HESI A2 Reading key terms

The central point a passage is built to communicate. It is broad enough to cover the whole text, not just one paragraph, and is usually stated in a single sentence.

The subject a passage is about, expressed as a word or short phrase. The topic answers what the text concerns, while the main idea states what the author claims about it.

The controlling claim of a nonfiction piece, often placed near the beginning. Everything else in the text should support, explain, or qualify it.

A sentence, usually first in a paragraph, that announces the paragraph's focus. It links the paragraph to the larger main idea and guides what details follow.

A fact, example, statistic, or reason that explains or proves a broader claim. Details answer questions like who, what, when, and how much, rather than stating the point itself.

A brief restatement of a text's central points in your own words. A good summary keeps main ideas and drops minor examples, and it does not add personal opinion.

Restating a short passage in different words while keeping the original meaning intact. It is narrower than a summary and preserves the source's level of detail.

A conclusion drawn from clues in the text plus ordinary reasoning, even though the text never states it outright. Valid inferences must be supported by the passage.

A meaning a writer suggests without stating directly, often through word choice or what is left unsaid. Readers detect implications by combining textual clues with background knowledge.

Information stated plainly in the text, requiring no guessing. Questions about explicit details are answered by locating the exact sentence that reports the fact.

A judgment reached after weighing the passage's information. In reading questions, the best conclusion follows logically from the stated facts and does not overreach them.

The specific material in a text that backs up a claim, such as data, quotations, examples, or expert statements. Strong evidence is relevant, specific, and sufficient.

A statement the author asserts as true and expects readers to accept. Claims may be factual or arguable, and they require support to be persuasive.

A reasoned case in which a writer presents a claim and supports it with evidence and logical reasoning. An argument aims to persuade, not merely to describe.

Writing intended to move readers toward a belief or action. It relies on appeals to logic, emotion, or the writer's credibility, and often addresses counterarguments.

The reason a writer produced the text, commonly to inform, persuade, entertain, or instruct. Purpose shapes word choice, structure, and how much detail is included.

The writer's attitude toward the subject, conveyed through word choice and sentence style. Tone might be critical, admiring, humorous, urgent, or neutral.

The feeling a passage creates in the reader, such as suspense, calm, or unease. Mood arises from setting, imagery, and rhythm rather than from the author's stated attitude.

The intended readers of a text. Writers adjust vocabulary, formality, and assumed background knowledge depending on whether readers are experts, patients, students, or the general public.

The emotional or cultural association a word carries beyond its literal meaning. For example, 'thrifty' sounds approving while 'stingy' sounds critical, though both concern spending.

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, separate from emotional associations. Reading questions sometimes ask you to distinguish denotation from connotation in a passage.

A slant or prejudice that favors one side, often shown through loaded words, omitted facts, or one-sided examples. Recognizing bias helps readers judge whether a source is balanced.

A neutral stance in which a writer reports information without pushing a personal agenda. Objective writing favors verifiable facts and balanced coverage over emotional appeals.

The distinction between statements that can be verified and statements that express beliefs, feelings, or judgments. Facts can be checked; opinions vary by person and need support.

The order in which events or steps occur. Signal words such as first, next, then, and finally help readers follow chronological or procedural order.

Arrangement of information by time, from earliest to latest or the reverse. It is common in narratives, histories, and descriptions of procedures.

A text structure that explains why something happened and what resulted. Signal words include because, therefore, as a result, consequently, and leads to.

A structure that examines similarities and differences between two or more subjects. Signal words include similarly, likewise, unlike, whereas, and on the other hand.

A word or phrase that connects ideas and signals how they relate, such as however, in addition, or for example. Transitions reveal the passage's logical organization.

A pronoun or phrase that points back to an earlier noun, such as 'she' referring to a named patient. Tracking references prevents misreading who did what.

Information surrounding an unfamiliar word that hints at its meaning, including definitions, examples, contrasts, or restatements nearby. Context clues let readers infer vocabulary without a dictionary.

Determining what a word means as it is used in a specific sentence, since many words have several senses. The surrounding passage, not a memorized definition, decides the meaning.

Language that departs from literal meaning to create effect, including metaphor, simile, and personification. It shapes tone and requires interpretation rather than literal reading.

A direct comparison that states one thing is another without using like or as, such as calling memory a warehouse. Metaphors create meaning by transferring qualities across domains.

A comparison using like or as, such as 'the line moved like molasses.' Similes make descriptions vivid by linking an unfamiliar quality to something familiar.

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses and creates a mental picture. Imagery often drives mood and can reveal a narrator's attitude toward a place or event.

A question posed for effect rather than to obtain an answer, used to emphasize a point or provoke thought. It often appears in persuasive writing.

The perspective from which a text is told, such as first person, third-person limited, or third-person omniscient. Point of view controls what information the reader can access.

A text structure presenting steps in order to explain how something works or is done. Procedural passages often use imperative verbs and sequence signals.

An example or instance offered to clarify a general statement. Illustrations make abstract claims concrete and are a common form of supporting detail.