HiSET Reading practice test

Read the passage. Maria checked the clock for the third time and tapped her pen against the desk. The interview was supposed to begin twenty minutes ago. She straightened her papers again, even though they were already perfectly aligned. What can be inferred about Maria?

Read the passage. Before you sign any lease, read every clause carefully. Pay close attention to the rules about deposits, repairs, and ending the agreement early. If anything is unclear, ask the landlord to explain it in writing. A few minutes of careful reading can prevent months of trouble. What is the author's primary purpose?

Read the sentence. Despite the storm, the old bridge remained sturdy, holding firm against the powerful wind. As used in the sentence, the word sturdy most nearly means:

Read the passage. The honeybee is vital to agriculture. As bees move from flower to flower collecting nectar, they transfer pollen, allowing many crops to produce fruit and seeds. Without this pollination, the harvests of apples, almonds, and many other foods would fall sharply. According to the passage, how do bees help crops produce fruit?

Read the passage. At last, after years of saving and months of searching, the keys to their very own home rested in James's open palm. He could hardly believe it. He looked at his family and felt his heart swell with joy. The tone of this passage is best described as:

Read the passage. The factory introduced new energy-efficient machines last spring. Within six months, its monthly electricity costs had dropped by nearly a third, and the savings were used to give workers a small bonus. According to the passage, what was one effect of installing the new machines?

Read the passage. Every evening, the small bakery on Oak Street sold its remaining bread at half price. By closing time, the shelves were almost always empty, and a line of regular customers formed before the discount even began. What can be concluded from this passage?

Read the passage. Recycling reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, conserves natural resources by reusing materials, and lowers the energy needed to make new products. Many communities now make recycling easy by collecting materials directly from homes. What is the main idea of this passage?

Read the passage. The classroom fell silent as Mr. Alvarez held up the stack of graded essays. Students who usually slouched now sat upright. A few exchanged hopeful glances. What can be inferred about the students?

Read the sentence. The new manager was praised for her diligent attention to every detail of the project. As used in the sentence, the word diligent most nearly means:

Read the passage. Some people prefer to read printed books, enjoying the feel of paper and the absence of screens. Others favor e-readers, valuing the ability to carry hundreds of titles in one lightweight device. Both groups, however, share a deep love of reading. According to the passage, what do both groups have in common?

Read the passage. Long ago, a clever fox saw a crow holding a piece of cheese in its beak. The fox praised the crow's beautiful voice and begged to hear it sing. Flattered, the crow opened its beak, and the cheese fell straight into the fox's waiting mouth. The author's primary purpose in this passage is to:

Read the passage. The volunteer program runs every Saturday morning at the city park. Volunteers plant trees, clear litter from trails, and repair benches. New volunteers receive a short training session before they begin. According to the passage, what do new volunteers receive before they begin?

Read the passage. First, Daniel gathered the ingredients on the counter. Next, he mixed the flour and sugar in a large bowl. After that, he poured in the eggs and stirred. Finally, he placed the batter in the oven. According to the passage, what did Daniel do immediately after mixing the flour and sugar?

Read the passage. The trail was much longer than the map had suggested. By the time the hikers reached the lookout point, the sun was already low, casting long shadows across the valley. They quickly took a few photographs and turned back. What can be inferred about why the hikers turned back quickly?

Read the passage. Learning a second language offers more than the ability to communicate with new people. Studies suggest it can improve memory, sharpen problem-solving skills, and even delay some effects of aging on the brain. For these reasons, many schools now begin language instruction early. What is the main idea of this passage?

Read the sentence. The audience listened in silence, captivated by the storyteller's vivid descriptions of distant lands. As used in the sentence, the word captivated most nearly means:

Read the passage. The town installed bright new streetlights along Main Street last year. Since then, shop owners report that more people stroll downtown in the evening, and several new restaurants have opened. What can be concluded from this passage?

Read the passage. When the younger student dropped her books in the crowded hallway, Sofia immediately knelt down to help gather the scattered papers, ignoring the bell that signaled she would now be late for her own class. Based on the passage, Sofia can best be described as: