Practice Test 1 - ISEE Upper Level Essay

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

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1. Analyze the effects of smartphone limits at school on learning and relationships, using specific examples.
2. When revising a thesis statement that feels too broad, which strategy would most effectively narrow the focus while maintaining argumentative strength?
3. What revision makes the paragraph more coherent? Renewable energy can strengthen a community's budget. First, sunlight and wind are free, so towns can reduce fuel purchases. Next, maintenance costs are often predictable. My cousin likes to skateboard after school. Finally, when energy costs are steadier, planners can fund other services with more confidence. These points show why renewables can support long-term financial planning.
4. When writing a response to a prompt that asks for analysis of a complex issue, which approach would demonstrate the MOST sophisticated thinking?
5. Write a 4–5 paragraph literary analysis of Elie Wiesel's Night, focusing on how the memoir develops the theme of dehumanization. Your thesis claims that the narrative shows dehumanization operating through physical deprivation and the erosion of moral relationships. Support at least two ideas with direct quotations, such as Wiesel describing hunger and exhaustion, and his observation that fear can turn prisoners against one another. Organize logically with transitions and a concluding synthesis. What evidence is used to support the idea that dehumanization erodes moral relationships?
6. To strengthen her thesis statement, Maria should focus on:
7. A student has written: 'The experiment was conducted by our team last week, and the results were analyzed by the lab assistant, and then the data was compiled by me.' Which revision best improves clarity and reduces wordiness?
8. To create an effective thesis statement that incorporates all three areas while maintaining focus, Sarah should:
9. Which of the following best describes the relationship between a thesis statement and the essay's supporting paragraphs in effective essay planning?
10. Which characteristic would indicate that a multi-paragraph essay demonstrates sophisticated understanding of the writing task?
11. A writer claims that peer tutoring programs benefit both tutors and students being tutored. Which supporting example best demonstrates reciprocal advantages?
12. Which example is only anecdotal support for 'exercise reduces stress'?
13. An essay argues that music education enhances cognitive development. Which example provides support while avoiding overgeneralization?
14. For a strong conclusion, which move is least effective?
15. When developing supporting details for body paragraphs in a multi-paragraph essay, which approach would provide the STRONGEST foundation for the argument?
16. A student argues that schools should eliminate letter grades in favor of narrative assessments. Which supporting example most directly addresses concerns about college admissions?
17. A student writes that schools should eliminate homework for students under age 12. Which supporting example most effectively uses authoritative sources while avoiding appeal to false authority?
18. A draft intro has a vague hook, then a thesis. Which addition best improves it?
19. To develop a thesis statement that effectively connects her historical and contemporary elements, Jennifer should:
20. A student wrote: 'Having studied for hours, the test was still difficult.' Which type of error does this sentence contain, and what is the best revision?

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