NLN NEX Nursing Entrance Exam

Context clues are hints within a sentence or passage that help readers determine the meaning of unfamiliar words or phrases. There are several types of context clues.

Definition clues occur when the author directly defines a word within the sentence. The definition may appear after a comma, dash, or linking phrase such as "which means" or "that is." For example: "The patient exhibited dyspnea, which is difficulty breathing, after climbing the stairs."

Antonym clues present a word with opposite meaning, often signaled by contrast words like "but," "however," "unlike," or "instead." For example: "Unlike the lethargic patients in the morning, the afternoon group was energetic and alert."

Example clues provide specific instances that illustrate the unfamiliar word's meaning. Signal phrases include "such as," "for instance," "including," and "like." For example: "The patient displayed signs of cyanosis, such as bluish discoloration of the lips and fingertips."

Inference clues require readers to use surrounding information and prior knowledge to deduce meaning. No direct definition or clear synonym appears. For example: "After the hemorrhage, the patient's hemoglobin dropped significantly, requiring transfusion." The reader infers hemorrhage involves blood loss.

The main idea is the central point or primary message of a passage. It tells the reader what the passage is mostly about. Main ideas may be stated explicitly or implied.

Stated main ideas appear directly in the passage, often in the first or last sentence of a paragraph. The topic sentence typically contains the main idea in expository writing.

To identify main ideas, first determine the topic by asking what subject the passage discusses. Then ask what the author says about that topic. The answer is the main idea. Supporting details provide evidence, examples, or explanations that develop the main idea.

Supporting details are facts, examples, statistics, descriptions, or explanations that develop, explain, or prove the main idea. Types of supporting details include:

Major supporting details directly explain or prove the main idea. They are essential to understanding the author's point.

Minor supporting details explain or expand on major details. They provide additional information but are less critical to the main argument.

When reading, distinguish between essential information and extra details. On exams, questions often ask about specific details that support the passage's central claim.

Authors organize information using various patterns. Recognizing these patterns improves comprehension and helps predict content.

Chronological order presents events in time sequence. Signal words include first, then, next, after, before, finally, and dates or times. This pattern is common in procedure descriptions and case histories.

Cause and effect explains why something happens and its results. Signal words include because, therefore, consequently, as a result, due to, and since. Medical literature frequently uses this pattern to explain disease processes.

Compare and contrast examines similarities and differences between subjects. Signal words for comparison include similarly, likewise, both, and also. Signal words for contrast include however, but, on the other hand, unlike, and whereas.

Problem and solution presents an issue and proposes ways to address it. The author describes a problem, then explains one or more solutions. This pattern appears in healthcare policy discussions and clinical recommendations.

Listing or enumeration presents information as a series of items or points. Signal words include first, second, also, another, and finally. Numbered or bulleted lists indicate this pattern.

Classification divides a topic into categories or groups based on shared characteristics. Medical content often classifies diseases, medications, or procedures by type.

An inference is a logical conclusion based on evidence and reasoning. Authors do not state everything explicitly; readers must "read between the lines" to understand implied meanings.

To make accurate inferences, combine textual evidence with prior knowledge. Consider what the author suggests but does not directly state. Ask yourself what conclusions the evidence supports.

Avoid overgeneralizing or making assumptions unsupported by the text. Valid inferences are based on specific evidence within the passage. If you cannot point to supporting text, the inference may be invalid.

Drawing conclusions involves synthesizing information from the entire passage to make judgments or predictions. Conclusions should follow logically from the evidence presented.

To draw conclusions, consider all relevant information in the passage. Evaluate how pieces of information connect. Determine what the evidence as a whole suggests. Conclusions go beyond simple recall; they require analysis and synthesis.

Tone is the author's attitude toward the subject or audience. Tone may be formal, informal, objective, subjective, critical, supportive, serious, or humorous. Word choice and sentence structure reveal tone.

Purpose is the author's reason for writing. Common purposes include:

Healthcare materials are typically informative, presenting clinical information objectively. However, public health campaigns may be persuasive, encouraging behavior change.

Point of view refers to the perspective from which a passage is written.

First person uses pronouns "I" and "we." The author or narrator speaks directly about personal experiences or opinions.

Second person uses "you." The author addresses the reader directly. Instructions and directions often use second person.

Third person uses "he," "she," "it," and "they." The author discusses others without personal involvement. Academic and scientific writing typically uses third person for objectivity.