HiSET Language Arts Reading Practice Test 1 â Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the following passage and answer the question ï»ż Technology is rapidly expanding the scope of capabilities for both professional and personal use; such is the case with smart phones. Professionals now have devices available to them capable of digital media, internet access, phone communication, multi-person scheduling and office tools for documents and presentations. Businesspeople that are often mobile may maximize the use of these critical features on smart phones. Individuals who simply enjoy the luxury of multi-function devices often use these devices for frivolous pursuits such as downloading catchy ring tones, instant messaging about the latest gossip and looking up the world record for most cans crushed on oneâs head during the Superbowl. This fusion of capabilities and increased availability of such devices could be a sign of a growing blend in society between work and personal life, or individuals could simply be taking a luxurious approach to their connectivity in personal lives. The term âfrivolousâ implies that the author
- is fascinated by the endless capabilities on smart phones.
- hopes that technology ceases to expand its scope.
- believes that the average individual does not need a smart phone. (Correct answer)
- has a smart phone.
- wants to see more developments added to smart phone technology.
Correct answer: believes that the average individual does not need a smart phone.
The author uses the word 'frivolous' to describe how individuals use smartphones for pursuits like downloading ringtones or gossiping. 'Frivolous' means trivial or lacking serious purpose, implying that these activities are unnecessary. By characterizing these uses as frivolous, the author suggests that the average individual does not truly need a smartphone for such non-essential purposes.
Question 2: Read the following passage and answer the question ï»ż Technology is rapidly expanding the scope of capabilities for both professional and personal use; such is the case with smart phones. Professionals now have devices available to them capable of digital media, internet access, phone communication, multi-person scheduling and office tools for documents and presentations. Businesspeople that are often mobile may maximize the use of these critical features on smart phones. Individuals who simply enjoy the luxury of multi-function devices often use these devices for frivolous pursuits such as downloading catchy ring tones, instant messaging about the latest gossip and looking up the world record for most cans crushed on oneâs head during the Superbowl. This fusion of capabilities and increased availability of such devices could be a sign of a growing blend in society between work and personal life, or individuals could simply be taking a luxurious approach to their connectivity in personal lives. What is the purpose of the conclusion sentence?
- Draw a conclusion about what we know smart phones can do
- Assume where technology is headed and how it will affect society
- Comment on human connectivity through the use of smart phones
- Predict how the government will regulate and guide future technology
- Present two possible explanations for the growing popularity of smart phones (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Present two possible explanations for the growing popularity of smart phones
The conclusion sentence explicitly presents two distinct possibilities for the growing popularity of smartphones, separated by the word 'or.' It states that the trend 'could be a sign of a growing blend... or individuals could simply be taking a luxurious approach.' This structure clearly indicates the purpose is to offer two potential explanations, not to draw a definitive conclusion or make a single prediction.
Question 3: Read the following passage and answer the question ï»ż But man is not destined to vanish. He can be killed, but he cannot be destroyed, because his soul is deathless and his spirit is irrepressible. Therefore, though the situation seems dark in the context of the confrontation between the superpowers, the silver lining is provided by amazing phenomenon that the very nations which have spent incalculable resources and energy for the production of deadly weapons are desperately trying to find out how they might never be used. They threaten each other, intimidate each other and go to the brink, but before the total hour arrives they withdraw from the brink. The main point from the author's view is that
- Man's soul and spirit can not be destroyed by superpowers.
- Man's destiny is not fully clear or visible.
- Man's soul and spirit are immortal.
- Man's safety is assured by the delicate balance of power in terms of nuclear weapons
- Human society will survive despite the serious threat of total annihilation. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Human society will survive despite the serious threat of total annihilation.
The author's main point is established early: 'man is not destined to vanish' and his 'spirit is irrepressible.' Despite the grave threat of nuclear annihilation posed by superpowers, the author finds a 'silver lining' in their efforts to avoid actual conflict. This leads to the overarching message that human society will endure despite these serious threats.
Question 4: Read the following passage and answer the question ï»ż But man is not destined to vanish. He can be killed, but he cannot be destroyed, because his soul is deathless and his spirit is irrepressible. Therefore, though the situation seems dark in the context of the confrontation between the superpowers, the silver lining is provided by amazing phenomenon that the very nations which have spent incalculable resources and energy for the production of deadly weapons are desperately trying to find out how they might never be used. They threaten each other, intimidate each other and go to the brink, but before the total hour arrives they withdraw from the brink. The phrase 'Go to the brink' in the passage means
- Retreating from extreme danger.
- Declare war on each other.
- Advancing to the stage of war but not engaging in it. (Correct answer)
- Negotiate for peace.
- Commit suicide.
Correct answer: Advancing to the stage of war but not engaging in it.
The phrase 'go to the brink' means to advance to the very edge of a dangerous situation, in this context, war. The subsequent clause, 'but before the total hour arrives they withdraw from the brink,' clarifies that while they approach the point of conflict, they ultimately pull back and do not engage in actual warfare.
Question 5: Read the following passage and answer the question ï»ż But man is not destined to vanish. He can be killed, but he cannot be destroyed, because his soul is deathless and his spirit is irrepressible. Therefore, though the situation seems dark in the context of the confrontation between the superpowers, the silver lining is provided by amazing phenomenon that the very nations which have spent incalculable resources and energy for the production of deadly weapons are desperately trying to find out how they might never be used. They threaten each other, intimidate each other and go to the brink, but before the total hour arrives they withdraw from the brink. In the author's opinion
- Huge stockpiles of destructive weapons have so far saved mankind from a catastrophe.
- Superpowers have at last realized the need for abandoning the production of lethal weapons.
- Mankind is heading towards complete destruction.
- Nations in possession of huge stockpiles of lethal weapons are trying hard to avoid actual conflict. (Correct answer)
- There is a silver lining over the production of deadly weapons.
Correct answer: Nations in possession of huge stockpiles of lethal weapons are trying hard to avoid actual conflict.
The author states that the 'silver lining' in the dark situation of superpower confrontation is that these nations, despite producing deadly weapons, are 'desperately trying to find out how they might never be used.' He further notes they 'go to the brink, but before the total hour arrives they withdraw from the brink,' directly supporting the idea that they are actively trying to avoid actual conflict.
Question 6: Read the following passage and answer the question ï»ż But man is not destined to vanish. He can be killed, but he cannot be destroyed, because his soul is deathless and his spirit is irrepressible. Therefore, though the situation seems dark in the context of the confrontation between the superpowers, the silver lining is provided by amazing phenomenon that the very nations which have spent incalculable resources and energy for the production of deadly weapons are desperately trying to find out how they might never be used. They threaten each other, intimidate each other and go to the brink, but before the total hour arrives they withdraw from the brink. 'Irrepressible' in the second line means
- incompatible
- strong
- oppressive
- unrestrainable (Correct answer)
- unspirited
Correct answer: unrestrainable
'Irrepressible' means not able to be controlled, restrained, or kept down. In the context of the human spirit, it implies an unyielding, indomitable, or unstoppable quality. Therefore, 'unrestrainable' is the best synonym, capturing the essence of a spirit that cannot be suppressed.
Question 7: It is simple to show that dreams frequently bear the appearance of blatant desire fulfillments, which begs the question of why the language of dreams was not long ago discovered. For instance, I have a fantasy that I can have experimentally whenever I want. I wake up in the middle of the night from thirst after eating sardines, olives, or other foods that are very salty in the evening. However, the dream before waking up always has the same theme: I gulp down the water and it feels great to me as only a cool drink can when one is dying of thirst; after waking up, I then truly need to drink. The thirst I experience when I wake up is what led to this straightforward dream. I have a want to drink as a result of this sensation, and my dream depicts this fulfillment. Thus, it fulfills a purpose that is obvious to me. I have trouble being awakened by needs because I am a sound sleeper. I don't have to wake up to be content if I can quench my thirst by having a drink in a dream. So, this is a dream of convenience. As is so common in life, action is replaced by a dream. <br> <br> Recently, a slightly altered version of this identical dream happened. Even before falling asleep, I had a thirst and drained the glass of water that was on the nightstand next to my bed. I experienced another, more uncomfortable episode of thirst a few hours later in the night. I would have needed to get up and pick up the glass from my wife's bedside in order to grab some water. So, in my dream, my wife brought me a drink from a container. This object was an Etruscan funeral urn that I had previously given away after bringing it back from an Italian vacation. But I had to wake up since the water in it tasted so salty (obviously from the ashes). It is simple to see how well this dream was organized; nevertheless, given that its sole purpose was desire fulfillment, it may have been wholly egocentric. Love of convenience and care for others are incompatible. I was sorry that I didn't own the urn any more, just as I was sad that the water glass next to my wife was out of reach. The introduction of the burial urn is perhaps another wish that has been granted. The urn also matched the salty flavor that was starting to wake me up. <br> <br> The bolded and underlined statement is best described as a/an ________________.
- synthesis
- fact
- observation
- assumption (Correct answer)
Correct answer: assumption
An assumption is a belief or statement taken for granted without proof. The author presents 'Love of convenience and care for others are incompatible' as a universal truth without providing any evidence or logical argument within the text to support it. It functions as a premise or a personal conviction rather than a fact, observation, or synthesis of ideas.
Question 8: I want to say a few words in favor of nature, for complete freedom and wildness as opposed to a freedom and culture that is merely civil, and for the idea that man is a resident of or an integral part of nature rather than a member of society. Since there are already enough defenders of civilization, including the minister and the school committee, and each of you, I'll make an extreme statement if I can. <br> <br> In the course of my life, I have only encountered one or two people who truly understood the art of walking, or taking walks; they were, in a sense, geniuses at sauntering. This word, which is charmingly derived from "idle people who roved about the country in the Middle Ages and asked for charity under pretense of going Ă la Sainte Terre" to the Holy Land, until the children exclaimed, "There goes a Sainte-Terrer," Those who never visit the Holy Land on their walks, despite what they claim, are simply idlers and vagrants; however, those who do so are saunterers in the proper sense, as I shall explain. However, some might claim that the word comes from sans terre, which translates to "without land or a home," and so, in a positive meaning, would signify "having no particular home, but equally at home everywhere." Because this is the key to sauntering well. The biggest vagrant of all could be a person who never leaves his house, but in a good sense, a saunterer is no more of a vagrant than a river that meanders aimlessly as it searches for the shortest path to the sea. However, the first, which is the most likely derivation, is what I prefer. Because every stroll is a type of crusade, preached by some internal Peter the Hermit, to go out and retake this Holy Land from the hands of the Unbelievers. <br> <br> It is true that we are today's weak-willed crusadersâeven walkersâwho don't engage in persistent, never-ending endeavors. Our journeys are only tours that circle back to the familiar hearthside where we began each day in the evening. Retracing our steps makes up the majority of the trek. We might perhaps set out on the shortest journey possible in the spirit of unending adventure, never to return, and ready to send back only our embalmed hearts to our barren kingdoms. You are prepared for a walk if you are prepared to say goodbye to your parents, siblings, wife, child, friends, and all of your other loved ones for goodâif you have paid off all of your debts, written your will, handled all of your business matters, and are now a free man. <br> <br> To come down to my own experience, my companion and I, for I sometimes have a companion, take pleasure in fancying ourselves knights of a new, or rather an old, order,ânot Equestrians or Chevaliers, not Ritters or riders, but Walkers, a still more ancient and honorable class, I trust. The chivalric and heroic spirit which once belonged to the Rider seems now to reside in, or perchance to have subsided into, the Walker,ânot the Knight, but Walker Errant. He is a sort of fourth estate, outside of Church and State and People. <br> <br> We have felt that we almost alone hereabouts practiced this noble art; though, to tell the truth, at least, if their own assertions are to be received, most of my townsmen would fain walk sometimes, as I do, but they cannot. No wealth can buy the requisite leisure, freedom, and independence, which are the capital in this profession. It comes only by the grace of God. It requires a direct dispensation from Heaven to become a walker. You must be born into the family of the Walkers. Ambulator nascitur, non fit. Some of my townsmen, it is true, can remember and have described to me some walks which they took ten years ago, in which they were so blessed as to lose themselves for half an hour in the woods; but I know very well that they have confined themselves to the highway ever since, whatever pretensions they may make to belong to this select class. No doubt they were elevated for a moment as by the reminiscence of a previous state of existence, when even they were foresters and outlaws. <br> <br> Based on the arguments the author makes in this passage, which of the following statements is he most likely to agree with?
- It's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all
- You take the high road and I'll take the low road
- If you can't beat them, join them
- None of these (Correct answer)
Correct answer: None of these
The author's essay advocates for a unique, almost spiritual philosophy of walking ('sauntering') that involves profound freedom, detachment from societal norms, and a deep connection to nature. None of the provided common sayingsâwhich relate to love, different paths, or conformityâalign with or capture the specific, radical philosophical stance presented by the author.
Question 9: When Aunt March arrived, she was shocked to see the bride come running to welcome and lead her in, to see the bridegroom fastening up a garland that had fallen down, and to see the paternal minister marching upstairs with a grave countenance and a wine bottle under each arm. There were to be no ceremonial performances; everything was to be as natural and homelike as possible. <br> <br> âUpon my word, here's a state of things!â cried the old lady, taking the seat of honor prepared for her, and settling the folds of her lavender moire with a great rustle. âYou oughtn't to be seen till the last minute, child.â <br> <br> âI'm not a show, Aunty, and no one is coming to stare at me, to criticize my dress, or count the cost of my luncheon. I'm too happy to care what anyone says or thinks, and I'm going to have my little wedding just as I like it. John, dear, here's your hammer.â And away went Meg to help âthat manâ in his highly improper employment. <br> <br> The reader would most likely predict the wedding to be ______________.
- simple and modest (Correct answer)
- large and chaotic
- formal and elegant
- disappointing to Meg and John
Correct answer: simple and modest
The passage explicitly states that 'There were to be no ceremonial performances; everything was to be as natural and homelike as possible.' Meg further reinforces this by saying she isn't 'a show' and doesn't care about criticism or cost, wanting her 'little wedding just as I like it.' These details strongly indicate a desire for a simple and modest celebration.
Question 10: He continued to strike the clacker until his arm hurt, and eventually his heart began to empathize with the frustrated wishes of the birds. Like him, they appeared to be outsiders in a world that did not want them. Why would he want to scare them off? The only friends he could claim to be even mildly interested in him were those who were gentle friends and retirees, as his aunt had repeatedly assured him that she was not. They landed again after he stopped rattling. <br> <br> "Poor little dears!" said Jude, aloud. "You shall have some dinnerâyou shall. There is enough for us all. Farmer Troutham can afford to let you have some. Eat, then my dear little birdies, and make a good meal!" <br> <br> They stayed and ate, inky spots on the nut-brown soil, and Jude enjoyed their appetite. A magic thread of fellow-feeling united his own life with theirs. Puny and sorry as those lives were, they much resembled his own. <br> <br> By this point, he had thrown his clacker away since he felt it was a cruel and repulsive weapon that was hurtful to both the birds and himself as their buddy. He suddenly felt a sharp blow to his buttocks, followed by a loud clack that informed his startled senses that the clacker had been the object of the assault. The moment the birds and Jude both stood up, Jude's bewildered eyes were met by the farmerâthe great Troutham himselfâglaring down at Jude's cowering form while the clacker swung in his palm. <br> <br> "So it's 'Eat my dear birdies,' is it, young man? 'Eat, dear birdies,' indeed! I'll tickle your breeches, and see if you say, 'Eat, dear birdies' again in a hurry! And you've been idling at the schoolmaster's too, instead of coming here, ha'n't ye, hey? That's how you earn your sixpence a day for keeping the rooks off my corn!" <br> <br> The passage supports the statement that Father Troutham is ________________.
- undemanding
- severe (Correct answer)
- a well-paying employer
- a small man
- well-spoken
Correct answer: severe
Farmer Troutham's actions and wordsâglaring at Jude, threatening physical punishment ('I'll tickle your breeches'), and harshly scolding him for perceived idleness and neglecting his dutyâall portray him as a strict, harsh, and unyielding character. The term 'severe' best encapsulates this demanding and stern demeanor.
Question 11: We refer to them as "savages" because they lack our manners, which we consider to be the pinnacle of civility. They feel the same way about theirs. <br> <br> We might discover that no people are so polite as to be devoid of rules of etiquette, nor are any so impolite as to not possess some vestiges of impoliteness, if we were to objectively investigate the manners of other nations. <br> <br> The Indian men are hunters and warriors when they are young, and counselors when they are old because all of their government comes from the advice of the Sages. There is no force, no prisons, and no officers to enforce obedience or administer punishment.â They typically focus on oratory because the best Speaker has the greatest influence. The Indian women cultivate the land, prepare the food, care for and raise the children, and preserve and transmit to future generations the memory of public deeds. These jobs for men and women are considered natural and honorable. They have plenty of free time to engage in conversation and have few false wants. When compared to their way of life, our hard work is seen as slavish and low, and the education we rely our self-worth on is seen as frivolous and pointless. <br> <br> Adapted from Benjamin Franklin's "Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America" (1784) <br> <br> What is Benjamin Franklin's attitude towards the "savages"?
- He feels that they have superior schooling due to experienced orators
- He feels that their society is much more violent and lawless
- He feels that they have poor manners and lack civility
- He feels that they are practical and respects their moderation (Correct answer)
Correct answer: He feels that they are practical and respects their moderation
Franklin adopts an objective tone, contrasting the 'savages'' practical governance, natural division of labor, and 'few false wants' with European society. He notes their view of European 'hard work' as 'slavish' and 'education' as 'frivolous,' implying respect for their moderation and practical approach to life. This suggests he finds them practical and values their moderation.
Question 12: Which definition best captures the meaning of a word?
- Underlying meanings we associate with a word (Correct answer)
- Alternate meanings of a word, such as slang
- A word's former literal meaning, before it was re-defined to mean something different
- A word's former literal meaning, before it was re-defined to mean something different
Correct answer: Underlying meanings we associate with a word
While 'meaning of a word' often refers to denotation (literal definition), option A, 'Underlying meanings we associate with a word,' best describes connotation. Connotation refers to the emotional, cultural, or implied associations a word carries beyond its literal definition, which is a crucial aspect of a word's full meaning and impact in communication.
Question 13: This is a passage from Robert Frost's poem "Mending Wall." Something out there despises walls; it sends a frozen ground wave beneath them, pours the higher boulders in the sun, and creates spaces wide enough for two people to walk side by side. The work of hunters is different: I tracked them down and made repairs. Where not a single stone can be found, the rabbit would be brought out of hiding to appease the howling hounds. Nobody has ever heard of or seen the holes, but we discover them during the springtime mending season. I informed my neighbor who lived beyond the hill, and we agreed to re-establish the wall between us on a day when we met to walk the line. We continue to keep the wall in between us. <br> <br> What is the denotation of walking the line in Robert Frost's 'Mending Wall'?
- Something that keeps two people apart
- When people are distant from one another emotionally
- The practice of securing a property line (Correct answer)
- Following the rules and doing what is socially expected
Correct answer: The practice of securing a property line
Denotation refers to the literal, explicit, or dictionary definition of a word. In Robert Frost's 'Mending Wall,' the characters physically 'walk the line' to inspect and repair the wall that serves as a boundary between their properties. Therefore, the denotation of 'walking the line' in this context is the literal act of securing and maintaining a property line.
Question 14: Severus, the first name of Professor Snape in "Harry Potter," is a stern, rigorous, and severe name. Professor Snape has a severe and strict demeanor. Which of the following best describes this situation?
- Denotation and connotation working together (Correct answer)
- Connotation
- Denotation
- Denotation and connotation opposing each other
Correct answer: Denotation and connotation working together
The denotation of "Severus" refers to its literal meaning, which is stern, rigorous, and severe. The connotation refers to the feelings and associations evoked by the name, which align with Professor Snape's severe and strict demeanor. In this case, both the literal meaning of the name and the character's associated traits reinforce each other, demonstrating denotation and connotation working together.
Question 15: Which of the following associations with the word grave is NOT true?
- Warmth (Correct answer)
- Finality
- Sadness
- Death
Correct answer: Warmth
The word "grave" typically denotes a place of burial or connotes seriousness, solemnity, and often sadness or death. Associations like finality, sadness, and death are all consistent with the common understanding and emotional weight of "grave." Warmth, however, is a positive and comforting association that directly contradicts the somber and serious connotations of the word grave.
Question 16: A graveyard on a wet winter evening is a typical example of a dark and dismal backdrop that tends to inspire a ____ feeling in readers.
- bewildered
- calm
- melancholic (Correct answer)
- buoyant
Correct answer: melancholic
A "dark and dismal backdrop" like a graveyard on a wet winter evening inherently suggests a somber and sorrowful atmosphere. "Melancholic" accurately describes a feeling of pensive sadness or gloom, which is the emotional response such a setting is designed to evoke. The other options (bewildered, calm, buoyant) do not align with the negative and heavy imagery presented.
HiSET Language Arts Reading Practice Test 1
Read the following passage and answer the question ï»ż Technology is rapidly expanding the scope of capabilities for both professional and personal use; such is the case with smart phones.
Professionals now have devices available to them capable of digital media, internet access, phone communication, multi-person scheduling and office tools for documents and presentations.
Businesspeople that are often mobile may maximize the use of these critical features on smart phones.
Individuals who simply enjoy the luxury of multi-function devices often use these devices for frivolous pursuits such as downloading catchy ring tones, instant messaging about the latest gossip and looking up the world record for most cans crushed on oneâs head during the Superbowl.
This fusion of capabilities and increased availability of such devices could be a sign of a growing blend in society between work and personal life, or individuals could simply be taking a luxurious approach to their connectivity in personal lives.
The term âfrivolousâ implies that the author