Which skill is particularly important for success on the Reading Comprehension section of the HESI?

The ability to critically analyze main ideas and themes is essential for success on the Reading Comprehension section of the HESI. This skill enables a reader to grasp the overarching concepts presented in a passage and to understand the author’s intent. When approaching reading material, it’s critical to summarize and draw connections between ideas rather than just focusing on memorizing specific details.

In the context of standardized tests, comprehension relies heavily on understanding the fundamental premise and the supporting arguments rather than rote memorization of passages. Being able to discern the main themes allows students to quickly identify relevant information and answer questions accurately, as many queries during the test will pertain to the overall message or argument of the text.

Other skills like speed reading without retention could jeopardize understanding, while focusing only on specific facts can lead to missing the broader context of a passage. Therefore, honing the skill of critical analysis is highly beneficial for performance on the Reading Comprehension section of the HESI.