HSPT Language Skills

Master the essential language skills needed to succeed on the HSPT, including grammar, vocabulary, punctuation, and sentence structure.

Grammar FundamentalsVocabulary BuildingPunctuation and Capitalization
Sentence Structure and TypesCommon Usage ErrorsAnalogies and Relationships
Effective CommunicationReading ComprehensionWriting for Different Purposes
Time Management on the HSPTElimination and Guessing TechniquesCareful Reading and Double-Checking
Grammar FundamentalsVocabulary BuildingPunctuation and Capi...Sentence Structure a...Common Usage ErrorsAnalogies and Relati...Effective Communicat...Reading Comprehensio...Writing for Differen...Time Management on t...Elimination and Gues...Careful Reading and ...
Basic Concepts

Grammar Fundamentals

Understanding Grammar

Grammar is the set of rules that govern how words are combined to form sentences. Knowing grammar helps you communicate clearly and avoid misunderstandings.

Parts of Speech

There are eight main parts of speech:

  • Nouns (person, place, thing)
  • Pronouns (he, she, it)
  • Verbs (run, jump, think)
  • Adjectives (happy, blue, tall)
  • Adverbs (quickly, very, well)
  • Prepositions (in, on, at)
  • Conjunctions (and, but, or)
  • Interjections (wow, ouch)

Subject-Verb Agreement

The subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number:

  • She runs every morning.
  • They run every morning.

Why Grammar Matters

Good grammar makes your writing and speaking easier to understand. It also helps you score higher on the HSPT!

Tips for Mastery

  • Read your sentences out loud to check for errors.
  • Practice identifying the parts of speech in sentences.

Examples

  • The dog barks loudly.

  • She and her friends are going to the park.

In a Nutshell

Grammar is the foundation for clear and correct communication.

Key Terms

Subject-Verb Agreement
The rule that the subject and verb in a sentence must match in number.
Parts of Speech
The categories words are grouped into based on their function in a sentence.
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Vocabulary Building