- The idea that creating light is an energy-efficient action for these creatures is best supported by which detail?
Answer: It is a 'cold light' because it produces very little heat, making it a very efficient process.
The correct answer is B because it directly connects the concept of 'cold light' (producing little heat) to the idea of efficiency. Wasting less energy as heat means the process is more efficient. Choice A explains how the light is made, not its efficiency. Choice C describes a use for the light. Choice D describes the environment but says nothing about the energy used to create the light.
- The author suggests that creating a community garden is a complex process. Which sentence best supports this suggestion?
Answer: Neighbors must work together to find land, test the soil, and arrange for a water source.
The correct answer is A because it lists several distinct and necessary steps that must be taken before the garden can even begin. This list of tasks ('find land, test soil, arrange for water') provides evidence that the process is complex and requires significant planning and effort. The other choices describe the benefits or outcome of the garden, not the process of creating it.
- Read the passage.
In 1911, a young explorer named Hiram visited the mountains of Peru. He traveled near the city of Cusco and followed a narrow path above the Urubamba River. Local farmers told him about stone walls hidden by thick plants. Hiram listened carefully and asked a guide to lead him.
On July 24, 1911, the group reached a high ridge. They saw steps cut into rock and terraces that once held crops. The guide pointed to buildings made of fitted stones, with no mortar between them. Hiram noticed that the stones still lined up tightly after many years.
Hiram wrote notes and measured several walls. He counted 16 doorways in one long building and sketched the shape of the windows. He also recorded that the site sat more than 7,000 feet above sea level. These facts helped him describe the place clearly to others.
Later, scientists and historians studied the ruins. They learned that the city was likely built in the 1400s. Its location made it hard for strangers to find, which may have protected it. Today, many visitors hike there, but the stonework still shows careful planning.
What evidence from the passage supports the conclusion that the ruins were well built?
Answer: The stones still lined up tightly after many years.
This question tests ISEE Lower Level reading comprehension skills, specifically selecting evidence that supports an answer. Understanding how to identify supporting evidence is key to developing critical reading skills. It involves recognizing details that directly relate to the question's assertion. In the passage provided, specific lines such as 'The stones still lined up tightly after many years' and 'The guide pointed to buildings made of fitted stones, with no mortar between them' illustrate the type of supportive evidence students should identify. The correct choice, A, is correct because it directly substantiates the statement by demonstrating the durability and quality of the construction over time. A common distractor, B, fails because it either misinterprets the passage or provides irrelevant information that does not support the claim about the ruins being well built. To help students: Encourage looking for keywords in the question that match phrases in the passage. Practice distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant details. Teach students to verify that the evidence aligns precisely with the statement being evaluated.
- Read the passage.
In 1922, archaeologist Howard Carter searched for a tomb in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. Many people believed the tomb had already been lost. Carter kept working because he thought one ruler's tomb remained hidden. He asked his team to clear a new area near old stone huts.
On November 4, 1922, workers found steps leading down into the ground. Carter sent a message to his sponsor, Lord Carnarvon, to come quickly. When Carnarvon arrived, they opened a doorway and saw a sealed entrance. Carter wrote that he could see "wonderful things" inside.
The team carefully recorded what they found. They listed objects and drew where each item lay in the room. This careful work helped protect the discovery and helped other scientists study it later. The tomb became one of the most famous finds in archaeology.
Which detail from the passage confirms the statement that Carter's team worked carefully?
Answer: They listed objects and drew where each item lay in the room.
This question tests ISEE Lower Level reading comprehension skills, specifically selecting evidence that supports an answer. Understanding how to identify supporting evidence is key to developing critical reading skills. It involves recognizing details that directly relate to the question's assertion. In the passage provided, specific lines such as 'They listed objects and drew where each item lay in the room' and 'This careful work helped protect the discovery' illustrate the type of supportive evidence students should identify. The correct choice, B, is correct because it directly substantiates the statement by demonstrating meticulous recording and documentation methods. A common distractor, A, fails because it either misinterprets the passage or provides irrelevant information that does not support the claim about careful work. To help students: Encourage looking for keywords in the question that match phrases in the passage. Practice distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant details. Teach students to verify that the evidence aligns precisely with the statement being evaluated.
- Read the passage.
A student named Cara tried to find out which paper towel brand absorbed the most water. She made a hypothesis that thicker towels would absorb more. Cara cut each brand into equal squares. She used the same size cup to pour water each time.
She placed one square in a shallow tray and poured 30 milliliters of water onto it. After one minute, she lifted the towel and measured the water left in the tray. Brand X left 6 milliliters, Brand Y left 12 milliliters, and Brand Z left 9 milliliters. She repeated the test twice and got nearly the same numbers.
Cara concluded that Brand X absorbed the most water. She wrote her results in a table for her science notebook. Then she shared her method with a classmate so it could be checked. Cara felt confident because her test was fair.
Which detail from the passage confirms the statement that Cara controlled her experiment?
Answer: She cut each brand into equal squares.
This question tests ISEE Lower Level reading comprehension skills, specifically selecting evidence that supports an answer. Understanding how to identify supporting evidence is key to developing critical reading skills. It involves recognizing details that directly relate to the question's assertion. In the passage provided, specific lines such as 'She cut each brand into equal squares' and 'She used the same size cup to pour water each time' illustrate the type of supportive evidence students should identify. The correct choice, A, is correct because it directly substantiates the statement by demonstrating control of variables for fairness. A common distractor, B, fails because it either misinterprets the passage or provides irrelevant information that does not support the claim about controlling the experiment. To help students: Encourage looking for keywords in the question that match phrases in the passage. Practice distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant details. Teach students to verify that the evidence aligns precisely with the statement being evaluated.
- The passage suggests that bioluminescence is a useful tool for hunting. Which sentence from the passage provides the best evidence for this idea?
Answer: Creatures like the anglerfish have a glowing lure that dangles in front of their sharp teeth to attract unsuspecting prey.
The correct answer is C because it provides a specific example of an animal, the anglerfish, using its bioluminescence (a glowing lure) for the express purpose of hunting (to attract prey). This directly supports the idea that the light is a tool for hunting. Choice A describes the environment, not how animals hunt. Choice B explains the efficiency of the light, not its use in hunting. Choice D describes how bioluminescence is used for defense, not for hunting.
- Read the passage.
In Sweden, some families enjoy a tradition called fika. Fika is a break to drink something warm and eat a small treat, often with friends or coworkers. People say it is not only about food, but also about talking and slowing down. Many workplaces plan a short fika break during the day.
One office kept track of how often workers took a break together. In the first week, only 2 teams tried a group fika. After a manager set a regular time, 7 teams joined in the next week. Workers reported that they felt more connected to their coworkers.
Fika can happen at home too. A parent might invite a neighbor for coffee and cinnamon buns. Children sometimes drink juice and eat cookies at the table. The tradition helps people make time for friendly conversation.
Which sentence from the passage best supports the idea that fika builds relationships?
Answer: People say it is not only about food, but also about talking.
This question tests ISEE Lower Level reading comprehension skills, specifically selecting evidence that supports an answer. Understanding how to identify supporting evidence is key to developing critical reading skills. It involves recognizing details that directly relate to the question's assertion. In the passage provided, specific lines such as 'People say it is not only about food, but also about talking' and 'Workers reported that they felt more connected to their coworkers' illustrate the type of supportive evidence students should identify. The correct choice, A, is correct because it directly substantiates the statement by demonstrating the social and conversational aspect of fika. A common distractor, B, fails because it either misinterprets the passage or provides irrelevant information that does not support the claim about building relationships. To help students: Encourage looking for keywords in the question that match phrases in the passage. Practice distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant details. Teach students to verify that the evidence aligns precisely with the statement being evaluated.
- 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?
Answer: Some cities post blossom forecasts so people can plan.
This question tests ISEE Lower Level reading comprehension skills, specifically selecting evidence that supports an answer. Understanding how to identify supporting evidence is key to developing critical reading skills. It involves recognizing details that directly relate to the question's assertion. In the passage provided, specific lines such as 'Some cities post blossom forecasts so people can plan' and 'Hanami often happens in late March or early April, depending on the weather' illustrate the type of supportive evidence students should identify. The correct choice, A, is correct because it directly substantiates the statement by demonstrating how weather predictions are used for planning the event. A common distractor, B, fails because it either misinterprets the passage or provides irrelevant information that does not support the claim about weather dependence. To help students: Encourage looking for keywords in the question that match phrases in the passage. Practice distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant details. Teach students to verify that the evidence aligns precisely with the statement being evaluated.
- Read the passage.
A scientist named Dr. Lee studied why some plants grew faster under certain lights. She noticed that a classroom plant near a sunny window grew taller than one under a lamp. She wondered if the color of light mattered. She made a hypothesis: plants grow best under blue light because it helps leaves make food.
Dr. Lee set up an experiment with three identical bean plants. She kept the soil, water, and temperature the same for all three. Plant A grew under a blue bulb, Plant B under a red bulb, and Plant C under a white bulb. She measured each plant every seven days.
After 21 days, Plant A grew 18 centimeters, Plant B grew 11 centimeters, and Plant C grew 14 centimeters. Plant A also had the most leaves, with nine, while Plant B had six and Plant C had seven. Dr. Lee repeated the test one more time and saw similar results. She concluded that blue light helped these plants grow the most.
Which detail from the passage confirms the statement that Dr. Lee collected data carefully?
Answer: She measured each plant every seven days.
This question tests ISEE Lower Level reading comprehension skills, specifically selecting evidence that supports an answer. Understanding how to identify supporting evidence is key to developing critical reading skills. It involves recognizing details that directly relate to the question's assertion. In the passage provided, specific lines such as 'She measured each plant every seven days' and 'Dr. Lee repeated the test one more time and saw similar results' illustrate the type of supportive evidence students should identify. The correct choice, B, is correct because it directly substantiates the statement by demonstrating the systematic and regular data collection method used. A common distractor, A, fails because it either misinterprets the passage or provides irrelevant information that does not support the claim about careful data collection. To help students: Encourage looking for keywords in the question that match phrases in the passage. Practice distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant details. Teach students to verify that the evidence aligns precisely with the statement being evaluated.
- Which statement best supports the conclusion that Leo was surprised when he finally started balancing on his own?
Answer: A jolt went through Leo; he was doing it himself!
The correct answer is C because the word 'jolt' suggests a sudden, surprising realization. He wasn't expecting to be riding on his own, and the discovery startled him. This is the strongest evidence of surprise. Choice A shows his progress but not his surprise. Choice B describes the feeling of balancing but not his reaction to the realization. Choice D describes his happiness after the surprise.
- The author's conclusion that the Pony Express was made obsolete by new technology is supported by which piece of evidence?
Answer: The telegraph could send messages coast to coast in minutes, ending the need for the service.
The correct answer is D because it identifies the 'new technology' (the telegraph) and explains why it made the Pony Express obsolete (it was much faster, sending messages in minutes). This provides a clear cause-and-effect relationship. Choice A highlights the speed of the Pony Express itself. Choice B describes the job's difficulty. Choice C states how long the service lasted but doesn't give the reason why it ended.
- Read the passage.
Luis wanted to join the school soccer team, but he often arrived late to practice. One afternoon, Coach Ramirez said, "If you want more playing time, you need to be here when warm-ups begin." Luis nodded, but he looked down at his shoes. He knew his little sister needed help getting home from her bus stop.
The next day, Luis talked with his neighbor, Mr. Chen. Luis asked, "Could you watch for my sister at three thirty on practice days?" Mr. Chen agreed and said he usually worked in his garden at that time. Luis thanked him and wrote the days on a note.
For the next two weeks, Luis arrived ten minutes early. Coach Ramirez noticed and said, "Good. Now you're ready when the team starts." Luis felt proud, and he practiced harder during drills. At the end of the week, the coach put Luis in the game sooner than before.
What evidence from the passage supports the conclusion that Luis solved his problem responsibly?
Answer: Luis asked Mr. Chen to watch for his sister at three thirty.
This question tests ISEE Lower Level reading comprehension skills, specifically selecting evidence that supports an answer. Understanding how to identify supporting evidence is key to developing critical reading skills. It involves recognizing details that directly relate to the question's assertion. In the passage provided, specific lines such as 'Luis asked Mr. Chen to watch for his sister at three thirty' and 'Mr. Chen agreed and said he usually worked in his garden at that time' illustrate the type of supportive evidence students should identify. The correct choice, B, is correct because it directly substantiates the statement by demonstrating Luis's proactive and responsible arrangement for his sister. A common distractor, A, fails because it either misinterprets the passage or provides irrelevant information that does not support the claim about solving the problem responsibly. To help students: Encourage looking for keywords in the question that match phrases in the passage. Practice distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant details. Teach students to verify that the evidence aligns precisely with the statement being evaluated.
- The claim that the Pony Express depended on an organized system is best supported by which statement?
Answer: The service had relay stations with fresh horses every 10 to 15 miles along the route.
The correct answer is B because it describes a key component of the 'well-organized system'—the network of relay stations. This planned infrastructure was essential for the service to function effectively. Choice A describes the problem the Pony Express solved. Choice C describes the riders, not the system itself. Choice D explains why the service ended.
- The passage claims that community gardens help build relationships among neighbors. Which sentence provides the best evidence for this claim?
Answer: Gardeners often share planting advice, celebrate their harvests, and work together on tasks.
The correct answer is C because it gives specific examples of social interactions ('share planting advice, celebrate their harvests, and work together') that directly lead to building relationships. Choice B mentions neighbors working together on one initial task, but C describes ongoing interactions that foster community. Choices A and D describe other aspects of the garden, not the social connections.
- Which sentence from the passage best supports the idea that Mary Anderson's invention was inspired by a specific event she witnessed?
Answer: Her trolley car driver had to constantly open his window to wipe snow off the windshield.
The correct answer is A because it describes the specific problem Anderson observed ('her trolley car driver had to... wipe snow off the windshield') which directly inspired her to invent a solution. This is the 'specific event' mentioned in the question. Choices B, C, and D describe her thoughts and actions after witnessing the event, not the event itself.
- What evidence does the author provide to show that the Pony Express was faster than the mail service it replaced?
Answer: It reduced mail delivery time from several weeks to about ten days.
The correct answer is C because it directly compares the delivery times of the two services, showing a clear improvement from 'several weeks' to 'about ten days'. This is the strongest piece of evidence proving it was faster. Choice A describes the distance, not the speed. Choice B describes a part of the system that enabled the speed but is not the evidence of the result itself. Choice D is about why the service ended, not its speed compared to previous services.
- The author's claim that Anderson's invention was not immediately successful is supported by what evidence?
Answer: Car companies rejected it, claiming the wiper would be a distraction.
When you encounter a question asking for evidence that supports a specific claim, you need to identify details from the passage that directly prove that claim is true.
The author claims Anderson's invention was not immediately successful. To support this claim, you need evidence showing the invention faced problems or rejection early on. Looking at the passage, we see that when Anderson tried to sell her invention to car companies, "they rejected it" because "they claimed the moving wiper would be a dangerous distraction for drivers." This directly demonstrates the invention's lack of immediate success.
Choice A correctly identifies this evidence - the car companies' rejection and their reasoning about distraction clearly supports the claim of poor initial reception.
Choice B describes the technical details of how the device worked (rubber blade and lever), but this doesn't tell us anything about whether it succeeded or failed initially. Technical specifications aren't evidence of success or failure.
Choice C explains what inspired Anderson to create the invention (the trolley ride), but inspiration doesn't relate to whether the invention was successful once created.
Choice D actually contradicts the claim by showing the invention's eventual success ("became a standard feature"), rather than supporting evidence of its initial lack of success.
Remember: when questions ask for supporting evidence, focus on details that directly prove the stated claim. Distinguish between information that describes circumstances around an event versus information that actually demonstrates the outcome or result being discussed.
- Read the passage.
Sam and his aunt ran a small booth at the Saturday farmers' market. Sam wanted to sell homemade lemonade, but he was unsure about the price. His aunt said, "If it costs too much, people will walk away." Sam watched shoppers compare prices at nearby booths.
Sam tried two prices during the morning. From nine to ten o'clock, he sold cups for $2 and sold 9 cups. From ten to eleven o'clock, he lowered the price to $1 and sold 22 cups. Sam counted the money and noticed he earned more in the second hour.
Sam told his aunt, "More people bought it when it cost less." His aunt nodded and said, "Now you are thinking like a seller." Sam kept the $1 price for the rest of the day. He also made a sign so customers could see the price quickly.
What evidence from the passage supports the conclusion that a lower price increased sales?
Answer: He lowered the price to $1 and sold 22 cups.
This question tests ISEE Lower Level reading comprehension skills, specifically selecting evidence that supports an answer. Understanding how to identify supporting evidence is key to developing critical reading skills. It involves recognizing details that directly relate to the question's assertion. In the passage provided, specific lines such as 'He lowered the price to $1 and sold 22 cups' and 'From nine to ten o'clock, he sold cups for $2 and sold 9 cups' illustrate the type of supportive evidence students should identify. The correct choice, B, is correct because it directly substantiates the statement by demonstrating higher sales volume at the reduced price. A common distractor, A, fails because it either misinterprets the passage or provides irrelevant information that does not support the claim about increased sales. To help students: Encourage looking for keywords in the question that match phrases in the passage. Practice distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant details. Teach students to verify that the evidence aligns precisely with the statement being evaluated.
- What evidence from the story supports the idea that learning to ride the bike gave Leo a sense of freedom?
Answer: He imagined all the places he could now go, all on his own.
The correct answer is D because it shows Leo thinking about the future possibilities that the bike opens up for him—traveling to new places independently. This directly connects the skill of riding the bike to the concept of freedom and autonomy. Choices A, B, and C describe the moment of success, but D explains the meaning of that success for Leo.
- Which statement from the passage best supports the idea that bioluminescence has multiple functions for deep-sea animals?
Answer: This ability is not just for hunting or defense; many... use their unique light patterns to... find mates.
The correct answer is D because it explicitly mentions several different functions of bioluminescence: hunting, defense, and finding mates. This directly supports the idea that the ability has 'multiple functions'. Choices A and B each provide an example of only one specific function (hunting and defense, respectively), so they do not support the idea of 'multiple' functions on their own. Choice C explains how the light is made, not how it is used.
