Practice Test 11 - ISEE Lower Level Reading Comprehension

20 questions. Answer them in any order, then submit to see your score and every explanation.

What does the passage imply about the piece of music Anya was practicing?
Read the passage. Which image most effectively establishes the mood of calm? On a beach morning, the sand is warm and smooth. It slips between my toes like soft sugar. The ocean smells salty and clean, and the air tastes faintly like lemonade from my cup. Seagulls call overhead, but their cries sound far away. Waves roll in with a steady hush. Sunlight sparkles on the water, making tiny dancing dots. My towel feels hot from the sun. I hear a child giggle, then the sound fades into the surf. I build a small sandcastle, patting the walls gently. The damp sand feels cool in my hands. A breeze lifts my hair and dries the drops on my arms. Everything seems slow, like time is stretching. Later, clouds gather in thick stacks. The sea turns darker, and the sparkle disappears. Wind tugs at my towel, and the air tastes less sweet. A sudden gust sprays cold mist on my face. The waves slap the shore, louder and faster. My skin prickles, and the sand stings my ankles. I grab my things as the sky rumbles. The beach is the same place, but it no longer feels friendly.
The word "feat" most nearly means
Read the passage, then answer. In 1902, a doctor named Dr. Emily sits with a family whose child has a fever. At that time, many illnesses spread quickly because people do not always understand germs. Dr. Emily explains that tiny organisms can move from person to person. She shows the family how washing hands with soap can remove germs. She also asks them to boil water before drinking it. In her town, Dr. Emily works with teachers and leaders to share these ideas. She visits schools and explains that covering a cough can protect friends. Some people resist her advice because it seems new and inconvenient. Dr. Emily stays respectful and uses simple examples. She compares germs to invisible dust that sticks to hands. Over time, more families follow her steps. Fewer children miss school, and fewer neighbors get sick. Dr. Emily also keeps records of outbreaks. When she sees a pattern, she warns the town early. Her work shows that health improves when people learn and cooperate. The passage emphasizes prevention, not fear. It teaches that small habits can protect a whole community. Select the statement that best captures the essence of the text.
What is the main idea of this passage?
Read the passage. Keisha studies marine biologist Sylvia Earle for a report. Earle is born in 1935 and grows up near the ocean. As a child, she explores tide pools and keeps notes on sea life. She later becomes a scientist who studies underwater habitats. In the 1960s and 1970s, she joins many research dives. She learns how to use scuba gear and also special underwater vehicles. In 1979, she walks on the seafloor in a deep diving suit. She describes the ocean as a place worth protecting. Earle also leads teams and becomes the first female chief scientist at NOAA. She speaks to the public in clear, hopeful language. She wants people to understand that oceans help the whole planet. Keisha notices that Earle's work combines curiosity with courage. She finishes her report by saying that one person can inspire many others. Which summary accurately reflects the passage?
Last Saturday, the Maple Street Library hosts a winter book fair. Folding tables fill the lobby with used books and crafts. A small sign reads, "All sales support new children's books." Ms. Patel, the librarian, greets everyone by name. She wears a sweater with tiny stitched stars. Near the door, volunteers sort coins into jars and keep careful lists. A group of older students runs a wrapping station. They measure paper, fold crisp corners, and tape quietly. A little boy reaches for a snow globe display. His grandmother gently guides his hands back to his pockets. At the reading corner, a teen reads aloud to three younger kids. She pauses to explain hard words without sounding impatient. In the meeting room, a local baker donates muffins. People take one and leave a dollar beside the tray. No one watches the tray closely. A man returns later and drops in extra change. Outside, a donation box for winter coats sits under the awning. Several coats already hang neatly on a rack. Ms. Patel thanks a delivery driver who carries in two boxes of picture books. She sets them behind the desk and locks the drawer. Before closing, volunteers sweep the floor and stack chairs. They talk about which shelves look empty. Based on the passage, what does the author suggest about this community?
The description of the storm is meant to make the reader feel
Which statement best summarizes the passage?
Read the passage. Elena planned to build a birdhouse with her older brother, Marco. Elena wanted to paint it bright red, but Marco said, "Let's think about what the birds need." Elena noticed their backyard got very hot in the afternoon. She also saw that squirrels often climbed the fence near the big oak tree. Marco suggested placing the birdhouse on a pole away from the fence. Elena agreed and said, "That might keep squirrels from reaching it." They also chose a light tan paint instead of red. Marco explained that a lighter color might stay cooler in the sun. After they finished, they watched from the window. A small bird visited the entrance and hopped onto the roof. Elena whispered, "I'm glad we planned this." Marco smiled and said the best projects start with careful thinking. Which part of the passage shows that Elena changed her plan based on the environment?
The passage is primarily about...
Read: During an eruption, ash can fall like gray snow. People may wear masks to protect their lungs. Lava can burn plants and harden into rock later. Scientists watch volcanoes to warn nearby towns. What is the author's main purpose in this passage?
In line 3, the word "alter" most nearly means
What is the most reasonable conclusion to draw from this passage?
Read: In a new city, Jamal rides a subway for the first time. The doors beep, and the train rushes like wind. He counts stops carefully and holds his map tight. When he exits at the right station, he laughs with relief. Which of the following best describes the author's intent in this text?
It can be inferred that people in daguerreotypes rarely appear to be smiling broadly because
In line 3, the word "conserve" most nearly means
Read the passage. In Japan, many families celebrate a spring tradition called hanami, which means "flower viewing." People visit parks to see cherry blossoms when the trees bloom. The tradition began long ago, when leaders and poets wrote about the beauty of the flowers. Today, families and friends still gather under the trees. Hanami often happens in late March or early April, depending on the weather. Some cities post blossom forecasts so people can plan. In one park, workers counted that about 60 percent of the trees bloomed on March 30. Two days later, they reported that almost all the trees were in full bloom. During hanami, people bring food and sit on blankets. They take photos and sometimes write short poems. Many people stay only an hour, but others remain until sunset. When the petals fall, it reminds visitors that spring changes quickly. What information in the passage supports the claim that hanami depends on weather?
This passage is mainly about...
By telling the story from this character's point of view, the author primarily makes the reader feel...

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