isee middle level essay prompt

ISEE Writing Prompts: Prepare for Your ISEE Exam

My name is Debbie, and I am passionate about developing a love for the written word and planting a seed that will grow into a powerful voice that can inspire many.

Are you ready to tackle the writing portion of the ISEE exam with confidence? Whether you’re a middle or high school student , mastering the art of writing is essential for academic success. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the ISEE writing prompts, preparing you to express your ideas eloquently and impress the admissions committees. In this article, we’ll delve into the various types of ISEE writing prompts and provide you with valuable strategies and tips to ace this section of the exam. So, let’s dive in and unlock your writing potential!

Understanding the ISEE Writing Prompts

Unraveling the isee writing prompts, mastering the structure and format of the isee essay, developing a strong thesis statement for your isee essay, crafting well-supported arguments in your isee essay, enhancing your isee essay with strong vocabulary and sentence structure, practicing time management for a high-scoring isee essay, frequently asked questions, final thoughts.

Writing prompts in the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) can be daunting, but with a solid understanding of what they entail, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle them head-on. Here are a few key points to help you navigate these prompts effectively:

• Grasp the prompt type: ISEE writing prompts usually fall into three categories – creative, analytical, and open-ended. Creative prompts encourage imaginative storytelling, analytical prompts require critical thinking and analysis, while open-ended prompts allow you to freely express your thoughts. Identifying the prompt type helps you frame your response accordingly.
• Read thoroughly and analyze: Before diving into crafting your response, take the time to read and comprehend the prompt thoroughly. Highlight any keywords or instructions that will guide your writing. Once you have a clear understanding of the prompt’s expectations, analyze the subject matter and brainstorm various angles or perspectives you can adopt in your essay.
• Construct a well-organized response: Successful ISEE essays are not only well-written but also well-structured. Begin with a captivating introduction that sets the tone for your essay, followed by well-developed paragraphs that support your main points. Ensure logical transitions between ideas, and wrap up with a strong conclusion that summarizes your key arguments.

By familiarizing yourself with the diverse ISEE writing prompts and employing these strategies, you can confidently approach these essay questions and showcase your writing capabilities. Remember to practice regularly and seek feedback to refine your skills. With dedication and preparation, you’ll be ready to conquer the ISEE writing section!

The ISEE essay is an important component of the Independent School Entrance Examination. To excel in this section, it is crucial to understand the structure and format of the essay. Here are some key tips to help you master the art of essay writing for the ISEE:

• Introduction: Start your essay with a concise opening paragraph that clearly states your main argument or thesis. This should grab the reader’s attention and set the tone for the rest of your essay.
• Body paragraphs: The body of your essay should consist of several paragraphs, each focusing on a different supporting point. Make sure to provide evidence and examples to validate your points. Use logical transitions to smoothly connect your ideas and maintain coherence throughout.
• Conclusion: End your essay with a strong conclusion that summarizes your main points and reinforces your thesis. Avoid introducing new ideas in the conclusion; instead, leave the reader with a lasting impression of your argument.

Additionally, here are some additional tips to enhance your essay writing skills for the ISEE:

• Practice time management: Allocate sufficient time for planning, writing, and revising your essay. Ensure that you allow enough time to proofread for grammatical and spelling errors.
• Vary sentence structure and vocabulary: Employ a mix of sentence types, including simple, compound, and complex sentences. Utilize a wide range of vocabulary to showcase your language proficiency.
• Stay focused and concise: Stick to the topic and avoid going off on tangents. Be concise and precise in your writing to ensure you effectively communicate your ideas.

By and implementing these writing tips, you can significantly improve your performance in this crucial section. Practice regularly, develop your own unique writing style, and approach each essay with confidence.

When writing your ISEE essay, one of the most crucial elements is developing a strong thesis statement. Your thesis statement sets the tone and direction for your entire essay, so it’s essential to craft it carefully. Here are some tips to help you create a compelling thesis statement that will impress the graders:

• Be clear and concise: A strong thesis statement should clearly state what your essay is about and the main argument you will be making. Avoid vague or broad statements; instead, focus on a specific and debatable point that you can support with evidence.
• Choose a unique perspective: To stand out from other essays, try to approach the topic from a fresh and unique angle. Think outside the box and offer a perspective that is thought-provoking and different from the obvious.
• Evidence-based reasoning: Your thesis statement should be supported by evidence and logical reasoning. It’s important to demonstrate that you have carefully considered different viewpoints and can support your argument with facts or examples.

Remember, your thesis statement is the backbone of your essay. It lays the foundation for the arguments you will make in the body paragraphs. Take your time to refine and polish your thesis statement, ensuring that it captures the essence of your essay and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

When writing your ISEE essay, it is crucial to craft well-supported arguments that effectively convey your ideas to the reader. Here are some tips to help you create compelling and persuasive arguments:

• Evidence is Key: Support your claims with relevant evidence such as facts, statistics, or examples. This not only adds credibility to your argument but also strengthens your overall essay. Remember to use reputable sources and ensure that the evidence directly relates to your main points.
• Logical Reasoning: Use logical reasoning to connect your evidence to your claims. Present a clear chain of reasoning that demonstrates how your evidence supports your argument. This will make your essay more cohesive and convincing to the reader.
• Counterarguments: Address counterarguments to showcase your ability to consider different perspectives. Anticipate opposing viewpoints and provide thoughtful rebuttals. By doing so, you demonstrate your understanding of the topic and strengthen your own argument.

Organization: Structure your essay in a logical and coherent manner. Start with a strong thesis statement that clearly states your position. Then, organize your body paragraphs by presenting one main idea or argument per paragraph. Make sure each paragraph supports your thesis and flows smoothly into the next. Finally, conclude your essay by summarizing your main points and restating your thesis to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

By following these strategies, you can develop well-supported arguments that grab the attention of your readers and persuade them to accept your viewpoint.

To make your ISEE essay stand out and impress the graders, it is crucial to incorporate strong vocabulary and sentence structure. By doing so, you will not only demonstrate your command of the English language but also convey your ideas with clarity and eloquence. Here are some effective tips to enhance your essay:

• Expand your vocabulary: Incorporate diverse and sophisticated vocabulary words into your essay. This will add depth and precision to your writing. Make use of synonyms, antonyms, and idiomatic expressions to paint a vivid picture in the reader’s mind.
• Utilize precise language: Choose words that accurately convey your intended meaning. Avoid ambiguity by using precise language. This will help prevent misunderstandings and ensure your message is communicated effectively.
• Employ varied sentence structures: Avoid using repetitive sentence structures that make your essay sound monotonous. Instead, experiment with different sentence types, such as compound, complex, and simple sentences. This will add variety and flow to your writing.

Furthermore, it is important to maintain coherence and cohesion throughout your essay:

• Organize your ideas logically: Structure your essay in a way that presents your arguments in a clear and logical manner. Begin with an engaging introduction, develop your ideas coherently in the body paragraphs, and conclude with a strong closing statement.
• Use transitional words and phrases: Smoothly connect your ideas using transitional words and phrases, such as “however,” “in addition,” or “moreover.” These transitional elements help guide the reader through your essay and create a seamless flow of thoughts.
• Proofread and revise: Finally, ensure your essay is error-free by proofreading and revising it carefully. Check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling mistakes. Eliminate unnecessary repetition and refine your sentences to improve their clarity and conciseness.

Mastering time management is essential when it comes to excelling in the ISEE essay section. To maximize your scoring potential, it’s crucial to allocate your time effectively and efficiently. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your limited writing time:

• Plan your essay before you begin writing: Spending a few minutes brainstorming and organizing your ideas can save valuable time later. Create a clear outline that includes your main arguments and supporting evidence. This will provide structure to your essay and prevent you from getting sidetracked.
• Manage your time wisely during the writing process: Divide your available time into manageable chunks for each section of your essay – introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Stick to these time limits to keep yourself focused and ensure a balanced essay. Remember, editing and proofreading are equally important, so set aside time for these tasks as well.

Additionally, prioritize your thoughts and don’t get bogged down by perfectionism. It’s crucial to maintain a steady pace and avoid getting stuck on a single sentence or idea.

Furthermore, practice timed essays to build your speed and improve your time management skills . Set a timer and simulate exam conditions as closely as possible. This will help you become familiar with writing under time pressure, allowing you to refine your technique and confidence. By honing your time management skills, you’ll not only produce a high-scoring ISEE essay but also cultivate a valuable skill for future academic and professional endeavors.

Q: What is the purpose of the ISEE Writing Prompts?

A: The ISEE Writing Prompts are designed to assess a student’s writing skills and ability to generate well-structured, cohesive, and persuasive responses within a limited time frame. They are an essential part of the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) and play a crucial role in the admissions process for many prestigious private schools.

Q: How many writing prompts can a student expect to encounter on the ISEE exam?

A: The ISEE exam consists of one writing prompt for each test level. Therefore, depending on the level of the exam you are taking (Lower, Middle, or Upper), you can expect to encounter one unique writing prompt.

Q: What types of writing prompts can be expected on the ISEE exam?

A: The ISEE exam typically presents students with either a narrative or an essay prompt. The narrative prompt usually asks students to write a creative story, while the essay prompt requires students to offer a well-structured opinion or argument on a given topic.

Q: How much time is provided to complete the writing prompts during the ISEE exam?

A: Students are provided with 30 minutes to complete the writing prompt section of the ISEE exam. It is crucial to manage your time wisely, as this time constraint allows admissions officers to evaluate your ability to think quickly and respond effectively under pressure.

Q: What scoring criteria do the examiners use to assess the writing prompts?

A: The ISEE writing prompts are evaluated based on various criteria, including the quality of ideas and content, organization and structure, language and vocabulary usage, and grammar and mechanics. Admissions officers assess how well students address the prompt, develop their ideas, use examples and evidence, and exhibit a strong command of the English language.

Q: How can students best prepare for the ISEE writing section?

A: To excel in the ISEE writing section, it is important to practice writing in a timed environment. Familiarize yourself with the different types of writing prompts that might appear on the exam and develop a clear and concise writing style. Practice outlining and proofreading your work to ensure a well-structured and error-free response.

Q: Are there any specific resources available for ISEE writing prompt practice?

A: Yes, various study guides and online resources offer practice materials and sample prompts to help students prepare for the ISEE writing section. These resources can provide valuable insights into the expectations and requirements of the exam, allowing students to enhance their writing skills and gain confidence before their test date.

Q: Is it advisable to seek additional writing assistance or tutoring for the ISEE exam?

A: In some cases, students may find it beneficial to seek additional writing assistance or tutoring to sharpen their skills further. Professional tutors can provide personalized guidance and feedback, helping students understand their strengths and weaknesses and develop effective strategies for tackling the ISEE writing prompts.

Q: How important is the ISEE writing section in the overall admissions process?

A: While the weight given to the ISEE writing section may vary from school to school, it is an essential component of the admissions process. Admissions officers utilize the writing prompts as an indicator of a student’s ability to express themselves clearly and effectively. Therefore, giving your best effort and practicing beforehand can greatly enhance your chances of gaining acceptance to your desired school.

In conclusion, practicing ISEE writing prompts is crucial for success on the exam. Taking the time to prepare will boost your confidence and improve your chances of achieving a high score. So start practicing today to excel on the ISEE!

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How to Nail the ISEE’s essay

We get a lot of questions about the essay section of the ISEE. In truth, the essay is a bit of an enigma. First off, it is not graded, but instead is sent to the schools to which your student is applying. For that reason, the criteria for a good essay can vary widely. Some schools see the ISEE’s essay is a crucial part of the overall application, while others don’t put very much emphasis on it at all.

Even with this caveat in mind, prepping for the essay can be just as important as practicing the ISEE’s multiple-choice sections. But what makes a good essay?

This is probably the most common question we get regarding the essay: how long does it need to be? And here’s our best non-answer: really, there’s no length requirement. The most important thing is to use all of the allotted time. There’s no set word count that schools look for. There’s not a minimum number of sentences. What’s critical, though, is the format and structure of your essay.

Structure & Layout

Structure should be your guiding principle on the ISEE’s essay. No matter the prompt, your essay needs to include an introduction, a supporting middle, and a conclusion.

In the introduction, tell the reader about your main idea–what is a one-sentence answer to the question posed in the prompt? Once you’ve answered that in your first paragraph, lay out a couple of paragraphs that support your main idea. If someone asked you why you answered the prompt with the main idea you chose, what would you answer? Use supporting evidence like a story from your life or something you’ve learned. In your final paragraph, briefly sum everything up. Restate your main idea in a different way and remind the reader why you came up with that main idea in the first place.

And if you’ve finished your section with a whole lot of time to spare, you haven’t finished! So that leads us to…

Time Management

The most critical aspect of good time management on the essay is to use every single minute you’re given. If you’ve finished way early, then your essay is not as strong as it could be.

The best way to nail the timing on your essay is by practicing. If you’re consistently finishing with several minutes to spare, try putting one or two more supporting sentences into each of your body paragraphs. Remember, the essay isn’t a race! The schools who read your sample are not going to know that you’re a very fast writer–but they will be able to tell how much effort you put into your sample.

And finally, spend a few minutes ensuring that you’ve nailed the…

Writing Fundamentals

Admissions departments will also care about how sound the fundamentals of your essay are. We’re talking about grammar, usage, spelling, and punctuation. These are not areas that the multiple-choice sections test you on, so the essay is where you can show your stuff. To do this, try to budget at least three minutes at the end of your time to read over and edit your essay. Be sure that all of your sentences make sense, that all of your words are spelled correctly, and that all of your punctuation marks (commas, apostrophes, etc.) are all in the right place. Once you’ve proofread and are confident that your essay is the best it can be, then you’re done!

Test Innovators now offers Personalized Essay Feedback on the essay portions of our practice tests! To learn more, click here for  Lower ,  Middle , and Upper  levels.

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Mastering the ISEE Essay

Posted on September 4th, 2019 by btsadmin . Posted in ISEE , ISEE Admission Essay , ISEE Strategy , ISEE test prep , Standardized Tests , Test Taking Strategies - 0 Comments

The key to mastering the ISEE essay is preparing yourself for the difficulty of developing a full essay within 30 minutes. Before we discuss the details of the essay assignment, there’s something you need to know: your ISEE essay is not being scored. It will be sent along with the rest of your test to the schools to which you are applying. It is going to be looked at alongside your admission essay (if the school requires one) and sample essays from your classwork. One of the main reasons for the schools to include an ISEE essay component is to ensure that each student’s application essays match the level of the essays they complete on the exam. It is a red flag to a school if it does not sound like the same student has submitted all of these pieces of writing. 

In addition to this, the reviewers are looking for a consistent writing style and general writing competency in each student. Don’t worry about the fact that this will not be as good of an essay as you could write if you had more time and could put together a revised draft. They know you don’t have much time and are not expecting perfection. 

Essay Questions

ISEE essay questions fall into two categories: 

• The Standard Essay: When you are prompted to craft a standard essay, you are expected to create an introductory paragraph with a thesis statement as well as supporting body paragraphs and a conclusion, which is a summation of the points presented and a restatement of the thesis. 
•   A Fiction Story:  Requires creative writing and using your imagination.  

Either way, you won’t have much time, just 30 minutes. Here are the types of prompts that you can expect:

ISEE Lower Level: Topic 1: Describe in detail where and how you would spend your perfect vacation. Topic 2: What would you like to do to make the world a nicer place in which to live? Explain. Topic 3: Who is your favorite relative? Why have you chosen this person?

ISEE Middle Level: Topic 1: If you could improve your school in one way, what would that be? Describe the improvement you would make and explain how it would benefit students. Topic 2: What would be the perfect career for you some day? Topic 3: There are many problems in our world today. Name one you would like to solve and explain how you would do it.

ISEE Upper Level: Topic 1: Of the books you have read in the past year, which one made the biggest impression on you and why? Topic 2: Your school requires you to perform forty hours of community service in order to graduate. Describe which type of community service you would choose and explain your choice. Topic 3: Describe what you would consider a “really successful person.” Explain why you consider this person and this person’s qualities to be successful.

For the essay prompts that ask you to answer a question, such as Of the books you have read in the past year, which one made the biggest impression on you and why?, your goal is to structure an essay that answers the question and presents paragraphs with supporting evidence. Your essay should have four paragraphs: the introduction, two supporting paragraphs, and the conclusion. 

Your answer to the given question will form the thesis of your essay and will be the first sentence in your essay. It is simply rephrasing the question so that you are answering it. For example, This year I read The Giver, and it made a big impression on me because _________. What you put in that blank will be your thesis. For example, … it made a big impression on me because I could relate to how Jonas wanted more choices over how he lived his life, or …it made a big impression on me because like Jonas, I don’t always agree with all the rules that I have to follow. 

You then need to write two supporting paragraphs about your thesis. Each supporting paragraph should be a different reason why you have made your claim. For example, if you wanted Jonas to have more choices over how he lived his life, you could give two different of examples of times when he did not have choices in his life, each one its own paragraph. Or, if you don’t always agree with the rules you have to follow, like Jonas, you could have two separate paragraphs citing two separate rules that you don’t agree with in your own life. Notice how you can take this essay prompt in two different ways: you can directly use examples from the book, or you can make your thesis about your own life and how you relate to the book. Either way is fine, as long as you can come up with two supporting paragraphs, each its own reason to back up your thesis. Your conclusion will remind the reader of your thesis and will summarize the two supporting paragraphs, showing the reader why you chose them to back up your thesis. 

Schools want to make sure that you have developed each of your paragraphs in a clear and organized way, used interesting vocabulary choices, and varied your sentence structure. Schools are not looking for a perfectly polished essay, but they do want to see that you know how to structure your writing into the format described above, and that you can develop your ideas in a clear and cohesive way.

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Ace the ISEE Middle Level with  Top-Rated Prep Material

The isee middle level, one of the main private middle school entrance exams , is a challenging test  covering a wide range of concepts. that’s why we’ve created comprehensive and effective test prep resources for the exam, including a practice workbook with over 2500 practice problems and three full-length practice tests, a comprehensive list of free math videos covering every topic in our workbook, and free study notes ..

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ISEE Middle Level: 2500 + Practice Questions

Feel prepared on test day with our comprehensive practice workbook. with over 2500 practice questions, three full-length practice tests, and detailed answer solutions for every question, our book is the most comprehensive isee middle level prep book on the market., free videos, the quantitative reasoning and mathematics achievement sections of the isee middle level are challenging for students. our math youtube channel, partners in prime , contains videos covering some of the most common math topics that show up on the isee middle level. we’ve also compiled a list of youtube videos covering every math topic in our isee middle level workbook..

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Other High School , Early Achievers (7th/8th Grade)

Thinking of attending a private elementary, middle, or high school in the United States? Then you'll need to take an entrance exam called the ISEE. But what exactly does this test entail? In this article, we'll go over what the ISEE test is, how it's structured and scored, what a good score on the ISEE exam looks like, and how to study effectively for it.

What Is ISEE? An Overview

What is ISEE? The Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) is an exam created and administered by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB). It tests students' individual academic achievements and reasoning skills as a basis for admission to private schools in the US and internationally. Currently, the ISEE is accepted by more than 1,200 institutions around the world .

The purpose of this exam is to quantify your academic accomplishments and reasoning ability. It's used by private school admissions committees to predict your success at their school and is administered in either a paper or online format.

The ISEE is given to students in specific age brackets and broken into four levels:

• Primary (entrance to grades 2-4)
• Lower (entrance to grades 5-6)
• Middle (entrance to grades 7-8)
• Upper (entrance to grades 9-12)

How Is the ISEE Exam Structured?

The ISEE test focuses on multiple educational subjects to evaluate your performance in each. Note that the Primary ISEE test differs significantly from the Lower, Middle, and Upper Level ISEE exams; thus, we've divided the general exam structures below into two groups.

ISEE Exam Structure for Lower, Middle, and Upper Levels

How long is the ISEE test? The Lower, Middle, and Upper Level ISEE exams are composed of five separately timed sections :

• Verbal Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Reading Comprehension
• Mathematics Achievement
• Essay (optional)

Here's a brief comparison of the structure of the ISEE test at each of these three levels:

Let's look at each section in more detail:

• Section 1: Verbal Reasoning— Includes two subsections with questions on synonyms and sentence completion. This section tests grade-level appropriate vocabulary and sentence-completion ability. Students are asked to choose the appropriate word or phrase that best completes the sentence.
• Section 2: Quantitative Reasoning— Addresses multiple math concepts and has several subsections as well as various word problems. Concepts tested include (1) numbers and operations, (2) algebra, (3) geometry, (4) measurement, (5) data analysis and probability, (6) concepts/understanding, (7) applications/higher order thinking, and (8) quantitative comparisons.
• Section 3: Reading Comprehension— Tests students' ability to understand and interpret questions based on six reading passages on humanities, science, and social studies subjects. For each passage, you'll get the passage first and then questions that correspond to it.
• Section 4: Mathematics Achievement— The final multiple-choice section on the ISEE test. This section tests topics such as (1) numbers and operations, (2) algebraic concepts, (3) geometric concepts, (4) measurement, and (5) data analysis and probability.
• Section 5: Essay (optional)— An optional timed essay. Students are given an essay prompt and asked to produce a well-informed essay on a particular topic.

The first four ISEE sections consist of multiple-choice questions, each with four answer choices labeled (A), (B), (C), and (D). The optional writing exercise at the end is a timed essay.

Depending on the student's ISEE level, the number of questions and time allotted can vary. Middle and Upper Level students have more time to complete the Reading Comprehension and Mathematics Achievement sections than Lower Level students do (though they also have to answer more questions).

Here's what you'll be tested on in each ISEE exam section. Note that the difficulty level will increase as you move up the levels:

ISEE Exam Structure for Primary Level

The Primary ISEE exam is structured differently than the Lower, Middle, and Upper Level ISEE exams. It's also the only ISEE test that's offered exclusively in an online format (the ones above are available as either paper or computer exams).

Here's what to expect on the Primary exam:

*Not required for students applying to schools in New York City

And here's a quick look at the content tested on each Primary ISEE exam:

How Is the ISEE Test Scored?

Most students get their ISEE test scores seven to 10 business days after they take the test. ISEE test scores are automatically sent to the schools you've indicated.

Contrary to what you might expect, an ISEE score is not a simple measure of right and wrong; rather, students receive a scaled score on their ISEE test.

The scaled score is provided by ERB, the group that administers the ISEE exam. Scaled scores run from 760 to 940 and include a percentile ranking (1-99) to compare the student's score with the norm of test takers from the last three years.

The percentile ranking helps private schools compare a student's performance with others in their applicant cohorts. The higher your percentile, the better your ISEE score. For example, a 45th percentile ranking means that the student scored the same as or better than 45% of students in the last three years.

As for the essay, it is not scored by ERB but instead forwarded to schools for inclusion in the applicant's portfolio.

What's a Good ISEE Exam Score?

There's no one definition for what a good ISEE exam score is. Ultimately, what makes a good ISEE test score is determined by the school you're applying to . Each private school has its own view of what's considered an acceptable ISEE score. If you want to learn more about what to aim for, it's best to contact that school's admissions office.

Generally speaking, though, many schools will accept ISEE scores in the 25th-40th percentiles . More selective private schools might require scores in at least the 75th percentile.

Many students applying to a private school are already high performing. Even if you rank average on the ISEE, that doesn't mean you have average academic performance; rather, it just means you rank on average when compared with other high-performing ISEE test takers .

For more details on what's considered a good ISEE score, check out our guide .

How to Study for the ISEE Test

Preparation is key to doing well on the ISEE. And the better you do on it, the better chance you'll have of getting admitted into the independent school you want to attend.

The best way to do well on the ISEE exam is to have a strategy for before and during the test .

Before taking the test, you should practice and study accordingly, drilling yourself on various questions relating to each test section.

Many students struggle with timing, so practicing timed tests under similar conditions to test day (i.e., in a silent room with only the prescribed breaks) can help ease nerves and set yourself up for success when you take the real thing. The more you understand the structure of the ISEE, as well as how it's scored, the more confident you'll feel on test day.

Students can use a number of different resources to prepare, including ISEE study books and online practice questions and tests . They can also work in groups or one-on-one with a qualified ISEE tutor.

One thing to note: the ISEE is not the only determining factor for private school acceptance . Other achievements such as extracurricular activities, academic accomplishments, motivation, and personality are also considered in the admission process.

So if your ISEE score isn't ideal, don't lose heart: there are other factors that will be evaluated, too!

Recap: What Is ISEE and How Can You Do Well on It?

The Independent School Entrance Examination, or ISEE, is an important stepping stone in a child's academic career and a big factor for private school admission.

But that doesn't mean you need to worry about it! Through effective preparation, your student can score well on the ISEE and get into the school of their choice. As a wise scholar once said, "Don't stress. And do your best."

What's Next?

When is the next ISEE test? Figure out how much time you have left to prep for the ISEE with our guide to all the upcoming ISEE test dates .

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How does the ISEE differ from the SSAT? Both are admissions tests used by private schools, but they're not at all the same thing! See how these two exams compare with each other in our expert guide .

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.

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The ISEE Middle Level: Everything You Need to Know

The use of the ISEE Middle Level as part of the admission process for prestigious private schools has recently grown in popularity. So if your child plans to apply to a school for 7th or 8th grade, then chances are that you’ve heard of the ISEE Middle Level test, but may or may not know exactly what it is and how to help your child or student prepare.

Piqosity is here to help. The market leader in ISEE test preparation, Piqosity has compiled everything you need to know about the ISEE Middle Level below.

Already have a grasp on ISEE basics? Get started preparing for the ISEE with our competitively priced ISEE Middle Level test prep today! Our courses include a free mini diagnostic test, adaptive practice questions, up to 10 ISEE Middle Level Practice tests , and more! For more information on this test and how Piqosity can help you succeed, check out our ISEE Upper and Middle Level prep guide .

What is the ISEE Middle Level Exam?

Before understanding what the ISEE Middle Level is, we need to answer the more basic question, “ What is the ISEE ?” The ISEE, which stands for Independent School Entrance Exam, is an admissions test intended for American students who are in the process of applying to private middle and high schools. It was developed by the Educational Records Bureau and in many respects is considered the “SAT and ACT of primary and secondary school admissions.”

The ISEE Test has four levels, each designed for students entering different grade levels.

• The Primary Level ISEE , for students applying for 2nd through 4th grades
• The Lower Level ISEE for those entering 5th and 6th grades
• The ISEE Middle Level, for students entering 7th and 8th grades
• The Upper Level ISEE, for students entering 9th to 12th grades

Because all schools use different curriculum, tests, and report card systems, ISEE test scores provide admissions boards with a more accurate benchmark by which to measure academic performance. Many students opt to prepare in advance for the ISEE with practice tests and other test prep materials like those created by Piqosity in an effort to improve their ISEE score and help their application stand out from the crowd.

However, keep in mind that ISEE scores are not the be-all and end-all; schools consider ISEE scores alongside your child’s whole application!

What Makes the ISEE Middle Level Test Different Than Other ISEE Levels?

The ISEE Lower, Middle, and Upper Levels are all similar in terms of structure and duration. However, the content within each level of the ISEE is tailored directly to students entering certain grades. In other words, a student entering 5th or 6th grade would never take a Primary Level test, as this test is targeted to students entering 2nd through 5th grade and would be not challenging enough for effective placement.

ISEE Middle Level questions will mostly cover similar concepts to what your 5th or 6th grader should have already encountered (or will soon encounter) in school. Reading comprehension questions and the essay prompt are also based on concepts that are supposed to be interesting to that level’s intended age group, as test developers have determined that this helps the students’ performance.

What Can I Expect on the ISEE Middle Level?

Like both the Lower Level and the Upper Level ISEE, the ISEE Middle Level test includes four different sections and one essay. The first four sections contain 160 multiple choice questions. Each question offers four possible answers, with only one correct answer.

The test does not only test students’ knowledge, but also their logic. Some questions may cover concepts not yet covered by their current grade level. Students have two hours and forty minutes to complete the test, along with two breaks, making total ISEE testing time three hours.

1st Section: Verbal Reasoning

The Verbal Reasoning section of the ISEE Middle Level is designed to test students’ vocabulary skills and their ability to apply them. This section is broken up into two sub-sections; synonym questions and sentence completion questions . Each section has forty questions, based on a grade-level appropriate, yet abstract, vocabulary word. The synonym section asks students to choose a word that has a similar meaning to the vocabulary in question. The difficulty here lies in knowing the four definitions of the four different answers, which are often based at a higher reading level.

Sentence completion questions omit a word from a sentence, prompting students to choose from a list of four possible answers. These questions are typically viewed as being a bit easier than the synonym questions.

Though this section is long, it actually has the shortest allotted time frame with only twenty minutes to complete it. This means the student has just thirty seconds to answer each question.

Study Piqoisty’s ISEE Middle Level vocabulary word list to prepare for these portions of the test!

2nd Section: Quantitative Reasoning

The Quantitative Reasoning section of the Middle Level ISEE focuses on a student’s mathematical logic. There are both quantitative comparison questions and word problems in this section, making thirty-seven questions total. The questions require little to no actual calculation, rather, they make the test taker think logically about a math situation. Students have thirty-five minutes to complete these questions. Expect to face questions that involve numerical values, analyzing data, calculating probability, geometry, algebra, trigonometry, and more. You can review these concepts in our Math Review guide for the ISEE Middle Level and Upper Level.

Piqosity has observed that students have the most trouble with this section due to the higher level of abstract thought that it requires. Also, one of the four possible multiple choice answers is, “The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.” This answer can make some students anxious; many students struggle to decide whether this answer is the correct choice or if they simply have not yet learned the concept at hand.

Check out our tips for overcoming testing anxiety and math anxiety at Piqosity’s blog !

3rd Section: Reading Comprehension

The Reading Comprehension section of the Middle Level ISEE is designed to test the ability to understand the text. Thirty-six questions will be based on six different passages. Questions will consider:

• Supporting ideas
• Organization

As we mentioned previously, the content is designed to be interesting and applicable to students in 6th and 7th grade. The passage may be fiction or nonfiction and will include keywords hidden in the text. The time frame for this section of the test clocks in at thirty-five total minutes.

Reading Comprehension tends to be the most competitive section of the Middle Level ISEE, as many students excel here. You can review types of reading comprehension questions with our ISEE reading comprehension guide .

4th Section: Mathematics Achievement

The Mathematics Achievement section of the ISEE Middle Level helps determine the test taker’s math skills, processes, and knowledge of mathematical terminology. Expect 47 questions here, which will require the student to make calculations and actually “do” math, through both word problems and various computations . Questions your child will face may include algebra, geometry, measurement, number operations, probability, and more. This section is forty minutes long.

You may wonder what the difference is between this section and the quantitative reasoning section. First, questions found in the Mathematics Achievement section involve actionable calculations and are more “straightforward” than those found in the Quantitative Reasoning section. Where mathematical achievement requires knowledge of how to use mathematical skills, quantitative reasoning asks about abstract and more hypothetical scenarios.

Note: There are absolutely no calculators allowed during any section of the ISEE test, so students will need to understand how to complete necessary calculations mentally or by hand.

5th Section: Essay

Finally, the Essay section of the ISEE Middle Level asks students to respond to an essay prompt. There are no right or wrong answers here, instead, students have the chance to show schools exactly who they are. Students have thirty minutes to make a personal reflection on a question/prompt, describe ideas, and organize their passage into a logical and well-written manner. This prompt will be age-appropriate, and something that the student will probably relate to.

The essay prompts are screened to be free of bias and relate to either the global community, the student’s community, or the students themselves. The prompts also rotate throughout the entire testing season, so even if the student takes the test again, they will not be tasked with writing the same essay twice.

Schools look to see how well students can express their thoughts through writing under pressure. They also consider how students perform without another party editing their work. They also want to see if students understand how their experiences affect and relate to them.

For your practice, we have compiled several examples of ISEE essay prompts .

How Do I Take the ISEE Middle Level Exam?

Students in the United States can take the ISEE up to three times throughout the year-long testing cycle. In other words, they can take the test once during each prescribed testing period.

These periods are:

• Summer: April – July
• Fall: August – November
• Winter: December – March

Thus, a student could not take the Middle Level ISEE in both September and October, but they could take the test in November and December. Most schools reviewing in-cycle applications will only accept scores from the two testing periods between August and March. For that reason, it’s wise to start thinking about taking the Middle Level ISEE just before the end of your child’s 5th grade year. In Houston, where Piqosity is based, the most popular times to take the ISEE are first in mid-November and second in early January.

The exact date when your child will take the ISEE will depend on what is offered by the local private schools in your area as there are no “national test dates” like there are with the ACT or SAT.

To sign up for the ISEE test, parents must register their children online. You can choose between a paper and pencil format or computer format for the test. You can also choose how you would like to receive the scores. Finally, anticipate a fee between $100 and $150, and additional charges depending on how you would like the scores delivered.

What To Expect on Test Day

The ISEE Middle Level tests are given at various private school locations throughout the United States. To keep students’ minds clear and on task, schools do not hold functions, promotions, or activities on a testing day.

Test proctors are teachers and school administrators who may already be familiar figures to your child. They will present test expectations and encourage students to ask for clarification if needed.

• Four #2 pencils and two pens with blue or black ink, if taking the paper version of the ISEE test.

DO NOT BRING:

• Cell phones or other electronic devices
• Calculators
• Other mathematical instruments
• Dictionaries
• Thesauruses

Accommodations can be made on testing day for those with learning and physical disabilities or challenges. These conditions must be fully documented in order for accommodations to be put in place.

Understanding ISEE Middle Level Scores

Your child has taken the Middle Level ISEE, and their scores are on their way. But now you’re likely wondering what a good score actually looks like.

You and your child will receive a detailed score report, known as the Individual Score Report, about three to five days after the exam is taken. An email to your family will indicate that the scores are ready.

This report will show what questions were answered incorrectly, as well as the number of correct answers, and the test taker’s overall score. The score report will actually include three different types of scores: the Raw Score, Scaled Score, and Stanine Score. Of these, the Stanine Score, which is based on percentile ranking, is by far the most important to the admissions process. A Stanine Score of 7, 8, or 9, is best for an academically challenging school.

Above all, you and your child must understand that it is impossible to fail the ISEE or get a “bad” score. The schools you apply to dictate which scores they prefer, and your child’s test scores will reflect where they should be placed. You may want to chat with your preferred schools’ admissions counselors to understand exactly what kind of ISEE scores they tend to choose.

Strategies for Success on the ISEE Middle Level

When and how much a student should prepare for the ISEE depends on the academic competitiveness of the schools to which the student is applying and how well the student is already doing in school.

We recommend that students take either a real or practice ISEE by the summer before they plan to apply to a new school. The results of that “diagnostic test” will then guide them and their educators on how much preparation they will need in order to perform well on the ISEE.

To help your child prepare for testing day, make sure to review general areas of content that will be covered. Core academic competency is by far more important than testing tricks and tips. For instance, make sure they review reading, writing, and math concepts. As stated previously, they should refresh their vocabulary knowledge. And finally, they should familiarize themselves with the test and question formats.

On testing day, students should:

• Read through questions thoroughly.
• Think of your own answer before reviewing the multiple choice options.
• Skip around to the easiest questions.
• Pass questions you do not know and return to them later.
• Keep track of how much time you have left, and don’t waste time.
• Do not leave questions blank, as this counts as a wrong answer.
• Even if you don’t know the correct answer, eliminate any potential answers you know are incorrect.

By practicing these strategies using practice tests your child will likely be better prepared when their actual testing day arrives.

Practice for the ISEE Middle Level Test With Piqoisty

The ISEE Middle Level test is essential when looking to enter a prestigious private school at grades 7 or 8. With Piqoisty’s full-length practice tests, you will be able to prepare adequately for your important test dates. You will get real feedback from our experts, as well as approximate Stanine scores. Our LMS also allows teachers, tutors, and parents alike to encourage and support students as they make their way through test preparation. Group pricing is available !

Join for free and take our mini diagnostic tests to start your ISEE test preparation journey today!

More Educational Resources by Piqosity:

• Piqosity Now Offers Math Courses!
• FREE: 2021-22 ACT Writing Practice Test Sample Essays
• Why Your Child Doesn’t Need To Prepare for the ISEE Primary Level
• Strategies for Overcoming Math Anxiety
• Mississippi National Merit Finalists

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ISEE Middle Level Practice Test

Prepare for your test with realistic questions.

The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) Middle Level is administered by the Educational Records Bureau for children in grades 7 and 8. Over 1,200 private middle schools and high schools use this exam to ensure new students are being admitted to a grade level that best fits their knowledge and abilities.

Click “Start Test” above to take a free ISEE Middle Level practice test, and check out our premium-quality ISEE test prep resources by clicking the links below!

Exam Outline

The ISEE Middle Level exam contains 160 multiple-choice questions and one unscored essay assignment, and you will be given a time limit of 160 minutes.

The exam is split into five sections.

1. Verbal Reasoning (40 questions)

You will be given 20 minutes to answer the Verbal Reasoning questions. The questions are split into two types: synonyms and sentence completion.

2. Quantitative Reasoning (37 questions)

You will be given 35 minutes to answer the Quantitative Reasoning questions. The questions are split into two types: word problems and quantitative comparisons.

3. Reading Comprehension (36 questions)

You will be given 35 minutes to answer the Reading Comprehension questions. This section contains six passages, each with an average length of 450 words, and each passage is followed by six related questions. The questions are designed to test your abilities to identify, infer, and assess elements of each passage in the following areas:

• Main idea (3-7 questions)
• Supporting ideas (5-12 questions)
• Inference (6-13 questions)
• Vocabulary (5-9 questions)
• Organization/Logic (3-5 questions)
• Tone/style/figurative language (1-4 questions)

4. Mathematics Achievement (47 questions)

You will be given 40 minutes to answer the Mathematics Achievement questions. These questions are designed to assess your mathematical knowledge and abilities in the following areas:

• Whole numbers (7-10 questions)
• Decimals, percents, and fractions (7-12 questions)
• Algebraic concepts (9-13 questions)
• Geometry (4-6 questions)
• Measurement (4-6 questions)
• Data analysis and probability (5-9 questions)

You will be given 30 minutes to write 300-400 words in response to a given prompt. This essay is not scored, but it will be sent to your school of choice along with the scores for the rest of the exam.

Check out Mometrix's ISEE Middle Level Study Guide

Get practice questions, video tutorials, and detailed study lessons

Registration and Fees

There are a variety of options for registration and for in-person and at-home testing, each of which have a different set of fees and requirements.

In-Person Testing

There are many testing locations available across the country at which you can take the ISEE.

At-Home Testing

There are currently two at-home testing options available.

Registration

You should register as early as possible to ensure you secure a testing day that works best for you. There are two ways you can register for the exam.

After you register for the exam, you will receive an email that contains a verification letter and more information about your registration.

You should arrive at the testing location or log into your online testing portal 15-30 minutes early. You will be asked to provide the verification letter or a form of identification.

You are not allowed to have any electronic devices, calculators, watches, scratch paper, or rulers during the exam. At least two #2 pencils and/or two black-ink pens should be brought if you are taking the paper-and-pencil version of the exam.

There will be two scheduled breaks during the exam, each being 5-10 minutes long. The first break occurs after the Quantitative Reasoning section, while the second break follows the Math Achievement section.

How the Exam is Scored

The ISEE Middle Level exam is score using a scaled scoring system. This system takes the number of questions answered correctly in each section, known as the “raw score,” and converts it to a numerical score on a scale from 760 to 940.

Your score report will show your scaled score for each section, as well as your percentile rank and stanine score for each section. For reference, a good stanine score for the ISEE Middle Level is 7-9, while the average ranges between 4 and 6.

Check out Mometrix's ISEE Middle Level Flashcards

Get complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts

How many questions are on the ISEE Middle Level exam?

There are 160 multiple-choice questions and one essay on the exam.

How long is the ISEE Middle Level exam?

The time limit for the exam is 160 minutes.

What is the passing score for the ISEE Middle Level exam?

Because this is an admissions test, there is no set passing score. Each school decides their own minimum scoring requirements.

How much does the ISEE Middle Level exam cost?

The cost of this test depends on which testing and registration methods you choose. The fee ranges from $155 to $245.

By Peter Rench

Peter Rench joined Mometrix in 2009 and serves as Vice President of Product Development, responsible for overseeing all new product development and quality improvements. Mr. Rench, a National Merit Scholar, graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in mathematics from Texas A&M University.

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What To Expect On The ISEE Essay

Last Updated On: December 24th, 2020

You’ve focused on the four primary sections of the ISEE. You’ve spent hours studying with tutors and parents. Most students look at the essay as the throwaway moment. However, this is not the case.

Sure, private schools need to know you can write at grade level. Yep, you better know how to structure. But do you know how to communicate complex ideas? Or articulate your perspective on global issues? That’s the real gift this essay brings. For those students that fear the essay, just execute the basics, and take a breath. For those that enjoy essay writing, this is your moment.

School Interviewers typically ask students about their essay topics. They love to know more about the real you, so the way you answer your essay can have a lot of power.

They also like to check and make sure your parents didn’t write or edit everything for you. “One common practice is to compare application essays with the ISEE writing sample. This allows admissions staff to see how students express themselves when there are no external influences impacting their writing or ideas.” Check out a blog by Test Innovators for more on this.

What essay topics are covered?

On the ISEE lower level…

There are more topics asking students to explore simple ideas that involve imagination and application of the world around them. Lower level essays tend to lead students into a path where they can easily discuss something step by step. Some essay prompts give students a strong benefit as they address things a younger student might have already thought of.

In this example, you are discussing perfect vacation ideas. Most lower-level ISEE students have absolutely thought of this before or can easily develop dream ideas. Alternatively, some essays ask students to explore their characteristics. For a younger student, this can be challenging, so it’s always great to have them memorize a few essay ideas they can easily mold to fit the prompt.

A few examples I’ve seen…

If you could teach a friend to do something, what would it be and why? If you could go anywhere over summer break, where would you go and what would you do?

On the ISEE middle level and ISEE upper level…

Typically the ERB asks these students to write about the world today. The ISEE essay prompts will address community service and ways to improve your community. They may ask you to explore your interests. The ERB may even want you to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses. Usually, they don’t do this by asking students basic questions. Instead, they word these essay prompts in a way that requires critical thinking and maturity.

The upper-level ISEE essay questions will inevitably be more complex than the middle level and require multiple answers to the prompt. The middle-level ISEE prompts are still challenging but usually have fewer dimensions than an upper-level prompt.

Examples of middle-level questions…

Tell us about someone who has had a major influence on your life, and explain how he or she has influenced your perspective of the world.

If you were to write a novel, what topic would you write about and why?

Pro tip: Always have a role model you can write about. Also, have a celebrity or famous person (alive or dead) that you admire. I always see versions of these questions.

Examples of upper-level questions…

What is a career that you could see yourself doing? What are some of your skills that may help prepare you for a successful career in this field?

What is an example of a problem currently facing the world, and what is an example of an action that people can take to solve this problem?

As you can see, the advanced topics aren’t incredibly daunting but definitely require some thought. If you are preparing for the essay section, WHICH YOU SHOULD, then consider making a list of topics you feel comfortable discussing. Brainstorm your favorite subjects, your goals for the future, your views of the world, etc. Really get in touch with your take. Also, do practice essays—as many as possible.

Sometimes I even have students do timed essay prompt outlines to practice. Honing in on the quick brainstorming and outlining is a really key component for success. While essay writing can be scary, it’s so much easier if you can develop a speedy outline and come up with body paragraphs quickly. Once you get this skill down and once you know your go to topics, the essay section is so much easier.

What do you mean by essay structure?

The ISEE essay should attempt to mirror a standard 5 paragraph essay you might encounter in middle school or high school. The first page should begin with a short introduction paragraph, including your thesis. The thesis needs to address all parts of the essay question in a concise way. Following the intro paragraph, you should include three body paragraphs outlining your reasons and evidence for making your claim. After these, you should incorporate a short conclusion that restates your thesis.

What about the timing?

TIME is truly the villain in the essay section. Thirty minutes to do an entire five-paragraph essay is not a long time. I typically tell students every essay section needs to start with a five-minute timed essay outline. Once that is complete, you have 25 minutes to write. If that means you can only get out two fully formed body paragraphs, that’s what you get to.

It’s always better to have complete thoughts with rich evidence and plenty of “whys” answered than to have the structure of the essay without the depth.

If you run out of time to finish the conclusion, that’s ok. It’s not ideal, but if something has to go, let it be that.

SO IMPORTANT…if you do only make it to two body paragraphs, make sure to adjust your thesis. Only include the two reasons you were able to discuss. Go back and edit. I don’t care if you feel like this thesis was divine intervention. It’s not about what could have been. It’s about what is and what you have.

Editing is CRUCIAL. Please know thyself. If you usually run out of time to edit, then skim over your paragraph after you write it. You should really be doing that anyway. Make sure it makes sense. But also check spelling and grammar. If you spell excellent wrong in a sentence where you state your excellence, I can’t help you. I’ve seen it done before. Please, please, please take this advice. You don’t want to negate a beautiful essay with a lack of understanding or a few misspelled words—what a waste. Don’t let it happen to you.

What are the whys? Why are they so important?

Whys are the most important element of any essay. They are the link between your reason, evidence, and character. Let me demonstrate:

When you go to answer an essay topic like this:

If there was something you could give to everyone in the world, what would it be and why?

Say you said shelter.

Now we approach body paragraph 1…

I would give everyone in the world shelter because everyone needs a nicer place to live. So many people are homeless, and this gift would comfort them and allow them to live in peace.

Well, here’s the why moment…why do you want homeless people to live in peace and comfort? This is the part where you share your own inner thoughts.

I want homeless people to find comfort and peace because every person deserves a chance to prosper in the world. They may have had a rough start, but that doesn’t make them any less deserving of a home.

And voila! Now we know who you are and what you believe. Now we are far more interested in what you have to say. Nobody needs to hear about the trials of the homeless population. We all know this. Instead, we need to hear WHY you want to change things. You don’t have to have all the answers. Your mega plan doesn’t need to be entirely logical or fleshed out. They don’t expect you to brianstorm how to solve the planet. But you do need to show your personality, and that is always there in the WHY.

Moral of the story—practice makes perfect. Try to always do the essay when you complete ISEE practice tests. It’s imperative that you put in the time for this section as well. Just because it doesn’t come with a score doesn’t mean it’s something to be ignored. This section could be the determining factor in your admission. Treat it with consideration. Use it as an opportunity.

To learn more about how to prepare for the ISEE: ISEE Test Prep for Parents: How should you prepare for your child’s ISEE test

To see the major differences in this year’s ISEE online testing system: ISEE At-Home: How does Test Innovators compare to ProProctor?

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ISEE Essay Overview

How schools use the isee essay.

• Topic choice
• Organization and structure
• Use of examples and details
• Writing mechanics (spelling, punctuation, grammar)

Tip: Some schools will compare student application essays with the ISEE essay. If the application essays are written differently from the ISEE essay, school may disregard the application essays entirely based on an assumption that these may have been written by someone else (a parent, a tutor, etc.).

Make sure that you write your own application essays! Parents, guardians, and others can help with the editing process, but the writing should be your own!

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Prompts and tips for the isee essay.

Posted on January 11th, 2023 by Allison . Posted in ISEE ESSAY , ISEE TEST PREP , ISEE TUTORING - 0 Comments

The ISEE essay requires students to write a descriptive essay in thirty minutes. The essay is not scored, but a copy of the writing sample is sent to the admissions officers of the schools to which the ISEE score report is sent. Essay prompts are a great way to practice for the exam. Read on for our best essay prompts and tips.

Here’s a list of essay prompts with which to practice:

Lower Level (grades 5 and 6): Topic: Describe your favorite subject in school and explain why this subject is your favorite. Assignment: You have thirty minutes to plan and write an essay on the assigned topic. Do not write on another topic. An essay on another topic is unacceptable. Please write this essay topic on the first few lines of your answer sheet.

Topic: Think about some of the books you have read. What is one character you admire and why? Assignment: You have thirty minutes to plan and write an essay on the assigned topic. Do not write on another topic. An essay on another topic is unacceptable. Please write this essay topic on the first few lines of your answer sheet.

Middle Level (grades 7 and 8): Topic: Describe one important lesson you learned in the last year. Assignment: You have thirty minutes to plan and write an essay on the assigned topic. Do not write on another topic. An essay on another topic is unacceptable. Please write this essay topic on the first few lines of your answer sheet.

Topic: What is your favorite thing to do when you have free time? Why is this important to you? Assignment: You have thirty minutes to plan and write an essay on the assigned topic. Do not write on another topic. An essay on another topic is unacceptable. Please write this essay topic on the first few lines of your answer sheet.

Upper Level (grades 9 and up): Topic: Schools offer many extracurricular opportunities. Describe one extracurricular opportunity you would like to pursue. Assignment: You have thirty minutes to plan and write an essay on the assigned topic. Do not write on another topic. An essay on another topic is unacceptable. Please write this essay topic on the first few lines of your answer sheet.

Topic: What three words would you use to describe yourself and why? Assignment: You have thirty minutes to plan and write an essay on the assigned topic. Do not write on another topic. An essay on another topic is unacceptable. Please write this essay topic on the first few lines of your answer sheet.

For all students: Topic: What is the most important problem facing the world today and what is one thing you can do to help solve it? Assignment: You have thirty minutes to plan and write an essay on the assigned topic. Do not write on another topic. An essay on another topic is unacceptable. Please write this essay topic on the first few lines of your answer sheet.

ISEE Essay Tips:

• Follow directions! Make sure you rewrite prompts at the top of the first page of your answer sheet.
• Budget your time! Make sure to save time at the end to edit for spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• ISEE Essays tend to be descriptive essays. A descriptive essay requires you to write about a person, place, thing, idea, or event in a way that makes it possible for your reader to properly visualize or understand it. You might be asked to offer your own definitions or explanations.
• Make sure your essay has a clear introductory paragraph, two or three body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph.
• While you will be asked to write about a specific topic, the topics themselves tend to involve broad subjects: books, school, community service, role models.
• Choose a subject that appeals to you.
• Choose subjects about which you know a great deal.
• Identify two or three important qualities about the subject you choose. Example: Two qualities of a good teacher are expertise and organization.
• Write about two or three reasons why you chose the subject you chose. My favorite author is William Shakespeare because he vividly recreates history and he writes humorously.

Allison Green Boston Tutoring Services

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