Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A rectangle has length 12 and width 7. What is its area?

76
38
19
84 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 84

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

Question 2: What is 15% of 200?

30 (Correct answer)
15
35
20

Correct answer: 30

15% of 200 = 0.15 × 200 = 30.

Question 3: Which sentence states an opinion rather than a fact?

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

Correct answer: Autumn is the most beautiful season

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

Question 4: Which section of the ISEE is always administered last?

Quantitative Reasoning
Reading Comprehension
Verbal Reasoning
The essay (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The essay

The essay is the final component of the ISEE, completed after the multiple-choice sections.

Question 5: His _______ remarks during the meeting offended several of his colleagues.

polite
tactless (Correct answer)
courteous
gracious

Correct answer: tactless

"Tactless" means lacking sensitivity, explaining why colleagues were offended.

Question 6: A bag contains 4 red marbles, 3 blue marbles, and 5 green marbles. What is the probability of randomly selecting a blue marble?

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

Correct answer: 1/4

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

Question 7: A stanine of 5 on the ISEE corresponds to which performance level?

Above average
Below average
Average (Correct answer)
Failing

Correct answer: Average

A stanine of 5 sits in the middle band (4-6) and represents average performance.

Question 8: Though usually _______, the normally quiet student spoke passionately during the debate.

loud
boisterous
reticent (Correct answer)
talkative

Correct answer: reticent

"Though" signals contrast, so "reticent" (reserved) opposes speaking passionately.

Question 9: If 5 pencils cost $2.00, how much do 8 pencils cost at the same price?

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

Correct answer: $3.20

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

Question 10: What career advancement paths exist for ISEE certified professionals?

No advancement is possible beyond initial certification
Advancement requires leaving the field entirely
Only changing careers provides advancement
Leadership roles, specialized consulting, education and training, and executive management positions (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Leadership roles, specialized consulting, education and training, and executive management positions

Certified professionals can advance through specialization, leadership roles, consulting, academic/training positions, and executive management within their field.

Question 11: A specialist should advise that all four ISEE levels share the same overall structure of how many parts?

Six scored sections
Three scored parts only
Five parts: four scored sections plus an essay (Correct answer)
Two parts: math and verbal

Correct answer: Five parts: four scored sections plus an essay

Every level has four scored sections and one unscored essay, totaling five parts.

Question 12: Which transition word best shows a cause-and-effect relationship?

Meanwhile
However
Similarly
Therefore (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Therefore

'Therefore' indicates that what follows is a result or consequence of what came before, making it a cause-and-effect transition word.

Question 13: Jack purchased purple tomatoes for $8 apiece from a premium vegetable stall, and Carol purchased organic huge cabbages for $12 each. They spent a total of $104 on ten vegetables. Carol bought how many cabbages?

6 (Correct answer)
3
5
9

Correct answer: 6

Let 't' be the number of tomatoes and 'c' be the number of cabbages. We can set up a system of two linear equations: 8t + 12c = 104 (total cost) and t + c = 10 (total number of vegetables). From the second equation, t = 10 - c. Substituting this into the first equation gives 8(10 - c) + 12c = 104. Simplifying, we get 80 - 8c + 12c = 104, which leads to 80 + 4c = 104. Solving for c, we find 4c = 24, so Carol bought 6 cabbages.

Question 14: Which accommodations may be available to eligible ISEE test-takers?

Extended time and other documented accommodations (Correct answer)
Group testing with help
Calculators for everyone
Open-book testing

Correct answer: Extended time and other documented accommodations

Students with documented needs may receive accommodations such as extended time through ERB approval.

Question 15: How are ISEE scores delivered to a family after testing?

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

Correct answer: Through the ERB online family portal

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

Question 16: Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as BENEVOLENT.

Kind (Correct answer)
Cautious
Indifferent
Hostile

Correct answer: Kind

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

Question 17: Which of the following is a prime number?

29 (Correct answer)
21
27
33

Correct answer: 29

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

Question 18: EPHEMERAL is most nearly the same in meaning as:

Temporary (Correct answer)
Beautiful
Dangerous
Permanent

Correct answer: Temporary

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

Question 19: Which organization develops and administers the ISEE?

ACT Inc.
ETS
Educational Records Bureau (ERB) (Correct answer)
The College Board

Correct answer: Educational Records Bureau (ERB)

The Educational Records Bureau (ERB) owns and administers the ISEE.

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

0.72
0.35 (Correct answer)
0.07
0.27

Correct answer: 0.35

7 ÷ 20 = 0.35.

Question 21: Which expression equals 36?

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

Correct answer: 6²

6² equals 6 × 6 = 36.

Question 22: What qualifications are needed for advanced test preparation practice?

Advanced certifications, specialized training, demonstrated experience, and ongoing professional development (Correct answer)
Only a college degree in any subject
Advanced practice requires no formal credentials
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 23: How does continuing education benefit ISEE professionals?

Continuing education is purely optional with no benefits
Continuing education is not needed after certification
It ensures practitioners stay current with evolving standards, technologies, and best practices (Correct answer)
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 24: A professional should explain that the Mathematics Achievement section aligns most closely with what?

Grade-level math curriculum standards (Correct answer)
Pure abstract logic puzzles
Calculus concepts
Verbal analogies

Correct answer: Grade-level math curriculum standards

Mathematics Achievement reflects national math standards taught at the student's grade level.

Question 25: Her _______ memory allowed her to recall events from many years ago in vivid detail.

remarkable (Correct answer)
faulty
poor
failing

Correct answer: remarkable

"Remarkable" means impressive, fitting a memory that recalls vivid detail.

Question 26: The _____ of evidence against the suspect made conviction almost certain.

Irrelevance
Scarcity
Preponderance (Correct answer)
Absence

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

Random
Careless
Brief
Meticulous (Correct answer)

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

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

Correct answer: Influenced to change

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

Question 29: If a shirt costs $40 and is discounted by 30%, what is the sale price?

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

Correct answer: $28

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

Question 30: Which sentence contains a grammatical error?

Each of the students have completed their assignments. (Correct answer)
The committee has reached a unanimous decision.
The dog, which had been lost for three days, was finally found.
Neither the teacher nor the students were prepared for the fire drill.

Correct answer: Each of the students have completed their assignments.

'Each' is a singular indefinite pronoun and requires a singular verb. The correct sentence should be: 'Each of the students has completed their assignment' or use 'his or her.'

Question 31: What is an author's tone in a passage?

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

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

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

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

Hyperbole
Pun
Metaphor (Correct answer)
Simile

Correct answer: Metaphor

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

Question 34: What is the difference between active and passive voice?

There is no meaningful difference
Active voice uses present tense; passive voice uses past tense
Active voice is informal; passive voice is formal
In active voice the subject performs the action; in passive voice the subject receives the action (Correct answer)

Correct answer: In active voice the subject performs the action; in passive voice the subject receives the action

Active: 'The dog bit the man' (subject acts). Passive: 'The man was bitten by the dog' (subject is acted upon). Active voice is generally clearer and more direct.

Question 35: What qualifications are needed for advanced test preparation practice?

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

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 36: What is the product of the four largest negative integers and the smallest positive integer?

m + n + 1 (Correct answer)
m + n + 2
mn
m + n
mn + 1

Correct answer: m + n + 1

The four largest negative integers are -1, -2, -3, and -4. The smallest positive integer is 1. The product of these numbers is (-1) × (-2) × (-3) × (-4) × 1 = 24. The provided options are algebraic expressions (m+n+2, mn, m+n, mn+1, m+n+1) and do not represent a numerical value, indicating a significant mismatch between the question and the given answer choices.

Question 37: What is the standard waiting requirement if a family wants to retest within the same season?

They must wait 24 hours
Retesting within the same season is generally not allowed (Correct answer)
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 38: Why does ERB limit students to one ISEE attempt per testing season?

To preserve test validity and reduce over-coaching effects (Correct answer)
Because scoring is slow
To save paper
To limit revenue

Correct answer: To preserve test validity and reduce over-coaching effects

The once-per-season rule helps maintain fair, valid scores by limiting repeated short-term retakes.

Question 39: ARDUOUS most nearly means —

strenuous (Correct answer)
brief
amusing
simple

Correct answer: strenuous

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

Question 40: The ISEE includes an unscored experimental section. How should you treat it?

Skip it entirely
Try your best since you cannot tell which section it is (Correct answer)
Rush through carelessly
Leave it blank

Correct answer: Try your best since you cannot tell which section it is

Because you cannot identify the experimental section, give every section full effort.

Question 41: BENEVOLENT most nearly means —

charitable (Correct answer)
strict
ambitious
cautious

Correct answer: charitable

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

Question 42: If x = 3 and y = 5, what is the value of 2x + 3y?

16
21 (Correct answer)
19
30

Correct answer: 21

2(3) + 3(5) = 6 + 15 = 21.

Question 43: PRAGMATIC is most nearly the same in meaning as:

Practical (Correct answer)
Emotional
Idealistic
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 44: A square has a perimeter of 36 cm. What is the area of the square?

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

Correct answer: 81 cm²

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

Question 45: Angela has a 6-mile-per-hour running speed. How many miles can she run in 90 minutes if she keeps the same pace?

2
4
12
9 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 9

To find the distance Angela can run, first convert the time from minutes to hours: 90 minutes is equal to 1.5 hours. Then, use the formula Distance = Speed × Time. With a speed of 6 miles per hour and a time of 1.5 hours, the distance covered is 6 × 1.5 = 9 miles.

Question 46: When an author uses the phrase 'on the other hand,' what type of text structure is being employed?

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

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

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

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 48: FRUGAL most nearly means —

wasteful
thrifty (Correct answer)
generous
wealthy

Correct answer: thrifty

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

Question 49: A car uses 4 gallons of gas to travel 100 miles. How many gallons are needed to travel 250 miles?

10 (Correct answer)
9
12
8

Correct answer: 10

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

Question 50: A number increased by 8 equals 23. What is the number?

31
14
16
15 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 15

23 - 8 = 15.

Question 51: What is the primary purpose of identifying the main idea in a reading passage?

To memorize every detail in the passage
To count the number of paragraphs
To find the longest sentence in the text
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 52: TENACIOUS most nearly means —

generous
persistent (Correct answer)
clumsy
indifferent

Correct answer: persistent

Tenacious means holding firmly to something, synonymous with persistent.

Question 53: Despite the team's _____ efforts, they were unable to complete the project before the deadline.

Careless
Minimal
Sporadic
Diligent (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Diligent

The word 'despite' signals a contrast — the team worked hard (diligently) but still couldn't finish, making diligent the best choice.

Question 54: The politician's _____ speech inspired the audience to take action on environmental issues.

Compelling (Correct answer)
Monotonous
Irrelevant
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 55: On the ISEE score report, what is the 'Analysis' section used for?

Recommending schools
Reporting attendance
Showing performance by skill category within each section (Correct answer)
Listing the essay grade

Correct answer: Showing performance by skill category within each section

The Analysis breaks down strengths and weaknesses by question category within each section.

Question 56: Which of the following is equivalent to 3/12?

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

Correct answer: 1/4

Dividing numerator and denominator by 3 gives 1/4.

Question 57: OBSCURE is most nearly opposite in meaning to:

Hidden
Unusual
Ancient
Clear (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Clear

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

Question 58: The result of subtracting a number x from 36 and dividing the difference by x is 2. What does x represent?

3
8
14
15
12 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 12

To solve this, we translate the problem into an algebraic equation. 'Subtracting a number x from 36' is (36 - x), and 'dividing the difference by x' is (36 - x) / x. Setting this equal to 2 gives the equation (36 - x) / x = 2. Multiplying both sides by x yields 36 - x = 2x. Adding x to both sides results in 36 = 3x, and finally, dividing by 3 gives x = 12.

Question 59: What is the standard policy for sending ISEE scores to schools?

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

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 60: A tutor should advise students that the best strategy on Reading Comprehension is to:

Skip long passages entirely
Base answers strictly on the passage's content (Correct answer)
Answer based on the first sentence only
Use prior outside knowledge of the topic

Correct answer: Base answers strictly on the passage's content

Correct answers must be supported by the passage, not by outside knowledge.

Question 61: What is a good way to make an essay more persuasive?

Avoid any details
Include specific reasons and examples (Correct answer)
Repeat the same sentence
Use vague statements

Correct answer: Include specific reasons and examples

Specific reasons and examples make arguments more convincing.

Question 62: When coaching essay writing, a tutor should emphasize that the prompt asks students to:

Summarize a reading passage
Respond to a given topic with their own ideas and support (Correct answer)
Define vocabulary words
Solve a math word problem

Correct answer: Respond to a given topic with their own ideas and support

The essay presents a prompt and asks the student to develop a clear, supported response.

Question 63: What is the value of the digit 7 in the number 4,786?

70
700 (Correct answer)
7
7,000

Correct answer: 700

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

Question 64: What is the greatest common factor of 18 and 24?

6 (Correct answer)
12
3
9

Correct answer: 6

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

Question 65: Which fraction is greater than 1/2?

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

Correct answer: 5/9

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

Question 66: What is the value of 0.6 × 0.4?

2.4
0.24 (Correct answer)
1.0
0.024

Correct answer: 0.24

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

Question 67: What is the value of |−9| + |4|?

-5
13 (Correct answer)
-13
5

Correct answer: 13

Absolute values are 9 and 4, and 9 + 4 = 13.

Question 68: What is 3/4 expressed as a percent?

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

Correct answer: 75%

3 ÷ 4 = 0.75, which equals 75%.

Question 69: An author writes a story from the viewpoint of 'I.' This is which point of view?

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

Correct answer: First-person

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

Question 70: The new evidence _____ the detective's original theory about the crime.

Ignored
Contradicted
Simplified
Corroborated (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Corroborated

Corroborated means confirmed or gave support to a statement, theory, or finding. New evidence that supports the original theory corroborates it.

Question 71: A number n satisfies n/4 = 9. What is n?

13
2.25
36 (Correct answer)
45

Correct answer: 36

Multiply both sides by 4 to get n = 36.

Question 72: If the perimeter of a square is 48 cm, what is its area?

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

Correct answer: 144 sq cm

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

Question 73: QUERULOUS most nearly means —

satisfied
curious
complaining (Correct answer)
decisive

Correct answer: complaining

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

Question 74: If a passage's final paragraph begins 'In conclusion,' the reader should expect:

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

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

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

Question 75: AUDACIOUS is most nearly opposite in meaning to:

Clever
Reckless
Timid (Correct answer)
Bold

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.

Question 76: Which scoring metric on the ISEE ranges only from 1 to 9?

Raw score
Scaled score
Stanine (Correct answer)
Percentile rank

Correct answer: Stanine

Stanines are a standardized nine-point scale derived from percentile ranks.

Question 77: If the perimeter of an equilateral triangle is 27, what is the length of one side?

3
12
6
9 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 9

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

Question 78: A circle has a radius of 5. What is its diameter?

10 (Correct answer)
2.5
25
15

Correct answer: 10

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

Question 79: PROLIFIC is most nearly the same in meaning as:

Productive (Correct answer)
Expensive
Ordinary
Lazy

Correct answer: Productive

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

Question 80: Which two scored sections specifically assess reasoning rather than achievement on the ISEE?

Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning (Correct answer)
Essay and Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension and Mathematics Achievement
Mathematics Achievement and Essay

Correct answer: Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning

Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning measure reasoning ability, while the achievement sections measure learned content.

Question 81: What is the next number in the pattern 3, 6, 12, 24, ...?

30
48 (Correct answer)
27
36

Correct answer: 48

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

Question 82: Which statement is a valid inference from: 'She packed an umbrella and rain boots before leaving'?

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

Correct answer: She expected rain

Packing rain gear implies she anticipated wet weather.

Question 83: The desert climate is extremely _______, with very little rainfall throughout the year.

humid
damp
lush
arid (Correct answer)

Correct answer: arid

"Arid" means very dry, matching a desert with little rainfall.

Question 84: What is the purpose of supporting details in a passage?

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

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 85: What identification is generally required of a student on ISEE test day?

No identification at all
Approved photo or school-verified identification per ERB policy (Correct answer)
A birth certificate only
A passport only

Correct answer: Approved photo or school-verified identification per ERB policy

ERB requires acceptable identification, which may vary by testing setting, to verify the test-taker.

Question 86: Select the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to TENACIOUS.

Persistent
Yielding (Correct answer)
Strong
Determined

Correct answer: Yielding

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

Question 87: Which number is equivalent to 0.6?

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

Correct answer: 3/5

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

Question 88: RESILIENT most nearly means —

envious
passive
fragile
adaptable (Correct answer)

Correct answer: adaptable

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

Question 89: What is the impact of regulatory changes on ISEE professionals?

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

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 90: A summary of a passage should include:

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

Correct answer: The main idea and key points

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

Question 91: If 2(x − 3) = 14, what is x?

10 (Correct answer)
8
7
11

Correct answer: 10

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

Question 92: VERBOSE most nearly means —

accurate
concise
silent
wordy (Correct answer)

Correct answer: wordy

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

Question 93: What is the value of 2³ × 3²?

72 (Correct answer)
36
48
54

Correct answer: 72

2³ = 2 × 2 × 2 = 8. 3² = 3 × 3 = 9. So 2³ × 3² = 8 × 9 = 72.

Question 94: VERBOSE is most nearly opposite in meaning to:

Loud
Concise (Correct answer)
Wordy
Eloquent

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 95: Round 4,672 to the nearest hundred.

4,670
4,600
5,000
4,700 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 4,700

The tens digit is 7, so round up to 4,700.

Question 96: The storm caused _______ damage, destroying nearly every home in the village.

minor
trivial
slight
catastrophic (Correct answer)

Correct answer: catastrophic

"Catastrophic" means disastrous, fitting the destruction of nearly every home.

Question 97: Why might two students with the same raw score receive different percentile ranks?

They are in different grade norm groups (Correct answer)
Raw scores are ignored entirely
One took the essay
Percentiles are random

Correct answer: They are in different grade norm groups

Percentiles depend on the grade-level norm group, so the same raw score can rank differently across grades.

Question 98: What is 15% of 240?

24
48
36 (Correct answer)
30

Correct answer: 36

15% of 240 is 0.15 × 240 = 36.

Question 99: How many degrees are in a right angle?

180
45
360
90 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 90

A right angle measures exactly 90 degrees.

Question 100: The average of three numbers is 14. If two of the numbers are 10 and 16, what is the third?

14
18
16 (Correct answer)
12

Correct answer: 16

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

Question 101: A train travels 180 miles in 3 hours. At the same rate, how far will it travel in 5 hours?

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

Correct answer: 300 miles

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

Question 102: ELOQUENT most nearly means —

mumbling
confused
aggressive
articulate (Correct answer)

Correct answer: articulate

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

Question 103: A total of x dollars will be spent on 30 identical erasers. What is the total cost of 70 erasers in terms of x at this rate?

7x/3
7y/3 (Correct answer)
70x
3x/7
4x/7

Correct answer: 7y/3

To find the cost of 70 erasers, first determine the unit cost: if 30 erasers cost 'y' dollars (assuming 'x' in the question is a typo and should be 'y' to match the answer options), then each eraser costs y/30 dollars. Multiplying this unit cost by 70 gives the total cost for 70 erasers: (y/30) * 70 = 70y/30, which simplifies to 7y/3. This proportional reasoning allows us to calculate the cost of a different quantity of erasers at the same rate.

Question 104: What is the perimeter of a square with a 64-square-inch surface area?

32 (Correct answer)
30
140
50

Correct answer: 32

The surface area of a square is found by squaring the length of one of its sides (Area = side^2). Given the area is 64 square inches, the side length is the square root of 64, which is 8 inches. The perimeter of a square is found by multiplying the side length by 4 (Perimeter = 4 * side). Therefore, the perimeter is 4 * 8 inches = 32 inches.

Question 105: An author includes a personal anecdote at the start of an article most likely to:

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

Correct answer: Engage the reader's interest

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

Question 106: The ISEE norm group used for percentiles consists of which students?

International students only
Only students at one school
All U.S. public school students
Students of the same grade applying over recent years (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Students of the same grade applying over recent years

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

Question 107: What does 'audience' mean in writing?

The number of pages
The people who will read your writing (Correct answer)
The font size
The title of the essay

Correct answer: The people who will read your writing

Audience refers to the readers you are writing for.

Question 108: In 'Her explanation was so convoluted that no one understood it,' 'convoluted' most nearly means:

Brief
Simple
Honest
Complicated (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Complicated

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

Question 109: CANDID most nearly means —

forthright (Correct answer)
secretive
boastful
timid

Correct answer: forthright

Candid means truthful and straightforward, which matches forthright.

Question 110: What is the median of the set {4, 9, 2, 7, 5}?

9
4
7
5 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 5

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

Question 111: PLACID most nearly means —

serene (Correct answer)
bitter
turbulent
loud

Correct answer: serene

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

Question 112: How does the ISEE handle the essay after testing?

It is scanned and sent unscored to recipient schools (Correct answer)
It is discarded
It is graded 1-9
It determines the math score

Correct answer: It is scanned and sent unscored to recipient schools

The handwritten or typed essay is forwarded to schools as an unscored writing sample.

Question 113: If a rectangle has length 8 and width 5, what is its perimeter?

40
26 (Correct answer)
13
21

Correct answer: 26

Perimeter = 2(8 + 5) = 2 × 13 = 26.

Question 114: If 3x - 7 = 14, what is the value of x?

3
21
5
7 (Correct answer)

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

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

Correct answer: 5 cups

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

Question 116: A counselor should note that the ISEE differs from the SSAT primarily in that the ISEE includes:

A guessing penalty
Two separate math sections (Quantitative Reasoning and Mathematics Achievement) (Correct answer)
A foreign language section
A spoken interview

Correct answer: Two separate math sections (Quantitative Reasoning and Mathematics Achievement)

Unlike the SSAT, the ISEE splits math into Quantitative Reasoning and Mathematics Achievement.

Question 117: What qualifications are needed for advanced test preparation practice?

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

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 118: For a one-time price of $50 + $8 per sandwich, a caterer will prepare cabbage sandwiches for special events. In dollars, how much does an order of c cabbage sandwiches cost?

50+8c (Correct answer)
58+c
50+c+8
42c
50c+8

Correct answer: 50+8c

The total cost for the catering service consists of a fixed one-time price and a variable cost per sandwich. The one-time price is $50. For 'c' cabbage sandwiches, the variable cost is $8 multiplied by 'c', or 8c. Therefore, the total cost in dollars for an order of 'c' cabbage sandwiches is represented by the expression 50 + 8c.

Question 119: Which is the best way to determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word in a passage?

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

Correct answer: Use surrounding context clues

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

Question 120: Select the word that best completes the sentence: The scientist's _____ research methods ensured her results were reliable and reproducible.

Rigorous (Correct answer)
Haphazard
Superficial
Casual

Correct answer: Rigorous

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

Question 121: If 3x + 7 = 22, what is the value of x?

5 (Correct answer)
3
7
15

Correct answer: 5

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

Question 122: What does it mean to 'read between the lines'?

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

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

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

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 124: GARRULOUS most nearly means —

silent
chatty (Correct answer)
hostile
melancholy

Correct answer: chatty

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

Question 125: If a passage says a policy 'had unintended consequences,' the reader can conclude the results were:

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

Correct answer: Not what was expected

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

Question 126: What is the value of 7² − 4²?

9
33 (Correct answer)
11
21

Correct answer: 33

7² = 49 and 4² = 16, so 49 − 16 = 33.

Question 127: AMBIGUOUS most nearly means —

certain
vague (Correct answer)
complex
truthful

Correct answer: vague

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

Question 128: The professor's lectures were so _______ that students often lost track of his main point.

tedious (Correct answer)
engaging
concise
lively

Correct answer: tedious

"Tedious" means long and boring, explaining why students lost focus.

Question 129: What is the most critical compliance requirement in standardized testing?

Following all applicable federal and state regulations while maintaining detailed documentation (Correct answer)
Compliance is optional for certified professionals
Only following regulations when audited
Ignoring regulations to save time

Correct answer: Following all applicable federal and state regulations while maintaining detailed documentation

Compliance with applicable regulations is fundamental to professional practice, requiring knowledge of current requirements and meticulous documentation.

Question 130: A specialist should advise that the ISEE can be taken in which formats?

Only at a Prometric center
Only on paper at a school
Only via mail-in booklet
Online at home, at a Prometric center, or at a school (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Online at home, at a Prometric center, or at a school

The ISEE is offered online (including at-home with proctoring), at Prometric centers, and at participating schools.

Question 131: What is the median of 7, 2, 9, 4, and 6?

7
9
6 (Correct answer)
4

Correct answer: 6

Ordered as 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, the middle value is 6.

Question 132: In 'The audience was captivated by the speaker,' 'captivated' most nearly means:

Confused
Bored
Annoyed
Fascinated (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Fascinated

'Captivated' means strongly attracted or fascinated.

Question 133: How do ISEE professionals contribute to organizational success?

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

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 134: The athlete's _______ training schedule left her little time for anything else.

rigorous (Correct answer)
casual
flexible
relaxed

Correct answer: rigorous

"Rigorous" means demanding and strict, fitting a time-consuming schedule.

Question 135: The king was known for his _______ rule, treating all his subjects with fairness.

just (Correct answer)
harsh
tyrannical
cruel

Correct answer: just

"Just" means fair, matching a king who treats subjects fairly.

Question 136: The mayor's _____ response to the crisis drew criticism for its lack of urgency.

Passionate
Tepid (Correct answer)
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 137: A bag holds 6 red, 4 blue, and 2 green marbles. What is the probability of drawing a blue marble?

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

Correct answer: 1/3

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

Question 138: Why is doing official practice tests under timed conditions valuable?

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

Correct answer: It builds pacing and familiarity with the format

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

Question 139: OBSCURE most nearly means —

colorful
famous
rigid
unclear (Correct answer)

Correct answer: unclear

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

Question 140: A store offers a 20% discount on a $45 item. What is the sale price?

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

Correct answer: $36

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

Question 141: If you have extra time after writing the ISEE essay, you should:

Proofread for errors and clarity (Correct answer)
Erase everything
Start a new prompt
Leave immediately

Correct answer: Proofread for errors and clarity

Proofreading helps catch mistakes and improve the essay.

Question 142: 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 143: When explaining the report, the ISEE Analysis section shows performance broken down by what?

Time spent per question
School the student attends
Number of guesses
Question subtypes within each section (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Question subtypes within each section

The Analysis portion breaks down performance by question subtypes to highlight strengths and weaknesses.

Question 144: A football squad had a budget of $20,000 for equipment. A new ball cost the squad $14,000. Each pair of new athletic sneakers is $120. Which of the following inequities best describes the team's ability to buy new shoes?

120𝑥+14,000≥20,000
14,000𝑥+12,0≥20,000
14,000𝑥+120≤20,000
B)120𝑥+14,000≤20,000 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: B)120𝑥+14,000≤20,000

The football squad has a budget of $20,000, meaning their total spending cannot exceed this amount. They spent $14,000 on a new ball. If 'x' represents the number of pairs of new athletic sneakers, and each pair costs $120, the cost of sneakers is 120x. The total cost is $14,000 + 120x, which must be less than or equal to $20,000. Therefore, the inequality is 120x + 14,000 ≤ 20,000.

Question 145: What is the value of the expression (8 + 4) ÷ 3 × 2?

8 (Correct answer)
12
6
2

Correct answer: 8

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

Question 146: The _____ conditions in the remote village made it difficult for aid workers to deliver supplies.

Inhospitable (Correct answer)
Mild
Welcoming
Favorable

Correct answer: Inhospitable

Inhospitable means harsh and difficult to live in, or unwelcoming. Conditions that make supply delivery difficult would be inhospitable.

Question 147: Which fraction is equivalent to 0.375?

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

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

16 (Correct answer)
18
12
25

Correct answer: 16

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

Question 149: A passage compares two authors and lists their similarities and differences. This is an example of which structure?

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

Correct answer: Compare and contrast

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

Question 150: What is the sum of the smallest and greatest primes that is less than ten?

9 (Correct answer)
14
6
16

Correct answer: 9

To find the sum, first identify the prime numbers less than ten. These are 2, 3, 5, and 7. The smallest prime number in this set is 2, and the greatest is 7. Adding these two values together, 2 + 7, gives a sum of 9.

Question 151: DILIGENT most nearly means —

industrious (Correct answer)
impatient
reckless
forgetful

Correct answer: industrious

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

Question 152: What is the next number in the pattern: 2, 6, 18, 54, ___?

216
108
162 (Correct answer)
72

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

45
37.5
35
40 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 40

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

Question 154: What is the impact of regulatory changes on ISEE professionals?

Only government employees need to follow regulatory changes
Regulations never change once established
Regulatory changes require updating practices, procedures, and documentation to maintain compliance (Correct answer)
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 155: The hikers were _______ by the breathtaking view from the mountain summit.

bored
annoyed
awed (Correct answer)
unimpressed

Correct answer: awed

"Awed" means filled with wonder, fitting a breathtaking view.

Question 156: What is the value of 2³ + 3²?

17 (Correct answer)
12
15
13

Correct answer: 17

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

Question 157: A passage notes that 'sales plummeted after the price increase.' The relationship shown is:

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

Correct answer: Cause and effect

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

Question 158: A professional should know the organization that develops and administers the ISEE is:

ETS
ACT Inc.
The College Board
The Educational Records Bureau (ERB) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The Educational Records Bureau (ERB)

The ISEE is created and administered by the Educational Records Bureau.

Question 159: 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?

9
8 (Correct answer)
6
18

Correct answer: 8

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

Question 160: How should ISEE professionals approach client or stakeholder communication?

Communication skills are unimportant for technical professionals
Use technical jargon regardless of the audience
Use clear, professional language appropriate to the audience, confirm understanding, and document key communications (Correct answer)
Only communicate in writing, never verbally

Correct answer: Use clear, professional language appropriate to the audience, confirm understanding, and document key communications

Effective communication tailored to the audience's knowledge level is essential for building trust, ensuring understanding, and achieving professional objectives.

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.

Questions

35 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds

These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

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