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What type of questions are on the HESI test?

The HESI A2 exam features a variety of question types designed to assess the foundational academic skills and knowledge necessary for entry into nursing and other healthcare-related programs. The question types reflect the diversity of skills being tested across different sections of the exam. Here's an overview of the types of questions you can expect in each section:

1. Math

  • Question Types: Questions typically involve basic arithmetic, fractions, proportions, decimals, algebraic equations, and conversions. You may need to perform calculations, solve for variables, or interpret data from charts and graphs.

  • Format: Multiple-choice questions with a focus on practical math skills required for healthcare fields, such as dosage calculations and metric conversions.

2. Reading 

  • Question Types: This section includes passages on a variety of topics followed by questions that test your ability to understand and interpret the information presented. Questions may ask about the main idea, supporting details, conclusions that can be drawn, and inferences.

  • Format: Multiple-choice questions based on short passages. Some questions may require you to understand vocabulary in context or determine the author's purpose.

3. Vocabulary

  • Question Types: Questions in this section assess your knowledge of general English vocabulary as well as terminology commonly used in healthcare settings. You may need to choose the definition of a given word, select the word that best completes a sentence, or identify synonyms and antonyms.

  • Format: Multiple-choice questions that focus on vocabulary usage and understanding.

4. Grammar

  • Question Types: This section tests your knowledge of English grammar, including parts of speech, verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, punctuation, and sentence structure. Questions may ask you to identify grammatical errors or choose the correct word or phrase to complete a sentence.

  • Format: Multiple-choice questions covering a range of grammatical concepts and rules.

5. Biology

  • Question Types: Questions cover fundamental concepts in biology, including cell structure and function, metabolism, genetics, evolution, and basic anatomy and physiology. You may be asked to identify parts of a cell, understand biological processes, or apply knowledge of genetics.

  • Format: Multiple-choice questions that require an understanding of basic biological principles and terminology.

6. Chemistry

  • Question Types: This section includes questions on the periodic table, chemical bonding, reactions and equations, states of matter, and basic organic and biochemistry. Questions may involve calculations, understanding chemical properties, or applying concepts to hypothetical scenarios.

  • Format: Multiple-choice questions that assess knowledge of chemical principles and their application.

7. Anatomy and Physiology

  • Question Types: Questions in this section test your understanding of the human body's structure and function, including the major body systems. You may need to identify organs and their functions, understand physiological processes, or relate structure to function.

  • Format: Multiple-choice questions focused on anatomy and physiology concepts.

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