Free ISEB Practice Test Questions
The ISEB test is computerized and can be taken in your child's prep school or one of the senior schools you're applying for. The test is also adaptive, meaning that the difficulty increases the more your child succeeds.
The ISEB includes four subjects, all of which adds up to about 2 hours and 15 minutes. The subjects are:
- English - This section assesses reading comprehension, writing skills, and knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. The section has a time limit of 40 minutes.
- Mathematics - This section tests numerical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of mathematical concepts. The section has a time limit of 40 minutes.
- Verbal Reasoning – This section measures the use of language while demonstrating logical and critical thinking skills. The section has a time limit of 25 minutes.
- Non-Verbal Reasoning – This section includes abstract reasoning and assesses your child's spatial abilities to solve 2D and 3D questions. The section has a time limit of 30 minutes.
Let's begin with the English section.
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Free ISEB English Practice Test Questions
The questions in the section are either reading comprehension (answering according to a short text) or grammar.
Text: The French Love Affair with Cuisine
1 French people are renowned for their love of food, and it often takes center stage in their daily conversations. A recent survey found that 85% of French adults talk about food at least once a day, with some discussing it even more frequently. On average, a French person spends around three months of their life talking about culinary delights. Moreover, food-related posts on social media are quite common, with individuals sharing recipes, restaurant reviews, and photos of their meals several times a week.
2 The famous writer and philosopher Voltaire once remarked on this culinary passion, noting that for the French, a meal is more than just sustenance; it is a celebration of life. This perspective highlights the cultural importance of food in France, where meals are often leisurely affairs, marked by multiple courses and accompanied by lively discussion. Unlike in many other cultures, where eating can be rushed or solitary, the French tradition emphasizes the social and communal aspects of dining.
3 The roots of this gastronomic obsession can be traced back to historical and geographical factors. France's diverse climate and fertile soil allow for a wide variety of fresh produce, making seasonal eating a natural choice. Furthermore, the country's rich culinary history, influenced by royal courts and regional traditions, has led to the development of a sophisticated and varied cuisine. From the buttery croissants of Parisian cafes to the rich cassoulets of the southwest, French food is celebrated for its quality and diversity.
Q1: Look at paragraph 1.
How long does the average French person spend talking about culinary delights?
a. Six hours
b. Several times a week
c. Three months
d. 85% of adults
e. A few minutes
A1: The correct answer is C.
Paragraph 1 states, "On average, a French person spends around three months of their life talking about culinary delights." This indicates the duration mentioned in the context of the average French person's discussions about food.
Q2: The sentence below is from paragraph 3.
France's diverse climate and fertile soil allow for a wide variety of fresh produce, making seasonal eating a natural choice.
Which word is closest in meaning to fertile?
a. Fruitful
b. Productive
c. Abundant
d. Lush
e. Rich
A2: The correct answer is E.
In the context of the sentence, "fertile" refers to soil that can produce abundant crops, which is synonymous with "rich." Both words imply that the soil has the necessary nutrients and qualities to support healthy plant growth. "Fruitful," "productive," and "abundant" are related but do not capture the specific quality of the soil itself as well as "rich" does. "Lush" is more commonly used to describe vegetation rather than soil.
💡 ISEB English Tip – Start from the Questions:
One of the most useful tips for reading comprehension – the text can consume valuable time if it is read first since you will have to return to it after reading the question. We recommend starting from reading question, which in many instances directs where the answer is supposed to be found, thus saving valuable time and being focused on the relevant information for each question.
Q3: Choose the word that best completes the sentence below.
Make sure ________ seatbelt is fastened before takeoff.
a. you
b. your
c. you're
d. your'e
e. yours
A3: The correct answer is B.
In this sentence, we need a possessive adjective to indicate that the seatbelt belongs to the person being addressed. Let's analyze each option:
a. you: This is a pronoun, not a possessive adjective. It doesn't indicate ownership and thus doesn't fit the context of the sentence.
b. your: This is the correct possessive adjective. It shows that the seatbelt belongs to the person being addressed.
c. you're: This is a contraction of "you are." It doesn't indicate possession and doesn't fit the context of the sentence.
d. your'e: This is not a correct word in English. It's a misspelling and doesn't fit any grammatical structure.
e. yours: This is a possessive pronoun, which can stand alone as a noun phrase. However, in this context, we need a possessive adjective (your) to modify the noun "seatbelt."
Therefore, the correct answer is b. your. The sentence should read: "Make sure your seatbelt is fastened before takeoff."
Q4: Select the word that does not fit in the sentence once it is rearranged.
time delicious bakes she cookies every friend
a. time
b. delicious
c. bake
d. she
e. friend
A4: The correct answer is E.
First, let's identify the words and rearrange them to form a meaningful sentence.
The words are: time, delicious, bake, she, cookies, every, friend.
Possible meaningful sentence: "She bakes delicious cookies every time."
In this sentence, the words "she," "bakes," "delicious," "cookies," and "every" are necessary to create a grammatically correct and meaningful sentence. The word "friend" does not fit into the sentence contextually or grammatically.
So, the sentence without the unnecessary word is: "She bakes delicious cookies every time."
Therefore, the word that does not fit in the sentence is e. friend.
The ISEB English section is challenging, requiring you to demonstrate reading, understanding, and interpretation skills, while also testing your overall grammar knowledge. However, with adequate preparation and the usage of solving techniques, your child can unlock their full potential.
Let's look at the mathematics section next.
Free ISEB Mathematics Practice Test Questions
There are a few different topics in this section, including calculations, fractions, decimals, percentages, geometry, and statistics.
Q5: Which of the following numbers is a multiple of 14?
a. 88
b. 194
c. 124
d. 168
e. 202
A5: The correct answer is D.
While you can perform full calculations for each answer – we recommend memorizing quick mathematical calculations – especially the square of a number (X2) – for numbers up to 20.
In this instance, you can multiply 14 by 5, 10, and by itself, and then review the answers:
14 X 5 = 70
14 X 10 = 140
14 X 14 = 196
Now you can compare the numbers in the answers and see if they are an addition or subtraction of 14, 28, etc., until reaching the correct answer:
a. 88 – 70 = 18, which means that is not the correct answer.
b. 196 - 194 = 2, which means that is not the correct answer.
c. 140 – 124 = 16, which means that is not the correct answer.
d. 168 – 140 = 28, which means that is the correct answer.
e. 202 – 196 = 6, which means that is not the correct answer.
Q6: Which fraction is between 0.12 and 0.19?
a. 1/4
b. 1/11
c. 1/6
d. 1/5
e. 3/8
A6: The correct answer is C.
When transitioning between decimals and fractions, it is useful to remember what the decimal of specific fractions is:
1/2 = 0.5, 1/3 = 0.33, 1/4 = 0.25, 1/5 = 0.2, 1/10 = 0.1, 1/20 = 0.05
Now we can eliminate a few options:
1/4 can be eliminated, as it is above the given range.
1/11 can be eliminated since it is smaller than 1/10, which is smaller than the given range.
1/5 can be eliminated, as it is above the given range.
3/8 can also be eliminated, since 2/8 = 1/4, which is above the given range, and 3/8 is even higher.
That leaves us with 1/6, which is equal to about 0.16.
💡 ISEB Mathematics Tip – Eliminate Smartly:
In multiple-choice questions, especially in calculations, you can quickly eliminate options by comparing the distractors. For example, in the last question, you can start by examining 1/5, and when you realize it is above the given range, eliminate every higher option (i.e., 1/4). That way you can work with easier calculations, and with less – thus saving valuable time.
Q7: Sarah reads a book for 45 minutes every evening.
If she reads 90 pages in that time, what is her average reading speed?
a. 1.5 pages per minute
b. 2 pages per minute
c. 2.5 pages per minute
d. 3 pages per minute
e. 4 pages per minute
A7: The correct answer is B.
To find Sarah's average reading speed, we use the formula:
Average speed = Total pages/Total time
First, use the given time in minutes:
Time = 45 minutes
Next, use the total number of pages read:
Total pages = 90 pages
Now, calculate the average reading speed:
Average speed = 90 pages/45 minutes = 2 pages per minute
Therefore, Sarah's average reading speed is 2 pages per minute.
Q8: A round cake is cut into 6 identical slices. What angle do 2 slices account for?
a. 30˚
b. 60˚
c. 90˚
d. 120˚
e. 180˚
A8: The correct answer is D.
The cake represents a circle, which is 360˚. If we cut the circle into 6 identical pieces, each piece would be 360˚/6 = 60˚.
Therefore, 2 pieces of cake would account for 60˚ X 2 = 120˚.
ISEB Results:
ISEB is unique, in terms that the test does not have a specific score or results. Once your child completes the test, the results are sent to the senior schools you applied for, and you can contact them. Each school can revise your child's attempt differently, focusing on specific traits.
However, there are a few notes you should remember, which will affect your child's success in the test:
- The test is interactive – therefore, the more consecutive questions your child will answer correctly, the harder the questions will become. Achieving more advanced questions and answering them correctly will most likely put your child in a better place than answering more questions but making many mistakes.
- Your child's success is compared to others – the test is given in different formats and has different questions according to dates and success. Therefore – the test is normalized, and your child should aspire to succeed more than other children of the same age.
- Talk with the senior school – since each senior schools receives your child's accomplishment independently to other schools, contact the school to get a better understanding of what should your child focus on ahead of the test.
Free ISEB Verbal Reasoning Practice Test Questions
There are a few different topics in this section, including comprehension, reasoning, and logic, and will have a big portion of synonyms, antonyms, and analogies.
Q9: Which one letter completes all the words below?
__all __at __ook __ite
a. F
b. H
c. B
d. S
e. R
A9: The correct answer is C (the letter B).
To find the letter that completes all the given words, we try each letter in the blank and see if it forms a meaningful word.
1. F:
Fall Fat Fook (not a word) Fite (not a word)
2. H:
Hall Hat Hook Hite (not a word)
3. B:
Ball Bat Book Bite
4. S:
Sall (not a word) Sat Sook (not a common word) Site
5. R:
Rall (not a word) Rat Rook (not a common word) Rite
Q10: Select the pair of words that are closest in meaning to each other.
a. angry, furious
b. calm, excited
c. bright, dark
d. lazy, energetic
A10: The correct answer is A.
To find the pair of words that are closest in meaning, let's analyze each pair:
1. angry, furious:
- Angry means feeling or showing strong annoyance, displeasure, or hostility.
- Furious means extremely angry.
- These words are synonymous, with "furious" being a more intense form of "angry."
2. calm, excited:
- Calm means not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other strong emotions.
- Excited means very enthusiastic and eager.
- These words are antonyms, not synonyms.
3. bright, dark:
- Bright means giving out or reflecting a lot of light; shining.
- Dark means with little or no light.
- These words are antonyms, not synonyms.
4. lazy, energetic:
- Lazy means unwilling to work or use energy.
- Energetic means showing or involving great activity or vitality.
- These words are antonyms, not synonyms.
Therefore, the correct answer is angry, furious, as they are the pair of words that are closest in meaning to each other.
Q11: The first pair of words is related in some way.
Complete the second pair of words in the same way.
book : chapter tree : _________
a. root
b. forest
c. leaf
d. bark
e. branch
A11: The correct answer is E.
To determine the relationship between the first pair of words and complete the second pair in the same way, let's analyze the relationship between "book" and "chapter":
1. book : chapter:
- A chapter is a section or part of a book.
Now, we need to find a similar relationship for "tree":
2. tree : _________:
- A root is a part of a tree, but it does not relate to the structure in the same way as a chapter to a book.
- A forest is a collection of trees, which is the opposite relationship (whole to part, not part to whole).
- A leaf is a part of a tree, but it does not relate to the structure in the same way as a chapter in a book.
- A bark is a part of a tree, but it is more like an outer layer than a structural section.
- A branch is a section or part of a tree, similar to how a chapter is a part of a book.
Therefore, the correct answer is a branch because it represents a section or part of a tree, just as a chapter represents a section or part of a book.
💡 ISEB Verbal Tip: Create Sentences
In the last two questions, you were given pairs of words, and to answer you had to create a connection between the pairs. To best approach such questions (analogies, synonyms, antonyms, etc.,) your child must be able to create a sentence that connects the words (i.e., a book is made of many chapters, or furious is being very angry about something). Work with your child by reading books and paragraphs and try to interpret words they are unfamiliar with by context.
Q12: Select the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the word in bold.
Abundant
a. scarce
b. plenty
c. common
d. generous
e. sufficient
A12: The correct answer is A.
To determine the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to "abundant," we first need to understand its definition. "Abundant" means having plenty of something, in large quantities, or more than enough.
Now, let's analyze each of the possible answers:
1. Scarce means in short supply or not enough. This is the opposite of abundant, which means plenty or more than enough.
2. Plenty means a large or sufficient amount of something. This is similar in meaning to abundant, not opposite.
3. Common means occurring or found often. This is not directly opposite to abundant, as something can be both common and abundant.
4. Generous means showing a readiness to give more of something, such as money or time, than is strictly necessary or expected. This is not the opposite in the meaning to abundant.
5. Sufficient means enough or adequate. This is not opposite to abundant, as something that is abundant is also more than sufficient.
Therefore, the correct answer is scarce, as it is the word that most nearly means the opposite of abundant.
While it seems that the English and Verbal Reasoning sections are similar – when diving in it is evident that they are very different. In the English section, your child's understanding of the written text and proper use of English words were measured, while in the Verbal section, the questions refer to the meaning of words, logically connecting words and comparison.
Let's look at the final section of the ISEB test, the Non-Verbal Reasoning section.
Free ISEB Non-Verbal Reasoning Practice Test Questions
This section focuses on different cognitive skills, such as understanding similarities and differences, analyzing codes, and spatial reasoning in 2D and 3D.
Q13: Below are five figures, four of which have a code of letters.
Choose the correct letters to complete the code to the figure on the right.
a. Top: j Bottom: A
b. Top: a Bottom: j
c. Top: M Bottom: j
d. Top: J Bottom: a
e. Top: J Bottom: m
A13: The correct answer is D.
Let's decipher the code from the far-left figure:
1. The far-left figure is a large circle with an inner bold triangle.
2. The next is a large triangle with an inner blank diamond. We can already see that the letter J is returning in both figures, meaning it possibly represents the triangle which is similar between the two. It has changed places and become a capital letter, so let's look at the next figure.
3. The middle figure is a large diamond with an inner bold circle. We can now assume that the letter represents the shape – since the middle figure contains the letter A which correlates with the diamond in the previous figure, and the letter M which correlates with the circle in the first figure. We can also assume that the position of the letter matters – in each figure, the letter on top correlates with the large shape. Also, only the second figure did not have a small letter – meaning that the capital letter correlates with an inner bold shape and a small letter with a blank shape.
4. The fourth figure keeps the code we have already found – a capital M on top like the first figure for a large circle, and a capital J on the bottom – this time indicating the inner triangle is blank.
5. The fifth figure has a large triangle and an inner bald diamond. Therefore, the top letter should be capital J, while the bottom letter should be a small a, making answer D the correct one.
Q14: Decide which of the five options should complete the matrix in the empty slot.
| a. |  |
| b. |  |
| c. |  |
| d. |  |
| e. |  |
A14: The correct answer is D.
As you move across the rows and down the columns, the star rotates counterclockwise one place within the grid. Take a look at the middle frame in the second row. Rotating the star in the bottom-right corner one place counterclockwise will result in a grid with a star in the top-right corner.
💡 ISEB Non-Verbal Tip – Look for Common Patterns:
Most of the questions in the Non-Verbal section of the ISEB test include figures, which are connected by specific patterns, either in a matrix form, next in series, etc. In most cases, a few common rules apply in said patterns – i.e., switching geometrical shapes (with specific positions), addition/subtraction of the number of sides/figures, and clockwise/counterclockwise movement (like in the previous example). Practice many spatial questions and learn how to intuitively look for those common patterns, to be able to quickly solve most questions with ease.
Q15: Select how the following 2D picture would look, if folded into 3D.
| a. |  |
| b. |  |
| c. |  |
| d. |  |
| e. |  |
A15: The correct answer is A.
This question can be solved using the process of elimination.
Answer (B) contains triangles, while there are no triangles in the given net.
Answer (C) and (D) also contain triangles.
Answer (E) has many similarities to the given net, yet there is a major difference. The figure in answer (E) is formed by four trapeziums and a small square (top side), while the given net consists of only two trapeziums and no small squares.
Alternatively, this question could be answered by finding a figure that consists of a narrow rectangle.
Q16: The letters near the sides of each shape point out where exactly should the different shapes be joined together. Which of the following options shows the joint shape?
A16: The correct answer is C.
Try working with a paper and pencil when drawing the images together. Notice that it is critical not only that the sides with the same letters touch – but also that the place where the letter is should be used – as in this instance the sides are not the same size, which makes the shape look like this:
💡 SSAT Reading Tip – Start with the Questions:
With a minute for each question – and that includes reading the text as well, this section may be the most time-pressured. Therefore, we recommend starting each text by reading the question first, and only then returning to the text and looking for answers, including using keywords (i.e., on question #5, look for a challenge). That way you can save yourself unnecessary reading of the text.
