HISET ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND
COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE 2026
▶ cuneiform. Answer: system of writing in which wedge-shaped symbols
cut into clay tablets represented words or syllables. It originated in
Mesopotamia and was used initially for Sumerian and Akkadian but later
was adapted to represent other languages of western Asia.
▶ Dark Ages/Middle Ages (500-1000/1500 C.E.). Answer: time period in
Europe After the Fall of the Roman Empire when there was no central
government, little education and no big achievements. Also referred to as
Medieval Ages.
▶ democracy. Answer: political system in which citizens vote directly for
leaders and laws; government by the people
▶ dynasty. Answer: ruling families in which the kingship passes from
generation to generation
▶ Great Depression. Answer: the economic crisis beginning with the stock
market crash in 1929 and continuing through the 1930s
▶ hieroglyphics. Answer: an ancient Egyptian writing system in which
pictures were used to represent ideas and sounds
▶ hunter-gatherer. Answer: nomadic groups whose food supply depends
on hunting animals and collecting plant foods (seeds, fruits, nuts)
▶ imperialism. Answer: policy in which a strong nation seeks to dominate
other countries politically, socially, and economically.
▶ industrialization. Answer: the development of industries for the machine
production of goods (factories)
, ▶ the Hundred Year's War. Answer: Series of campaigns over control of
the throne of France, involving English and French royal families and
French noble families.
▶ Korean War (Korean Conflict). Answer: Conflict that began with North
Korea's invasion of South Korea and came to involve the United Nations
(primarily the United States) allying with South Korea and the People's
Republic of China allying with North Korea.
▶ the League of Nations. Answer: an international organization formed in
1920 to promote cooperation and peace among nations
▶ Russian Revolution. Answer: Prompted by labor unrest, personal
liberties, and elected representatives, this political revolution occurred in
1917 when Czar Nicholas II was murdered and Vladimir Lenin sought
control to implement his ideas of communism.
▶ United Naitons (UN). Answer: The UN handles conflicts that occur within
the members' land, using military or peaceful approaches.
Formed after WWII, made up of the allies.
▶ irrigation. Answer: the process of supplying water to areas of land to
make them suitable for growing crops.
▶ labor specialization. Answer: division of labor in which people do
different jobs
▶ mercantilism. Answer: theory stating that colonies existed to provide raw
materials and markets for their ruling country
▶ Mesoamerica. Answer: A geographic region of Mexico, Central America,
and South America including the Inca, Mayan, and Aztec civilizations
▶ Middle Passage. Answer: long, difficult Atlantic crossing that was part of
the slave trade
▶ Native Americans. Answer: native group of what is now the United
States; early ancestors crossed the Bering Straight
COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE 2026
▶ cuneiform. Answer: system of writing in which wedge-shaped symbols
cut into clay tablets represented words or syllables. It originated in
Mesopotamia and was used initially for Sumerian and Akkadian but later
was adapted to represent other languages of western Asia.
▶ Dark Ages/Middle Ages (500-1000/1500 C.E.). Answer: time period in
Europe After the Fall of the Roman Empire when there was no central
government, little education and no big achievements. Also referred to as
Medieval Ages.
▶ democracy. Answer: political system in which citizens vote directly for
leaders and laws; government by the people
▶ dynasty. Answer: ruling families in which the kingship passes from
generation to generation
▶ Great Depression. Answer: the economic crisis beginning with the stock
market crash in 1929 and continuing through the 1930s
▶ hieroglyphics. Answer: an ancient Egyptian writing system in which
pictures were used to represent ideas and sounds
▶ hunter-gatherer. Answer: nomadic groups whose food supply depends
on hunting animals and collecting plant foods (seeds, fruits, nuts)
▶ imperialism. Answer: policy in which a strong nation seeks to dominate
other countries politically, socially, and economically.
▶ industrialization. Answer: the development of industries for the machine
production of goods (factories)
, ▶ the Hundred Year's War. Answer: Series of campaigns over control of
the throne of France, involving English and French royal families and
French noble families.
▶ Korean War (Korean Conflict). Answer: Conflict that began with North
Korea's invasion of South Korea and came to involve the United Nations
(primarily the United States) allying with South Korea and the People's
Republic of China allying with North Korea.
▶ the League of Nations. Answer: an international organization formed in
1920 to promote cooperation and peace among nations
▶ Russian Revolution. Answer: Prompted by labor unrest, personal
liberties, and elected representatives, this political revolution occurred in
1917 when Czar Nicholas II was murdered and Vladimir Lenin sought
control to implement his ideas of communism.
▶ United Naitons (UN). Answer: The UN handles conflicts that occur within
the members' land, using military or peaceful approaches.
Formed after WWII, made up of the allies.
▶ irrigation. Answer: the process of supplying water to areas of land to
make them suitable for growing crops.
▶ labor specialization. Answer: division of labor in which people do
different jobs
▶ mercantilism. Answer: theory stating that colonies existed to provide raw
materials and markets for their ruling country
▶ Mesoamerica. Answer: A geographic region of Mexico, Central America,
and South America including the Inca, Mayan, and Aztec civilizations
▶ Middle Passage. Answer: long, difficult Atlantic crossing that was part of
the slave trade
▶ Native Americans. Answer: native group of what is now the United
States; early ancestors crossed the Bering Straight
