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If a private or independent school mentions the Secondary School Admission Test, you are looking at EMA’s admissions assessment of verbal, quantitative, and reading skills. The SSAT also includes a writing sample that schools can review. It is not the Digital SAT, and it is not an edition of the ISEE.
Key takeaway: the SSAT writing sample is shared with designated schools but is not part of the numerical section scores. School expectations vary, so there is no universal “good enough” total that guarantees admission.
Educational notice: The 45 questions below are original practice items. They are not EMA or SSAT questions, do not reproduce live forms, and cannot predict a score or an admission decision.
Begin with EMA’s official SSAT overview and the level page that matches the student’s current grade. Official Online Practice and Guide Books are the clearest way to learn the live format before buying any third-party materials.
Levels, formats, and sections
EMA currently describes Elementary Level for students in Grades 3-4, Middle Level for Grades 5-7, and Upper Level for Grades 8-11. Schools may allow testing up or down in some cases, so confirm the required level with the admissions office.
Delivery options currently include Standard paper dates, Flex paper testing administered by EMA member schools or approved educational consultants, Prometric center testing, and SSAT at Home for eligible levels and locations. Flex uses the same paper SSAT as Standard testing but on dates outside the fixed Standard calendar; Open Flex seats may appear in the Test Center Search, while Closed Flex usually needs an access code from a school or consultant. Seat limits, eligibility, and annual retest caps differ by format, and availability depends on the student’s physical location on test day, so confirm current options through EMA’s registration tools rather than memorizing a fee table.
| Level | Current grade focus | Multiple-choice areas | Writing and experimental |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary | Grades 3-4 | Quantitative, Verbal, Reading | Writing sample plus experimental items |
| Middle | Grades 5-7 | Quantitative (two sections), Reading, Verbal | Writing sample plus experimental section |
| Upper | Grades 8-11 | Quantitative (two sections), Reading, Verbal | Writing sample plus experimental section |
EMA currently lists about 2 hours 5 minutes for Elementary Level and about 3 hours 10 minutes for Middle and Upper Levels, including breaks. Middle and Upper Level pages describe a 25-minute writing sample, two quantitative sections, reading, verbal, and a short unscored experimental section. Elementary writing is shorter and uses a picture-prompt story format. Confirm the live section order and timing on the official level page before practicing under a clock.
Calculators are not permitted on the quantitative sections described in EMA’s Middle Level materials. Treat that as a stable rule to verify again on the current Candidate Handbook and level instructions.
Scoring and the writing sample
EMA’s scoring materials emphasize scaled scores and percentiles. Percentiles compare a student with first-time SSAT test-takers in the same grade from recent U.S. and Canada norms. A percentile is not a percentage correct. Elementary Level scaled-score ranges differ from Middle and Upper Level ranges, so do not interpret an Elementary report with an Upper Level mental scale.
According to EMA’s current scoring guidance, Middle and Upper Level incorrect answers lose one-quarter point, correct answers earn one point, and omitted items receive neither credit nor penalty. Elementary Level answers have no guessing penalty. Use the policy for the required level, not a single strategy for every student.
The writing sample is not scored numerically. Designated schools receive it with the report. Families may be able to purchase a copy for Middle and Upper Levels; Elementary writing samples are described as unavailable to families on EMA’s Elementary page. The experimental section is also unscored and unreported.
There is no universal SSAT passing score. Schools set their own expectations and read the score with the rest of the application.
SSAT versus ISEE
The SSAT and the ISEE are different products. They use different level systems, section designs, guessing rules, and testing options. Ask each school which assessment it accepts and which deadline applies. Do not treat the Digital SAT guide as a substitute for SSAT preparation.
How to prepare
Confirm the required level and testing format first. Use EMA’s free Mini-Practice Test or official practice to learn the interface, then diagnose weak skills. Build vocabulary through reading and short synonym or analogy review. For reading items, return to the passage for evidence. For quantitative items, label quantities and check whether an answer is reasonable. Practice the writing sample under the official time limit so organization stays calm on test day. Add full timed sections only after the formats feel familiar.
Optional third-party practice
If you already know the required level and have used EMA’s practice materials, a third-party pack can add more section-length practice under time. One independent option is SSAT practice materials from TestPrep-Online.
TestPrep-Online is not EMA, an independent school, or an admissions authority. Its materials are not official SSAT questions and cannot guarantee a score or admission decision. Verify level coverage and current product details before purchasing.
Original SSAT practice questions
Verbal questions
1. Which word is closest in meaning to “diligent”?
A. lazy B. hardworking C. uncertain D. ordinary
Correct answer: B Explanation: A diligent person works carefully and consistently.
2. Which word is the best antonym for “ancient”?
A. modern B. distant C. sturdy D. famous
Correct answer: A Explanation: Ancient means very old; modern is the opposite.
3. “The scientist’s explanation was ___ enough for the audience to follow.”
A. obscure B. clear C. brief D. silent
Correct answer: B Explanation: An explanation that people can follow is clear.
4. Apprentice is to mentor as student is to:
A. teacher B. classroom C. notebook D. lesson
Correct answer: A Explanation: An apprentice learns from a mentor, as a student learns from a teacher.
5. “The mayor asked residents to ___ water during the drought.”
A. conserve B. scatter C. waste D. measure
Correct answer: A Explanation: To conserve water is to use it carefully and avoid waste.
6. “Cautious” most nearly means:
A. reckless B. careful C. humorous D. narrow
Correct answer: B Explanation: A cautious person takes care to avoid danger or error.
7. Map is to navigation as recipe is to:
A. cooking B. reading C. shopping D. eating
Correct answer: A Explanation: A map guides navigation, and a recipe guides cooking.
8. Which word is closest in meaning to “expand”?
A. shrink B. extend C. hide D. refuse
Correct answer: B Explanation: To expand is to grow or extend.
9. “Because the evidence was incomplete, the researcher remained ___.”
A. certain B. cautious C. amused D. famous
Correct answer: B Explanation: Incomplete evidence calls for a cautious conclusion.
10. Which word is the best antonym for “temporary”?
A. recent B. permanent C. useful D. narrow
Correct answer: B Explanation: Temporary means lasting for a limited time; permanent means lasting.
11. Calf is to cow as foal is to:
A. sheep B. horse C. goat D. deer
Correct answer: B Explanation: A calf grows into a cow, and a foal grows into a horse.
12. “The council reached a ___ after listening to both sides.”
A. conclusion B. delay C. question D. boundary
Correct answer: A Explanation: After considering arguments, a group can reach a conclusion.
13. Which word is closest in meaning to “abundant”?
A. rare B. plentiful C. hidden D. weak
Correct answer: B Explanation: Abundant means more than enough or plentiful.
14. Telescope is to astronomer as microscope is to:
A. historian B. biologist C. musician D. architect
Correct answer: B Explanation: Astronomers use telescopes, and biologists often use microscopes.
15. “The author used a ___ example to make an abstract idea easier to understand.”
A. concrete B. secret C. careless D. ancient
Correct answer: A Explanation: A concrete example is specific and easy to picture.
Quantitative questions
16. What is 7/10 written as a decimal?
A. 0.07 B. 0.7 C. 7.0 D. 70.0
Correct answer: B Explanation: Seven tenths equals 0.7.
17. A notebook costs $6. What is the cost of 4 notebooks?
A. $10 B. $18 C. $24 D. $36
Correct answer: C Explanation: Multiply 6 by 4.
18. Solve for x: x/5 = 9.
A. 4 B. 14 C. 40 D. 45
Correct answer: D Explanation: Multiply both sides by 5.
19. A triangle has angles of 50 degrees and 65 degrees. What is the third angle?
A. 55 degrees B. 65 degrees C. 75 degrees D. 115 degrees
Correct answer: B Explanation: Triangle angles total 180 degrees. 180 - 50 - 65 = 65.
20. Which ratio is equivalent to 3:4?
A. 6:7 B. 6:8 C. 9:16 D. 12:20
Correct answer: B Explanation: Multiply both parts of 3:4 by 2.
21. A 120-page book has 35 pages left to read. What percent has been read?
A. 29% B. 65% C. 71% D. 85%
Correct answer: C Explanation: Pages read are 85. 85 divided by 120 is about 70.8%, or 71%.
22. What is the area of a rectangle 8 units long and 5 units wide?
A. 13 square units B. 20 square units C. 40 square units D. 80 square units
Correct answer: C Explanation: Area equals length times width.
23. The average of 12, 15, and 18 is:
A. 14 B. 15 C. 16 D. 17
Correct answer: B Explanation: The total is 45, and 45 divided by 3 is 15.
24. A bag contains 4 yellow and 6 purple tiles. What is the probability of selecting a yellow tile?
A. 2/5 B. 3/5 C. 2/3 D. 4/6
Correct answer: A Explanation: There are 10 tiles total, and 4/10 simplifies to 2/5.
25. A store marks down a $50 jacket by 20%. What is the sale price?
A. $10 B. $30 C. $40 D. $60
Correct answer: C Explanation: Twenty percent of $50 is $10, so the sale price is $40.
26. Which number is a factor of 36?
A. 5 B. 6 C. 7 D. 8
Correct answer: B Explanation: 36 divided by 6 is 6 with no remainder.
27. If 2y + 7 = 19, what is y?
A. 5 B. 6 C. 7 D. 13
Correct answer: B Explanation: Subtract 7, then divide 12 by 2.
28. A car travels 150 miles in 3 hours. What is its average speed?
A. 30 miles per hour B. 50 miles per hour C. 75 miles per hour D. 450 miles per hour
Correct answer: B Explanation: Divide 150 miles by 3 hours.
29. What is 2 to the fourth power?
A. 6 B. 8 C. 12 D. 16
Correct answer: D Explanation: 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 equals 16.
30. A circle has a diameter of 10 units. What is its radius?
A. 2 B. 5 C. 10 D. 20
Correct answer: B Explanation: The radius is one-half of the diameter.
Reading questions
Read the passage for Questions 31-35.
The school’s robotics club began with a few students meeting after class. At first, they built small machines that moved across a table. Later, the group started documenting each design, including the changes that did not work. By the end of the year, new members could learn from earlier attempts instead of repeating the same mistakes.
31. What is the main idea of the passage?
A. The club’s records helped later members learn from prior work. B. Robotics clubs should meet only after class. C. Small machines are better than large machines. D. New members made most of the mistakes.
Correct answer: A Explanation: The passage emphasizes documenting designs so future members can learn.
32. Why did the club document changes that did not work?
A. To make the designs more confusing B. To help future members avoid repeating mistakes C. To reduce the number of club meetings D. To replace the machines
Correct answer: B Explanation: The final sentence gives this purpose directly.
33. The word “documenting” most nearly means:
A. recording B. hiding C. measuring D. removing
Correct answer: A Explanation: The club recorded each design and its changes.
34. Which claim about the robotics club is supported by the passage?
A. The club began with many experienced engineers. B. Every design worked on the first attempt. C. The club’s work became more organized over time. D. The club stopped building machines.
Correct answer: C Explanation: The group moved from informal meetings to keeping useful design records.
35. The passage is primarily organized by:
A. comparing two schools B. describing development over time C. listing steps in a contest D. explaining a scientific law
Correct answer: B Explanation: It moves from the club’s beginning to its later practices and outcome.
Read the passage for Questions 36-40.
A neighborhood market started placing labels near fruits and vegetables that named local farms. The labels did not change the food itself, but they helped shoppers understand where it came from. Some customers began asking staff members which crops were in season, and the market responded by posting a small seasonal calendar.
36. What did the labels help shoppers understand?
A. How to cook every vegetable B. Where the produce came from C. Why food costs the same everywhere D. Which staff members owned farms
Correct answer: B Explanation: The passage states that the labels named local farms.
37. What happened after some customers asked about seasonal crops?
A. The market removed the labels. B. The market posted a seasonal calendar. C. The farms stopped delivering produce. D. The food was changed.
Correct answer: B Explanation: This is stated in the last sentence.
38. Which word best describes the market’s response?
A. responsive B. careless C. secretive D. accidental
Correct answer: A Explanation: The market responded to customer questions by providing a calendar.
39. From the market-label passage, which inference is most reasonable?
A. Customers were interested in learning more about their food. B. Labels made all produce local. C. The market sold only fruit. D. Farms set the market’s prices.
Correct answer: A Explanation: Customer questions about farms and seasons show interest in the produce’s source.
40. The primary purpose of the passage is to:
A. argue against local farms B. describe how information changed customer questions and market communication C. provide a recipe D. compare two markets
Correct answer: B Explanation: The passage connects labels, customer curiosity, and the calendar.
Read the passage for Questions 41-45.
Before restoring an old theater, workers photographed the walls, seats, and ceiling. These images gave the restoration team a record of the building’s condition before work began. When paint was removed from a decorative panel, the photographs also helped the team compare newly revealed colors with earlier layers.
41. Why did workers photograph the theater before restoration?
A. To advertise new shows B. To record the building’s original condition C. To replace the restoration team D. To make the theater larger
Correct answer: B Explanation: The photographs recorded the condition before work began.
42. The photographs were also useful because they:
A. showed comparisons with earlier paint layers B. prevented paint from being removed C. identified every worker D. changed the panel’s colors
Correct answer: A Explanation: The photographs helped the team compare revealed colors with earlier layers.
43. In the passage, “restoring” most nearly means:
A. returning a building to good condition B. closing a building permanently C. moving a building to another city D. selling a building
Correct answer: A Explanation: Restoration is repair and preservation of an older structure.
44. Which statement is best supported?
A. The theater had no decorative panels. B. The restoration team used records to guide its work. C. Workers painted over every surface. D. The theater was built recently.
Correct answer: B Explanation: The team used photographs to understand the building and paint layers.
45. The passage mainly shows that documentation can:
A. make a building older B. provide useful evidence during a project C. eliminate all restoration work D. replace skilled workers
Correct answer: B Explanation: The photographs gave the team evidence before and during restoration.
Answer key
| # | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | B |
| 2 | A |
| 3 | B |
| 4 | A |
| 5 | A |
| 6 | B |
| 7 | A |
| 8 | B |
| 9 | B |
| 10 | B |
| 11 | B |
| 12 | A |
| 13 | B |
| 14 | B |
| 15 | A |
| 16 | B |
| 17 | C |
| 18 | D |
| 19 | B |
| 20 | B |
| 21 | C |
| 22 | C |
| 23 | B |
| 24 | A |
| 25 | C |
| 26 | B |
| 27 | B |
| 28 | B |
| 29 | D |
| 30 | B |
| 31 | A |
| 32 | B |
| 33 | A |
| 34 | C |
| 35 | B |
| 36 | B |
| 37 | B |
| 38 | A |
| 39 | A |
| 40 | B |
| 41 | B |
| 42 | A |
| 43 | A |
| 44 | B |
| 45 | B |
How to use this set
This set is shorter and less varied than an official SSAT. Do not convert the number correct into an SSAT score. Instead, sort errors into vocabulary, quantitative skill, passage evidence, or pacing, then use current EMA materials and the exact level required by your schools.
FAQ
Which SSAT level should I take?
Match the student’s current grade to Elementary, Middle, or Upper on EMA’s overview, then confirm with each school whether testing up or down is allowed.
Should I guess on the SSAT?
EMA’s current scoring guidance says Middle and Upper Level incorrect answers lose one-quarter point, while omissions have no penalty. Elementary has no guessing penalty. Use the policy for the required level and official format, not a one-size-fits-all strategy. Confirm the live rule on EMA’s scoring materials before test day.
Is the writing sample scored?
EMA describes the writing sample as non-scored. Schools that receive the score report can still review it, so write a focused response with clear organization and specific details.
Are these official SSAT questions?
No. These are original questions for skill practice. EMA’s official materials and the schools’ current instructions are the sources for live-test rules.