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Text Structure & Following Directions — TEAS & HESI Cheat Sheet

Signal words tell the shape
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👤 By the CinnaEntry Content Team 🕐 Updated 2026-09-06 🏷️ TEAS Reading 🔖 Free to read, print, and share
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Use this one-page guide to lock in Text Structure & Following Directions for the ATI TEAS 7 and HESI A2. Keep it handy during review and on exam day.

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📒 The 1-minute cheat sheet

📌 Structures

  • Sequence — first, next, then, finally
  • Cause & effect — because, so, therefore, as a result
  • Compare/contrast — however, similarly, on the other hand
  • Problem/solution — issue then fix

📌 Directions & Graphics

  • Watch order words: before, after, then
  • Read labels/legends fully before answering
  • Multiply per-unit × quantity (450 mg × 3 = 1,350 mg)

Quick Tip

Focus on the highlighted terms — those are what the TEAS and HESI test most on text structure & following directions.

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