HSPT Reading

A comprehensive guide to understanding and mastering the HSPT Reading section, focusing on comprehension, vocabulary, and analytical skills.

Understanding the HSPT Reading SectionReading Comprehension SkillsVocabulary in ContextIdentifying Author’s Purpose and Tone
Analyzing Arguments and EvidenceDrawing Conclusions and Making PredictionsUnderstanding Text Structure and Organization
Applying Reading Skills to Real LifeBuilding Vocabulary for School and BeyondCritical Reading in Everyday Choices
Time Management for the HSPT Reading SectionActive Reading StrategiesElimination and Guessing Techniques
Understanding the HS...Reading Comprehensio...Vocabulary in Contex...Identifying Author’s...Analyzing Arguments ...Drawing Conclusions ...Understanding Text S...Applying Reading Ski...Building Vocabulary ...Critical Reading in ...Time Management for ...Active Reading Strat...Elimination and Gues...
Basic Concepts

Reading Comprehension Skills

Becoming a Super Reader

Reading comprehension means understanding what you read, from the big picture to the tiny details. On the HSPT, you’ll need to show you can follow the author’s arguments, spot key facts, and draw conclusions.

Key Skills to Practice

  • Finding the Main Idea: What is the passage mostly about?
  • Identifying Supporting Details: What facts or examples back up the main idea?
  • Making Inferences: What can you figure out even if it’s not stated directly?
  • Understanding Sequence: What happens first, next, and last?

Tips for Success

  • Read actively—ask yourself questions as you go.
  • Look out for signal words like “however,” “because,” or “for example.”
  • Don’t get stuck on tough words; use context clues.

Examples

  • Identifying that a passage about recycling mainly aims to encourage readers to recycle more.

  • Concluding that a character feels nervous even if the word 'nervous' isn’t used.

In a Nutshell

Essential skills for understanding and interpreting reading passages.

Key Terms

Inference
A conclusion made based on evidence and reasoning, not directly stated.
Main Idea
The central point or message of a passage.
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Vocabulary in Context