Practice Test 2 - ISEE Upper Level Essay
18 questions. Answer them in any order, then submit to see your score and every explanation.
- Based on his research showing that uniforms reduce bullying but may stifle individual expression, which thesis statement would best guide Marcus's essay structure?
- Which revision best corrects the pronoun reference problem in this sentence: 'When Sarah talked to Maria about the project, she seemed very enthusiastic about it'?
- Argue for or against year-round schooling, using the prompt's details about learning loss and family schedules.
- Which revision approach would most effectively strengthen this conclusion's impact and sophistication?
- When developing a thesis statement for an analytical essay about the character development in a novel, which approach would be most effective for creating a focused argument?
- Which sentence demonstrates the clearest and most concise expression of the intended idea?
- In the personal essay about learning time management, what evidence is used to support the idea that planning reduces stress?
- A student writing about the importance of arts education includes this example: 'Students in schools with robust arts programs show improved academic performance across all subjects.' What additional information would most strengthen this supporting evidence?
- Argue for or against replacing some paper homework with project-based assignments, using specific examples.
- To create a thesis that effectively synthesizes his research findings, Robert should:
- In this narrative paragraph, which sentence best improves the clarity of the passage? During math club, I tried to explain my solution to a tricky logic puzzle. I spoke quickly, and my teammates looked confused. It was not going well. Then I paused, pointed to the key clue, and restated the steps in order. After that, everyone nodded, and one student added a helpful shortcut. I learned that a calm pace can make even a hard idea easier to share.
- Write a 4–5 paragraph essay evaluating the theme of ambition and responsibility in Shakespeare's Macbeth. Your thesis states that unchecked ambition corrodes moral judgment by encouraging self-justifying choices and escalating violence. Support at least two ideas using direct quotations, such as Macbeth admitting that he has "no spur" but ambition, and his later claim that he is "in blood" and must continue. Organize with an introduction, body paragraphs with transitions, and a conclusion. In the context of the passage, how does the author use examples to strengthen their argument?
- Which approach would be MOST effective for addressing potential counterarguments in a multi-paragraph response essay?
- An essay claims volunteering builds leadership. Which addition best supports a body paragraph on tutoring?
- Support 'later start times improve grades' with the strongest example.
- Which element would be MOST crucial for creating effective unity in a multi-paragraph response essay?
- In an essay about the benefits of reading fiction, which supporting example demonstrates the weakest connection to the main argument?
- Write a 4–5 paragraph literary analysis of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. Your thesis states that the novel shows moral courage as a quiet commitment to justice despite social pressure. Develop at least two supporting ideas, each anchored in relevant quotations, such as Atticus advising Scout that "you never really understand a person" until you consider his perspective, and Atticus defending Tom Robinson even when the town disapproves. Organize with an introduction, body paragraphs with transitions, and a concluding restatement. Which statement provides the best evidence for the claim that moral courage persists despite social pressure?