HiSET Reading Practice Test

An article on ecological conservation mentions "keystone species." What role do keystone species play in their ecosystem?

In a text about space exploration, what is the term "exoplanet" used to describe?

An informational text about nutrition distinguishes between "soluble" and "insoluble" fiber. What is the primary benefit of soluble fiber?

A text on ancient civilizations discusses "irrigation." What was the primary purpose of irrigation in ancient agriculture?

An article about ocean ecosystems explains "coral bleaching." What is a primary cause of coral bleaching mentioned in the text?

In a discussion about the human brain, the term "neuroplasticity" is used. What does neuroplasticity refer to?

An article discusses "sustainable agriculture." What is the primary goal of sustainable agriculture as described in the text?

In a text about city planning, the term "urban sprawl" is used. What is a primary concern associated with urban sprawl according to the article?

An informational text about oceanography discusses "salinity levels" in the ocean. What is a significant factor affecting ocean salinity that the text highlights?

In a discussion about public health, the term "herd immunity" is used. What does herd immunity refer to according to the text?

An article on financial literacy discusses "compound interest." What is compound interest according to the text?

In a text about genetics, the term "phenotype" is used. What does phenotype refer to?

An article about artificial intelligence discusses "machine learning." What is machine learning as described in the text?

In a discussion on environmental science, "biodegradable materials" are mentioned. What defines a biodegradable material according to the text?

An article about meteorology discusses "high-pressure systems." What is a characteristic of high-pressure systems according to the text?

In a text about ancient civilizations, the concept of "the Silk Road" is discussed. What was the Silk Road primarily used for according to the article?

In a narrative where the protagonist undergoes a transformation from a selfish to a selfless character, which literary element is primarily being showcased?

In a poem that uses the journey of a river from the mountains to the sea as a metaphor for human life, what literary device is primarily being employed?

When analyzing a play, what is the significance of stage directions to the understanding of the text?

In a story, if the weather progressively worsens as the main character's situation becomes more dire, what literary technique is being used?

A character in a novel always speaks in a particular dialect, which influences readers' perceptions of this character. This use of dialect primarily helps to establish what aspect of the character?

In literature, when an object is consistently associated with a particular mood or idea, what is this an example of?

If a narrator knows the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of all characters in a story, what type of narrator is this?

When a seemingly trivial object in the beginning of a story becomes significant by the end, what literary term best describes this object?

In a narrative, when the outcome of events is the opposite of what was expected, this is an example of what literary device?

A poem's structure, which includes its rhyme scheme, line length, and rhythm, is referred to as its what?

When a character in a novel struggles with an internal conflict, such as a moral dilemma or emotional struggle, this is an example of what kind of conflict?

In literature, an unexpected turn of events that radically changes the future prospects of the main characters is known as what?

If a poem's narrator describes a scene without expressing personal feelings or thoughts, focusing only on the external details, this style is known as what?

In a story where the protagonist must overcome societal norms to achieve a personal goal, the conflict is primarily categorized as what?

When an author uses a recurring theme of light versus darkness throughout a novel to symbolize good versus evil, this is an example of what?

In a novel, if the setting shifts from a bustling city to a quiet, isolated island, and this change mirrors the protagonist's internal journey towards self-discovery, what literary device is being used?

When a novel's storyline includes a secondary narrative embedded within the main narrative, this structure is known as what?

If a character in a drama delivers a speech expressing their inner thoughts while alone on stage, this is known as what?

In a poem where the end of each line rhymes in a pattern of ABAB, this rhyme scheme is an example of what type of rhyme?

In literature, when an inanimate object is given human qualities or abilities, this figure of speech is known as what?

In an article discussing the impacts of deforestation, the author uses the term "biodiversity." In this context, what does "biodiversity" most likely refer to?

When an author discusses the "carbon footprint" of an industry, what aspect of the industry is being examined?

An informational text discusses how photosynthesis in plants converts sunlight into energy. Which of the following is the primary substance that captures sunlight in this process?

In a discussion about renewable energy sources, which of the following would be categorized as non-renewable?

An article explains the process of water purification. Which of the following steps is typically the first in this process?

In an article about the human impact on climate change, what is the primary role of greenhouse gases according to the text?

An article on urban planning discusses "mixed-use development." What does this term most likely refer to?

In a discussion on dietary nutrients, "macronutrients" refers to what?

An article discussing global trade mentions "tariffs." What is the primary purpose of tariffs according to the text?

In a text about the circulatory system, the term "arteries" is used. What is the primary function of arteries in this context?

An article on internet security mentions "encryption." What is the primary purpose of encryption in this context?

In an article about the Earth's layers, what is the "mantle" primarily composed of?

A text discussing economic theories refers to "supply and demand." What does the term "equilibrium price" mean in this context?

When an author uses a recurring theme of light versus darkness throughout a novel to symbolize good versus evil, this is an example of what?