Practice Test 1 - ISEE Middle Level Reading Comprehension

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

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1. Read the passage, then answer: What is the author's main purpose in this passage? Photosynthesis allows plants to make sugar, which becomes their main source of energy. The process begins when chlorophyll in leaves absorbs sunlight. That light energy starts reactions that change simple materials into useful food for the plant. Plants need two main ingredients besides light: water and carbon dioxide. Roots pull water from the soil, and stems carry it upward. Leaves take in carbon dioxide from the air through tiny openings. These materials meet inside the chloroplasts. During the reactions, water molecules are split, and oxygen is released. This oxygen leaves the plant and enters the atmosphere. The remaining parts combine with carbon dioxide to form glucose, a type of sugar. Plants use glucose to grow and to store energy. Several factors can affect how well photosynthesis works. Too little light slows the process, and extreme temperatures can damage plant cells. Lack of water can also cause stomata to close, reducing carbon dioxide intake. When conditions improve, photosynthesis speeds up again. Photosynthesis is important for ecosystems because it supports food chains. It also provides oxygen for animals, including humans. Learning how it works helps students understand why plants are essential to life on Earth. By studying this process, students can connect classroom science to the natural world. A single leaf is like a tiny factory, working quietly each day. That idea makes plant life more impressive and easier to appreciate.
2. Sam wants to join the basketball team but struggles with stamina during tryouts. Sam begins running short intervals and resting, three days each week. After two weeks, Sam still feels tired but finishes drills without stopping. Sam then adds one longer, slower run on Saturdays and drinks water before practice. By the final scrimmage, Sam keeps pace through the fourth quarter and plays stronger defense. Coaches note Sam listens carefully and follows the plan consistently. What can be inferred about Sam based on the passage?​​
3. The author's main purpose in this passage is to
4. Read the passage, then answer: What is the primary goal of the author in writing this piece? Renewable energy comes from sources that can be replaced naturally, such as sunlight, wind, and moving water. Unlike coal or oil, these sources do not run out in the same way. Many communities are choosing renewable power to reduce pollution and protect natural spaces. One major benefit is cleaner air. When a power plant burns fossil fuels, it releases gases and particles that can harm lungs. Solar panels and wind turbines produce electricity without smoke. As a result, cities using more renewable energy often see improved air quality over time. Renewable energy can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These gases trap heat in Earth's atmosphere and can change weather patterns. By switching to cleaner power, people can lower the amount of carbon dioxide released. This change does not solve everything, but it helps. However, renewable energy has challenges. Solar panels produce the most electricity on sunny days, and wind turbines depend on wind speed. To keep lights on at night or during calm weather, communities may need batteries or backup power. Building these systems can take planning and money. Another challenge is space and location. A large solar farm needs open land, and a hydroelectric dam changes a river's flow. Careful design can limit harm to wildlife, but trade-offs still exist. Engineers and environmental scientists often work together to find better solutions. Overall, renewable energy offers strong environmental benefits while also bringing new questions. Learning both the advantages and the limits helps communities make smarter choices. When people understand the full picture, they can support energy plans that fit local needs.
5. The second paragraph serves mainly to
6. Read the passage. What is the author primarily trying to convey? A student named Noor wants to improve her memory for vocabulary. She tries copying words many times, but she forgets them quickly. Then she learns about spaced practice. Instead of cramming, she studies a few words each day and reviews them later. Noor uses flashcards and sorts them into groups. Words she knows well move to a "later" pile. Harder words stay in a "soon" pile and appear more often. Each short review session feels manageable. After two weeks, Noor notices she can recall more words during quizzes. She also feels less stressed because she studies in small pieces. Her teacher explains that the brain remembers better when it revisits information over time. Noor still works hard, but she works smarter. She plans short sessions on a calendar and sticks to them. The passage shows that studying over time can improve memory more than last-minute cramming.
7. Read the passage, then answer: In the passage, what is yozakura? Every spring, many people in Japan celebrate a tradition called hanami. The word hanami means "flower viewing." During hanami, families, friends, and coworkers gather to enjoy the cherry blossoms, which are called sakura. The blossoms usually appear between late March and early April, although the exact timing depends on the weather and the region. Hanami has a long history. Records show that people in Japan enjoyed viewing blossoms more than 1,000 years ago. In early times, the tradition was connected to the farming calendar. Farmers watched the blossoms as a sign that warmer days were returning. Over time, hanami became a popular social event for people from many walks of life. Today, people often plan picnics under blooming trees in parks and along rivers. Some groups place tarps on the ground to save a spot. Many bring boxed meals, tea, and sweets. In some cities, lanterns are hung in the trees so visitors can see the blossoms at night. This nighttime viewing is called yozakura. Cherry blossoms do not last long. A tree may be in full bloom for only about a week. Wind and rain can make the petals fall sooner. Because the blossoms are short-lived, many people see hanami as a reminder to appreciate special moments while they are here. Local news stations and websites often publish "blossom forecasts." These forecasts help people know when the trees will bloom. Tourists also use the forecasts to plan visits to famous viewing areas, such as Ueno Park in Tokyo.
8. The main purpose of the hyperbole 'he could eat a horse' is to
9. The primary purpose of this passage is to
10. The author's perspective on the monarch butterfly's migration is one of...
11. Which sentence best summarizes the main points of the passage?
12. The primary purpose of this passage is to
13. The author's point of view is that the use of plastic water bottles is...
14. In line 4, the word "abundant" most nearly means
15. Read the passage. What is the main idea of the passage? In the nineteenth century, a nurse named Florence Nightingale works to improve hospital care. During the Crimean War, she travels with other nurses to treat wounded soldiers. She finds crowded rooms, dirty floors, and poor airflow. Many soldiers get sick from infections. Nightingale organizes cleaning, improves ventilation, and insists on handwashing. She also tracks data about illness and deaths. By keeping careful records, she shows that better hygiene reduces infections. Her evidence helps convince leaders to change hospital practices. After the war, she continues training nurses and promoting health reforms. Hospitals begin paying more attention to sanitation and patient comfort. Nursing becomes a respected profession with clearer standards. Nightingale's work influences modern health care. Her focus on cleanliness and data saves lives and improves treatment. The passage explains how Florence Nightingale improves medical care through hygiene and careful record-keeping.
16. What does the word motive mean in the passage? At the garden party, Alex spots a toppled flowerpot near the walkway. Detective Maria asks questions and gathers evidence, including soil on someone's shoe. She makes a deduction that the pot fell when a guest hurried past. Next, she thinks about motive. Why would someone rush? A guest may have wanted to deliver a surprise gift before the speech began. Maria explains that motive is the reason a person does something, even if the action is accidental.
17. Which of the following best describes the author's point of view regarding CRISPR technology?
18. Read the passage. What is the main idea of the passage? In many towns, a public library is more than a place for books. Students visit after school to find quiet study space. Librarians help them locate reliable sources for reports. Some libraries also lend laptops or provide free internet. Libraries offer programs for different ages. Younger children attend story hours and craft activities. Teens join book clubs or learn coding in workshops. Adults attend job training sessions or community talks. The library also serves people during emergencies. When storms knock out power, some libraries open as warming or cooling centers. They provide charging stations and information about local services. Libraries stay useful because they adapt to community needs. Even as reading changes from print to screens, libraries support learning and connection. They welcome everyone, regardless of income. The passage emphasizes that libraries play many important roles in a community.
19. Read the passage and answer: What is the primary goal of the author in writing this piece? In this narrative, Mia tells about the day she finally understood fractions. The author's purpose is to entertain readers while showing how patience can help learning. Mia remembers staring at the worksheet and feeling as if the numbers were floating away. Her teacher, Mr. Chen, notices her frustration and sits beside her. Mr. Chen uses a paper circle to explain the idea. He folds it into equal parts, then shades one section with a marker. Mia sees that one shaded part out of four is one-fourth. The example feels simple, but it changes everything for her. Next, Mia practices with different folds and begins to predict the answers. She makes a few mistakes, yet she corrects them by checking the circle model. Mr. Chen reminds her that confusion is often the first step toward understanding. Mia starts to believe him. By the end of class, Mia smiles when she solves three problems in a row. She leaves the room feeling lighter and more confident. The story uses emotion and detail to keep readers engaged. It also suggests that good teaching can make hard topics feel possible.
20. The second paragraph's function is to

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