ISEE Primary (ERB) Exam Survival Guide

Audience: Grades 2–4 admissions (Primary 2/3/4) | Sections: Reading • Math • Listening (P2) • Writing sample

Must-do

• Reading: main idea, details, vocabulary in context; short passages.
• Math: number sense, addition/subtraction (P2), intro multiplication (P3/4), place value, simple word problems, shapes/measurement.
• Listening (P2): follow oral directions, recall details.
• Writing sample: a short, organized response (unscored but sent to schools).

Top traps

• Rushing reading → missing question words (who/what/why).
• Place value reversals (41 vs 14).
• Word problems without drawing/modeling.
• Writing: no beginning–middle–end.

Quick checks

• Read 6–8 lines → tell main idea in 1 sentence.
• Build 47 with tens/ones; compare 47 vs 74.
• Solve: “You have 12 apples, give away 5. How many left?”
• Write 3-sentence story (B–M–E).

You will make

• Main-Idea Ladder (top = main idea; rungs = details).
• Place-Value Mat (tens/ones; hundreds for P4).
• Word-Problem Draw Pad (tape diagram/number line).
• Story Starter Cards (picture prompts).

Last-48h

• 2 short reading sets (5 Q each).
• 10 mixed math facts + 3 word problems.
• 1 listening practice (parent reads short story; child answers 3 Qs).
• 1 tidy writing sample (neat caps/punctuation).

Speed tactics

• Read the question first on short passages.
• Use fingers/counters for early math; line up numbers.
• Answer every item; stay calm and steady.

Day-of plan

• 5-minute warm-up: 5 facts + 1 mini-passage.
• Snack/water; deep breaths; smile.