What type of comprehension is often tested in the reading section of the HESI A2?

The correct choice focuses on the skill of making inferences and drawing conclusions from texts. This type of comprehension requires readers to look beyond the literal meaning of the words and understand the underlying messages or themes presented by the author. Making inferences means that the reader uses clues and context from the text to fill in gaps and understand what is not explicitly stated. This ability is crucial for critical thinking and comprehension because it enables readers to engage with the material on a deeper level, recognizing the implications and nuances of the text.

In many reading comprehension assessments, including the HESI A2, students are often asked to analyze passages and derive meanings or conclusions based on contextual evidence, which is central to this type of comprehension. Recognizing these implicit meanings can significantly enhance a reader’s understanding and retention of the material.

The other options emphasize different aspects of reading comprehension but do not encapsulate the nuanced understanding that inference and conclusion-drawing provide. Specific details focus on recalling literal information, which may not engage deeper comprehension skills, while identifying main ideas usually entails summarizing rather than analyzing. Synthesizing information from multiple sources is a broader academic skill that goes beyond single-text analysis.