ISEE Upper Level Reading Comprehension

A comprehensive guide to mastering reading comprehension skills for the ISEE Upper Level exam.

Understanding Passage TypesMain Idea and Supporting DetailsInference and Drawing Conclusions
Author’s Purpose and ToneVocabulary in ContextAnalyzing Structure and Organization
Applying Comprehension in SchoolComprehension Beyond the ClassroomPreparing for Group Discussions
Active Reading TechniquesTime Management on Test DayElimination and Guessing Strategies
Understanding Passag...Main Idea and Suppor...Inference and Drawin...Author’s Purpose and...Vocabulary in Contex...Analyzing Structure ...Applying Comprehensi...Comprehension Beyond...Preparing for Group ...Active Reading Techn...Time Management on T...Elimination and Gues...
Basic Concepts

Understanding Passage Types

Discovering the Variety of Passages

The ISEE Upper Level Reading Comprehension section features a range of passage types. These can include literary fiction, history, science, and contemporary life. Each type brings its own style and focus, so it's helpful to be familiar with what you might encounter.

Types of Passages

  • Literary Fiction: Stories with characters, settings, and plots.
  • Historical: Texts about events or people from the past.
  • Science: Articles explaining natural phenomena, discoveries, or experiments.
  • Contemporary Life: Passages about daily life, social issues, or current trends.

Tips to Recognize Them

  • Look for clues in the first paragraph. Is it setting a scene, telling a story, or presenting facts?
  • Notice the tone—storytelling is often more descriptive, while science is usually more straightforward.

Why It Matters

Knowing the passage type can help you predict the kinds of questions you'll be asked and the best way to approach the text.

Quick Checklist

  • Identify the passage type before reading the questions.
  • Adjust your reading strategy based on the text's purpose.

Examples

  • A story about a young inventor overcoming challenges is likely literary fiction.

  • A text about how volcanoes erupt is a science passage.

In a Nutshell

Recognize the main types of passages to tailor your reading strategy.

Key Terms

Passage
A section of text to be read and understood.
Literary Fiction
A story with characters and plot, not based on real events.
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Main Idea and Supporting Details