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HSPT practice questions

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Question 1Verbal Skills

Choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to "scarce".

  1. hidden
  2. fragile
  3. costly
  4. plentiful Correct answer.

Explanation

"Scarce" means in short supply, so its antonym describes something available in abundance. "Plentiful" expresses exactly that abundance.

Question 2Verbal Skills

Choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to "cautious".

  1. patient
  2. silent
  3. careful
  4. reckless Correct answer.

Explanation

"Cautious" means showing care to avoid danger, so the antonym is a word meaning careless about risk. "Reckless" means acting without regard for danger.

Question 3Verbal Skills

Choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to "expand".

  1. enlarge
  2. shrink Correct answer.
  3. extend
  4. stretch

Explanation

"Expand" means to grow larger or wider. The opposite is to become smaller, which is what "shrink" means.

Question 4Verbal Skills

Choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to "generous".

  1. stingy Correct answer.
  2. wealthy
  3. cheerful
  4. kind

Explanation

"Generous" describes someone willing to give freely. The opposite describes someone unwilling to give, which is "stingy".

Question 5Verbal Skills

Choose the pair of words that best completes the analogy: Kitten is to cat as puppy is to _____.

  1. dog Correct answer.
  2. litter
  3. bark
  4. bone

Explanation

The relationship is young animal to adult animal: a kitten is a young cat. Following the same pattern, a puppy is a young dog.

Question 6Verbal Skills

Choose the word that best completes the sentence: The detective examined the clue _____ before drawing any conclusions.

  1. caring
  2. careless
  3. care
  4. carefully Correct answer.

Explanation

The sentence needs an adverb to describe how the detective examined the clue. "Carefully" is the adverb form and fits the meaning.

Question 7Verbal Skills

Which word is the simple subject of this sentence: The tall boy in the blue jacket ran quickly.

  1. jacket
  2. tall
  3. quickly
  4. boy Correct answer.

Explanation

The simple subject is the main noun or pronoun that performs the action. The verb is "ran", and the one who ran is "boy"; the phrase "in the blue jacket" merely describes him.

Question 8Verbal Skills

Choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to "ancient".

  1. ruined
  2. historic
  3. modern Correct answer.
  4. old

Explanation

"Ancient" means very old, belonging to the distant past. Its opposite refers to the present time, which is "modern".

Question 9Verbal Skills

Choose the pair of words that best completes the analogy: Author is to book as composer is to _____.

  1. audience
  2. symphony Correct answer.
  3. orchestra
  4. piano

Explanation

The relationship is creator to the work created: an author writes a book. A composer creates a symphony, so the same creator-to-creation link holds.

Question 10Verbal Skills

Choose the pair of words that best completes the analogy: Thermometer is to temperature as scale is to _____.

  1. weight Correct answer.
  2. kitchen
  3. metal
  4. balance

Explanation

A thermometer is an instrument used to measure temperature. A scale is an instrument used to measure weight, matching the tool-to-measured-quantity relationship.

Question 11Verbal Skills

Choose the pair of words that best completes the analogy: Fragile is to break as flammable is to _____.

  1. weigh
  2. burn Correct answer.
  3. shine
  4. freeze

Explanation

The relationship is property to the harm that property makes likely: something fragile is easily broken. Something flammable is easily burned, so "burn" fits.

Question 12Verbal Skills

Choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to "praise".

  1. applaud
  2. criticize Correct answer.
  3. compliment
  4. admire

Explanation

"Praise" means expressing approval or admiration. The opposite is to express disapproval, which is what "criticize" means.

Question 13Verbal Skills

Which word is most nearly opposite in meaning to "reluctant"?

  1. tired
  2. eager Correct answer.
  3. unsure
  4. hesitant

Explanation

"Reluctant" means unwilling or hesitant to do something. Its opposite describes being willing and enthusiastic, which is "eager".

Question 14Verbal Skills

Choose the word that best completes the sentence: Neither the teacher nor the students _____ aware of the schedule change.

  1. was
  2. were Correct answer.
  3. has been
  4. is

Explanation

With "neither...nor", the verb agrees with the subject nearer to it. The nearer subject is "students", which is plural, so the plural past verb "were" is correct.

Question 15Verbal Skills

Choose the word that best completes the sentence: The report, along with several charts, _____ been submitted to the committee.

  1. have
  2. has Correct answer.
  3. were
  4. are

Explanation

The subject is "report", which is singular. The phrase "along with several charts" is set off by commas and does not change the number of the subject, so the singular "has" is correct.

Question 16Verbal Skills

Which word is the simple predicate of this sentence: The children in the park played happily all afternoon.

  1. park
  2. played Correct answer.
  3. happily
  4. children

Explanation

The simple predicate is the main verb telling what the subject does. The subject is "children", and the action they performed is "played".

Question 17Verbal Skills

Choose the word that best completes the sentence: The committee reached a _____ decision, with every member in agreement.

  1. unanimous Correct answer.
  2. divided
  3. lengthy
  4. private

Explanation

The phrase "with every member in agreement" signals that all members shared the same view. "Unanimous" means fully agreed by everyone.

Question 18Verbal Skills

Choose the pair of words that best completes the analogy: Sleeve is to shirt as handle is to _____.

  1. spoon
  2. saucer
  3. cup Correct answer.
  4. drink

Explanation

A sleeve is a part attached to a shirt. The analogy asks for the object that a handle is a part of; a handle is attached to a cup, matching part-to-whole.

Question 19Verbal Skills

Which word is most nearly opposite in meaning to "transparent"?

  1. opaque Correct answer.
  2. bright
  3. fragile
  4. clear

Explanation

"Transparent" means allowing light through so objects behind can be seen. The opposite describes blocking light so nothing shows through, which is "opaque".

Question 20Verbal Skills

Choose the word that best completes the sentence: The scientist's findings were so _____ that other researchers rushed to verify them.

  1. expected
  2. surprising Correct answer.
  3. ordinary
  4. routine

Explanation

The clue is that other researchers "rushed to verify" the findings, which suggests the results were unexpected. "Surprising" fits that reaction.

Question 21Verbal Skills

Choose the word that best completes the sentence: Despite the heavy rain, the outdoor concert proceeded _____.

  1. haltingly
  2. reluctantly
  3. briefly
  4. unabated Correct answer.

Explanation

"Despite the heavy rain" sets up a contrast: the concert continued without slowing. "Unabated" means without lessening, which fits the contrast.

Question 22Verbal Skills

Choose the word that best completes the sentence: The manager's instructions were so _____ that no one knew which task to begin first.

  1. precise
  2. detailed
  3. ambiguous Correct answer.
  4. urgent

Explanation

The clue is that no one knew which task to start, meaning the instructions were unclear. "Ambiguous" means open to more than one interpretation, so it fits.

Question 23Verbal Skills

Choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to "meticulous".

  1. thorough
  2. cautious
  3. careless Correct answer.
  4. precise

Explanation

"Meticulous" means showing great attention to detail. The opposite describes a lack of care, which is "careless".

Question 24Verbal Skills

Choose the pair of words that best completes the analogy: Candid is to deception as diligent is to _____.

  1. skill
  2. effort
  3. focus
  4. laziness Correct answer.

Explanation

The relationship is a word and the quality it excludes: a candid person does not use deception. A diligent person does not show laziness, so "laziness" completes the same exclusion pattern.

Question 25Verbal Skills

Choose the word that best completes the sentence: The evidence was circumstantial, so the jury remained _____ about the defendant's guilt.

  1. indifferent
  2. skeptical Correct answer.
  3. convinced
  4. certain

Explanation

Circumstantial evidence is indirect and does not prove a fact directly, so a reasonable reaction is doubt. "Skeptical" means not easily convinced, which fits.

Question 26Verbal Skills

Choose the word that best completes the sentence: Because the witness gave a _____ account of the accident, investigators were able to reconstruct the sequence of events exactly.

  1. vague
  2. detailed Correct answer.
  3. hostile
  4. reluctant

Explanation

The clue 'reconstruct the sequence of events exactly' signals that the account must be thorough and precise. 'Detailed' supplies that meaning, while the other choices either oppose it or describe attitude rather than completeness.

Question 27Verbal Skills

Which word is the simple subject of this sentence: After the long rehearsal, the tired dancers rested quietly backstage.

  1. dancers Correct answer.
  2. rested
  3. backstage
  4. rehearsal

Explanation

The simple subject is the noun or pronoun that performs the action of the verb. Here 'dancers' performs the action 'rested,' while 'rehearsal' sits inside a prepositional phrase and 'backstage' is an adverb telling where.

Question 28Verbal Skills

Choose the pair of words that best completes the analogy: Seed is to tree as egg is to _____.

  1. shell
  2. bird Correct answer.
  3. breakfast
  4. nest

Explanation

A seed develops into a tree, so the relationship is early stage to the organism it becomes. An egg develops into a bird, matching that same growth relationship.

Question 29Verbal Skills

Choose the word that best completes the sentence: The two witnesses gave _____ descriptions of the suspect, so the sketch artist could combine them into one accurate portrait.

  1. lengthy
  2. hurried
  3. conflicting
  4. consistent Correct answer.

Explanation

If the descriptions can be combined into one accurate portrait, they must agree with each other. 'Consistent' means in agreement, which fits the logic of the sentence.

Question 30Verbal Skills

Choose the pair of words that best completes the analogy: Cautious is to recklessness as generous is to _____.

  1. wealth
  2. kindness
  3. gift
  4. selfishness Correct answer.

Explanation

A cautious person avoids recklessness, so the pair links a trait to the fault it opposes. Generosity is the opposite of selfishness, so 'selfishness' completes the same opposition.

Question 31Verbal Skills

Choose the word that best completes the sentence: The senator's speech was so _____ that even her opponents found themselves nodding in agreement by the end.

  1. abrupt
  2. persuasive Correct answer.
  3. tentative
  4. tedious

Explanation

The result clause shows that listeners were won over, which requires a word meaning convincing. 'Persuasive' captures that effect, while the other choices describe dullness, suddenness, or hesitation.

Question 32Verbal Skills

Choose the word that best completes the sentence: The hikers moved _____ through the dense forest, careful not to disturb the wildlife.

  1. quietly Correct answer.
  2. quickly
  3. carelessly
  4. loudly

Explanation

The sentence indicates that the hikers were careful not to disturb wildlife, so they would move in a quiet manner. 'Quietly' is the adverb that conveys this meaning.

Question 33Quantitative Skills

A shirt costs $24. It is on sale for 25% off. What is the sale price?

  1. $19
  2. $18 Correct answer.
  3. $30
  4. $6

Explanation

A 25% discount removes one quarter of the price. Since 25% of $24 is $6, the sale price is $24 − $6 = $18.

Question 34Quantitative Skills

What is the value of 3 + 4 × 2?

  1. 24
  2. 14
  3. 11 Correct answer.
  4. 9

Explanation

Order of operations requires multiplication before addition. So 4 × 2 = 8, and 3 + 8 = 11.

Question 35Quantitative Skills

A number is multiplied by 6, and then 9 is subtracted from the result. The final value is 33. What is the original number?

  1. 6
  2. 4
  3. 7 Correct answer.
  4. 5

Explanation

Undo the operations in reverse order: add 9 to 33 to get 42, then divide by 6 to get 7. Checking: 7 × 6 − 9 = 42 − 9 = 33.

Question 36Quantitative Skills

Which fraction is equivalent to 0.375?

  1. 5/8
  2. 3/4
  3. 3/8 Correct answer.
  4. 1/3

Explanation

To convert a decimal to a fraction, write 375/1000 and reduce by dividing numerator and denominator by 125, giving 3/8. Checking, 3 ÷ 8 = 0.375.

Question 37Quantitative Skills

A rectangle has a length of 12 cm and a width of 5 cm. What is its perimeter?

  1. 17 cm
  2. 34 cm Correct answer.
  3. 30 cm
  4. 60 cm

Explanation

The perimeter of a rectangle is 2(length + width). Here 2(12 + 5) = 2(17) = 34 cm.

Question 38Quantitative Skills

What is the next number in the sequence 2, 6, 18, 54, ...?

  1. 216
  2. 162 Correct answer.
  3. 108
  4. 72

Explanation

Each term is 3 times the previous term: 2 × 3 = 6, 6 × 3 = 18, 18 × 3 = 54. So the next term is 54 × 3 = 162.

Question 39Quantitative Skills

A bag contains 5 red marbles, 3 blue marbles, and 2 green marbles. If one marble is drawn at random, what is the probability that it is blue?

  1. 3/10 Correct answer.
  2. 1/3
  3. 3/7
  4. 1/5

Explanation

There are 5 + 3 + 2 = 10 marbles total, and 3 of them are blue. Probability is favorable outcomes over total outcomes, so 3/10.

Question 40Quantitative Skills

Which of the following numbers is divisible by 9?

  1. 2,341
  2. 7,004
  3. 4,536 Correct answer.
  4. 5,120

Explanation

A number is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9. For 4,536 the digit sum is 4 + 5 + 3 + 6 = 18, which is divisible by 9.

Question 41Quantitative Skills

A train travels at a constant speed of 60 miles per hour. How many miles does it travel in 45 minutes?

  1. 40 miles
  2. 45 miles Correct answer.
  3. 50 miles
  4. 30 miles

Explanation

45 minutes is 0.75 of an hour. Distance equals rate times time: 60 × 0.75 = 45 miles.

Question 42Quantitative Skills

Simplify the expression 4(2x + 3) − 5x.

  1. 8x + 7
  2. 3x + 12 Correct answer.
  3. 3x + 3
  4. 13x + 12

Explanation

Distribute the 4 to get 8x + 12, then subtract 5x to get 3x + 12. Combine only like terms.

Question 43Quantitative Skills

The average of five numbers is 12. If four of the numbers are 10, 14, 9, and 15, what is the fifth number?

  1. 11
  2. 12 Correct answer.
  3. 13
  4. 16

Explanation

If the average of five numbers is 12, their sum is 5 × 12 = 60. The four known numbers sum to 10 + 14 + 9 + 15 = 48, so the fifth number is 60 − 48 = 12.

Question 44Quantitative Skills

A recipe uses 3 cups of flour for every 2 cups of sugar. If a baker uses 12 cups of flour, how many cups of sugar are needed to keep the same ratio?

  1. 9
  2. 6
  3. 18
  4. 8 Correct answer.

Explanation

Set up the proportion 3/2 = 12/x. Cross-multiplying gives 3x = 24, so x = 8 cups of sugar.

Question 45Quantitative Skills

A square has an area of 81 square inches. What is the length of one side?

  1. 8 inches
  2. 18 inches
  3. 40.5 inches
  4. 9 inches Correct answer.

Explanation

The area of a square is the side length squared. Since 9 × 9 = 81, the side length is 9 inches.

Question 46Quantitative Skills

What is the value of 2³ + 4²?

  1. 64
  2. 20
  3. 14
  4. 24 Correct answer.

Explanation

Compute each power first: 2³ = 8 and 4² = 16. Adding gives 8 + 16 = 24.

Question 47Quantitative Skills

A store marks up a wholesale item by 40% and then sells it for $84. What was the wholesale cost?

  1. $50
  2. $44
  3. $60 Correct answer.
  4. $70

Explanation

Let the wholesale cost be c. After a 40% markup, the selling price is 1.4c = $84, so c = 84 ÷ 1.4 = $60.

Question 48Quantitative Skills

A jar contains only quarters and dimes. There are 20 coins in total worth $3.50. How many quarters are there?

  1. 14
  2. 10 Correct answer.
  3. 12
  4. 8

Explanation

Let q be quarters and d be dimes. Then q + d = 20 and 25q + 10d = 350 cents. Substituting d = 20 − q gives 25q + 200 − 10q = 350, so 15q = 150 and q = 10.

Question 49Quantitative Skills

A triangle has angles measuring 45° and 65°. What is the measure of the third angle?

  1. 110°
  2. 70° Correct answer.
  3. 60°
  4. 80°

Explanation

The angles of a triangle sum to 180°. Subtract the known angles: 180 − 45 − 65 = 70°.

Question 50Quantitative Skills

What is the least common multiple of 8 and 12?

  1. 96
  2. 4
  3. 48
  4. 24 Correct answer.

Explanation

List multiples of each: 8, 16, 24, ... and 12, 24, 36, ... The smallest shared multiple is 24.