The HESI A2 entrance exam is a big deal for anyone looking to enter nursing or healthcare programs, and the reading comprehension section can be a real trip. One of the trickiest skills to master is making inferences. It’s not just about reading what’s on the page; it’s about reading between the lines, figuring out what the author isn’t saying but is definitely hinting at. In this guide, I’ll explain what it means to make inferences, provide some examples, and give you tips to ace this part of the HESI A2 reading comprehension section. Stick around till the end for a solid study guide to help you crush it. Let’s jump in.

What Does It Mean to Make Inferences in the HESI A2 Reading Section?

Making inferences involves drawing conclusions or making assumptions based on the information presented in a passage. It’s like being a detective—you gather clues, put them together, and figure out what’s really going on. Here’s what you need to know:

Understanding Implicit Information

Implicit information is stuff that’s implied but not explicitly stated. If an author describes someone pacing back and forth with a furrowed brow, you might infer that they’re anxious. These questions test your ability to understand what the author is getting at without spelling it out.

Recognizing Context Clues

Context clues are words, phrases, or situations in a passage that give you hints about what’s happening. If a character is shivering and wrapping themselves in a blanket, you can infer that it’s cold. These clues help you make sense of the text and draw conclusions.

Identifying Relationships

Sometimes, making inferences involves recognizing relationships between different parts of a passage. If a paragraph talks about a new policy that leads to decreased productivity, you might infer that the policy isn’t popular among employees. Understanding cause-and-effect relationships is key to making inferences.

Examples of Making Inferences in Practice

Let’s take a look at some examples to see how making inferences works in the HESI A2 reading section:

Example 1: Passage About a Storm

Imagine you’re reading a passage about a violent storm. The author describes trees bending under the wind, rain pounding against windows, and people running for cover. From these clues, you can infer that the storm is intense and potentially dangerous.

Example 2: Passage About a Family Dinner

Suppose you’re reading a passage about a family dinner. The author mentions a tense atmosphere, awkward silences, and forced smiles. From these context clues, you might infer that there’s some unresolved conflict or that people aren’t entirely comfortable around each other.

Example 3: Passage About a Business Meeting

In a passage about a business meeting, the author describes a room full of people checking their watches, doodling on notepads, and whispering among themselves. You can infer that the meeting is boring or that people aren’t fully engaged.

Tips for Acing the HESI A2 Reading Section by Making Inferences

Now that you know what it means to make inferences, let’s talk about how to tackle this part of the HESI A2 reading section. Here are some tips to help you out:

Look for Context Clues

Context clues are your best friend when it comes to making inferences. Pay attention to descriptive language, body language, and the overall tone of the passage. These clues can help you understand the implied meaning behind the text.

Consider the Author’s Intent

Think about what the author is trying to communicate. Are they hinting at something without saying it directly? Are they building suspense or creating tension? Understanding the author’s intent can help you make accurate inferences.

Stay Open-Minded

Making inferences requires an open mind. Don’t jump to conclusions too quickly. Consider different possibilities and choose the inference that makes the most sense based on the information provided.

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 spend too much time 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 reading comprehension study guide has you covered. It provides detailed explanations and plenty of practice questions to help you improve your inference skills.

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!