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Illinois State Assessments · ISA Science

Illinois ISA Science Practice Test

Build Illinois science assessment readiness with five focused 10-question practice sets covering life science, physical science, Earth and space science, engineering, data, and scientific reasoning.

Illinois ISA Science practice sets

This Illinois ISA Science Practice Test page provides five short practice sets with 10 original multiple-choice questions each. The sets cover life science, physical science, Earth and space science, engineering and scientific practices, and integrated evidence-based review.

ISA Science skills

The Illinois State Board of Education describes the Illinois Science Assessment as an online assessment for Grades 5 and 8 aligned with the Illinois Learning Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards. These supplemental sets practice explaining phenomena, using models, interpreting data, analyzing evidence, and evaluating solutions.

How to use this page

Complete one 10-question set at a time. Read every diagram, model, table, and evidence statement carefully, then review the explanation after each response.

This is supplemental State Test Practice, State Assessment Practice, and Standardized Test Practice. It does not replace current Illinois State Board of Education guidance, official materials, accommodations, or testing procedures.

For broader grade-level study paths, explore Elementary School Tests, Middle School Tests, and High School Tests.

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1. Test2. Test3. Test4. Test5. Test

1. Test

Illinois ISA Science Practice Questions

A 10-question Illinois ISA Science practice set on life science, with answers and explanations.

Read each phenomenon, model, data table, or investigation carefully, choose one answer, and review the explanation after responding.

10 Questions
0/10 Questions0 %
Correct 0
Incorrect 0
Unanswered 10
1. QuestionMultiple choice

Which structure in a plant cell captures light energy for photosynthesis?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is Chloroplast.

  1. Read the ISA science task: Identify the system, evidence, variables, or model described in the question.
  2. Use the evidence: Chloroplasts contain pigments that capture light energy for photosynthesis.
  3. Check the claim: Confirm that the answer is supported by the information in the question and matches the scientific concept.

Chloroplasts contain pigments that capture light energy for photosynthesis.

2. QuestionMultiple choice

What is the main function of the circulatory system?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is Transport materials through the body.

  1. Read the ISA science task: Identify the system, evidence, variables, or model described in the question.
  2. Use the evidence: The circulatory system moves oxygen, nutrients, and wastes between body systems.
  3. Check the claim: Confirm that the answer is supported by the information in the question and matches the scientific concept.

The circulatory system moves oxygen, nutrients, and wastes between body systems.

3. QuestionMultiple choice

A population of rabbits has more brown fur than white fur after many generations in a forest. Which explanation is best?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is Brown fur can help rabbits blend into the forest..

  1. Read the ISA science task: Identify the system, evidence, variables, or model described in the question.
  2. Use the evidence: If brown fur improves camouflage, those rabbits may survive and reproduce more often.
  3. Check the claim: Confirm that the answer is supported by the information in the question and matches the scientific concept.

If brown fur improves camouflage, those rabbits may survive and reproduce more often.

4. QuestionMultiple choice

Which process produces two genetically identical body cells?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is Mitosis.

  1. Read the ISA science task: Identify the system, evidence, variables, or model described in the question.
  2. Use the evidence: Mitosis makes two cells with the same genetic information as the original cell.
  3. Check the claim: Confirm that the answer is supported by the information in the question and matches the scientific concept.

Mitosis makes two cells with the same genetic information as the original cell.

5. QuestionMultiple choice

Why are decomposers important in an ecosystem?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is They return matter to the environment..

  1. Read the ISA science task: Identify the system, evidence, variables, or model described in the question.
  2. Use the evidence: Decomposers break down dead matter and return nutrients to soil and water.
  3. Check the claim: Confirm that the answer is supported by the information in the question and matches the scientific concept.

Decomposers break down dead matter and return nutrients to soil and water.

6. QuestionMultiple choice

A student observes that a bean plant grows taller when it receives more light. Which variable is being changed?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is Amount of light.

  1. Read the ISA science task: Identify the system, evidence, variables, or model described in the question.
  2. Use the evidence: The amount of light is the independent variable because the student changes it.
  3. Check the claim: Confirm that the answer is supported by the information in the question and matches the scientific concept.

The amount of light is the independent variable because the student changes it.

7. QuestionMultiple choice

Which statement describes a food web?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is It shows connected feeding relationships in an ecosystem..

  1. Read the ISA science task: Identify the system, evidence, variables, or model described in the question.
  2. Use the evidence: A food web combines several food chains and shows how organisms are connected.
  3. Check the claim: Confirm that the answer is supported by the information in the question and matches the scientific concept.

A food web combines several food chains and shows how organisms are connected.

8. QuestionMultiple choice

What is one likely result if a disease greatly reduces the number of insects in a meadow?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is Some insect-eating birds may have less food..

  1. Read the ISA science task: Identify the system, evidence, variables, or model described in the question.
  2. Use the evidence: Birds and other insect eaters may have less available energy when insect numbers fall.
  3. Check the claim: Confirm that the answer is supported by the information in the question and matches the scientific concept.

Birds and other insect eaters may have less available energy when insect numbers fall.

9. QuestionMultiple choice

Which body system exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide with the environment?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is Respiratory system.

  1. Read the ISA science task: Identify the system, evidence, variables, or model described in the question.
  2. Use the evidence: The respiratory system brings oxygen into the body and removes carbon dioxide.
  3. Check the claim: Confirm that the answer is supported by the information in the question and matches the scientific concept.

The respiratory system brings oxygen into the body and removes carbon dioxide.

10. QuestionMultiple choice

A trait helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment. What is this trait called?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is An adaptation.

  1. Read the ISA science task: Identify the system, evidence, variables, or model described in the question.
  2. Use the evidence: An adaptation is an inherited feature or behavior that can improve survival in an environment.
  3. Check the claim: Confirm that the answer is supported by the information in the question and matches the scientific concept.

An adaptation is an inherited feature or behavior that can improve survival in an environment.

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Frequently asked questions about Illinois ISA Science Practice

Which grades are covered by the Illinois Science Assessment?

The Illinois State Board of Education identifies ISA science assessments for Grades 5 and 8. Check the official ISA page for current assessment information.

Which science skills are included?

The practice sets include life science, physical science, Earth and space science, engineering design, scientific practices, data interpretation, evidence, models, and explanations.

Are these official ISA questions?

No. These are original supplemental practice questions. Check the official Illinois State Board of Education ISA page for current resources, standards, accommodations, and testing procedures.