ISEE Lower Level Reading : Science Passages

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ISEE Lower Level Reading

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Example Questions

Example Question #193 : Ssat Elementary Level Reading Comprehension

Adapted from A Catechism of Familiar Things: Their History and the Events Which Led to Their Discovery by the Benziger Brothers (1881)

Iron is one of the most useful and abundant metals, being found in all mineral earths, stones, plants, and animal fluids. Iron is found in great masses, in various states, in the bowels of the earth; it is usually, however, compounded with stone, from which it is separated by the action of fire. In some parts of the world, whole mountains are formed of iron; among these may be mentioned the Pilot Knob and the Iron Mountain, in Missouri, being unsurpassed by anything of the kind found elsewhere.

It is hard, fusible, not very malleable, but extremely ductile, and very tenacious; it is of a greyish color, and nearly eight times heavier than water. Without iron, society could make no progress in the cultivation of the ground, in mechanical arts or trades, in architecture or navigation; it is therefore of the greatest use to man.

Which of these statements is not supported by the text?

Possible Answers:

There is a plentiful supply of iron within the earth.

Iron is much heavier than water.

Iron is found in plants and animals.

For iron to be usable, it must be extracted from stone.

Iron is more valuable than bronze.

Correct answer:

Iron is more valuable than bronze.

Explanation:

The author says that iron is "nearly eight times heavier than water," so you know that the answer choice “Iron is much heavier than water” is supported by the text. The author also says “Iron is found in great masses, in various states, in the bowels of the earth; it is usually, however, compounded with stone," so you also know that “There is a plentiful supply of iron within the earth” and “For iron to be usable, it must be extracted from stone.” Finally, the author describes iron as "being found in all mineral earths, stones, plants, and animal fluids," so the answer choice “Iron is found in plants and animals” is also supported by the text. The only answer not supported by the text is that “iron is more valuable than bronze.” The author makes no mention of iron’s relative value compared to other specific metals.

Example Question #3 : Identifying And Analyzing Details In Science Passages

Adapted from Anecdotes of the Habits and Instincts of Animals by Mrs. R. Lee (1852)

The Carnivora are divided by naturalists into three groups, the characters of which are taken from their feet and manner of walking. Bears rank among the Plantigrada, or those which put the whole of their feet firmly upon the ground when they walk. They are occasionally cunning and ferocious, but often evince good humor and a great love of fun. In their wild state, they are solitary the greater part of their lives. They climb trees with great facility; live in caverns, holes, and hollow trees; and in cold countries, retire to some sequestered spot during the winter, where they remain concealed and bring forth their young. Some say they are torpid, but this cannot be, for the female bears come from their retreats with cubs that have lived upon them, and it is not likely that they can have reared them and remained without food; they are, however, often very lean and wasted, and the absorption of their generally large portion of fat contributes to their nourishment. The story that they live by sucking their paws is, as may be supposed, a fable; when well-fed they always lick their paws, very often accompanying the action with a peculiar sort of mumbling noise. There are a few which will never eat flesh, and all are able to do without it. They are, generally speaking, large, clumsy, and awkward, possessing large claws for digging, and often walk on their hind feet, a facility afforded them by the peculiar formation of their thigh bone. They do not often attack in the first instance, unless impelled by hunger or danger; they are, however, formidable opponents when excited. In former times, there were few parts of the globe in which they were not to be found, but, like other wild animals, they have disappeared before the advance of man. Still they are found in certain spots from the northern regions of the world to the burning climes of Africa, Asia, and America. The latest date of their appearance in Great Britain was in Scotland during the year 1057.

How are the Carnivora divided by naturalists?

Possible Answers:

According to their manner of walking

According to where they live

According to the levels of aggression they show

According to their size

According to what they eat

Correct answer:

According to their manner of walking

Explanation:

Answering this question requires you to read carefully in detail. At the beginning of the passage, the author says, “The Carnivora are divided by naturalists into three tribes, the characters of which are taken from their feet and manner of walking.” So, you can determine that the Carnivora are divided “according to their manner of walking.” The author goes on to explain how bears fit into this system of classification.

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