Test Prep TEAS Section 1: Reading Comprehension Exam (page: 4)
Test Prep Test of Essential Academic Skills - Reading Comprehension
Updated on: 09-Feb-2026

What is the purpose of this passage? “The $100 Bill”
Samantha pedaled quickly, glancing down at her watch as often as her balance would allow. The clock’s face read 10:57, sending a spike of panic shooting up her spine. She bent further over her bike, willing her legs to go faster. She screeched to a stop in front of a large restaurant bearing a bright blue, neon sign, her ears ringing, sweat breaking out on her skin. She hurriedly locked her bike to the lone pole positioned in front of the building, before pushing her way through the heavy glass front doors.

“You’re late.” Samantha stopped short, turning to face her boss. She was greeted with a stern face, her boss’ lips a thin line. She shook her head in apology. “I’m sorry, Paul. My bike’s tires were flat, and I forgot my I.D. badge, so I had to turn back – “Paul held up his hand, cutting her off. “Just don’t let it happen again.”

Samantha threw her hair into a ponytail, hoping her shift would prove more successful as the day wore on. She nearly ran to her first table of the day, plastered a smile on her face, and greeted her first customers of the day. She responded to their questions politely, though her mind was still occupied by Paul’s disappointed expression as she ran in the door. Despite her initial mistakes, Samantha worked hard to remain chipper and upbeat, answering her customers’ questions to the best of her ability, forcing herself to smile when her eyes began to glaze over with tears.

As her first customers left, she caught the eye of the elderly gentleman with the group. He winked, and walked through the doors. Confused, Samantha began to gather the dishes from the table and there, staring up at her, was a crisp $100 bill. She let a tear roll down her cheek. Her day had just gotten better.

Which of these may be inferred from the passage? “The $100 Bill”
Samantha pedaled quickly, glancing down at her watch as often as her balance would allow. The clock’s face read 10:57, sending a spike of panic shooting up her spine. She bent further over her bike, willing her legs to go faster. She screeched to a stop in front of a large restaurant bearing a bright blue, neon sign, her ears ringing, sweat breaking out on her skin. She hurriedly locked her bike to the lone pole positioned in front of the building, before pushing her way through the heavy glass front doors.

“You’re late.” Samantha stopped short, turning to face her boss. She was greeted with a stern face, her boss’ lips a thin line. She shook her head in apology. “I’m sorry, Paul. My bike’s tires were flat, and I forgot my I.D. badge, so I had to turn back – “Paul held up his hand, cutting her off. “Just don’t let it happen again.”

Samantha threw her hair into a ponytail, hoping her shift would prove more successful as the day wore on. She nearly ran to her first table of the day, plastered a smile on her face, and greeted her first customers of the day. She responded to their questions politely, though her mind was still occupied by Paul’s disappointed expression as she ran in the door. Despite her initial mistakes, Samantha worked hard to remain chipper and upbeat, answering her customers’ questions to the best of her ability, forcing herself to smile when her eyes began to glaze over with tears.

As her first customers left, she caught the eye of the elderly gentleman with the group. He winked, and walked through the doors. Confused, Samantha began to gather the dishes from the table and there, staring up at her, was a crisp $100 bill. She let a tear roll down her cheek. Her day had just gotten better.

What word best describes Samantha and her role in the story? “The $100 Bill”
Samantha pedaled quickly, glancing down at her watch as often as her balance would allow. The clock’s face read 10:57, sending a spike of panic shooting up her spine. She bent further over her bike, willing her legs to go faster. She screeched to a stop in front of a large restaurant bearing a bright blue, neon sign, her ears ringing, sweat breaking out on her skin. She hurriedly locked her bike to the lone pole positioned in front of the building, before pushing her way through the heavy glass front doors.

“You’re late.” Samantha stopped short, turning to face her boss. She was greeted with a stern face, her boss’ lips a thin line. She shook her head in apology. “I’m sorry, Paul. My bike’s tires were flat, and I forgot my I.D. badge, so I had to turn back – “Paul held up his hand, cutting her off. “Just don’t let it happen again.”

Samantha threw her hair into a ponytail, hoping her shift would prove more successful as the day wore on. She nearly ran to her first table of the day, plastered a smile on her face, and greeted her first customers of the day. She responded to their questions politely, though her mind was still occupied by Paul’s disappointed expression as she ran in the door. Despite her initial mistakes, Samantha worked hard to remain chipper and upbeat, answering her customers’ questions to the best of her ability, forcing herself to smile when her eyes began to glaze over with tears.

As her first customers left, she caught the eye of the elderly gentleman with the group. He winked, and walked through the doors. Confused, Samantha began to gather the dishes from the table and there, staring up at her, was a crisp $100 bill. She let a tear roll down her cheek. Her day had just gotten better.

What is the purpose of the passage? To whom it may concern,
After a careful review of your submission, we have determined that your piece does not meet the requirements of the literary journal. We thank you for your interest in becoming a part of the journal and encourage you to review the guidelines and try again next year.

We look forward to seeing your work in the future. Good luck!

– Claymont High School Review

What can be inferred about the student’s work from the explanation offered in the passage? To whom it may concern,
After a careful review of your submission, we have determined that your piece does not meet the requirements of the literary journal. We thank you for your interest in becoming a part of the journal and encourage you to review the guidelines and try again next year.

We look forward to seeing your work in the future. Good luck!

– Claymont High School Review