ISEE Upper Level Reading Comprehension Practice Test: Practice Test 6

Read the passage, then answer: What is the author trying to convey through this passage?

This expository piece explains photosynthesis with careful sequencing. The author starts by stating that plants need a way to store energy, because sunlight is not available at night. The author then explains that chloroplasts act like tiny factories inside plant cells. In the first stage, light energy is captured and used to split water, which produces oxygen and energizes molecules that carry power to the next stage. The author emphasizes that oxygen is released through stomata, which also help regulate water loss.

In the second stage, the author explains that carbon dioxide is “assembled” into sugar molecules using the energy carriers created earlier. The author uses an analogy, comparing the process to charging a battery and then using that battery to build something useful. A brief text diagram summarizes the flow: “Light → energy carriers → sugar.” The author’s tone is instructional, and the concluding paragraph connects the process to ecosystems, explaining that photosynthesis supports food chains by creating the energy-rich molecules other organisms consume. The author ends by reminding readers that even though photosynthesis happens quietly, it powers much of life on Earth.

The advent of social media has fundamentally altered the landscape of human communication, creating unprecedented opportunities for global connectivity while simultaneously fostering an environment ripe for superficial interactions. Critics argue that these platforms have commodified personal relationships, reducing complex human emotions to simplistic emoji reactions and brief textual exchanges. The irony is palpable: in our quest to become more connected than ever before, we may have inadvertently created the most disconnected generation in human history. Young people, despite having hundreds of 'friends' online, report higher levels of loneliness and social anxiety than previous generations. The promise of digital democracy has devolved into echo chambers where confirmation bias reigns supreme, and meaningful discourse has been supplanted by performative outrage and virtue signaling.

The author's tone toward social media can best be described as:

The ancient library's vast collection had been meticulously catalogued over decades, yet the new librarian found herself overwhelmed by the labyrinthine organization system. Each section seemed to branch into countless subsections, creating a network so complex that even seasoned researchers often became disoriented while searching for specific texts.

In this context, "labyrinthine" most nearly means

Read the passage, then answer the question.

The house on Maple Street had been empty for years, yet it still managed to look busy—busy falling apart. Shingles curled like dry bark. The porch swing hung crooked, frozen mid-sway. Nora stepped through the gate, and the latch clicked behind her with a sound that felt too deliberate.

The yard was silent except for the wind, which worried the tall grass until it hissed. Nora’s flashlight beam skimmed over a mailbox stuffed with soggy flyers. She told herself it was only a building, only wood and nails, but her voice sounded borrowed.

In the entryway, the air turned colder. A sour smell lingered, like forgotten fruit. The wallpaper peeled in long strips, revealing darker patches underneath, as if the house wore bruises. Nora’s breath shortened. She listened for footsteps and heard only her own, and that somehow made it worse.

Upstairs, a door stood slightly open. The gap looked like an eye that refused to blink. Nora reached for the knob, and the floorboard beneath her answered with a sharp crack. She froze, heart hammering, and the darkness seemed to lean closer.

Question: Which emotion does the passage primarily evoke through its language choices?

Read the passage, then answer the question.

In 1928, Alexander Fleming, a bacteriologist working in London, made an observation that led to the discovery of penicillin. Fleming noticed that a mold called Penicillium had contaminated one of his petri dishes. The passage states that bacteria near the mold were not growing, while bacteria farther away continued to grow. Fleming concluded that the mold produced a substance that killed or inhibited bacteria. He named this substance penicillin and published his findings in 1929.

However, the passage explains that penicillin was not immediately produced as a widely usable medicine. During the early 1940s, a team including Howard Florey and Ernst Chain developed methods to purify penicillin and produce it in larger quantities. The passage explicitly states that World War II increased the urgency of producing effective treatments for infected wounds. By 1944, penicillin was being produced on a large scale, and it was used to treat many soldiers. The passage also notes that penicillin is classified as an antibiotic, meaning it fights bacterial infections rather than viral illnesses.

Which of the following is explicitly mentioned in the passage?

The dictator’s relationship with his inner circle was inimical to genuine counsel. He surrounded himself with sycophants who offered only praise, and any advisor who dared to present a dissenting opinion was swiftly purged. This environment of fear ensured that he was insulated from the grim realities of his failing policies.

The word "inimical" in the passage is best defined as...

Mr. Thompson's chemistry class consistently scored below average on standardized tests, despite students reporting that they enjoyed his engaging demonstrations and clear explanations. However, when the school implemented weekly lab practicals where students had to perform experiments independently, his class's test scores improved dramatically and surpassed the school average within one semester.

What can be concluded about the relationship between teaching methods and student learning in this chemistry class?

The transition to renewable energy sources represents one of the most significant infrastructure challenges of the 21st century, with profound implications for economic development, environmental sustainability, and energy security. Renewable technologies like solar and wind power have achieved dramatic cost reductions, making them competitive with or cheaper than fossil fuels in many markets. The environmental benefits are clear: reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, and decreased dependence on finite fossil fuel resources. Additionally, renewable energy could enhance energy security by reducing reliance on volatile international markets and potentially unstable regions. However, the transition faces substantial technical and economic hurdles. Renewable energy sources are inherently intermittent, requiring significant advances in energy storage technology and grid infrastructure to ensure reliable power supply. The upfront capital costs for renewable infrastructure remain high, and the transition may cause economic disruption in regions dependent on fossil fuel industries. Furthermore, manufacturing renewable energy equipment often involves environmentally problematic processes and materials. While the long-term benefits of renewable energy appear substantial, the path to a sustainable energy future requires coordinated planning, technological innovation, and policies that address both the opportunities and challenges of this fundamental economic transformation.

Which of the following best summarizes the main argument of this passage about renewable energy transition?

The popularity of true crime documentaries has coincided with growing public interest in criminal justice reform and wrongful conviction cases. These productions often highlight flaws in police investigations, prosecutorial misconduct, and inadequate legal representation that contribute to miscarriages of justice. While such programming can educate viewers about systemic problems and generate support for reform initiatives, critics argue that entertainment-focused storytelling may oversimplify complex legal issues and exploit tragic circumstances for commercial gain.

The author's perspective on true crime documentaries suggests which view of media's social responsibility?

The negotiations had reached an impasse when both sides refused to compromise on key issues. However, the mediator's sagacious intervention, drawing upon decades of diplomatic experience, helped the parties find common ground and move toward resolution.

In this passage, "sagacious" most nearly means

The negotiations reached an impasse when neither side was willing to compromise on their fundamental demands, leaving diplomats searching for alternative approaches to resolve the conflict.

As used in the passage, "impasse" most closely means

Professor Williams had taught the same introductory psychology course for fifteen years, using identical textbooks, assignments, and exam questions. Despite her consistent teaching methods, she noticed that student performance had been steadily declining over the past three years. During this same period, the university had implemented a new campus-wide wireless internet system, increased the number of students allowed to bring laptops to class, and installed charging stations throughout all lecture halls.

What can be inferred about the likely cause of the declining student performance?

How does the author structure the information in this passage about climate change impacts and responses?

Climate change is often discussed as a distant concern, yet its causes and effects are measurable in the present. Firstly, scientists identify a primary cause: greenhouse gases released when coal, oil, and natural gas are burned for electricity, heating, and transportation. Carbon dioxide concentrations have risen from about 280 parts per million in the preindustrial era to over 420 parts per million in recent years, increasing Earth’s heat retention. Methane from agriculture and leaking fuel systems also contributes; although it persists for a shorter time, it traps more heat per molecule. As a result, average global temperatures have climbed by roughly 1.1°C since the late nineteenth century, shifting weather patterns and altering ecosystems.

Consequently, the effects appear in several interconnected systems. Warmer air holds more water vapor, which can intensify heavy rainfall events; meanwhile, higher evaporation can worsen drought in already arid regions. In coastal areas, thermal expansion of warming seawater and melting land ice contribute to sea-level rise, increasing nuisance flooding during high tides. In contrast to gradual temperature trends, some impacts are episodic and costly, such as heat waves that strain electrical grids and raise health risks. For example, when temperatures remain elevated overnight, the body has less opportunity to recover, and hospitals often report increased heat-related illness.

Because these effects compound, communities face a practical problem: infrastructure designed for past conditions may fail under new extremes. Roads can buckle under prolonged heat, and stormwater systems may be undersized for intense downpours. To address this, planners increasingly combine mitigation and adaptation in a deliberate sequence. Mitigation aims to reduce future warming by cutting emissions; for instance, replacing coal power with wind and solar reduces carbon output without requiring fuel combustion. Adaptation aims to reduce harm from changes already underway; for example, cities can expand tree canopy to lower urban temperatures and revise building codes to improve cooling efficiency.

Similarly, individual choices and institutional policies can reinforce each other. When schools upgrade to efficient lighting and improved insulation, they lower operating costs and reduce emissions; when students learn to evaluate energy use, they can advocate for evidence-based improvements at home. However, the passage emphasizes that no single action is sufficient. Instead, it argues that understanding cause and effect clarifies why layered solutions—technological, behavioral, and infrastructural—are necessary to manage both current risks and long-term outcomes.

Times New Roman, 12-point, double-spaced.

[Editorial]

The school’s new “no homework weekend” policy sounds like a gift, and in some ways it is. Students need rest. Families need time together. Sleep is not a luxury item. It is a basic requirement for thinking clearly.

But the policy is being treated as a magic trick, as if removing homework automatically removes stress. It does not. Tests still exist. Projects still pile up. When assignments are simply moved to Monday through Thursday, the workload can become heavier, not lighter. Students end up sprinting all week so they can collapse on Saturday.

A better plan would focus on coordination, not just rules. Departments could agree on major due dates, so three big assignments do not land on the same day. Teachers could offer smaller, spaced-out practice instead of one large task that appears overnight. Students could be taught how to plan, rather than being told, once again, to “manage your time” without any guidance.

The goal should be balance. A weekend without homework is helpful only if the weekdays are reasonable. Otherwise, the policy becomes a nice-sounding sign taped over a crowded schedule.

Rest matters. So does honesty about what causes stress in the first place.

Which word best describes the author's tone?

Passage A: Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by improving diagnostic accuracy, personalizing treatment plans, and reducing medical errors that cost thousands of lives annually. Machine learning algorithms can analyze medical images with greater precision than human radiologists, predict patient deterioration before symptoms appear, and identify optimal drug dosages based on individual genetic profiles. As healthcare costs continue to rise and physician shortages worsen in many regions, AI offers tools to make quality medical care more accessible and affordable.

Passage B: The integration of artificial intelligence into healthcare raises profound ethical concerns about the medicalization of human experience and the erosion of the doctor-patient relationship. Algorithms trained on biased datasets may perpetuate or amplify existing healthcare disparities, particularly affecting marginalized communities. Moreover, the complexity of AI systems makes it difficult for physicians to understand or explain treatment recommendations to patients, undermining informed consent and shared decision-making that form the foundation of ethical medical practice.

How do the passages differ in their primary concerns regarding AI implementation in healthcare?

Passage A: Nuclear energy provides reliable, carbon-free electricity generation that can operate continuously regardless of weather conditions, unlike solar and wind power. Modern reactor designs incorporate advanced safety systems and produce significantly less radioactive waste than earlier technologies. Nuclear power has one of the lowest lifecycle carbon footprints among all energy sources and could play a crucial role in meeting climate goals while maintaining energy security.

Passage B: Nuclear power faces persistent challenges that limit its expansion as a clean energy solution. Construction costs and timelines for new plants have increased dramatically, making nuclear projects financially risky compared to renewable alternatives. Long-term radioactive waste storage remains an unsolved problem, while public concerns about safety persist despite technological improvements. Decommissioning old plants requires decades and billions of dollars.

When synthesizing both passages, what characterizes the role of nuclear energy in addressing climate change?

Which piece of evidence best supports the author's main argument?

 The author argues that the success of the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955–1956) depended on organized community networks as much as on a single dramatic moment. While Rosa Parks’s arrest on December 1, 1955, is often highlighted, the author concludes that sustained planning, communication, and alternative transportation enabled the boycott to last more than a year. The passage emphasizes that leadership groups coordinated carpools, raised funds, and kept participants informed despite intimidation.

 The author references primary sources, including meeting notes from local churches and announcements published in community newsletters. These records show scheduled pickup routes, volunteer driver lists, and collections for gasoline and vehicle repairs. Secondary historians cited in the passage argue that such logistical details transformed moral protest into a durable campaign. Without reliable transportation, many workers would have been forced to return to the buses quickly.

 The passage also notes the legal outcome: in November 1956, the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Browder v. Gayle effectively ended bus segregation in Montgomery. However, the author maintains that the court ruling was reached only because the boycott endured long enough to keep national attention focused. Therefore, the author concludes that collective organization was the boycott’s decisive strength.

The Pacific Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped region around the rim of the Pacific Ocean where about 90% of the world's earthquakes occur. This area is characterized by a string of 452 volcanoes and is home to over 75% of the world's active and dormant volcanoes. The Ring of Fire stretches for 40,000 kilometers and includes the coasts of South America, North America, Asia, and Australia. The high level of seismic activity in this region is caused by the movement and collision of tectonic plates beneath the Pacific Ocean. When these massive plates shift, they can trigger earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. Countries within the Ring of Fire, including Japan, Indonesia, Chile, and the Philippines, have developed sophisticated early warning systems and building codes to protect their populations from these natural disasters.

According to the passage, what specific characteristic makes countries in the Ring of Fire particularly vulnerable to multiple types of natural disasters?

The rise and fall of civilizations often follows predictable patterns that historians have identified across cultures and time periods. Initially, societies develop strong institutions, military capabilities, and economic prosperity that enable expansion and dominance. This success, however, often leads to complacency, corruption, and internal conflicts that weaken social cohesion. External pressures from rival powers or environmental challenges then exploit these vulnerabilities, accelerating decline. Finally, collapse occurs when institutions can no longer maintain order or provide essential services. Yet from these ruins, new civilizations often emerge, beginning the cycle anew with fresh energy and different approaches to governance and organization.

This passage is structured according to which organizational pattern?

Read the passage, then answer: How does the tone of the passage help reveal the author’s purpose?

In this persuasive essay, the author argues against requiring school uniforms. The author begins by describing a classroom where students are learning to debate, paint, and design robots, then asks why a school would “flatten” those differences with identical clothing. The author’s tone is passionate and protective, emphasizing that adolescents are still discovering who they are. The author acknowledges that uniforms might reduce some clothing-based teasing, but insists that schools should address unkind behavior directly rather than “covering it with matching shirts.”

To support the argument, the author cites a parent association report showing that uniform costs can rise when families must buy items from specific vendors. The author also points out that dress codes already exist and can be enforced fairly without a complete uniform requirement. The author uses a rhetorical question—“If we trust students to choose their electives, why not trust them to choose their clothes?”—to appeal to fairness and responsibility. The essay closes by urging administrators to invest in counseling and community-building instead of uniform policies, claiming that respect is taught through relationships, not fabric.

The increasing prevalence of microplastics in our environment represents one of the most pervasive yet poorly understood forms of pollution in human history. These tiny plastic particles, measuring less than five millimeters, have been detected in virtually every ecosystem on Earth, from the deepest ocean trenches to the highest mountain peaks, and even in human blood and placental tissue. The sources are ubiquitous: synthetic clothing fibers released during washing, tire wear particles from vehicles, degraded plastic waste, and countless industrial processes. While the full health implications remain unclear, preliminary studies suggest potential concerns ranging from cellular inflammation to endocrine disruption. The scale of the problem appears overwhelming—microplastics are now so widespread that complete removal from the environment is likely impossible. However, this does not mean the situation is hopeless. Emerging research focuses on developing biodegradable plastic alternatives, improving waste management systems, and creating technologies to capture microplastics before they enter waterways. The key may lie not in eliminating existing microplastics but in dramatically reducing future inputs while better understanding and mitigating health risks.

What is the main thesis presented in this passage regarding microplastic pollution?

Dr. Elizabeth Hartwell adjusted her microscope for the third time that morning, her hands trembling slightly with anticipation. After eighteen months of painstaking research, countless failed experiments, and more sleepless nights than she cared to remember, the breakthrough she had been seeking finally appeared within reach. The cellular samples before her showed unmistakable signs of regeneration—something that conventional wisdom had declared impossible. She documented each observation with meticulous care, knowing that this discovery could revolutionize medicine and offer hope to millions of patients worldwide. As she prepared to contact her research team, Dr. Hartwell allowed herself a rare moment of quiet satisfaction.

The predominant mood conveyed in this passage is one of

The corporation's latest financial report contained several euphemistic descriptions of its recent setbacks. Where other companies might have admitted to "massive losses," this firm described its situation as "negative growth opportunities" and "challenging market dynamics."

As used in the passage, "euphemistic" most closely means