Boost Your Chances of Getting Into a Top Private School
Doing well on the ISEE can make all the difference when applying to a competitive private or independent school. It’s not just about scoring high—it's about standing out. And the best way to start? Try real sample questions first.
On this page, you’ll find free ISEE practice questions for both the Middle and Upper Levels. They’re designed to help you understand exactly what’s on the test—and how to think like a top scorer. Before you invest in full test prep, explore our expertly written practice questions across Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Math Achievement, and Essay.
Why start with samples?
Because practice is the bridge between anxiety and confidence. By answering real ISEE-style questions, you’ll know exactly where your strengths are—and what you need to work on next.
"I’ve seen how free sample questions can help families decide what kind of prep their child needs. They're a great first step before committing to a full test prep plan."
Ariav. ISEE Test Expert at TestPrep-Online
The sample questions are presented in the order they appear on the ISEE exam. Each section will include four sample questions, divided both by level and sub-topic as indicated. We recommend viewing all the questions, even if you are only interested in one of the levels offered.
This will provide more familiarity with the types of questions asked on the ISEE test, even if they are not all at the exact level you will face. This will give you a solid understanding of the types of questions that will be asked on the ISEE exam and improve your understanding before taking an ISEE practice test.
The first section of the ISEE test is the Verbal Reasoning section, which consists of two types of questions: - Synonyms and Sentence Completion. The synonym questions provide a word and then list four choices from which to identify the synonym. Sentence Completion questions present a sentence with one or two words missing, and there are four choices of words to use in the spaces provided to complete the sentence. You have 20 minutes to complete this section.
Try the Verbal Reasoning practice tests for Middle Level. For those seeking a more rigorous challenge, the Upper Level practice tests for Verbal Reasoning.
Identify the synonym:
NIMBLE
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Correct!
The correct answer is (D) swift.
"Nimble" means being quick and light in movement or action. Imagine a squirrel darting through trees or a dancer performing quick steps—that’s nimble!
So, the best match is swift.
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"When I teach synonym questions, I encourage students to make flashcards with synonyms and antonyms—for example, "nimble" and "agile" on one side and "clumsy" on the other. Grouping words by meaning helps make vocabulary stick. Try using color-coded cards or a matching game to turn review time into a fun activity!"
Identify the synonym:
VERBOSE
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The correct answer is (D) wordy.
"Verbose" means using more words than necessary—talking or writing in a way that is overly detailed or long-winded.
So, wordy is the best synonym for verbose.
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"To master tough vocabulary like this, I always tell my students: connect the new word to something real. Make a personal link or a visual—maybe a cartoon character who talks way too much. Then write the word, a quick definition, and a sentence of your own on a flashcard. Review a few cards each day and test yourself. You'll be surprised how fast your vocab grows when you study in small, creative chunks!"
Get the Middle Level ISEE PrepPack (6-Month Access)
Get the Upper Level ISEE PrepPack (6-Month Access)
Complete the sentence:
Sculptor Andy Goldsworthy explains that though challenging, he is _____ to work with transient materials like leaves and petals out of a responsibility to work with nature.
Correct!
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The correct answer is (A) compelled.
"Compelled" means feeling forced or driven to do something. The sentence says that even though working with natural materials is difficult, Goldsworthy feels a responsibility to do it. That responsibility is what compels him.
So, compelled is the word that best completes the sentence.
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"When I teach sentence completion, I tell students to look for emotional or logical clues in the sentence. In this one, the words "though challenging" and "out of a responsibility" tell you he doesn’t find it easy, but he still feels he must do it. That’s the feeling behind "compelled." Try making flashcards for words like compelled, motivated, driven, and forced—and match them with their antonyms like lazy or indifferent. Grouping them this way helps your brain make strong connections."
Complete the sentence:
The first step in selling a publication is making sure you find a(n) _____ distributor to stock and _____ the books to the appropriate stores.
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The correct answer is (B) adequate ... deliver.
To sell books, you need a distributor who is good enough to do the job and who can move the books to stores.
So the best pair is adequate ... deliver.
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"For two-blank questions, I teach my students to plug in just the first blank and eliminate choices that don’t work before moving to the second. This helps cut down confusion. Also, build your vocab bank with category-based flashcards. For example, make one for "business and logistics" and include words like adequate, competent, distributor, and deliver. Review these by writing your own mini-sentences—it helps lock in meaning and usage."
The above examples should provide a general idea of what the Verbal Reasoning section looks like for each question type in the Middle and Upper levels.
If you are looking for additional Verbal Reasoning practice questions, try one of our full PrepPacks below!
This section of the ISEE has 40 questions. Our PrepPacks include two full simulations of the test, for a total of 80 Verbal Reasoning questions, providing you with everything you need to master this section.
The next section of the ISEE is Quantitative Reasoning, which consists of math word problems and quantitative comparisons. The word problems are linked to the NCMT Standards. They are generally designed to be solved primarily through logical reasoning rather than computation. The comparison problems simply ask you to determine which of two expressions is greater in value, if they are equal, or if there is not enough information to determine. You have 35 minutes to complete this section.
Challenge yourself with the Quantitative Reasoning practice tests for the Middle Level ISEE Test, or push your skills further with the more rigorous Upper Level Quantitative Reasoning ISEE practice tests.
Mr. Collins asked his students to write down the number of glasses of milk each of them drink in a week. The bar graph below represents that data:
If a new student who drinks 7 glasses of milk in a week would join Mr. Collins class, what would happen to the range of the data?
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The correct answer is (B).
The range of a data set is the difference between the highest and lowest values. In the current data, the highest number is 8 and the lowest is 1. That gives us a range of 8 − 1 = 7.
Now, if a new student drinks 7 glasses per week, 7 falls within the existing range—it doesn’t raise the maximum (which is still 8) and doesn’t lower the minimum (still 1). So the range stays the same.
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"When working with data sets, I always remind my students: The range only changes if a new number is smaller than your current smallest number or bigger than your biggest number. Make it a habit to check your highest and lowest values before you even look at the answer choices. Try building a "range tracker" chart with practice problems to get quick at spotting changes."
The Special Car Company manufactures 𝑓 cars per day. On Mondays and Tuesdays, they produce three fewer cars than they do on the other days, due to repair work done on used cars. The company operates five days a week. Which of the following expressions can be used to model the total number of cars manufactured per week?
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The correct answer is (B) 5f - 6.
Here's how to break it down:
So the weekly total is 5f - 6.
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"Always read carefully for exceptions to a pattern. A lot of math word problems will trick you with "except on" or "only when." I teach my students to underline these exceptions right away. Then build your equation step by step. Try practicing problems where you write your own story and expression—it's a powerful way to master math modeling."
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The correct answer is (B) The quantity in Column B is greater.
In this problem, you're comparing the perimeter of two shapes: a quarter circle in Column A and a full circle in Column B. Here's a smart way to think about it:
If you still want to use math, the perimeter of a full circle with radius 1 is about 2π(1) ≈ 6.28. The perimeter of the quarter circle is about a quarter of that curve (~1.57) plus two sides that are each 1 unit long, totaling about 3.57. Since 6.28 is clearly greater than 3.57, Column B is greater.
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"When solving comparison problems, you often don’t need the exact answer—just which is bigger. I teach my students to sketch the situation if there’s a shape and estimate with logic first. Save full calculations for when you really need them. The more you practice estimating, the faster you’ll spot which side is greater."
Correct!
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Here's how to break it down, like a puzzle:
The Big Clue:
You're given this: a<b<c
Imagine these are three different numbers in a line. The smallest number is 'a', the middle number is 'b', and the biggest number is 'c'.
For example, a could be 1, b could be 2, and c could be 3. Or a could be -5, b could be 0, and c could be 5. The important thing is they are in that order!
Let's look at Column A:
"The value of c if a+b=0"
This tells us something special about 'a' and 'b': they add up to zero!
Think about what kind of numbers add up to zero:
If a is 5, then b must be -5. But remember, a<b, so this doesn't work (5 is not less than -5).
If a is -2, then b must be 2. This works! (−2<2).
If a is -10, then b must be 10. This also works! (−10<10).
So, for a+b=0 to be true and a<b to be true, 'a' must be a negative number and 'b' must be a positive number.
And since a<b<c, if 'b' is a positive number, then 'c' must also be a positive number (and even bigger than 'b').
So, in Column A, c will always be a positive number.
Now let's look at Column B:
"The value of b if c<0"
This tells us something special about 'c': it's a negative number!
If 'c' is a negative number, and we know a<b<c, then 'a' and 'b' must also be negative numbers, because they are even smaller than 'c'.
For example:
If c=−1, then b could be -2, and a could be -3. (−3<−2<−1)
If c=−5, then b could be -6, and a could be -7. (−7<−6<−5)
So, in Column B, b will always be a negative number.
Putting it all together:
Column A: We found that c is always a positive number.
Column B: We found that b is always a negative number.
Which is always bigger: a positive number or a negative number?
A positive number is always greater than a negative number!
Therefore, the quantity in Column A is always greater.
The answer is A.
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"For algebraic comparison questions, plug in numbers that follow the rules. I call it the "smart trial method." Choose values that make the conditions true and test both columns. Just be sure to follow every clue the problem gives. Practicing this method will help you see patterns much faster on test day."
Now that you understand what the Quantitative Reasoning section looks like, having seen examples of both word problems and quantitative comparisons, we are ready to move on to the next section, which takes on a different format of assessment.
We invite you to practice a variety of questions like the ones above in one of our full PrepPacks linked below!
The ISEE test contains 37 Quantitative Reasoning questions. Our PrepPacks include two full practice tests, amounting to over 70 Quantitative Reasoning questions, and much more.
Next on the ISEE test is the Reading Comprehension section, which tests students' ability to comprehend and analyze texts. Instead of stand-alone questions, the test now presents six passages, each accompanied by six questions designed to assess your ability to understand the content of the text, identify central themes, draw conclusions, and more. You have 35 minutes to complete this section.
Enhance your skills with the Reading Comprehension practice tests for the ISEE Middle Level, or take on a tougher challenge with the Upper Level Reading Comprehension practice tests.
Read the paragraph and answer the two following questions:
In the wild, packs of animals are usually arranged in a strict hierarchy. In most animal species, the young are in the lower levels, followed by the females, while the males are highest up. Yet, within the males there are also ranks. For instance, when observing a pride of lions, it promptly becomes clear that one male is feared by all the others. Furthermore, among the other males in the group, there are ones considered “higher up” and ones that are lower in rank. The leading male of a pack is referred to as the alpha male, and it may be followed by males ranked as beta, gamma, then omega. The higher up the hierarchy an animal is located, the more privileges it has.
The main purpose of the paragraph is to explain...
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The correct answer is (B): hierarchy among animals.
To find the main purpose, I look at what the entire paragraph focuses on. The paragraph starts by introducing animal hierarchies in general, then uses lions as one example, explains the ranking system (alpha, beta, gamma, omega), and concludes with the benefits of higher rank. Every sentence relates back to the central concept of animal hierarchies. The other options are too narrow - lions are just an example, alpha males are just one part of the hierarchy, and privileges are mentioned in only one sentence.
Answer (B) is the best answer because the entire paragraph discusses this topic, and everything in the paragraph relates to it. Answer (A) is incorrect because it is only one small part of the paragraph. Lion prides are mentioned only as an example of the topic. Answer (C) is incorrect because alpha males are only part of the structure of hierarchies, and the paragraph does not give this aspect significantly more focus than other aspects, such as the other ranks.
There is essentially half of a sentence devoted specifically to alpha males, and it does not even discuss their behavior at all. Answer (D) is incorrect because the advantages of higher rank are mentioned only in one line, and no specific privileges are even mentioned. Even though it is the last line of the passage, the passage does not build up to this point, but rather tells us a series of related things about hierarchies, culminating with this one.
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"When I'm looking for the main purpose, I ask myself: "What is this paragraph really about from start to finish?" I ignore the specific examples and details, and focus on the big picture theme that connects everything together. If I can't find that theme mentioned in multiple sentences, it's probably not the main purpose."
In the fourth sentence, the word "pride" most nearly means...
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The correct answer is (B): pack.
This is a vocabulary-in-context question. I need to understand what "pride" means specifically when talking about lions. The sentence says "when observing a pride of lions," and the context throughout the paragraph discusses "packs of animals." A pride is simply the specific term for a group/pack of lions, just like we say "flock of birds" or "herd of cattle." I can test this by substituting each answer choice - only "pack" makes logical sense in the sentence.
Answers (A), (C), and (D) are incorrect because they have other meanings. In addition, “ranking” (C) and “wild” (D) can be eliminated because they do not construct a logical sentence, and “leader” (A) does not make sense considering the content of the rest of the sentence—one does not observe multiple lions while observing one “leader.”
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"For vocabulary questions, I always try substituting each answer choice back into the original sentence to see which one makes the most sense. I also look at the surrounding sentences for clues about what the word should mean in this specific context."
Read the paragraph and answer the two following questions:
In the Tanzanian village of Liyasongoro, located 1,700 meters up the south slope of Mount Kilimanjaro, Wilbert Minja has lived for more than 60 years, and lately he has been worried. The weather is all wrong, he says: "Rain falls when it should not and does not come when it should." He recites stories describing how new settlers used to flock to the mountainside, lured by its rich soil and abundant fresh water. Now, he says, they are abandoning their failed homesteads. The mountain streams are running dry, and the dusty ground that was once fertile and full of life has turned barren.
Which of the following statements cannot be concluded from the passage?
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The correct answer is (C): Life in a rural mountain village is hard
This sort of question is best answered by elimination.
Explanation:
This is a "cannot be concluded" question, so I need to find what the passage does NOT support. I check each option against the text:
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"For "cannot be concluded" questions, I'm looking for the answer that goes beyond what the passage actually says. The passage might give me information about one specific place or situation, but that doesn't mean I can apply it to everywhere similar. I need to stick to exactly what the text tells me."
The writer most likely states how long Wilbert Minja has been living in Liyasongoro in order to...
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The correct answer is (A): in order to validate Wilbert Minja’s claim that the recent weather is uncharacteristic.
The author mentions that Wilbert has lived there for "more than 60 years" right before sharing his observations about how the weather has changed. This detail serves as evidence that Wilbert would know what normal weather patterns look like - he's been there long enough to compare current conditions to past patterns. The 60 years establishes his credibility as a reliable witness to weather changes, not his age or farming experience.
Answer (B) is incorrect because the paragraph does not state Wilbert Minja’s age explicitly, and the emphasis is on how long he’s lived in the area, not how long he’s been alive. Answer (C) is incorrect because this would go against the main idea stated in the paragraph. An author would not likely include a piece of information specifically to make his point sound less credible. Answer (D) is incorrect because there is no mention in the paragraph that Wilbert Minja is a farmer, so the statement does not accomplish this at all.
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"When an author includes a specific detail like "60 years," I ask myself: "Why does this detail matter for the main point?" Usually these details are included to support or strengthen the author's argument. In this case, the main point is that the weather has changed, so the 60 years proves Wilbert would know if it really has changed.!"
The samples above should give you a general feel for the Reading Comprehension section.
If you want to see more and practice reading and analyzing passages like the ones that will appear on the test, just click below!
The ISEE Reading Comprehension section contains 36 questions, and our detailed prep pack includes over 70 practice questions divided into two full-length simulations.
We've now reached the Math Achievement section, the final problem-solving topic on the ISEE. This section consists entirely of mathematical word problems. Unlike the Quantitative Reasoning section, this section is designed to test your knowledge and skills in mathematical concepts that you learned in school, so a broader understanding of the concepts is required. The problems cover many math topics, focusing on algebra, geometry, probability, and measurement. You have 40 minutes to complete this section.
Boost your abilities with the Math practice tests for the ISEE Middle Level, or push yourself further with the more challenging Upper Level ISEE Math practice tests.
A tennis player is standing 2 meters away from a net whose height is one meter, as shown in the diagram.
From what height does the tennis player need to hit the ball, for it to just pass over the net and land 4 meters away from the net?
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The correct answer is (B).
This problem uses similar triangles. The ball's path creates two similar triangles - one small triangle from the player to the net (2m horizontal, 1m vertical to clear the net), and one large triangle from the player to where the ball lands (6m total horizontal distance).
Since the net is 1 meter high, the player needs to hit from 1.5 meters above the net level.
Try this tip for geometry questions:
For similar triangles, I always identify the two triangles first, then set up my proportion carefully. I make sure I'm comparing the same types of measurements (horizontal to horizontal, vertical to vertical). Drawing a quick sketch really helps me visualize what's happening and avoid mix-ups.
Ran rolled two six-sided dice one after the other. Which of the following probabilities equals 1/6?
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The correct answer is (B).
This is about conditional probability. I think of it this way: the first die can land on any number (probability = 1), but then the second die must match that specific number.
Since there's only 1 way out of 6 for the second die to match the first, the overall probability is 1 × (1/6) = 1/6.
I can verify by checking other options - they all work out to different fractions like 1/4, not 1/6.
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"When I see "same number" or "matching" in probability problems, I use this trick: let the first event happen freely (probability = 1), then figure out what needs to happen next to get the match. This is much easier than trying to count all the matching pairs like (1,1), (2,2), etc. It's the same answer but with less work!"
Which numerical expression does not represent an integer?
Correct!
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The correct answer is (A).
To solve this problem, you need to be familiar with the term integer, and the square root properties.
I need to check which expression is NOT an integer by evaluating each:
Both A and C appear to be non-integers, but A is the most clearly non-integer since it's adding two irrational square roots.
An integer is any whole number (such as –5, 0 , or 15, and not 1.5,, or -3.7).
Square root properties:
Any operation between numbers under the same square root can be solved, and then you can find the square root of that number. Therefore,=
= 3.
Any two square roots multiplied or divided is the same as multiplying or dividing those numbers under the same square root.
Therefore,×
=
=
= 6.
Any square root that is squared cancels out and you are left with just the number.
Therefore,= 2.
3, 6, and 2 are all whole numbers, so they are integers, and they are incorrect.
Two separate square roots cannot be added or subtracted together. You must first solve for the roots, then you can add or subtract them.
Therefore, +
≠
.
and
, when solved, each result in decimals (and irrational numbers) and when added together remain decimals (and irrational numbers). Therefore, (A) is not an integer, so it is the correct answer.
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"With square root problems, I always look for perfect squares hiding inside first (like √12 = 2√3). For multiplication, I can combine under one radical. For addition/subtraction of different square roots, they rarely simplify to integers. I evaluate each option systematically rather than trying to guess."
Which graph represents the solution set for the inequality 𝑦 ≥ |𝑥|?
Correct!
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The correct answer is (A).
The inequality y ≥ |x| means I need:
The graph of y = |x| (a V-shape opening upward with vertex at origin)
Shading above this line (since y is greater than or equal to |x|)
The first graph shows exactly this - a V-shaped boundary line with the region above it shaded gray, which represents all points where the y-coordinate is greater than or equal to the absolute value of the x-coordinate.
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"For graphing absolute value inequalities, I follow these steps: (1) Graph the basic y = |x| shape (always a V opening up), (2) Check the inequality direction - "≥" means shade above, "≤" means shade below, (3) Make sure the boundary line is solid (for ≥ or ≤) or dashed (for > or <). The absolute value always creates that distinctive V-shape!"
This concludes all of the standard sample questions on this page, leaving only the essay to explore.
For more practice, check out the Mathematics Achievement section and all the others in one of the packs below.
The ISEE Mathematics Achievement section contains 47 questions. Our comprehensive preparation includes two full tests of this size, supplying you with 90+ math word problems to get you ready and stress-free come testing day.
After all of these sections are completed, there is one final part of the ISEE-the essay. You will be given a short question to which you are expected to write an essay in response. It is not graded, but it is meant to make an impression on the people who read it. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your writing and communication skills to the administrators of the program you are applying to, to express your individuality, and to prove to them that you are not to be overlooked. You will have 30 minutes to plan and write your essay.
Here are two sample essay prompts to give you an idea of the types of questions you might be asked:
You can use these prompts to practice essay writing or just to brainstorm ideas; for additional essay writing tips, please visit the ISEE Essay page. On this page, you will find detailed teacher curated tips so you can refine your essay writing skills with our expert guidelines and practice prompts.
Preparing for the ISEE will give you a much better shot at showing your potential and getting accepted to your school or program of choice. If you are unfamiliar with the types of questions asked and what they are looking to assess, you put yourself at a disadvantage in showing what you are capable of. The more sample questions you attempt, the more comfortable you will become answering questions in this format, and this will allow you more time and a clearer mind to focus on your answers and avoid careless mistakes and running out of time to answer. Additionally, the more you practice, the more relevant information you will review, and the better you will remember all of the concepts, formulas, rules, and information required to succeed on the test.
Access our full test prep for ISEE now, with full-length practice tests including hundreds of practice questions and answer explanations.
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Watch the following video to learn everything you need to know about the ISEE test and how to score high on it. Understand the structure and format of the ISEE, try sample questions, and get important tips for acing this test.
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The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is one of the most widely used entrance tests for private and independent schools. Admissions teams use it to assess academic readiness, critical thinking, and reasoning skills. A strong ISEE score can significantly improve your child’s chances of getting into a top-tier school—especially when applications are competitive.
There are four levels:
This page focuses on Middle and Upper Levels, which are the most critical for selective school admissions.
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