ISEE Upper Level Prep Book 2025-2026 - ISEE Exam Secrets
Study Guide [3rd Edition]
ISEE Upper Level Practice Exam — Questions 1–25
VERBAL REASONING
1. Select the best synonym for the word in capital letters.
ABATE
A) Increase
B) Worsen
C) Subside
D) Strengthen
Answer: C) Subside
Rationale: Abate means to lessen or decrease; “subside” matches this meaning.
2. Select the best synonym for the underlined word.
The student’s meticulous notes helped the whole class study.
A) Careless
B) Precise
C) Brief
D) Incomplete
Answer: B) Precise
Rationale: Meticulous means very detailed or careful.
QUANTITATIVE REASONING
3. What is ⁴⁄₅ of 25?
A) 15
B) 20
C) 10
D) 5
Answer: B) 20
Rationale: Multiply 25 × 4/5 = 100/5 = 20.
**4. Which value makes the equation true?
, 5x – 15 = 0**
A) 0
B) 3
C) –3
D) 15
Answer: B) 3
Rationale: Add 15 both sides → 5x = 15 → x = 3.
5. If Maria has 8 red marbles and twice as many blue marbles, how many marbles does she have
total?
A) 24
B) 16
C) 40
D) 24
Answer: D) 24
Rationale: Blue marbles = 2 × 8 = 16 → 8 + 16 = 24.
READING COMPREHENSION
Passage Excerpt (shortened for practice)
In many forests, trees release chemicals into the air that help neighboring plants survive insect
threats.
6. What is the main idea of the passage?
A) Trees grow slowly.
B) Trees communicate chemically.
C) Plants need sunlight.
D) Insects harm all plants equally.
Answer: B) Trees communicate chemically.
Rationale: The passage focuses on chemical communication among trees.
7. Which detail from the passage supports the main idea?
A) Insects live in forests.
B) Trees use chemicals to help neighbors.
C) All plants need water.
D) Forests are green.
Answer: B) Trees use chemicals to help neighbors.
Rationale: This detail directly supports the main idea.
MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT — Word Problems
Study Guide [3rd Edition]
ISEE Upper Level Practice Exam — Questions 1–25
VERBAL REASONING
1. Select the best synonym for the word in capital letters.
ABATE
A) Increase
B) Worsen
C) Subside
D) Strengthen
Answer: C) Subside
Rationale: Abate means to lessen or decrease; “subside” matches this meaning.
2. Select the best synonym for the underlined word.
The student’s meticulous notes helped the whole class study.
A) Careless
B) Precise
C) Brief
D) Incomplete
Answer: B) Precise
Rationale: Meticulous means very detailed or careful.
QUANTITATIVE REASONING
3. What is ⁴⁄₅ of 25?
A) 15
B) 20
C) 10
D) 5
Answer: B) 20
Rationale: Multiply 25 × 4/5 = 100/5 = 20.
**4. Which value makes the equation true?
, 5x – 15 = 0**
A) 0
B) 3
C) –3
D) 15
Answer: B) 3
Rationale: Add 15 both sides → 5x = 15 → x = 3.
5. If Maria has 8 red marbles and twice as many blue marbles, how many marbles does she have
total?
A) 24
B) 16
C) 40
D) 24
Answer: D) 24
Rationale: Blue marbles = 2 × 8 = 16 → 8 + 16 = 24.
READING COMPREHENSION
Passage Excerpt (shortened for practice)
In many forests, trees release chemicals into the air that help neighboring plants survive insect
threats.
6. What is the main idea of the passage?
A) Trees grow slowly.
B) Trees communicate chemically.
C) Plants need sunlight.
D) Insects harm all plants equally.
Answer: B) Trees communicate chemically.
Rationale: The passage focuses on chemical communication among trees.
7. Which detail from the passage supports the main idea?
A) Insects live in forests.
B) Trees use chemicals to help neighbors.
C) All plants need water.
D) Forests are green.
Answer: B) Trees use chemicals to help neighbors.
Rationale: This detail directly supports the main idea.
MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT — Word Problems
