I85PREP
⌘ K
ISEE Primary 4 study materials
ISEE Primary 4 study resources

ISEE Primary 4 practice questions

One question at a time. Build your ISEE Primary 4 understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Reading

A student reads a short story about a girl who finds a lost puppy and hides it so her parents will not make her give it back. Which word best describes how the girl feels when she hides the puppy?

  1. Sleepy
  2. Guilty Correct answer.
  3. Bored
  4. Proud

Explanation

Hiding the puppy because she fears her parents will take it away shows the girl knows she is doing something wrong, which points to guilt. A reader infers feelings from a character's actions and choices, not just from stated words. Proud, bored, and sleepy do not match the secretive, worried behavior described.

Question 2Reading

Read this sentence: 'The old bridge groaned under the weight of the truck.' What does the word 'groaned' help the reader understand about the bridge?

  1. It was brand new and strong.
  2. It was struggling under a heavy load. Correct answer.
  3. It was painted a bright color.
  4. It was made of stone.

Explanation

The word 'groaned' is a sound word that authors use to show strain, so the bridge is being pushed hard by the truck's weight. Readers use descriptive words like this to picture how something looks or behaves. The other choices describe color, age, or material, which 'groaned' does not tell us.

Question 3Reading

A passage tells about a boy who practices his trumpet every morning before school. Which sentence from the passage best shows that he is determined?

  1. He keeps practicing even on mornings when he is tired. Correct answer.
  2. The trumpet is shiny and gold.
  3. He lives near the school.
  4. His sister plays the flute.

Explanation

Determination means continuing to work at something even when it is hard, so practicing while tired is the strongest evidence. A detail about a sibling, a location, or an instrument's appearance does not show effort or persistence. Readers support ideas about a character with details that directly match the trait.

Question 4Reading

A passage explains that bees carry pollen from flower to flower, which helps plants make seeds. What is the main idea of this passage?

  1. Bees are brightly colored insects.
  2. Flowers come in many shapes.
  3. Seeds are small and hard.
  4. Bees help plants by moving pollen. Correct answer.

Explanation

The main idea is the most important point the passage makes, and here it is that bees help plants by carrying pollen. The other choices are small details or unrelated facts. A main idea should cover the whole passage, not just one part of it.

Question 5Reading

A story says: 'Maya tiptoed down the hall, holding her breath and listening for footsteps.' What does this detail suggest about Maya?

  1. She is trying not to be heard. Correct answer.
  2. She is looking for her shoes.
  3. She wants to be noticed.
  4. She is singing a song.

Explanation

Tiptoeing, holding her breath, and listening for footsteps are all actions people take when they want to stay quiet and unseen. Readers combine several details to infer a character's purpose. The other choices do not match these quiet, careful actions.

Question 6Reading

Read this sentence: 'After the storm, the yard was a mess of broken branches and scattered leaves.' Which word from the sentence helps the reader picture the damage?

  1. yard
  2. storm
  3. After
  4. scattered Correct answer.

Explanation

The word 'scattered' describes how the leaves are spread around, which helps the reader picture the messy yard. Descriptive words that show how things look or lie are picture words. 'After,' 'yard,' and 'storm' set the scene but do not describe the mess itself.

Question 7Reading

A passage says: 'Unlike her brother, who loved loud crowds, Jenna preferred quiet afternoons with a book.' What does the word 'unlike' help the reader understand?

  1. Jenna dislikes her brother.
  2. Jenna has never read a book.
  3. Jenna and her brother are exactly the same.
  4. Jenna and her brother are being compared as different. Correct answer.

Explanation

The word 'unlike' signals a contrast, so the sentence is pointing out how Jenna and her brother differ. Signal words like 'unlike,' 'but,' and 'however' help readers follow comparisons. The sentence does not say Jenna dislikes her brother or has never read.

Question 8Reading

A passage describes how a caterpillar changes into a butterfly. Which sentence would best belong in a summary of the passage?

  1. Butterflies live on every continent.
  2. Butterflies have six legs.
  3. The caterpillar wraps itself in a chrysalis before becoming a butterfly. Correct answer.
  4. Some caterpillars are green.

Explanation

A summary includes the most important steps or events, and the change from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly is the key event. The other choices are extra facts that are not central to the process. A good summary sentence captures the main change the passage explains.

Question 9Reading

A story begins: 'The sky turned green, and the wind stopped. Leo's dog hid under the porch.' What mood do these details create?

  1. A calm, sleepy mood
  2. An eerie, tense mood Correct answer.
  3. A cheerful, sunny mood
  4. A silly, playful mood

Explanation

A green sky and a wind that suddenly stops are strange, unsettling details, and the dog hiding adds fear. Together these details build an eerie, tense mood. Mood is created by the author's word choices and details, not stated directly.

Question 10Reading

In a story, a boy named Sam gives his lunch to a classmate who forgot his. Which character trait does this action show?

  1. Carelessness
  2. Kindness Correct answer.
  3. Shyness
  4. Selfishness

Explanation

Giving up your own lunch to help someone else is a caring action, so it shows kindness. Character traits are qualities shown through what a character does. The other traits do not fit an action that helps another person.

Question 11Reading

Read this sentence: 'The soup was so spicy that it made my eyes water.' What does the word 'spicy' describe in this sentence?

  1. How the soup smells
  2. How hot the soup is
  3. How the soup was made
  4. How the soup tastes Correct answer.

Explanation

'Spicy' is a word that describes flavor, and the watery eyes show a strong taste. The sentence is about how the soup tastes, not its temperature, smell, or recipe. Readers use the surrounding clue about watering eyes to confirm the flavor is strong.

Question 12Reading

A passage says: 'The library was a treasure chest of stories waiting to be opened.' What does this comparison mean?

  1. The library sells treasure maps.
  2. The library holds many stories that readers can discover. Correct answer.
  3. The library is locked and empty.
  4. The library is made of wood and gold.

Explanation

Comparing the library to a treasure chest means the books inside are valuable and full of discoveries for readers. This kind of comparison, or metaphor, helps readers picture an idea in a new way. The sentence is not about actual gold or maps.

Question 13Reading

A passage about making bread lists these steps: mix the flour and water, knead the dough, let it rise, and bake it. Which step comes right after kneading the dough?

  1. Eat the bread
  2. Let it rise Correct answer.
  3. Bake it
  4. Mix the flour and water

Explanation

The passage gives steps in order, and letting the dough rise comes directly after kneading. Readers follow sequence words and the order of listed steps to know what happens next. Baking comes later, and mixing happens first.

Question 14Reading

A story says: 'Diego stared at the math problem for ten minutes, erasing and rewriting. Finally, he smiled and raised his hand.' What does the ending suggest?

  1. Diego was bored with math.
  2. Diego figured out the problem. Correct answer.
  3. Diego gave up on the problem.
  4. Diego forgot his pencil.

Explanation

Smiling and raising his hand after working hard suggests Diego solved the problem and is ready to share. Readers infer outcomes from a character's final actions and expressions. Giving up or being bored would not lead to a smile and a raised hand.

Question 15Reading

A passage states: 'Recycling paper saves trees because new paper can be made from old paper.' Which detail best supports this statement?

  1. Paper comes in many colors.
  2. Recycling bins are often blue.
  3. Old paper can be turned into new paper, so fewer trees are cut. Correct answer.
  4. Some people recycle glass too.

Explanation

A supporting detail must directly back up the main statement, and explaining that old paper becomes new paper shows why trees are saved. Bin color, glass recycling, and paper colors are unrelated facts. Strong readers check that a detail truly connects to the point being made.

Question 16Reading

Read this sentence: 'The puppy bounded across the grass, chasing every butterfly it saw.' What does the word 'bounded' tell the reader about the puppy?

  1. It moved slowly and carefully.
  2. It moved with quick, lively jumps. Correct answer.
  3. It was afraid of butterflies.
  4. It was sleeping in the grass.

Explanation

To bound means to move with energetic leaps, and chasing butterflies adds to the lively picture. The surrounding words help confirm that the puppy is moving quickly and playfully. Slow, sleeping, or fearful behavior would not match 'bounded.'

Question 17Reading

A passage describes a town where everyone rides bicycles instead of driving cars. Which question would best help a reader understand the passage's main point?

  1. How many people live in the town?
  2. What color are the bicycles?
  3. What are the people's names?
  4. Why do the people in the town ride bicycles instead of driving? Correct answer.

Explanation

The main point of such a passage would explain the reason for the bicycle habit, so asking 'why' helps a reader find that idea. Good reader questions focus on the most important information, not small details. Color, population, and names are details that do not reveal the main point.

Question 18Reading

A story says: 'Lena smiled at her friend, but her eyes kept drifting to the door.' What does this detail suggest about Lena?

  1. She is fully focused on her friend.
  2. She is angry at her friend.
  3. She is polite but wants to leave. Correct answer.
  4. She has lost something under the door.

Explanation

Smiling shows politeness, but looking at the door again and again suggests Lena's attention is elsewhere and she wants to go. Readers combine actions that seem to disagree to understand a character's true feeling. The detail does not show anger or a lost object.

Question 19Reading

A passage explains that some desert plants store water in thick stems so they can survive dry weather. Which sentence best states the cause-and-effect relationship?

  1. Because desert plants store water, they can live through long dry spells. Correct answer.
  2. Thick stems are hard to touch.
  3. Many animals live in the desert.
  4. Desert plants are green.

Explanation

Cause and effect links a reason to a result, and storing water causes the plants to survive dry weather. The word 'because' helps readers spot the cause. Color, texture, and animals are details that do not show this link.

Question 20Reading

A story says: 'Marco's hands shook as he stepped onto the stage. He took a deep breath and began to speak.' What does the reader learn about Marco?

  1. He forgot his speech.
  2. He has performed many times without fear.
  3. He is angry at the audience.
  4. He is nervous but tries anyway. Correct answer.

Explanation

Shaking hands show nervousness, and taking a deep breath before speaking shows Marco is calming himself and going ahead. Readers infer feelings from body language and actions. The passage does not suggest anger, long experience, or forgetting the speech.

Question 21Reading

Read this sentence: 'The wind howled through the empty house.' Which two words work together to create a spooky feeling?

  1. through, the
  2. wind, house
  3. wind, through
  4. howled, empty Correct answer.

Explanation

'Howled' gives the wind an animal-like, haunting sound, and 'empty' suggests a lonely, deserted place. Together these word choices build a spooky mood. The other pairs are mostly connecting words or plain nouns that do not create that feeling.

Question 22Reading

A passage says: 'The museum was not just a place to look at old objects; it was a window into the past.' What does 'a window into the past' mean?

  1. The museum has glass windows.
  2. The museum is very old.
  3. The museum helps people learn about history. Correct answer.
  4. The museum is outside.

Explanation

Calling the museum a window into the past is a figurative way of saying it lets people see and understand history. A window lets you look at something, so the comparison suggests learning and discovery. The phrase is not about actual windows or the building's age.

Question 23Reading

A passage about a lost dog says the family 'searched the park, called the shelters, and put up signs.' What is the best summary of these actions?

  1. The family tried many ways to find the dog. Correct answer.
  2. The family bought a new dog.
  3. The family gave up looking for the dog.
  4. The family stayed home all day.

Explanation

Searching, calling, and posting signs are all different efforts to find the lost dog, so the best summary is that the family tried many ways. A summary should combine the actions into one main idea. The other choices contradict the actions listed.

Question 24Reading

A passage states: 'Owls hunt at night, so they have large eyes that help them see in the dark.' Which part of the sentence is the effect?

  1. Owls have large eyes that help them see in the dark Correct answer.
  2. Owls are birds
  3. Owls hunt at night
  4. The dark is cold

Explanation

The word 'so' signals the result, and the result is that owls have large eyes for seeing in the dark. Hunting at night is the reason, or cause. Recognizing cause-and-effect signal words helps readers understand how ideas connect.

Question 25Reading

A story says: 'The old man had a gruff voice, but he always left warm bread on his neighbors' doorsteps.' What does this detail tell the reader about the old man?

  1. He seems rough but is actually generous. Correct answer.
  2. He does not like his neighbors.
  3. He is unkind in every way.
  4. He is a baker who sells bread.

Explanation

A gruff voice seems rough or unfriendly, but leaving warm bread shows kindness, so the old man appears harsh on the outside yet is generous. Readers look at both appearance and actions to understand a character. The passage does not say he sells bread or dislikes his neighbors.

Question 26Reading

In a passage, the writer says: 'The ants marched in a straight line, each one carrying a crumb twice its size.' Which word in this sentence best shows that the ants seemed organized, like a group of workers?

  1. size
  2. crumb
  3. marched Correct answer.
  4. straight

Explanation

The word 'marched' compares the ants' movement to soldiers or workers moving in an orderly way. It suggests purpose and organization rather than random crawling. The other words describe objects or shape, not the feeling of teamwork.

Question 27Reading

A passage says: 'The beach was crowded, yet Mia felt a quiet calm as the waves rolled in.' Which words in this sentence are most opposite in meaning?

  1. crowded and quiet Correct answer.
  2. beach and waves
  3. Mia and calm
  4. felt and rolled

Explanation

'Crowded' means full of many people and noisy activity, while 'quiet' means still and peaceful. The writer places them together to show a contrast between the busy setting and Mia's inner feeling. The other pairs are not opposites.

Question 28Reading

A passage tells how beavers build dams: they pile sticks and mud across a stream, and the water backs up to form a pond. According to the passage, what happens right after the beavers pile sticks and mud in the stream?

  1. The sticks turn into mud.
  2. The stream dries up completely.
  3. The beavers move to a new stream.
  4. Water backs up to form a pond. Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage states a cause-and-effect order: first the beavers pile sticks and mud, then the water backs up to form a pond. Readers should follow the order of events as stated. The other choices add events the passage does not mention.

Question 29Reading

A passage says: 'Sam's kite dipped and spun, then climbed high above the trees.' What does the word 'dipped' tell the reader the kite did?

  1. landed on the ground
  2. made a loud sound
  3. moved downward Correct answer.
  4. changed color

Explanation

'Dipped' means went down briefly, which fits a kite moving lower before climbing again. The sentence pairs it with 'climbed high,' showing movement up and down. It does not mean the kite landed or changed.

Question 30Reading

A non-fiction passage explains that penguins cannot fly but are excellent swimmers. Which sentence would best belong in a summary of this passage?

  1. Penguins live in very cold places.
  2. Penguins have black and white feathers.
  3. Penguins are swimmers rather than fliers. Correct answer.
  4. Penguins eat fish every day.

Explanation

A summary should state the main idea of the passage. The passage's main point is that penguins cannot fly but swim well. The other sentences give details that the passage does not focus on.

Question 31Reading

Read this sentence from a story: 'Nora tiptoed past the sleeping cat, holding her breath.' What does the sentence suggest about Nora's reason for tiptoeing?

  1. She is afraid of the dark.
  2. She is late for school.
  3. She does not want to wake the cat. Correct answer.
  4. She wants to play with the cat.

Explanation

Tiptoeing and holding her breath are actions people take to stay silent. Together with the sleeping cat, these details show Nora is trying not to wake it. The other choices are not supported by the sentence.

Question 32Reading

A passage says: 'The old bridge groaned under the weight of the truck.' Which feeling does the word 'groaned' give to the bridge?

  1. It seems brand new.
  2. It seems happy and cheerful.
  3. It seems tired and struggling. Correct answer.
  4. It seems very small.

Explanation

'Groaned' is a word usually used for people or animals in discomfort. Applied to a bridge, it makes the bridge seem to strain under a heavy load. This is a way of giving an object a human quality to create a feeling.

Question 33Reading

A passage about a class garden says the students 'watered, weeded, and measured' their plants each morning. What do these three actions show about the students?

  1. They took careful care of the garden. Correct answer.
  2. They wanted to sell the plants.
  3. They were bored with the garden.
  4. They forgot about the garden.

Explanation

Watering, weeding, and measuring are all tasks that keep plants healthy and track their growth. Doing them every morning shows steady, careful attention. The other choices contradict the evidence in the sentence.

Question 34Reading

A passage says: 'Some birds travel thousands of miles each year to find warmer weather. They use the sun and stars to find their way.' Which question would best help a reader understand more about this topic?

  1. How many eggs do birds lay?
  2. What sounds do birds make?
  3. What colors are the birds' feathers?
  4. How do birds know which direction to travel? Correct answer.

Explanation

A good question about a passage should connect to its main idea. This passage is about birds traveling long distances and finding their way. Asking how they know their direction directly follows the passage's information about using the sun and stars.

Question 35Reading

Read this sentence: 'The trail was steep, so the hikers stopped often to catch their breath.' What does the word 'steep' mean as it is used here?

  1. very crowded
  2. easy to walk
  3. covered in snow
  4. rising sharply Correct answer.

Explanation

The clue 'stopped often to catch their breath' shows the trail was hard to climb. A steep trail rises sharply, which makes climbing tiring. Context clues help the reader choose the right meaning.

Question 36Reading

A passage states: 'Bees are important because they carry pollen from flower to flower, which helps plants make seeds and fruit.' Which sentence best states the main idea?

  1. Bees have yellow and black stripes.
  2. Bees help plants by spreading pollen. Correct answer.
  3. Bees can sting when scared.
  4. Bees live together in hives.

Explanation

The main idea is the most important point the passage makes. Here, the passage explains that bees carry pollen, which helps plants make seeds and fruit. The other choices are unrelated facts not given as the main point.

Question 37Reading

A story says: 'When the teacher announced a surprise quiz, Tomas slumped in his chair and stared at his desk.' What does Tomas's reaction most likely show?

  1. He already finished the quiz.
  2. He is excited about the quiz.
  3. He feels unhappy about the quiz. Correct answer.
  4. He did not hear the teacher.

Explanation

Slumping in a chair and staring down are body-language clues for disappointment or worry. These actions match a student who is unhappy about a surprise quiz. The other choices do not fit the described actions.

Question 38Reading

A passage says: 'The desert is a place of extremes. Days can be blazing hot, while nights can be freezing cold.' Which detail from the passage best supports the idea that the desert has extremes?

  1. Some deserts are very large.
  2. Nights can be freezing cold. Correct answer.
  3. The desert has sand.
  4. Deserts are found on many continents.

Explanation

To support the idea of extremes, a detail must show a strong contrast. Freezing nights contrast with blazing days, which proves the point. The other choices are general facts that do not show extremes.

Question 39Reading

A passage describes a girl who practices the violin every day, even when her fingers hurt. Which word best describes her?

  1. careless
  2. lazy
  3. forgetful
  4. determined Correct answer.

Explanation

Practicing every day even when it hurts shows strong effort and commitment. The word 'determined' means not giving up when something is hard. The other words suggest the opposite of her behavior.

Question 40Reading

A passage says: 'The wind whispered secrets to the trees.' What does this sentence mean?

  1. The wind was very loud and strong.
  2. The wind stopped blowing completely.
  3. The wind blew softly through the trees. Correct answer.
  4. The trees could talk to people.

Explanation

The writer gives the wind a human action, 'whispered,' to describe a soft sound. Whispering is quiet, so the sentence suggests a gentle breeze moving through the trees. It does not mean trees actually speak.

Question 41Reading

A passage explains: 'Some frogs change color to blend in with their surroundings. This makes it hard for predators to see them.' What is the purpose of the frogs' color change, according to the passage?

  1. to attract a mate
  2. to stay warm in winter
  3. to find more food
  4. to hide from predators Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage states that blending in makes frogs hard for predators to see. That directly shows the purpose is to hide. Readers should match the stated effect to the reason given in the text.

Question 42Reading

A story says: 'Ava read the letter twice, folded it slowly, and put it in her pocket without a word.' What does this detail most likely suggest about the letter?

  1. It carried news that affected Ava deeply. Correct answer.
  2. It was written in a foreign language.
  3. It was a shopping list.
  4. It was a birthday card from a friend.

Explanation

Reading twice, folding slowly, and staying silent are signs of strong emotion or serious news. These actions suggest the letter mattered a great deal to Ava. The other choices do not explain her quiet, careful behavior.

Question 43Reading

A passage about a town festival says: 'The streets filled with music, the smell of fresh bread, and the laughter of children.' Which senses does the writer use to describe the festival?

  1. sight only
  2. hearing and smell Correct answer.
  3. touch and hearing
  4. taste and touch

Explanation

Music and laughter are sounds, which use hearing. Fresh bread is a smell. Together they create a lively picture of the festival. The passage does not describe taste, touch, or sight alone.

Question 44Reading

A passage says: 'The library was a beehive of activity, with students buzzing from table to table.' What does the comparison to a beehive suggest about the library?

  1. It was silent and empty.
  2. It was busy and full of movement. Correct answer.
  3. It was closed for the day.
  4. It was full of bees.

Explanation

A beehive is a place of constant motion and many workers. Comparing the library to a beehive, and students to bees that 'buzz,' suggests a busy, active place. The comparison is figurative, not literal.

Question 45Reading

A passage states: 'Unlike goldfish, which live in freshwater, clownfish can live in salt water.' What does the word 'unlike' signal in this sentence?

  1. a list of examples
  2. the order of events
  3. a cause and its effect
  4. a difference between two things Correct answer.

Explanation

The word 'unlike' introduces a contrast between two subjects. Here it points out that goldfish and clownfish live in different kinds of water. Recognizing contrast words helps readers compare information.

Question 46Reading

A passage says: 'The scientist repeated the experiment three times and got the same result each time.' Why is this detail important to the passage's main point about the scientist's work?

  1. It shows the scientist made mistakes.
  2. It shows the scientist was in a hurry.
  3. It shows the experiment was boring.
  4. It shows the result can be trusted. Correct answer.

Explanation

Repeating an experiment and getting the same result makes the finding more reliable. Scientists repeat tests to make sure a result is not an accident. This supports the idea that the scientist's work is careful and trustworthy.

Question 47Reading

A passage says: 'The city council voted to add more bike lanes. Some drivers worried about less room for cars, while cyclists cheered the safer routes.' Which sentence best describes the passage's point of view?

  1. It takes the cyclists' side only.
  2. It says the vote was a mistake.
  3. It takes the drivers' side only.
  4. It shows two sides of a change. Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage presents both the drivers' worry and the cyclists' approval without saying one side is right. That balanced report shows two sides of a change. A one-sided passage would give only one group's view.

Question 48Reading

A passage describes a boy who is nervous about his first day at a new school. It says: 'He stood at the classroom door, his hand on the knob, counting to ten.' Why does the writer most likely include the detail about counting to ten?

  1. to show he is late for class
  2. to show he is good at math
  3. to show he is calming himself before entering Correct answer.
  4. to show the door is broken

Explanation

Counting to ten is a common way to steady nerves. Paired with standing at the door with his hand on the knob, it shows the boy pausing to calm himself. The detail reveals his feelings without stating them directly.

Question 49Reading

A passage says: 'Although the recipe looked simple, it required exact measurements and perfect timing.' What does the word 'although' show about the recipe?

  1. It had very few steps.
  2. It was very easy to make.
  3. It did not need measurements.
  4. It was harder than it appeared. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Although' introduces a contrast with what came before. The recipe looked simple, but it actually needed exact measurements and perfect timing, which makes it harder than it seemed. The contrast word is the key clue.

Question 50Reading

A passage says: 'The mountain seemed to wear a blanket of snow all winter.' What does this comparison help the reader picture?

  1. A real blanket left on the mountain
  2. Warm weather on the mountain
  3. The mountain getting smaller
  4. Snow covering the mountain completely Correct answer.

Explanation

A blanket covers something fully, so 'a blanket of snow' suggests snow spread over the whole mountain. This is a figurative comparison, not a real blanket. It helps the reader picture the mountain covered in white.