ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination) Essay (Unscored Writing Sample) Syllabus

What is a thesis statement?

A sentence that states the essay's main idea or position, giving the reader the central point the rest of the essay will support.

What is the role of the body paragraphs in an ISEE essay?

To develop the thesis with supporting details, reasons, and specific examples.

What makes a body paragraph strong on the ISEE essay?

It has a clear point supported by specific details and examples rather than vague or general statements.

Why are concrete examples important in the body of the essay?

They make the argument convincing and show the writer can support ideas with evidence rather than just opinion.

What are logical transitions in writing?

Words or phrases (e.g., 'however,' 'for example,' 'in addition') that connect ideas and guide the reader smoothly between sentences and paragraphs.

What is meant by paragraph flow?

The smooth, logical movement of ideas from one paragraph to the next so the essay reads as a connected whole.

Give three examples of transition words useful in an ISEE essay.

Examples include 'first,' 'for example,' 'however,' 'in addition,' 'therefore,' and 'finally.'

What should the conclusion of an ISEE essay accomplish?

It should restate the main idea (thesis) and bring the response to a clear close without introducing new topics.

Should a conclusion introduce brand-new arguments? Why or why not?

No; the conclusion should wrap up and restate the main point, not raise new ideas that go undeveloped.

Why does grammar and usage matter on an unscored writing sample?

Schools read it to judge the applicant's command of standard English, so correct grammar and usage make a strong impression.

What is a complete sentence?

A sentence containing at least a subject and a verb and expressing a complete thought.

What is a sentence fragment, and why should it be avoided in the essay?

An incomplete sentence missing a subject, verb, or complete thought; it weakens writing and signals weak grammar to readers.

What is a run-on sentence?

Two or more complete thoughts joined incorrectly without proper punctuation or a conjunction.

Which writing conventions besides grammar should be correct in the ISEE essay?

Spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.

Name two punctuation marks a student must use correctly in the ISEE essay.

Examples include periods, commas, question marks, apostrophes, and quotation marks.

What capitalization rules must a student follow in the essay?

Capitalize the first word of each sentence and proper nouns (names of people, places, etc.).

What does 'word choice' refer to in writing the essay?

Selecting precise, appropriate vocabulary that clearly conveys meaning to the reader.

What does 'voice' mean in an essay?

The writer's personal style and tone that comes through in the writing, making it sound authentic.

What does 'clarity' mean in essay writing?

Expressing ideas plainly so the reader easily understands the intended meaning without confusion.

Why is legible handwriting important on the ISEE essay?

The essay is handwritten and read by admissions officers; if they cannot read it, its quality cannot be appreciated.

What should a student do with any time remaining after finishing the draft?

Use it to proofread, checking for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and clarity errors.

What is proofreading?

Carefully rereading the finished writing to find and correct mistakes in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and clarity.

In what order should the essay-writing process steps generally occur within the time limit?

Analyze the prompt, brainstorm ideas, outline, write (intro, body, conclusion), then proofread.

What is the difference between a thesis in the introduction and the restatement in the conclusion?

The introduction's thesis presents the main idea; the conclusion's restatement reminds the reader of that idea in fresh words to close the essay.

How does staying focused on a single main idea help an ISEE essay?

It keeps the one-page response coherent and ensures all details support the prompt rather than wandering off-topic.

Why is it risky to spend too long brainstorming on the ISEE essay?

With only about 30 minutes, excessive brainstorming leaves too little time to write a full essay and proofread.

What kind of supporting detail is strongest: a general statement or a specific example?

A specific example, because it gives concrete evidence that makes the point more convincing.

How should a student handle a prompt asking for an opinion?

State a clear position (thesis) and support it with reasons and examples throughout the body paragraphs.

What overall qualities are admissions readers looking for in the ISEE writing sample?

A focused response to the prompt, clear organization, supporting details, correct mechanics, and legible, clear writing.

Why is the ISEE essay considered a more authentic measure of writing than multiple-choice sections?

It is the student's own unedited, original writing produced under timed conditions, showing real composition skills rather than recognition of correct answers.