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The HESI A2 entrance exam is the gatekeeper for nursing and healthcare programs, and the reading comprehension section can be a total mindf**k if you’re not prepared. It’s not just about reading words on a page; you need to understand context, infer meaning, and sometimes read between the lines. In this guide, we’ll break down what to expect from the HESI A2 reading comprehension section and give you expert tips to help you nail this part of the test. Plus, I’ll point you to a solid study guide to make sure you’re ready to crush it on exam day. Let’s get into it.

What to Expect in the HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Section

The HESI A2 reading comprehension section tests your ability to understand written passages, make inferences, and draw conclusions. This isn’t your typical high school reading test; it’s designed to assess whether you have the skills needed for a career in nursing or healthcare. Here’s what you’re up against:

• Number of Questions: The reading comprehension section typically has about 47 questions, but this can vary depending on your test setup.

Key Topics in the HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Section

The reading comprehension section covers a range of skills, from basic understanding to more complex analytical thinking. Here’s what you need to know:

Understanding Main Ideas

This is the most basic skill in reading comprehension. You need to be able to identify the main idea or theme of a passage. If you can’t tell what the writer’s trying to say, you’re gonna have a bad time. Look for repeated themes or key points to figure out the main idea.

Identifying Supporting Details

Supporting details back up the main idea. These might be examples, facts, or specific data points. Questions in this category might ask you to identify which detail supports a specific point or which sentence provides the most information.

Making Inferences

Inferences are conclusions drawn from the text without explicit statements. This is where you have to read between the lines. If a passage describes someone taking deep breaths and shaking, you might infer that they’re nervous. These questions require you to think beyond the words on the page.

Understanding Vocabulary in Context

You need to be able to understand unfamiliar words based on context clues. If a passage describes someone as “gregarious,” you should be able to infer that it means sociable or friendly from the surrounding text.

Determining Author’s Purpose and Tone

These questions ask you to figure out why the author wrote the passage and what their attitude is. If a passage feels sarcastic, the tone might be ironic. If the author is explaining something, the purpose could be informative.

Drawing Conclusions

These questions ask you to draw a conclusion based on the entire passage. It’s like tying everything together. You might be asked what would likely happen next or what the broader implication of the passage is.

Tips for Acing the HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Section

Now that you know what you’re dealing with, let’s talk about how to tackle this part of the HESI A2 exam. Here are some tips to help you out:

Read the Questions First

Before diving into a passage, read the questions first. This helps you know what to look for as you read. If the question asks about the main idea, pay attention to the opening and closing paragraphs. If it asks about supporting details, focus on the specific facts or examples.

Take Notes and Highlight

As you read, take notes or highlight key points. This makes it easier to find information when you’re answering questions. Don’t go overboard with the highlighting—just mark the important stuff.

Use Context Clues

If you come across an unfamiliar word, use context clues to figure out its meaning. Look at the surrounding sentences for hints. If you’re still unsure, focus on the general idea of the passage to make an educated guess.

Stay Calm and Manage Your Time

With 60 minutes to answer 47 questions, time management is crucial. Keep an eye on the clock and don’t get stuck on a single question. If you’re unsure, make an educated guess and move on. Remember, you can’t skip questions and come back later, so keep the momentum going.

Get the Right Study Tools

If you’re looking for a comprehensive resource to help you prepare for the HESI A2 reading comprehension section, our study guide has you covered. It provides detailed explanations of key concepts and plenty of practice questions to help you build confidence.

With these tips and the right preparation, you’ll be ready to ace the HESI A2 reading comprehension section. Grab our study guide, take the free practice test, and let’s get you ready to crush this exam. Good luck!