Question 1Multiple choice
Which statement best expresses the main idea of the passage?
HESI A2 Reading Comprehension
Reading asks about short passages: the main idea, stated details, what can be inferred, what a word means in context and whether a sentence is fact or opinion.
| Passages | Short informational texts, many on health topics |
|---|---|
| Question types | Main idea, detail, inference, word in context, purpose, fact or opinion |
| Key habit | Every answer is in the passage |
| Who picks the sections | Your nursing program |
What the questions ask
- Main idea and summary: the option that covers the whole passage, not one detail.
- Details: what the passage states, often in a different wording.
- Inference: a small, safe step from the text, never a new fact.
- Words in context: the meaning the sentence supports.
- Purpose and tone: inform, persuade or entertain, and the author's attitude.
How to score points
Point to the words that prove your answer before you choose it. A true statement that covers only one paragraph is the most common wrong answer to a main idea question.
Try 3 questions
How much water?
For decades, people have repeated the rule that everyone should drink eight glasses of water a day. The rule is simple and easy to remember, but it is not based on strong evidence. The amount of water a person needs depends on body size, activity, climate and health.
Much of the water we take in does not come from a glass. Fruits, vegetables, soups, milk and even coffee all contain water. For a healthy adult in a mild climate, thirst is usually a reliable guide. Pale yellow urine is another simple sign that the body has enough fluid.
Some people do need to pay closer attention. Athletes training in the heat can lose a great deal of water through sweat. Older adults may feel thirst less strongly and can become dehydrated without noticing. People with certain heart or kidney conditions, on the other hand, may be told to limit their fluids. For them, following a doctor's advice matters far more than any general rule.
Question 2Multiple choice
According to the passage, which is a simple sign that the body has enough fluid?
Question 3Multiple choice
As used in the second paragraph, the word “reliable” most nearly means
Next step
Questions people ask
How do I get faster at HESI reading?
Read the question first, then the passage with that question in mind, and practice with a timer. Speed comes from knowing the question types.
Do I need outside knowledge for reading?
No. Every answer comes from the passage, even when the topic is about health.