Reading Comprehension - HESI A2 stidy guide “Test Prep Books”

Define Topic

It’s the subject matter of the piece, it’s a broader more general term (can be expressed in a word of two)

define main idea

It’s what the writer wants to say about the topic (it’s a complete thought)

Define theme

When most authors write they want to make a point or send a message. Readers can identify themes usually after reading and analyzing an entire text. (More themes in a longer text)

Main idea va theme

Main idea is more of an overview of the entire piece, while the thesis is a specific sentence found in that piece.

What is helpful about identifying the passage types?

There are 4 passage types, you can gain insight into how you should read.

What are the 4 passage types?

Narrative, expository, descriptive, and persuasive

Define narrative writing

It’s the art of storytelling

Define expository writing.

It’s detached and to the point, it’s designed to instruct and inform. Example: cook book, repair manuals, instructors lessons

Define technical writing.

Filled with charts, graphs, ~steps, data, statistics. It’s a type of expository writing but it’s not meant to be understood by the general public. Experts (teachers, doctors, mechanics etc) use words unique to their profession in which they operate.

What are jargons?

Experts use unique words accordingly to their profession. These words which often incorporate acronyms are called _____. Technical writers assume readers have received a formal education in a particular field of study and need no explanations as to what the jargon means.

Define persuasive writing.

It’s designed to change opinions and attitudes. It can create powerful arguments with valid sources and thoughtful analysis. The topic, stance, and arguments are found in the thesis, near the end of the introduction.

Define tone.

Refers to the writers attitude toward the object matter. Tone conveys how the writer feels about characters, situations, events, ideas etc…

What is conflict?

A struggle between opposing forces that drives the action of the story.

Define climax.

The peak of action and conflict.

Story pyramid image.