FREE HESI Reading Comprehension Questions and Answers

Question 1

What is the main idea of a passage?

Accepted Answer

The central point or message

Answer

The main idea of a passage is its central point or overarching message that the author wants to convey. It's the core concept that all other details, arguments, and examples within the text support and elaborate upon. Identifying the main idea is crucial for understanding the passage's overall purpose and content.

Question 2

Which strategy is best when encountering an unfamiliar word?

Accepted Answer

Look at surrounding words for clues

Answer

When encountering an unfamiliar word, the most effective strategy is to use context clues by looking at the surrounding words, sentences, and paragraphs. These clues often provide definitions, synonyms, antonyms, or examples that help readers deduce the word's meaning without interrupting their reading flow. This approach enhances comprehension and vocabulary development.

Question 3

What does it mean to draw an inference?

Accepted Answer

Form a conclusion based on information

Answer

To draw an inference means to form a conclusion or make an educated guess based on the information explicitly provided in the text, combined with one's own prior knowledge and reasoning. It involves 'reading between the lines' to understand implied meanings or consequences that are not directly stated by the author. This skill is crucial for deeper comprehension and critical thinking.

Question 4

What is the tone of a passage?

Accepted Answer

The author’s attitude or mood

Answer

The tone of a passage refers to the author's attitude or emotional stance towards the subject matter or the audience. It is conveyed through specific word choices, sentence structure, and overall writing style, influencing how the reader perceives the text's message. Recognizing the tone helps readers understand the author's perspective and the underlying mood of the writing.

Question 5

Which of the following best defines a supporting detail?

Accepted Answer

Examples or facts that support the main idea

Answer

A supporting detail is a specific piece of information, such as an example, fact, statistic, or description, that serves to elaborate on and provide evidence for the main idea of a passage. These details strengthen the author's argument or explanation, making the central point more understandable, credible, and convincing. Without them, the main idea would lack substantiation.

HESI (ATI) Practice Test

HESI (ATI) Practice Test

FREE HESI Reading Comprehension Questions and Answers