The Quantitative Reasoning section is the second part of the ISEE, and the first of two math sections.
How is it different from Mathematics Achievement?
Quantitative Reasoning questions are designed to be solved primarily through logic and reasoning (on top of a healthy knowledge of math concepts) whereas Mathematics Achievement involves a greater focus on calculations and knowledge of math terminology.
Piqosity’s math lessons are applicable to both sections; mastering them will ensure that you are well-prepared to tackle all of the math you will see on test day.
Because of the differences in the format for each section, however, it is important to practice questions from both sections on a regular basis.
Here is a sample Word Problem from the creators of the ISEE:
Now, here is a systematic process you can follow as you tackle any Word Problem on the Quantitative Reasoning section of the ISEE:
This systematic approach to answering any World Problem on the Quantitative Reasoning section involves asking yourself three key questions, which we’ll break down further below.
This process should take you less than a minute, and substantially less time for questions you choose to guess on and skip. This is why practice is important: you must master not only the content being tested, but also your strategy and pacing.
Let’s break down the three key questions from the systematic process illustrated above in a little more detail:
Now, let’s break down the steps to follow when you decide to make an educated guess on a Quantitative Reasoning Word Problem:
Let’s break down what this systematic approach might look like when applied to the sample question cited earlier:
Your Piqosity account includes access to curated lessons on every math topic that appears on the ISEE. Reviewing these lessons and topics, especially as you review your first practice test, will give you a better idea of:
As with all sections of the ISEE, your practice for the Quantitative Reasoning section should be frequent, thoughtful, and reflective:
Frequent:
Thoughtful:
Reflective:
Preparing for the ISEE’s math sections is a cyclical process. It’s not enough to review every math topic once, take a practice test, and then call it a day. On the contrary, seeing your Quantitative Reasoning score improve will require you to continually revisit concepts as you work through practice material. After all, you’re highly unlikely to master a topic after practicing it just once, and the large number of topics that can appear on the ISEE means that you’ll need to review topics repeatedly as you get rusty on them over time.
In other words, your preparations should end up looking like this: