TEAS 7 Alternative Question Strategies

Overview

This session covered the new alternative question types introduced in the TEAS 7 exam, focusing on strategies for each type, practical math examples, and calculator shortcuts. Presenters John Wayne (Smart Edition Academy) and Brandon Craft (math instructor) shared their backgrounds and collaborative approach to helping students prepare for the TEAS, especially the math section. They emphasized the importance of understanding the new question formats and provided detailed examples and tips for success.

TEAS 7 Alternative Question Types

• TEAS 7 introduces four new question types: Select All That Apply, Fill in the Blank, Ordered Response (Drag and Drop), and Hotspot Questions.
• These new formats add complexity compared to traditional multiple-choice questions, often removing the ability to eliminate incorrect answers and requiring more precise, thoughtful responses.
• The content and topics remain the same as previous versions, but the new formats can make the test feel more challenging for some students.
• The changes are designed to align more closely with other nursing exams like the NCLEX in terms of question style, though the actual content is different.
• Students are encouraged to practice these new formats to build familiarity and confidence.

Select All That Apply

• These questions typically present 4–7 answer options; you must select all correct answers to receive credit—no partial credit is given.
• This format is similar to the NCLEX, but the content is specific to the TEAS.
• Each answer option should be treated as a separate true/false statement and evaluated individually.
• Strategies:
  • Watch for absolute words like "always" and "never," which are rarely correct.
  • Avoid selecting conflicting answer options; if two choices contradict each other, at least one is likely incorrect.
  • If several options are very similar, they may all be correct.
  • Manage your time: go with your first response and avoid second-guessing unless you are certain.
  • Practice is essential—work through as many of these questions as possible to build familiarity.
  • It is rare, but not impossible, for only one or all options to be correct.
• These questions can appear in various sections, including English (e.g., identifying misspelled words) and science.
• No partial credit is given; all correct options must be selected for the answer to be marked correct.
• Practice and repetition are key to mastering this question type.

Fill in the Blank

• Common in the math section and occasionally in reading.
• No answer choices are provided; you must calculate and enter the answer directly.
• These questions often test basic math skills or reading comprehension, requiring you to extract relevant information from a passage.
• Strategies:
  • Carefully read instructions for answer format (e.g., whether to include a dollar sign, commas, decimals, or how to round).
  • Double-check your calculations, as there is no opportunity to guess or eliminate options.
  • The size of the answer box is irrelevant—do not let it influence your answer.
  • For reading-based fill-in-the-blank, focus on identifying and using only the necessary information.
  • Pay close attention to formatting instructions, such as rounding or omitting symbols, to avoid losing points for formatting errors.
  • These questions are generally not the most difficult in terms of math, but the lack of answer choices increases the challenge.

Ordered Response (Drag and Drop)

• Requires arranging several correct options into the correct order (e.g., sorting numbers, sequencing steps in a process).
• All provided options are correct; the challenge is to order them precisely.
• Examples:
  • Math: Ordering numbers from least to greatest or greatest to least, often requiring conversion between fractions, decimals, and percents.
  • English: Sequencing steps in the writing process.
  • Science: Arranging steps in a biological process or sequence of events, such as the flow of blood through the heart or steps in the urinary system.
• Strategies:
  • Convert all values to a common format (e.g., decimals) for easier comparison.
  • Pay attention to negative numbers—more negative values are smaller.
  • Use the drag-and-drop interface to arrange answers; these questions are only possible on computer-based tests.
  • Take your time to ensure the correct order, as all options are correct but must be sequenced accurately.
  • Practice with different types of ordering questions to become comfortable with the format.

Hotspot Questions

• Involve clicking on a specific area within an image or diagram to answer the question.
• Typically, you are presented with an image and must select the correct location (e.g., a point on a map or diagram).
• These questions are similar to multiple-choice but require you to interact with an image.
• Strategies:
  • Carefully examine all clickable areas before making your selection.
  • Take your time to review the image and ensure you are selecting the correct spot.
  • These are essentially visual multiple-choice questions, but require attention to detail in the image.
  • Practice with sample hotspot questions to become familiar with the interface and expectations.

Math Strategies & Calculator Tips

• Converting between fractions, decimals, and percents is essential for comparison and sequencing.
• When comparing negative numbers, remember that a larger negative value is actually smaller (e.g., -100 is less than -1).
• Think in terms of money to make sense of decimals and negatives (e.g., -$0.50 is more than -$0.56).
• The TEAS on-screen calculator includes functions for basic operations, square roots, and percentages.
  • To find a square root: enter the number, then press the square root (√) button.
  • The % key can be used to quickly add a percentage to a subtotal (e.g., subtotal + 6% = total).
  • For tax or tip calculations, use the formula: total = subtotal + (tax rate × subtotal).
  • To find the subtotal when the total includes tax, set up the equation: total = subtotal + (tax rate × subtotal), then solve for the subtotal.
  • Practice using the TEAS calculator layout, as it may differ slightly from standard calculators.
• Calculator Shortcuts:
  • The square root button is located to the right of the decimal on the TEAS calculator.
  • For percent calculations, you can add a percentage directly to a subtotal using the % key, which automatically calculates and adds the percentage.
  • When working with fill-in-the-blank questions, double-check your calculations and ensure you follow the required format.
  • Familiarize yourself with the calculator’s layout and functions before test day to save time and avoid mistakes.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Select All That Apply: A question type requiring all correct answers to be selected for credit; no partial credit is given.
• Fill in the Blank: Requires entering a numerical or text response directly, with no answer choices provided.
• Ordered Response: Involves dragging and dropping items into the correct logical or numerical order.
• Hotspot Question: Requires clicking the correct area on an image or diagram as your response.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Practice each new question type, especially with math-based examples, to build familiarity and confidence.
• Review and memorize common unit conversions (e.g., inches to feet, feet to yards, ounces to pounds), as these often appear in math questions.
• Get comfortable with the TEAS calculator layout and its functions, including square root and percent keys.
• Join the Facebook group or participate in online sessions for additional practice, support, and access to shared resources and explanations.
• Continue to practice and review strategies for each question type, focusing on careful reading, time management, and answer accuracy.
• Seek out additional practice materials and explanations for challenging question types, and make use of feedback from practice questions to improve your understanding.
• Stay updated with any new resources or question types added by Smart Edition Academy and Brandon Craft, as they continue to refine their materials based on student feedback.