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

Vocabulary in Context

Unlocking Word Meanings

The HSPT tests how well you understand words as they’re used in passages. Sometimes you’ll face unfamiliar words, but you can often figure out their meanings using clues from the surrounding text.

Context Clues

  • Definition Clues: The sentence explains the word.
  • Synonym or Antonym Clues: Nearby words mean the same or the opposite.
  • Example Clues: The sentence gives examples to clarify the word.

Building Your Vocabulary

  • Read lots of different materials—books, articles, comics!
  • Keep a list of new words you discover.

Using Vocabulary Skills in Life

Strong vocabulary isn’t just for tests. It helps you understand instructions, emails, and even jokes.

Examples

  • Figuring out that 'elated' means happy because the sentence says, 'She felt elated after hearing the good news.'

  • Understanding 'reluctant' means unwilling by noticing the character hesitated to join in.

In a Nutshell

How to determine the meaning of words using clues from the text.

Key Terms

Context Clue
Information in the text that helps explain the meaning of a word.
Synonym
A word with the same or similar meaning as another word.
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Identifying Author’s Purpose and Tone