HSPT Test Sections

Detailed breakdown of each section with topics and study tips

Verbal Skills

60 questions • 16 minutes

The Verbal Skills section tests your vocabulary and verbal reasoning abilities.

Topics Covered

  • Synonyms - Identifying words with similar meanings
  • Antonyms - Identifying words with opposite meanings
  • Analogies - Understanding word relationships
  • Verbal Classifications - Grouping related words
  • Logic - Drawing conclusions from statements

Study Tips

  • Build vocabulary through daily reading
  • Learn common root words, prefixes, and suffixes
  • Practice identifying word relationships
  • Read the question carefully before looking at answers

Quantitative Skills

52 questions • 30 minutes

This section measures your ability to reason with numbers and recognize patterns.

Topics Covered

  • Number Series - Finding patterns in sequences
  • Geometric Comparisons - Comparing shapes and figures
  • Non-verbal Reasoning - Pattern recognition
  • Number Manipulations - Basic calculations

Study Tips

  • Look for patterns in number sequences
  • Practice mental math to save time
  • Draw figures to visualize geometric problems
  • Eliminate obviously wrong answers first

Reading Comprehension

62 questions • 25 minutes

Tests your ability to understand and analyze written passages.

Topics Covered

  • Main Idea - Identifying central themes
  • Supporting Details - Finding specific information
  • Inference - Drawing conclusions
  • Vocabulary in Context - Understanding word meanings
  • Author Purpose - Understanding writing intent

Study Tips

  • Read the questions before the passage
  • Identify the main idea of each paragraph
  • Look for context clues for vocabulary questions
  • Manage your time - about 20 seconds per question

Mathematics

64 questions • 45 minutes

Covers arithmetic, algebra, and geometry concepts.

Topics Covered

  • Arithmetic - Fractions, decimals, percentages
  • Algebra - Equations, expressions, word problems
  • Geometry - Area, perimeter, angles, shapes
  • Measurement - Units and conversions
  • Data Analysis - Charts, graphs, probability

Study Tips

  • Memorize key formulas and rules
  • Show your work to avoid careless errors
  • Estimate answers to check reasonableness
  • Practice word problems regularly

Language

60 questions • 25 minutes

Evaluates grammar, punctuation, and language usage skills.

Topics Covered

  • Punctuation - Commas, periods, apostrophes
  • Capitalization - Proper nouns, titles
  • Usage - Subject-verb agreement, pronouns
  • Spelling - Common words and patterns
  • Composition - Sentence structure and clarity

Study Tips

  • Review grammar rules systematically
  • Read sentences aloud to catch errors
  • Watch for common mistake patterns
  • Practice identifying errors in context