C) on the other hand
D) likewise
Answer:
B – “As a result” shows cause and effect.
Topic
Sentences (Questions 18–20)
Question 18
Which sentence would be the best
topic sentence for a paragraph about the importance of hand hygiene in
hospitals?
A) Soap has been used for cleaning
for thousands of years.
B) Proper hand hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent
hospital-acquired infections.
C) Many hospitals place hand sanitizer stations at every entrance.
D) Some healthcare workers forget to wash their hands.
Answer:
B – Introduces the main idea (importance of hand hygiene) that the paragraph
will support.
Question 19
Read the paragraph below:
(1) Reading aloud to children
builds vocabulary.
(2) It also strengthens listening comprehension.
(3) Many parents read to their children at bedtime.
(4) Shared reading creates bonding opportunities between parent and child.
Which sentence is out of place?
A) Sentence 1
B) Sentence 2
C) Sentence 3
D) Sentence 4
Answer:
C – Sentence 3 states a fact about when parents read, but the paragraph is
about benefits of reading aloud. Sentence 4 fits better as a benefit.
Question 20
A paragraph begins with: “Chronic
stress has been linked to numerous negative health outcomes, including
hypertension, weakened immunity, and digestive disorders.”
This sentence serves as a:
A) Supporting detail
B) Topic sentence
C) Transition sentence
D) Concluding sentence
Answer:
B – It introduces the main claim of the paragraph.
Thesis
Statements (Questions 21–25)
Question 21
Which of the following is a strong
thesis statement?
A) This essay will discuss the
benefits of a plant-based diet.
B) A plant-based diet can be healthy.
C) Adopting a plant-based diet reduces the risk of heart disease, lowers blood
pressure, and supports weight management.
D) There are many reasons to consider a plant-based diet.
Answer:
C – Makes a specific, arguable claim with three clear supporting points.
Question 22
Which sentence is too vague to
serve as an effective thesis statement?
A) Raising the minimum wage would
reduce poverty and stimulate local economies.
B) Social media affects mental health in several ways.
C) Free college tuition would increase enrollment and reduce student debt.
D) Requiring internships for graduation improves workforce readiness.
Answer:
B – “Several ways” is vague. A strong thesis specifies the ways.
Question 23
A student writes: “In this paper,
I will explain why recycling is important.”
Which revision is an effective
thesis statement?
A) Recycling is important for our
planet.
B) Have you ever thought about why recycling matters?
C) Mandatory recycling programs reduce landfill waste, conserve natural
resources, and create jobs.
D) Recycling is when waste materials are processed into new products.
Answer:
C – Replaces the announcement with a specific, arguable claim.
Question 24
Which of the following is a
factual statement, not an arguable thesis?
A) The Civil War began in 1861.
B) The Civil War was caused by economic, political, and moral disagreements
over slavery.
C) The Civil War had lasting effects on American society.
D) Understanding the Civil War requires examining multiple perspectives.
Answer:
A – This is a factual statement that no one would argue with. A thesis must be
debatable.
Question 25
Which of the following best
describes a thesis statement?
A) A question that introduces the
topic
B) A single sentence that states the main argument of an essay
C) The first sentence of each body paragraph
D) A summary of the conclusion
Answer: B – A
thesis statement is one sentence (usually at the end of the introduction) that
states the essay’s central argument.
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