What should test-takers primarily focus on during the Reading Comprehension section of the HESI?

Focusing on the main idea and supporting details of each passage is crucial during the Reading Comprehension section of the HESI. This approach allows test-takers to grasp the overall message of the text and understand how specific details relate to that message. Recognizing the main idea helps in answering questions that assess comprehension, as many questions will center around the central themes or concepts presented in the passage. Supporting details provide context and evidence for the main idea, which is essential for a thorough understanding and for addressing more nuanced questions that may require deeper analysis.

Memorizing every detail can lead to confusion and is impractical given the time constraints of the test. It is more beneficial to recognize and prioritize key concepts rather than trying to recall every minor fact. Finding synonyms for difficult words can help with understanding, but it does not directly contribute to comprehending the passage as a whole. Comparing different texts, while valuable in some contexts, is not the focus of the Reading Comprehension section where each passage is typically analyzed independently. Overall, concentrating on the main idea and supporting details enhances comprehension and improves test performance.