Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A square has a perimeter of 36 cm. What is the area of the square?

64 cm²
144 cm²
81 cm² (Correct answer)
72 cm²

Correct answer: 81 cm²

Each side is 36 ÷ 4 = 9 cm, so the area is 9 × 9 = 81 cm².

Question 2: OBSCURE is most nearly opposite in meaning to:

Clear (Correct answer)
Unusual
Hidden
Ancient

Correct answer: Clear

Obscure means not clearly understood, uncertain, or hidden. Its opposite is clear, meaning easily understood, obvious, or well-known.

Question 3: An author includes a personal anecdote at the start of an article most likely to:

Fill space
Hide the topic
Confuse the reader
Engage the reader's interest (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Engage the reader's interest

Anecdotes are often used to draw readers in and spark interest.

Question 4: Which question would BEST help a reader identify the main idea of a passage?

Who is the author?
How many sentences are there?
What color is mentioned?
What is this passage mostly about? (Correct answer)

Correct answer: What is this passage mostly about?

Asking what the passage is mostly about targets the central idea.

Question 5: What is the purpose of supporting details in a passage?

To provide evidence, examples, or elaboration that strengthen the main idea (Correct answer)
To introduce topics unrelated to the thesis
To distract the reader from the main point
To increase the word count of the passage

Correct answer: To provide evidence, examples, or elaboration that strengthen the main idea

Supporting details provide the evidence, examples, facts, statistics, anecdotes, and explanations that develop, illustrate, and strengthen the main idea of a passage.

Question 6: If an author repeatedly describes a setting as 'gray,' 'silent,' and 'empty,' the mood created is most likely:

Humorous
Gloomy (Correct answer)
Cheerful
Exciting

Correct answer: Gloomy

Gray, silent, and empty details build a gloomy, somber mood.

Question 7: If 3x + 7 = 22, what is the value of x?

5 (Correct answer)
7
3
15

Correct answer: 5

Subtract 7 to get 3x = 15, then divide by 3 to get x = 5.

Question 8: Select the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to TENACIOUS.

Yielding (Correct answer)
Strong
Persistent
Determined

Correct answer: Yielding

Tenacious means holding firmly to something, persistent and determined. Its opposite is yielding, meaning giving way under pressure.

Question 9: Which detail would best support the claim that a character is generous?

She wore a red coat
She lived near the river
She arrived late to the party
She gave her lunch to a hungry stranger (Correct answer)

Correct answer: She gave her lunch to a hungry stranger

Giving food to someone in need directly shows generosity.

Question 10: How many scored sections appear on the ISEE besides the unscored essay?

Six
Three
Four (Correct answer)
Five

Correct answer: Four

The four scored sections are Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Mathematics Achievement.

Question 11: Which fraction is greater than 1/2?

5/9 (Correct answer)
4/9
2/5
3/8

Correct answer: 5/9

5/9 is about 0.556, which exceeds 0.5, while the others are below it.

Question 12: What is the standard policy for sending ISEE scores to schools?

Scores are public
Scores go to schools the family designates, at no per-school limit for ERB members (Correct answer)
Schools must pay to receive scores
Only one school may receive scores

Correct answer: Scores go to schools the family designates, at no per-school limit for ERB members

Families select which schools receive ISEE scores, and ERB sends them to the designated recipients.

Question 13: Which scores do admissions offices most commonly emphasize when reviewing ISEE results?

Essay length
Percentile ranks and stanines (Correct answer)
Raw scores only
Test date

Correct answer: Percentile ranks and stanines

Schools focus on percentile ranks and stanines because they standardize comparison across applicants.

Question 14: If a passage says a policy 'had unintended consequences,' the reader can conclude the results were:

Carefully planned
Never noticed
Entirely positive
Not what was expected (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Not what was expected

'Unintended consequences' are outcomes that were not planned or expected.

Question 15: What is the primary purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?

To conclude the passage
To provide a counterargument
To state the main idea of the paragraph (Correct answer)
To list the author's sources

Correct answer: To state the main idea of the paragraph

A topic sentence introduces the central idea of its paragraph.

Question 16: When an author uses the phrase 'on the other hand,' what type of text structure is being employed?

Problem and solution
Compare and contrast (Correct answer)
Chronological order
Cause and effect

Correct answer: Compare and contrast

Phrases like 'on the other hand,' 'however,' 'in contrast,' and 'similarly' signal a compare and contrast text structure, where two or more things are being examined for similarities and differences.

Question 17: If 3/8 of a class of 40 students are absent, how many are present?

15
20
25 (Correct answer)
30

Correct answer: 25

3/8 of 40 is 15 absent, so 40 − 15 = 25 present.

Question 18: What is the greatest common factor (GCF) of 24 and 36?

12 (Correct answer)
8
4
6

Correct answer: 12

The largest factor shared by both 24 and 36 is 12.

Question 19: When stuck between two final answer choices, what is the best tiebreaker?

Flip a coin
Reread the question to find which choice better fits the evidence (Correct answer)
Pick the longer answer
Choose alphabetically

Correct answer: Reread the question to find which choice better fits the evidence

Returning to the question and evidence usually reveals which of the two is more precise.

Question 20: An author describes a hero as 'a beacon of hope in dark times.' This figure of speech is a:

Pun
Hyperbole
Simile
Metaphor (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Metaphor

Calling the hero a 'beacon' directly compares without 'like' or 'as,' making it a metaphor.

Question 21: What is the smartest first step when a reading passage has several questions?

Skim the passage, then refer back to it for each question (Correct answer)
Answer questions from memory without rereading
Guess based on the title alone
Read only the first and last sentences

Correct answer: Skim the passage, then refer back to it for each question

Referring back to the passage for evidence yields more accurate answers than relying on memory.

Question 22: How can you keep test anxiety from hurting your performance?

Worry about your overall score constantly
Compare yourself to others
Use deep breathing and focus on one question at a time (Correct answer)
Drink lots of caffeine

Correct answer: Use deep breathing and focus on one question at a time

Slow breathing and single-question focus calm nerves and improve concentration.

Question 23: The politician's _____ speech inspired the audience to take action on environmental issues.

Irrelevant
Monotonous
Compelling (Correct answer)
Confusing

Correct answer: Compelling

Compelling means evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way, which would inspire an audience to take action.

Question 24: What is the importance of peer review in test preparation?

Only management should review professional work
Peer review ensures quality, catches errors, provides learning opportunities, and maintains professional standards (Correct answer)
Peer review is unnecessary for experienced professionals
Peer review undermines professional confidence

Correct answer: Peer review ensures quality, catches errors, provides learning opportunities, and maintains professional standards

Peer review is a cornerstone of professional quality assurance, providing independent verification, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement opportunities.

Question 25: Which fraction is equivalent to 0.375?

3/8 (Correct answer)
1/3
5/8
3/4

Correct answer: 3/8

0.375 = 375/1000. Simplify by dividing both by 125: 375÷125 = 3, 1000÷125 = 8. So 0.375 = 3/8.

Question 26: An author writes, 'Unlike the bustling city, the village moved at a sleepy pace.' This sentence primarily uses:

A contrast (Correct answer)
A metaphor
A statistic
A rhetorical question

Correct answer: A contrast

The word 'Unlike' sets up a contrast between two places.

Question 27: What does it mean to 'read between the lines'?

To focus only on the text printed between paragraph breaks
To read every other line of the text
To read the footnotes at the bottom of the page
To understand implied meanings that are not directly stated in the text (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To understand implied meanings that are not directly stated in the text

Reading between the lines means understanding the implied or underlying meaning that the author suggests through word choice, tone, and context without stating it explicitly.

Question 28: What is the value of the digit 7 in the number 4,786?

70
7,000
700 (Correct answer)
7

Correct answer: 700

The 7 is in the hundreds place, so it is worth 700.

Question 29: GARRULOUS most nearly means —

silent
chatty (Correct answer)
melancholy
hostile

Correct answer: chatty

Garrulous means excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters, matching chatty.

Question 30: A bag holds 6 red, 4 blue, and 2 green marbles. What is the probability of drawing a blue marble?

1/6
1/3 (Correct answer)
1/4
1/2

Correct answer: 1/3

There are 12 marbles total and 4 are blue, so the probability is 4/12 = 1/3.

Question 31: A store offers a 20% discount on a $45 item. What is the sale price?

$9
$40
$25
$36 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: $36

20% of $45 = 0.20 × $45 = $9 discount. Sale price = $45 - $9 = $36.

Question 32: Which sentence states an opinion rather than a fact?

Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius
Autumn is the most beautiful season (Correct answer)
The book has twelve chapters
The river is 200 miles long

Correct answer: Autumn is the most beautiful season

Calling a season 'most beautiful' is a personal judgment, not a fact.

Question 33: In 'Her explanation was so convoluted that no one understood it,' 'convoluted' most nearly means:

Simple
Complicated (Correct answer)
Brief
Honest

Correct answer: Complicated

'Convoluted' means overly complex or twisted, hence hard to understand.

Question 34: RESILIENT most nearly means —

fragile
envious
adaptable (Correct answer)
passive

Correct answer: adaptable

Resilient means able to recover quickly from difficulties, synonymous with adaptable.

Question 35: BENEVOLENT most nearly means —

ambitious
cautious
charitable (Correct answer)
strict

Correct answer: charitable

Benevolent means well-meaning and kindly, which is closest in meaning to charitable.

Question 36: Which transition word shows contrast?

Furthermore
Additionally
However (Correct answer)
Therefore

Correct answer: However

'However' signals a contrast between ideas.

Question 37: A rectangle has length 9 cm and width 4 cm. What is its perimeter?

36 cm
26 cm (Correct answer)
13 cm
22 cm

Correct answer: 26 cm

Perimeter = 2(9 + 4) = 2 × 13 = 26 cm.

Question 38: TENACIOUS most nearly means —

indifferent
clumsy
persistent (Correct answer)
generous

Correct answer: persistent

Tenacious means holding firmly to something, synonymous with persistent.

Question 39: What is the value of the expression (8 + 4) ÷ 3 × 2?

2
12
6
8 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 8

Inside parentheses gives 12, then 12 ÷ 3 = 4, and 4 × 2 = 8.

Question 40: A rectangle has length 12 and width 7. What is its area?

76
19
84 (Correct answer)
38

Correct answer: 84

The area is length times width, 12 × 7 = 84.

Question 41: How does continuing education benefit ISEE professionals?

Continuing education is not needed after certification
It ensures practitioners stay current with evolving standards, technologies, and best practices (Correct answer)
Continuing education is purely optional with no benefits
Only beginners benefit from additional training

Correct answer: It ensures practitioners stay current with evolving standards, technologies, and best practices

Professional fields evolve constantly — continuing education ensures practitioners maintain competence and stay current with industry developments.

Question 42: PLACID most nearly means —

bitter
turbulent
serene (Correct answer)
loud

Correct answer: serene

Placid means calm and peaceful, making serene the best match.

Question 43: In the sentence 'The scientist's findings were groundbreaking,' the word 'groundbreaking' most nearly means:

Ordinary
Confusing
Innovative (Correct answer)
Forgotten

Correct answer: Innovative

'Groundbreaking' means pioneering or highly innovative.

Question 44: In a persuasive passage, what is the difference between a fact and an opinion?

A fact can be verified as true or false; an opinion expresses a personal belief or judgment (Correct answer)
There is no meaningful difference between them
Facts are always true; opinions are always false
Facts appear in newspapers; opinions appear in books

Correct answer: A fact can be verified as true or false; an opinion expresses a personal belief or judgment

Facts are statements that can be objectively verified through evidence, while opinions express personal beliefs, judgments, or preferences that may vary from person to person.

Question 45: Select the word that best completes the sentence: The scientist's _____ research methods ensured her results were reliable and reproducible.

Casual
Rigorous (Correct answer)
Superficial
Haphazard

Correct answer: Rigorous

Rigorous means extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate, which is essential for scientific research to produce reliable and reproducible results.

Question 46: What is the sum of the lowest prime and the largest negative even integer?

3
0 (Correct answer)
2
-2

Correct answer: 0

The lowest prime number is 2, as 1 is not considered prime and 2 is the smallest integer divisible only by 1 and itself. The largest negative even integer is -2, as even integers are multiples of 2 and -2 is the largest among the negative ones. Summing these two values, 2 + (-2), results in 0.

Question 47: How are ISEE scores delivered to a family after testing?

Only by postal mail weeks later
Through the ERB online family portal (Correct answer)
Only through the applicant's school
Read aloud at the test center

Correct answer: Through the ERB online family portal

Families access official ISEE score reports through their ERB online account.

Question 48: What is the next number in the pattern 3, 6, 12, 24, ...?

27
48 (Correct answer)
30
36

Correct answer: 48

Each term doubles the previous one, so 24 × 2 = 48.

Question 49: If a shirt costs $40 and is discounted by 30%, what is the sale price?

$10
$12
$30
$28 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: $28

A 30% discount removes $12, leaving $40 − $12 = $28.

Question 50: Which expression equals 36?

6² (Correct answer)
3 × 11
9 × 5
4 × 8

Correct answer: 6²

6² equals 6 × 6 = 36.

Question 51: How do ISEE professionals contribute to organizational success?

They only perform routine tasks with no strategic impact
Only executives contribute to organizational success
By applying specialized knowledge to solve problems, reduce risks, improve processes, and drive strategic outcomes (Correct answer)
Professional expertise has minimal organizational value

Correct answer: By applying specialized knowledge to solve problems, reduce risks, improve processes, and drive strategic outcomes

Certified professionals bring specialized expertise that directly contributes to organizational goals through problem-solving, risk reduction, process improvement, and strategic decision support.

Question 52: If the perimeter of an equilateral triangle is 27, what is the length of one side?

6
9 (Correct answer)
3
12

Correct answer: 9

An equilateral triangle has three equal sides, so 27 ÷ 3 = 9.

Question 53: An author writes a story from the viewpoint of 'I.' This is which point of view?

First-person (Correct answer)
Third-person limited
Third-person omniscient
Second-person

Correct answer: First-person

Use of 'I' indicates a first-person narrator.

Question 54: Solve for y: y/4 = 9.

5
36 (Correct answer)
13
2.25

Correct answer: 36

Multiply both sides by 4 to get y = 36.

Question 55: METICULOUS most nearly means —

careless
hasty
vague
thorough (Correct answer)

Correct answer: thorough

Meticulous means showing great attention to detail, synonymous with thorough.

Question 56: A passage notes that 'sales plummeted after the price increase.' The relationship shown is:

Pure description
Compare and contrast
Chronological only
Cause and effect (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Cause and effect

The price increase caused sales to drop, showing cause and effect.

Question 57: Quantitative Reasoning on the Upper Level ISEE includes which special item format?

Open-response proofs
Quantitative comparisons (Correct answer)
Grid-in answers
True/false statements

Correct answer: Quantitative comparisons

The Upper Level Quantitative Reasoning section includes quantitative comparison questions.

Question 58: QUERULOUS most nearly means —

decisive
curious
satisfied
complaining (Correct answer)

Correct answer: complaining

Querulous means complaining in a petulant or whining manner, matching complaining.

Question 59: If the perimeter of a square is 48 cm, what is its area?

96 sq cm
192 sq cm
48 sq cm
144 sq cm (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 144 sq cm

Perimeter = 4 × side, so side = 48 ÷ 4 = 12 cm. Area = side² = 12² = 144 square centimeters.

Question 60: A passage ends: 'And so, the experiment proved what no one had believed possible.' The phrase suggests the result was:

A complete failure
Unimportant
Expected by all
Surprising and significant (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Surprising and significant

Proving the unbelievable indicates a surprising, important outcome.

Question 61: What is the benefit of using the answer sheet bubbles carefully and checking alignment?

It impresses the proctor
It prevents shifting answers out of sync with questions (Correct answer)
It makes the test shorter
It earns bonus points

Correct answer: It prevents shifting answers out of sync with questions

Misaligned bubbles can cause every following answer to be marked wrong, so verify question numbers.

Question 62: Which of the following might be a prime number if p is a prime number?

p squared
p + 2 (Correct answer)
2p - 2
2p
p/2

Correct answer: p + 2

A prime number is a whole number greater than 1 with no divisors other than 1 and itself. If 'p' is a prime number, options like 2p (always even and greater than 2 for p>1) or p squared (always has factors 1, p, p^2) cannot be prime. The expression p+2, however, can result in a prime number for certain prime values of p (e.g., if p=3, p+2=5, which is prime), making it the only option that *might* be a prime number.

Question 63: Which decimal is equivalent to 7/20?

0.27
0.72
0.35 (Correct answer)
0.07

Correct answer: 0.35

7 ÷ 20 = 0.35.

Question 64: If a passage's final paragraph begins 'In conclusion,' the reader should expect:

An unrelated story
A list of new facts
A new topic
A restatement or wrap-up of main points (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A restatement or wrap-up of main points

'In conclusion' signals a summary or final wrap-up of the passage.

Question 65: Does the ISEE penalize students for incorrect answers (guessing penalty)?

No, there is no penalty for wrong answers (Correct answer)
Only on the essay
Yes, a quarter point per wrong answer
Yes, a full point per wrong answer

Correct answer: No, there is no penalty for wrong answers

The ISEE has no guessing penalty, so students should answer every question.

Question 66: What is 3/4 expressed as a percent?

75% (Correct answer)
60%
80%
34%

Correct answer: 75%

3 ÷ 4 = 0.75, which equals 75%.

Question 67: What is the sum of the angles in a triangle?

180° (Correct answer)
90°
360°
270°

Correct answer: 180°

The interior angles of any triangle always sum to 180°.

Question 68: The ancient manuscript was so _______ that historians could barely make out the faded letters.

durable
sturdy
robust
fragile (Correct answer)

Correct answer: fragile

"Fragile" means easily damaged, fitting a faded, delicate manuscript.

Question 69: The detective's _____ examination of the crime scene revealed evidence that others had overlooked.

Careless
Random
Meticulous (Correct answer)
Brief

Correct answer: Meticulous

Meticulous means showing great attention to detail and very careful and precise, which describes the thorough examination that led to finding overlooked evidence.

Question 70: ELOQUENT most nearly means —

articulate (Correct answer)
aggressive
mumbling
confused

Correct answer: articulate

Eloquent means fluent and persuasive in speaking or writing, closely matched by articulate.

Question 71: VERBOSE is most nearly opposite in meaning to:

Concise (Correct answer)
Wordy
Eloquent
Loud

Correct answer: Concise

Verbose means using or expressed in more words than are needed; wordy. Its opposite is concise, meaning giving a lot of information clearly in a few words.

Question 72: What is the median of the set {4, 9, 2, 7, 5}?

9
7
5 (Correct answer)
4

Correct answer: 5

Ordering the set gives 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and the middle value is 5.

Question 73: A shirt costs $40 and is on sale for 25% off. What is the sale price?

$35
$30 (Correct answer)
$15
$25

Correct answer: $30

25% of $40 is $10, so $40 - $10 = $30.

Question 74: What is the value of 7² − 4²?

21
9
11
33 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 33

7² = 49 and 4² = 16, so 49 − 16 = 33.

Question 75: If a rectangle has length 8 and width 5, what is its perimeter?

21
40
13
26 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 26

Perimeter = 2(8 + 5) = 2 × 13 = 26.

Question 76: The manager's _______ decision-making frustrated employees who needed quick answers.

confident
firm
swift
indecisive (Correct answer)

Correct answer: indecisive

"Indecisive" means unable to decide, which would frustrate those needing answers.

Question 77: In 'The negotiations reached an impasse,' the word 'impasse' most nearly means:

A celebration
Quick agreement
A deadlock (Correct answer)
A new beginning

Correct answer: A deadlock

An impasse is a situation where no progress can be made.

Question 78: LETHARGIC most nearly means —

sluggish (Correct answer)
brave
energetic
curious

Correct answer: sluggish

Lethargic means lacking energy or enthusiasm, closely matched by sluggish.

Question 79: A summary of a passage should include:

Every minor detail
The main idea and key points (Correct answer)
Just the first sentence
Only the reader's opinion

Correct answer: The main idea and key points

A good summary captures the main idea and essential supporting points.

Question 80: If 3x - 7 = 14, what is the value of x?

5
3
7 (Correct answer)
21

Correct answer: 7

Add 7 to both sides: 3x = 21. Divide both sides by 3: x = 7. Verify: 3(7) - 7 = 21 - 7 = 14.

Question 81: What is the value of 0.6 × 0.4?

0.024
1.0
2.4
0.24 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 0.24

6 × 4 = 24, and with two decimal places the answer is 0.24.

Question 82: OBSCURE most nearly means —

colorful
unclear (Correct answer)
rigid
famous

Correct answer: unclear

Obscure means not clearly expressed or discovered, synonymous with unclear.

Question 83: What is the value of 2³ + 3²?

15
13
12
17 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 17

2³ = 8 and 3² = 9, so the sum is 8 + 9 = 17.

Question 84: Which word best completes the sentence: 'The hikers were ___ after the long climb'?

exhausts
exhausting
exhausted (Correct answer)
exhaust

Correct answer: exhausted

'Exhausted' is the adjective describing how the hikers felt.

Question 85: A bag contains 4 red marbles, 3 blue marbles, and 5 green marbles. What is the probability of randomly selecting a blue marble?

3/5
1/2
1/4 (Correct answer)
1/3

Correct answer: 1/4

Total marbles = 4 + 3 + 5 = 12. Probability of blue = 3/12 = 1/4.

Question 86: In 'The audience was captivated by the speaker,' 'captivated' most nearly means:

Confused
Annoyed
Fascinated (Correct answer)
Bored

Correct answer: Fascinated

'Captivated' means strongly attracted or fascinated.

Question 87: A passage compares two authors and lists their similarities and differences. This is an example of which structure?

Sequence
Description
Compare and contrast (Correct answer)
Cause and effect

Correct answer: Compare and contrast

Discussing similarities and differences is a compare-and-contrast structure.

Question 88: Which of these is the BEST definition of an author's 'tone' in a reading passage?

The main events of the story
The setting of the passage
The number of paragraphs used
The author's attitude toward the subject (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The author's attitude toward the subject

Tone reflects the writer's attitude or feeling toward the topic.

Question 89: Why might the same raw score yield different percentiles across ISEE levels?

Lower levels are scored twice
Higher levels add bonus points
Raw scores are random
Each level is normed against a different grade group (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Each level is normed against a different grade group

Percentiles depend on the grade-specific norm group, so identical raw scores can rank differently.

Question 90: Which choice corrects this sentence: 'The book was interesting it had a surprising ending'?

The book was, interesting it had a surprising ending.
The book was interesting it, had a surprising ending.
No change needed
The book was interesting; it had a surprising ending. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The book was interesting; it had a surprising ending.

A semicolon correctly joins two related independent clauses.

Question 91: The _____ of evidence against the suspect made conviction almost certain.

Irrelevance
Absence
Scarcity
Preponderance (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Preponderance

A preponderance means a superiority in weight, power, importance, or strength. A preponderance of evidence means the majority of evidence points in one direction.

Question 92: PRAGMATIC is most nearly the same in meaning as:

Practical (Correct answer)
Idealistic
Emotional
Theoretical

Correct answer: Practical

Pragmatic means dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.

Question 93: A number n satisfies n/4 = 9. What is n?

13
45
36 (Correct answer)
2.25

Correct answer: 36

Multiply both sides by 4 to get n = 36.

Question 94: If x : y = 4 : 5 and y = 20, what is x?

12
16 (Correct answer)
25
18

Correct answer: 16

Since y = 20 is 4 times 5, x = 4 × 4 = 16.

Question 95: ARDUOUS most nearly means —

amusing
simple
brief
strenuous (Correct answer)

Correct answer: strenuous

Arduous means requiring great effort or labor, making strenuous the closest synonym.

Question 96: NEFARIOUS most nearly means —

heroic
ordinary
loyal
wicked (Correct answer)

Correct answer: wicked

Nefarious means criminal or wicked, making wicked the closest synonym.

Question 97: What does a percentile rank on the ISEE compare a student against?

Only students at the same school
Adult norm groups
All test-takers nationwide regardless of grade
Students in the same grade over the prior three years (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Students in the same grade over the prior three years

ISEE percentiles compare a student to others in the same grade who took the test over the previous three years.

Question 98: Why is doing official practice tests under timed conditions valuable?

It replaces studying content
It guarantees a perfect score
It is discouraged
It builds pacing and familiarity with the format (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It builds pacing and familiarity with the format

Timed practice trains your pacing and reduces surprises on test day.

Question 99: What is the value of √81?

9 (Correct answer)
40.5
8
18

Correct answer: 9

9 × 9 = 81, so the square root of 81 is 9.

Question 100: A circle has a radius of 5. What is its diameter?

15
25
10 (Correct answer)
2.5

Correct answer: 10

The diameter is twice the radius, 2 × 5 = 10.

Question 101: What qualifications are needed for advanced test preparation practice?

Advanced practice requires no formal credentials
Only a college degree in any subject
Advanced certifications, specialized training, demonstrated experience, and ongoing professional development (Correct answer)
No additional qualifications beyond initial certification

Correct answer: Advanced certifications, specialized training, demonstrated experience, and ongoing professional development

Advanced practice requires building upon foundational knowledge through specialized certifications, targeted training, and demonstrated competence in specific areas.

Question 102: A car uses 4 gallons of gas to travel 100 miles. How many gallons are needed to travel 250 miles?

8
9
12
10 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 10

The car uses 0.04 gallons per mile, so 250 × 0.04 = 10 gallons.

Question 103: EPHEMERAL is most nearly the same in meaning as:

Beautiful
Permanent
Temporary (Correct answer)
Dangerous

Correct answer: Temporary

Ephemeral means lasting for a very short time, transient. Examples include ephemeral pleasures or the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms.

Question 104: AMBIGUOUS most nearly means —

certain
truthful
complex
vague (Correct answer)

Correct answer: vague

Ambiguous means open to more than one interpretation, making vague the closest synonym.

Question 105: Is the ISEE essay scored with a number grade?

It is graded only by a computer
It replaces the math score
Yes, it counts toward the total score
No, it is sent unscored to schools as a writing sample (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No, it is sent unscored to schools as a writing sample

The essay is not scored but is copied and sent to schools to read.

Question 106: What is the primary purpose of identifying the main idea in a reading passage?

To find the longest sentence in the text
To count the number of paragraphs
To memorize every detail in the passage
To understand the central message or argument the author is communicating (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To understand the central message or argument the author is communicating

Identifying the main idea helps readers understand the central message or argument, which provides context for understanding supporting details and the author's purpose.

Question 107: Which number is equivalent to 0.6?

3/5 (Correct answer)
1/6
6/5
6/100

Correct answer: 3/5

0.6 equals 6/10, which simplifies to 3/5.

Question 108: A train travels 180 miles in 3 hours. At the same rate, how far will it travel in 5 hours?

300 miles (Correct answer)
240 miles
270 miles
360 miles

Correct answer: 300 miles

The speed is 60 mph, so in 5 hours it travels 60 × 5 = 300 miles.

Question 109: If a passage about ocean currents is followed by the heading 'Effects on Climate,' the next section most likely explains:

How currents influence weather and temperature (Correct answer)
The history of ship navigation
How fish migrate
How to swim in currents

Correct answer: How currents influence weather and temperature

The heading signals a discussion of how currents affect climate.

Question 110: If 5 pencils cost $2.00, how much do 8 pencils cost at the same price?

$3.20 (Correct answer)
$2.80
$3.00
$4.00

Correct answer: $3.20

Each pencil costs $0.40, so 8 pencils cost 8 × $0.40 = $3.20.

Question 111: A reader wants to find a specific date mentioned in a long article. The best strategy is to:

Guess based on the topic
Reread the entire article slowly
Scan for numbers and dates (Correct answer)
Read only the title

Correct answer: Scan for numbers and dates

Scanning for numbers quickly locates specific facts like dates.

Question 112: What should a family do if they believe a scoring error occurred on the ISEE?

Nothing can be done
Request a score verification through ERB (Correct answer)
Contact the school directly to change it
Retake the test immediately for free

Correct answer: Request a score verification through ERB

ERB provides a formal score verification process families can request if they suspect an error.

Question 113: A recipe uses 2 cups of flour for every 3 cups of sugar. How many cups of flour are needed for 12 cups of sugar?

18
9
6
8 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 8

Since 12 is 4 times 3, multiply the flour by 4 to get 2 × 4 = 8 cups.

Question 114: If 2(x − 3) = 14, what is x?

11
8
10 (Correct answer)
7

Correct answer: 10

Divide by 2 to get x − 3 = 7, then add 3 to get x = 10.

Question 115: Which ISEE level is intended for students applying to grades 5 and 6?

Primary Level
Lower Level (Correct answer)
Middle Level
Upper Level

Correct answer: Lower Level

The Lower Level ISEE serves students applying for entry into grades 5 and 6.

Question 116: What is the best way to start the planning stage of an ISEE essay?

Start with the final sentence
Copy the prompt word for word
Write the conclusion first
Brainstorm and outline your main points (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Brainstorm and outline your main points

Brainstorming and outlining helps organize ideas before writing.

Question 117: If a number is increased by 25% and the result is 50, what was the original number?

45
35
40 (Correct answer)
37.5

Correct answer: 40

The original times 1.25 equals 50, so the original is 50 ÷ 1.25 = 40.

Question 118: CANDID most nearly means —

boastful
secretive
timid
forthright (Correct answer)

Correct answer: forthright

Candid means truthful and straightforward, which matches forthright.

Question 119: HAUGHTY most nearly means —

arrogant (Correct answer)
modest
cheerful
nervous

Correct answer: arrogant

Haughty means having an attitude of superiority toward others, synonymous with arrogant.

Question 120: If a recipe needs 2 cups of flour for 12 cookies, how much flour is needed for 30 cookies?

6 cups
3 cups
5 cups (Correct answer)
4 cups

Correct answer: 5 cups

Each cookie needs 1/6 cup, so 30 × 1/6 = 5 cups.

Question 121: An informational passage uses the words 'first,' 'next,' and 'finally.' This signals which text structure?

Compare and contrast
Problem and solution
Sequence or chronological order (Correct answer)
Cause and effect

Correct answer: Sequence or chronological order

Sequence words like first, next, and finally show chronological order.

Question 122: PROLIFIC is most nearly the same in meaning as:

Productive (Correct answer)
Ordinary
Expensive
Lazy

Correct answer: Productive

Prolific means producing much fruit or foliage, or generating much work, especially creative output. It is synonymous with productive.

Question 123: Which statement is a valid inference from: 'She packed an umbrella and rain boots before leaving'?

She expected rain (Correct answer)
She disliked walking
She owned a car
She was going to the beach

Correct answer: She expected rain

Packing rain gear implies she anticipated wet weather.

Question 124: Which fraction is greater than 1/2?

5/8 (Correct answer)
3/8
1/3
2/5

Correct answer: 5/8

5/8 = 0.625, which is greater than 0.5.

Question 125: What is the next number in the pattern: 2, 6, 18, 54, ___?

72
162 (Correct answer)
108
216

Correct answer: 162

Each number is multiplied by 3: 2×3=6, 6×3=18, 18×3=54, 54×3=162. This is a geometric sequence with a common ratio of 3.

Question 126: What is the standard waiting requirement if a family wants to retest within the same season?

Retesting within the same season is generally not allowed (Correct answer)
They must wait 24 hours
They may retest the next day
They must wait one week

Correct answer: Retesting within the same season is generally not allowed

Because only one attempt per season is permitted, a same-season retest is generally not allowed.

Question 127: A passage states: 'The old lighthouse, though long abandoned, still drew curious visitors each summer.' What can the reader infer about the lighthouse?

It was recently rebuilt
It has historical or sentimental appeal (Correct answer)
It is dangerous to enter
It is still operational

Correct answer: It has historical or sentimental appeal

Visitors keep coming despite abandonment, implying it holds appeal beyond function.

Question 128: What is the value of 3/4 + 2/5?

1/2
6/20
5/9
23/20 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 23/20

Using a common denominator of 20: 15/20 + 8/20 = 23/20.

Question 129: A passage states: 'The committee, swayed by public pressure, reversed its earlier decision.' The word 'swayed' implies the committee was:

Physically pushed
Influenced to change (Correct answer)
Firmly unmoved
Ignored entirely

Correct answer: Influenced to change

'Swayed' means influenced or persuaded to change one's view.

Question 130: What is the impact of regulatory changes on ISEE professionals?

Regulations never change once established
Regulatory changes require updating practices, procedures, and documentation to maintain compliance (Correct answer)
Only government employees need to follow regulatory changes
Regulatory changes only affect large organizations

Correct answer: Regulatory changes require updating practices, procedures, and documentation to maintain compliance

Professionals must monitor and adapt to regulatory changes that affect their practice, ensuring continued compliance and effective service delivery.

Question 131: JOVIAL most nearly means —

stubborn
fearful
merry (Correct answer)
gloomy

Correct answer: merry

Jovial means cheerful and friendly, making merry the best synonym.

Question 132: When planning accommodations, a professional should know the ERB offers them based on:

Verbal request on test day
Automatic approval for all students
Documented disabilities approved through a formal request process (Correct answer)
Parent preference alone

Correct answer: Documented disabilities approved through a formal request process

ISEE accommodations require advance application with supporting documentation of a disability.

Question 133: Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as BENEVOLENT.

Indifferent
Kind (Correct answer)
Cautious
Hostile

Correct answer: Kind

Benevolent means well-meaning and kindly, characterized by or expressing goodwill and charitable feelings toward others.

Question 134: Choose the correctly capitalized sentence.

my friend visited new york in july.
my Friend visited new York in july.
My friend Visited New york In July.
My friend visited New York in July. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: My friend visited New York in July.

Proper nouns and the sentence start are correctly capitalized.

Question 135: What is the greatest common factor of 18 and 24?

12
9
6 (Correct answer)
3

Correct answer: 6

The largest number dividing both 18 and 24 evenly is 6.

Question 136: When eliminating answer choices, marking them out helps because it:

Is required
Adds points
Keeps you from reconsidering wrong options (Correct answer)
Slows you down usefully

Correct answer: Keeps you from reconsidering wrong options

Crossing out eliminated choices prevents wasting time rereading them and improves guessing odds.

Question 137: Which decimal is equivalent to 7/8?

0.875 (Correct answer)
0.8
0.78
0.87

Correct answer: 0.875

7 ÷ 8 = 0.875.

Question 138: If x = -3, what is the value of x² + 2x?

15
-15
-3
3 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 3

(-3)² + 2(-3) = 9 - 6 = 3.

Question 139: How many times per admission season may a student take the ISEE under the standard ERB policy?

Only once per year total
Unlimited times
Once per testing season in each of the three seasons (Correct answer)
Twice per month

Correct answer: Once per testing season in each of the three seasons

ERB allows one ISEE attempt per testing season (Fall, Winter, Spring/Summer), so up to three times in an admission year.

Question 140: What is 15% of 240?

24
48
36 (Correct answer)
30

Correct answer: 36

15% of 240 is 0.15 × 240 = 36.

Question 141: FRUGAL most nearly means —

wasteful
thrifty (Correct answer)
wealthy
generous

Correct answer: thrifty

Frugal means being economical with money or food, which is synonymous with thrifty.

Question 142: When advising a parent, how often does the ERB allow a student to take the ISEE within a 12-month period under the standard policy?

Unlimited times
Twice per calendar month
Once per testing season, up to three seasons (Correct answer)
Only once ever

Correct answer: Once per testing season, up to three seasons

Students may take the ISEE once per testing season (Fall, Winter, Spring), allowing up to three attempts per year.

Question 143: What is parallel structure in writing?

Placing paragraphs side by side on the page
Starting every sentence with the same word
Writing sentences of equal length throughout an essay
Using the same grammatical form for similar elements in a list or comparison (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Using the same grammatical form for similar elements in a list or comparison

Parallel structure means using consistent grammatical forms for items in a series, comparisons, or paired elements. Example: 'She enjoys swimming, hiking, and reading' (all gerunds).

Question 144: VERBOSE most nearly means —

accurate
silent
wordy (Correct answer)
concise

Correct answer: wordy

Verbose means using more words than needed, directly synonymous with wordy.

Question 145: The average of three numbers is 14. If two of the numbers are 10 and 16, what is the third?

18
12
16 (Correct answer)
14

Correct answer: 16

The sum must be 42, and 42 − 10 − 16 = 16.

Question 146: The mayor's _____ response to the crisis drew criticism for its lack of urgency.

Tepid (Correct answer)
Passionate
Swift
Forceful

Correct answer: Tepid

Tepid means showing little enthusiasm or conviction, lukewarm. A tepid response to a crisis would lack the urgency the situation demands.

Question 147: DILIGENT most nearly means —

impatient
forgetful
reckless
industrious (Correct answer)

Correct answer: industrious

Diligent means showing steady and careful effort, synonymous with industrious.

Question 148: A strong thesis statement in an ISEE essay should be:

Vague and open-ended
A question with no answer
A list of unrelated facts
A clear, specific main idea (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A clear, specific main idea

A thesis states a clear, specific main idea that the essay supports.

Question 149: On the ISEE essay, students are given a prompt and how much time to write?

30 minutes (Correct answer)
60 minutes
10 minutes
5 minutes

Correct answer: 30 minutes

The ISEE essay section allows 30 minutes to plan and write a response.

Question 150: Which of the following is a prime number?

29 (Correct answer)
27
33
21

Correct answer: 29

29 has no divisors other than 1 and itself, while the others are composite.

Question 151: The witness gave a _______ account of the accident, including every detail she remembered.

vague
sketchy
thorough (Correct answer)
incomplete

Correct answer: thorough

"Thorough" means complete and detailed, matching an account with every detail.

Question 152: A passage describes a character who 'clenched her fists and spoke through gritted teeth.' This detail mainly conveys the character's:

Anger (Correct answer)
Confusion
Joy
Boredom

Correct answer: Anger

Clenched fists and gritted teeth are physical signs of anger.

Question 153: What is an author's tone in a passage?

The volume at which the passage should be read aloud
The length of the author's sentences
The attitude or feeling the author conveys toward the subject matter (Correct answer)
The number of exclamation points used in the text

Correct answer: The attitude or feeling the author conveys toward the subject matter

Tone reflects the author's attitude toward the subject, conveyed through word choice, sentence structure, and figurative language. It can be serious, humorous, critical, sympathetic, or many other attitudes.

Question 154: Which is the best way to determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word in a passage?

Change the sentence
Use surrounding context clues (Correct answer)
Count its letters
Skip it entirely

Correct answer: Use surrounding context clues

Context clues in nearby words help reveal an unknown word's meaning.

Question 155: IMPETUOUS most nearly means —

deliberate
cooperative
rash (Correct answer)
timid

Correct answer: rash

Impetuous means acting quickly without thinking, which corresponds to rash.

Question 156: In which formats can students take the ISEE?

Phone-based only
Oral interview only
Paper-based and computer-based at test sites or at home (Correct answer)
Paper only

Correct answer: Paper-based and computer-based at test sites or at home

The ISEE is offered in paper and online (computer) formats, including a remote at-home option.

Question 157: KEEN most nearly means —

dull
reluctant
clumsy
eager (Correct answer)

Correct answer: eager

Keen means having an enthusiastic or strong interest, synonymous with eager.

Question 158: What is the next number in the pattern: 3, 6, 12, 24, ...?

48 (Correct answer)
42
36
30

Correct answer: 48

Each term is doubled, so 24 × 2 = 48.

Question 159: A number increased by 8 equals 23. What is the number?

14
16
15 (Correct answer)
31

Correct answer: 15

23 - 8 = 15.

Question 160: AUDACIOUS is most nearly opposite in meaning to:

Reckless
Bold
Timid (Correct answer)
Clever

Correct answer: Timid

Audacious means showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks. Its opposite is timid, meaning showing a lack of courage or confidence.

Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE)

The ISEE is a standardized admissions test used by independent and private schools to evaluate applicants in grades 2–12, measuring verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, and mathematics achievement.

160

Questions

160 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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