What is on the Primary Level ISEE?
The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is a test many independent schools use as part of their admissions process. The Primary ISEE is taken by students applying to grades 2-4.
The Primary Level ISEE has three levels: Primary Level 2 for students applying to 2nd grade, Primary Level 3 for students applying to 3rd grade, and Primary Level 4 for students applying to 4th grade. All of the questions are multiple choice with four answer choices.
Keep reading for more information about each section, including sample questions from the Test Innovators ISEE practice platform.
Primary 2
Section |
Questions |
Time |
|---|---|---|
| Auditory Comprehension | 6 questions | 7 minutes |
| Reading | 18 questions | 20 minutes |
| Break | — | 5 minutes |
| Mathematics | 24 questions | 26 minutes |
Note: The Writing Sample was omitted starting in the 2021-2022 testing season.
Auditory Comprehension
During the Auditory Comprehension section, you will listen to a passage; the text of the passage is not displayed on the computer screen. After listening to the passage, you will listen to six questions; the text of the questions is displayed on the screen.
The questions are about the main idea and supporting ideas, details, organization, vocabulary, and tone of the passage. Additionally, some questions will ask you to make inferences based on what you read.
Example:
Reading
The Reading section consists of three passages, both fiction and nonfiction. Each passage has six questions.
After reading the passage, you will be asked questions about the main idea and supporting ideas, details, organization, vocabulary, and tone of the passage. Additionally, there will be inference-based questions about the passage.
Example:
Mathematics
The Mathematics section is aligned with national mathematics standards, so it covers topics that students have learned in school. The topics covered are algebraic concepts, data analysis & probability, geometric concepts, measurement, and number sense & operations.
It’s important to note that calculators are not allowed.
Example:
Primary 3
Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 24 questions | 28 minutes |
| Break | — | 5 minutes |
| Mathematics | 24 questions | 26 minutes |
Note: The Writing Sample was omitted starting in the 2021-2022 testing season.
Reading
The Reading section consists of four reading passages and each passage has six questions.
After reading the passage, you will be asked questions about the main idea and supporting ideas, organization and logic, vocabulary, and tone of the passage. Additionally, some questions will ask you to make inferences based on what you read.
Example:
Mathematics
The Mathematics section is aligned with national mathematics standards. It covers topics that students have learned in school, including algebraic concepts, data analysis & probability, geometric concepts, measurement, and number sense & operations.
It’s important to note that calculators are not allowed.
Example:
Primary 4
Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 28 questions | 30 minutes |
| Break | — | 5 minutes |
| Mathematics | 28 questions | 30 minutes |
Note: The Writing Sample was omitted starting in the 2021-2022 testing season.
Reading
The Reading section consists of four reading passages and each passage has seven questions.
After reading the passage, you will be asked questions about the main idea and supporting ideas, organization and logic, vocabulary, and tone of the passage. Additionally, some questions will ask you to make inferences based on what you read.
Example:
Mathematics
The Mathematics section is aligned with national mathematics standards. It covers topics that students have learned in school. The topics include algebraic concepts, data analysis & probability, geometric concepts, measurement, and number sense & operations.
It’s important to note that calculators are not allowed.
Example:
The best way to familiarize yourself with the ISEE is to take full-length practice tests! Get started with your prep today.
Preparing for a different level? Check out a breakdown of the Lower Level, Middle Level, and Upper Level.
