What type of literature may be analyzed in the reading comprehension section?

The reading comprehension section of the HESI Admission Assessment includes a range of literary forms because it is designed to assess a student's ability to analyze and understand various types of written materials. By specifically including both fiction and nonfiction excerpts, the assessment captures a broader spectrum of reading skills. Fiction often involves narrative techniques, character development, and thematic analysis, while nonfiction focuses on factual information, argumentative structure, and the clarity of ideas presented.

Including both forms allows students to demonstrate their comprehension skills in different contexts. For instance, understanding the nuances in a fictional narrative requires different analytical skills compared to dissecting the argument in a persuasive essay or understanding data presented in a report. This diverse approach better reflects the variety of texts students will encounter in their academic and professional lives, making it essential for ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of reading abilities.