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  1. ISEE Lower Level Essay

  3. Write a multi-paragraph essay with a clear main idea.

ISEE LOWER LEVEL • ESSAY

Write a multi-paragraph essay with a clear main idea.

Learn how to plan, write, and polish a great essay that shows schools who you are.

SECTION 1

Why Do We Write Essays?

People have been writing to share ideas for thousands of years! Long ago, storytellers spoke out loud to pass along lessons and tales. As writing was invented, people realized they could organize their thoughts on paper so others could read them anytime.

The word essay comes from a French word meaning "to try." An essay is your chance to try sharing your ideas in a clear, organized way. On the ISEE Lower Level test, you get 30 minutes to write an essay. Schools read your essay to learn about YOU!

3000 BC
Early Writing Begins
People in ancient Mesopotamia started writing on clay tablets to keep records and share stories.
1580
The First Essays
A French writer named Michel de Montaigne wrote the very first collection of short, organized writings he called "essays."
1900s
Essays in School
Schools began asking students to write essays to practice thinking clearly and sharing ideas in an organized way.
Today
The ISEE Essay
The ISEE test asks students to write a personal essay so schools can see how you think, write, and express yourself.

Here's the big question: How do you write an essay that is clear, organized, and shows the real you? That's exactly what this lesson will teach you. Let's get started!

SECTION 2

The Building Blocks of a Great Essay

Every great essay is built from a few important pieces. Think of it like building a house. You need a strong foundation, walls, and a roof. An essay needs the same kind of structure!

1

Main Idea

Your main idea is the one big point you want your reader to understand. It answers the prompt (the question or topic you are given).
2

Introduction Paragraph

Your opening paragraph grabs the reader's attention and tells them your main idea. It's like the front door of your house!
3

Body Paragraphs

You need 2 or 3 middle paragraphs. Each one gives a reason, example, or detail that supports your main idea. These are the rooms of your house.
4

Conclusion Paragraph

Your last paragraph wraps everything up. It reminds the reader of your main idea and ends with a strong final thought. This is the roof on your house!
5

Descriptive Details

Good writers add details that help the reader "see" what they are describing. Use your five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.
✦ KEY TAKEAWAY
Think of your essay like a hamburger! The top bun is your introduction. The meat and toppings in the middle are your body paragraphs with reasons and details. The bottom bun is your conclusion. Every part holds the whole thing together!
SECTION 3

See How an Essay Fits Together

Let's look at a picture that shows how all the parts of your essay connect. This diagram shows the "hamburger" structure from top to bottom!

Essay Structure — The Hamburger ModelINTRODUCTIONHook + Main IdeaBODY PARAGRAPH 1Reason #1 + Example + DetailsBODY PARAGRAPH 2Reason #2 + Example + DetailsCONCLUSIONRestate Main Idea + Strong EndingTopBunMeat &ToppingsBottomBun
This diagram shows the four parts of your essay stacked like a hamburger. The introduction is the top bun. The body paragraphs are the filling. The conclusion is the bottom bun.

Notice how every part connects to the one before it with an arrow. Your essay should flow from one paragraph to the next, just like reading a story. Each body paragraph gives a new reason or example that supports your main idea.

SECTION 4

How to Plan Your Essay in 5 Minutes

Before you start writing, you need a plan! On the ISEE, you have 30 minutes total. Spending about 3 to 5 minutes making a quick outline (a short list of what you will write) will make your essay MUCH better. Here's how to do it.

The Quick-Plan Method

  1. Read the prompt carefully. What is the question asking? Circle key words if you can.
  2. Pick your main idea. Write one sentence that answers the question. This is your main idea!
  3. Think of 2 or 3 reasons. Why do you feel this way? List your reasons in short words or phrases.
  4. Add one detail for each reason. Think of an example, a memory, or a description that supports each reason.
  5. Think of your ending. How will you wrap up? A wish, a lesson learned, or a strong final thought works great.
💡 ISEE Test Tip
Your ISEE essay is not scored by the testing company, but schools will read it! They want to see clear writing, good organization, and YOUR personality. So always answer every prompt and try your best.

Time Management Plan

Your 30 Minutes on the ISEE Essay
Plan (3-5 min)
Write Introduction (3-4 min)
Write Body 1 (5-6 min)
Write Body 2 (5-6 min)
Write Conclusion (3-4 min)
Revise (3-5 min)
StartDone!
SECTION 5

What Goes Inside Each Paragraph

Now let's zoom into each paragraph. Every paragraph has a job to do. Knowing each job makes writing much easier!

Inside Each ParagraphINTRODUCTION1. HookA question or fun sentence2. BackgroundSet the scene for the reader3. Main Idea SentenceTell your answer clearly✓BODY PARAGRAPHS1. Topic SentenceState your reason2. ExampleTell a short story or givea specific example3. Sensory DetailsAdd sight, sound, smell,taste, or touch details4. Closing SentenceConnect back to main idea✓CONCLUSION1. Restate Main IdeaSay it in new words2. Summarize ReasonsRemind the reader quickly3. Strong EndingA wish, lesson, or finalthought that sticks✓TRANSITION WORDS — Glue That Connects Your ParagraphsFirstAlsoAnotherFor exampleIn conclusionOne reasonIn additionBecauseMost importantlyFinally
This chart shows what belongs in each paragraph type. The bottom box lists transition words — special words that smoothly connect your paragraphs like glue.

A topic sentence is the first sentence of a body paragraph. It tells the reader what that paragraph is about. Think of it as a mini main idea just for that paragraph.

Transition words help your essay flow smoothly. Words like "First," "Also," "Another reason," and "In conclusion" are like stepping stones that guide the reader from one idea to the next.

SECTION 6

A Full Example Essay — Step by Step

Let's walk through an example together! Imagine this is your ISEE prompt:

📝 SAMPLE PROMPT
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Building the Essay Step by Step

Step 1 — Read and Plan

Read the prompt. The key words are "superpower," "what," and "why." Brainstorm a quick list: flying, invisibility, super speed, reading minds. Pick the best one — let's pick flying. Now think of 2 reasons: (1) I could see amazing views, (2) I could visit family far away.
Main idea: I would choose flying because of the views and visiting family.

Step 2 — Write the Introduction

Start with a hook question, give a little background, and state your main idea. Here's a sample:
"Have you ever looked up at a bird and wished you could join it in the sky? I have! If I could have any superpower, I would choose the power of flight. Flying would let me see the world from above and visit the people I love, no matter how far away they live."

Step 3 — Write Body Paragraph 1

Start with a topic sentence for your first reason. Then add an example and sensory details.
"One reason I would choose flying is the incredible views I could see. Imagine soaring over snow-capped mountains with the cold wind rushing past your face. I could fly over the bright blue ocean and watch dolphins playing in the waves below. Every day would feel like the most amazing field trip ever!"

Step 4 — Write Body Paragraph 2

Use a transition word to start. Give your second reason with a personal example.
"Another reason I would love to fly is that I could visit my grandparents whenever I want. They live in a different state, and we only see them twice a year. If I could fly, I would zoom over to their house every weekend. I can almost smell my grandmother's chocolate chip cookies waiting for me when I land in her backyard!"

Step 5 — Write the Conclusion

Restate your main idea in new words. Summarize your reasons quickly. End with a strong final thought.
"In conclusion, if I could choose one superpower, flying would be the perfect choice for me. From the breathtaking views to the joy of seeing my grandparents anytime, flying would make every day an adventure. I think anyone who tried flying would never want to come back down!"
⭐ WHAT MAKES THIS ESSAY GREAT?
Notice how the essay uses a hook question to grab attention. Each body paragraph starts with a topic sentence and includes sensory details (cold wind, bright blue ocean, smell of cookies). The conclusion restates the main idea and ends with a strong final thought. The writer's personality shines through!
SECTION 7

Strong Writing vs. Weak Writing

Let's compare what makes an essay strong versus what makes it weak. Knowing the difference will help you earn top marks from admissions readers!

Strong vs. Weak Essay Comparison
FeatureStrong Essay ✅Weak Essay ❌
Main IdeaClear and stated in the introduction.Missing or confusing — the reader can't tell what the essay is about.
OrganizationHas intro, 2+ body paragraphs, and a conclusion.One big block of text with no paragraphs.
DetailsSpecific examples and sensory details (sights, sounds, smells).Vague sentences like "It was fun" with no details.
TransitionsUses words like "First," "Also," "In conclusion."Jumps from idea to idea with no connecting words.
EndingRestates main idea and ends with a strong thought.Just stops or says "The end."
VoiceSounds like YOU — your personality shines through.Sounds boring or like it could be anyone.
✦ KEY TAKEAWAY
Think of your essay like a gift to the admissions reader. A strong essay is like a beautifully wrapped present — neat, organized, and exciting to open. A weak essay is like tossing a gift in a grocery bag — the present might be inside, but nobody can tell! Make your writing look and sound great.
SECTION 8

Revise and Polish Your Essay

Great writers don't just write — they revise (which means to check and improve their writing). Save 3 to 5 minutes at the end of your ISEE essay to look over your work. Here's what to check:

Revision Checklist
Check For...What to Do
Spelling errorsRead slowly. If a word looks wrong, cross it out neatly and write the correct word above it.
Missing wordsRead each sentence to yourself. Does it make sense? Add any missing words with a caret (^).
Paragraph breaksMake sure you indented each new paragraph. If you forgot, draw a paragraph symbol (¶) where the break should be.
Capital letters and periodsEvery sentence needs a capital letter at the start and a period (or ! or ?) at the end.
Vague wordsReplace boring words like "nice" or "good" with stronger words like "exciting" or "wonderful."
✏️ Neatness Matters!
If you handwrite your ISEE essay, use your best handwriting. If you need to make a correction, draw one neat line through the mistake. Don't scribble! Schools appreciate clean, readable writing.
SECTION 9

Practice Activities

Time to practice! These activities will help you build your essay-writing muscles. Try your best — you've got this!

PROBLEM 1 — CONCEPTUAL
Read this ISEE-style prompt: "What is your favorite place, and why is it special to you?" Create a quick outline with: (a) your main idea in one sentence, (b) two reasons with one detail for each, and (c) a closing thought.
PROBLEM 2 — BASIC CALCULATION
Here is a weak introduction paragraph. Rewrite it to make it stronger by adding a hook and a clear main idea sentence. Weak version: "I like dogs. Dogs are nice. I want to write about dogs."
PROBLEM 3 — INTERMEDIATE
Read this ISEE-style prompt: "If you could spend a day with any person from history, who would it be and why?" Write a complete body paragraph (4–6 sentences) for ONE reason you would choose that person. Remember to include a topic sentence, an example, sensory details, and a closing sentence.
PROBLEM 4 — APPLIED
Here is a weak body paragraph. Revise it by adding sensory details, a specific example, and a closing sentence. Weak version: "I like summer because it is fun. I do stuff outside. It is warm and I like it."
PROBLEM 5 — CRITICAL THINKING
Write a complete multi-paragraph essay (introduction, 2 body paragraphs, conclusion) in response to this ISEE-style prompt: "Describe a time you tried something new. What did you learn from the experience?" Use a hook, a clear main idea, topic sentences, sensory details, transitions, and a strong ending. You have about 15–20 minutes.
SUMMARY

Putting It All Together

You now know how to write a great ISEE essay! Start by reading the prompt and making a quick outline (3–5 minutes). Then write your introduction with a hook and a clear main idea. Build 2 strong body paragraphs with topic sentences, specific examples, and sensory details. Wrap up with a conclusion that restates your main idea and ends with a strong final thought. Use transition words to connect your paragraphs smoothly.

Save 3–5 minutes to revise — check for spelling, missing words, and vague language. Remember, schools read your essay to learn about YOU, so let your personality shine! Be organized, be descriptive, and be yourself. You've got this!

Varsity Tutors • ISEE Lower Level • Write a multi-paragraph essay with a clear main idea.