Free HiSET® Language Arts – Writing Test Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the HiSET® Language Arts – Writing Test practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1A report proposes longer library hours. Its body explains that many people work until the library closes and that an evening schedule would give them access to computers and study space. Which opening states the report's main proposal?

   1. A.The library should shift its current daytime hours to evenings without extending them.
   2. B.The library should stay open later so more residents can use its resources.Correct answer: B
   3. C.The library should open earlier to help residents visit before work.
   4. D.The library should extend evening hours chiefly to reduce library use.

   Explanation: OpenStax advises writers to "Make the topic of your report clear" in the introduction. B states the proposed extension and its purpose. A shifts hours instead of extending them, C proposes an earlier opening, and D reverses the purpose.

   Reference: Writing Guide with Handbook: Creating an Analytical Report — Introduction

2. 2A volunteer job description lists three activities: sorting donations, labeling boxes, and delivering supplies. Which revision expresses the three activities in parallel form?

   1. A.Volunteers sort donations, label boxes, and deliver supplies.Correct answer: A
   2. B.Volunteers sort donations, labeling boxes, and to deliver supplies.
   3. C.Volunteers sorting donations, label boxes, and supplies to deliver.
   4. D.Volunteers to sort donations, boxes are labeled, and delivering supplies.

   Explanation: Purdue OWL says, "Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance." A uses three coordinated verb forms. B, C, and D mix constructions.

   Reference: Purdue OWL: Parallel Structure — Words and Phrases

3. 3Which pronoun completes the compound subject in standard written English? 'Maya and ___ prepared the report.'

   1. A.me
   2. B.myself
   3. C.ICorrect answer: C
   4. D.mine

   Explanation: OpenStax states, "Compound subjects use subjective case pronouns." C supplies the subject form I. Me is objective, myself reflexive, and mine possessive.

   Reference: Writing Guide with Handbook: Handbook — H8, Case in Compound Structures

4. 4A cafeteria report describes measuring food discarded after lunch, adjusting portion sizes, and allowing students to choose their side dishes. Which opening sentence best states the common point of the paragraph?

   1. A.A cafeteria can reduce food waste by changing how meals are planned and served.Correct answer: A
   2. B.A cafeteria can measure discarded food after students finish eating lunch.
   3. C.A cafeteria can eliminate food waste solely by measuring what remains.
   4. D.A cafeteria can reduce food waste only by serving identical portions.

   Explanation: OpenStax explains, "The point is the central idea of the paragraph, usually given in a topic sentence stated in your own words at or toward the beginning of the paragraph." A unifies measurement and the adjustments. B covers only measurement; C treats measurement alone as eliminating waste; D contradicts the choices and portion adjustments.

   Reference: Writing Guide with Handbook: Creating an Analytical Report — Body Paragraphs: Point, Evidence, Analysis

5. 5Which sentence reports three actions in parallel clauses?

   1. A.She said that we plan, that we prepare, and the review.
   2. B.She said that we plan, that we prepare, and that we review.Correct answer: B
   3. C.She said that we plan, that we prepare, and to review.
   4. D.She said that we plan, that we prepare, and reviewing.

   Explanation: Purdue OWL explains, "A parallel structure that begins with clauses must keep on with clauses." B uses three that-clauses with subjects and verbs. A ends with a noun phrase, C with an infinitive, and D with an -ing form.

   Reference: Purdue OWL: Parallel Structure — Clauses

6. 6Which pronoun completes the object of the preposition? 'The coordinator spoke with Lena and ___.'

   1. A.I
   2. B.meCorrect answer: B
   3. C.my
   4. D.myself

   Explanation: OpenStax says, "Compound objects use objective case pronouns." B is the object form. I is subjective, my is possessive, and myself is reflexive without a matching subject.

   Reference: Writing Guide with Handbook: Handbook — H8, Case in Compound Structures

7. 7A comparison report discusses two community gardens. Each supplies fresh produce; one also offers gardening classes. Which closing sentence brings together both the shared benefit and the difference?

   1. A.Both gardens offer neighbors a place to grow fresh produce.
   2. B.One garden offers classes in addition to growing fresh produce.
   3. C.Both gardens provide produce, and one offers an additional learning opportunity.Correct answer: C
   4. D.Community gardens can teach residents many useful gardening skills.

   Explanation: OpenStax says, "The conclusion should draw the threads of your report together and make its significance clear to readers." C combines the shared benefit and distinction. A omits the difference, B omits the shared benefit, and D does not synthesize the comparison.

   Reference: Writing Guide with Handbook: Creating an Analytical Report — Conclusion

8. 8A technician inspected a machine and noticed a loose wire. Which sentence clearly identifies the technician as the person who performed the inspection?

   1. A.After inspecting the machine, a loose wire was noticed by the technician.
   2. B.After inspecting the machine, the technician noticed a loose wire.Correct answer: B
   3. C.After inspecting the machine, the loose wire became noticeable.
   4. D.After inspecting the machine, the machine had a loose wire.

   Explanation: Purdue OWL recommends, "Name the appropriate or logical doer of the action as the subject of the main clause". B makes the technician the subject after the introductory phrase. A, C, and D make a wire or machine the subject of that phrase.

   Reference: Purdue OWL: Dangling Modifiers and How to Correct Them — Strategies for revising dangling modifiers

9. 9In formal written English, which pronoun completes the prepositional phrase? 'To ___ should the message be addressed?'

   1. A.who
   2. B.whoever
   3. C.whomCorrect answer: C
   4. D.whose

   Explanation: OpenStax advises, "Use the objective case whom in place of an object". C is the object of to. Who and whoever are subject forms, and whose is possessive.

   Reference: Writing Guide with Handbook: Handbook — H8, Who or Whom

10. 10An article first describes the common belief that public art is costly to maintain. The next section reports a study finding that a local mural required little maintenance over five years. Which transitional sentence best connects the belief with that finding?

    1. A.The mural has been visible to residents for more than five years.
    2. B.The local mural's experience, however, challenges that assumption.Correct answer: B
    3. C.The local mural illustrates the maintenance concern raised above.
    4. D.The mural's experience offers another reason to expect frequent repairs.

    Explanation: OpenStax asks, "Does the report flow from one point to the next?" B links the assumption to a finding that challenges it. A repeats a detail without expressing the contrast; C treats the mural as confirming the concern, and D incorrectly suggests frequent repairs.

    Reference: Writing Guide with Handbook: Creating an Analytical Report — Peer review