All ISEE Lower Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #775 : Sentence Completions
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
The __________ tower of bricks collapsed easily.
sturdy
reliable
flimsy
sinewy
brawny
flimsy
If the tower collapsed easily then it stands to reason that it cannot have been very secure or stable. Something that is not secure, easily broken or ruined is called "flimsy." The other answer choices are all loosely synonyms of one another and antonyms of "flimsy." For example, "brawny" means strong; "sinewy" means muscular; "sturdy" means stable, reliable, firm.
Example Question #776 : Sentence Completions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Peter did not feel the need to have many belongings but, instead, was _____________ with his few possessions.
content
saddled
housed
invested
irritated
content
The general implication is that Peter is happy enough with his current possessions. He does not want anything more really. This means that he is content with them. To be "content" is to be satisfied. Since Peter doesn't want anything more, he is well satisfied with his belongings.
Example Question #777 : Sentence Completions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The paths by the railroad were quite ______________ to the two old men. When they were children, they would walk along them for hours every day after school, getting to know every detail about them.
questionable
intriguing
familiar
orderly
emotional
familiar
Be careful. All that the sentence says is that the old men got to know every detail of the trails when they were young. This does not indicate anything about their emotional attachment to the trails. We only know that they have an excellent knowledge of them. This means that they are familiar with them. The word is related to "family." Just as family members are "close" to us, so too are familiar things "close" in the sense of being well known.
Example Question #778 : Sentence Completions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The __________ evening inspired little passion or emotion of any kind.
compiled
ominous
menacing
dreary
vigorous
dreary
In this sentence the evening seems to be boring and uninspiring and dull. It could best be described as "dreary," which means dull, unexciting, lacking energy, uninspiring. Additionally, "compiled" means put together, made a list of; "vigorous" means strong and healthy, full of energy; "menacing" means threatening; "ominous" means warning, suggesting some future danger.
Example Question #779 : Sentence Completions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The teacher told the children to be careful with the baby rabbits because the baby rabbits have __________ bones.
sturdy
zany
brittle
ancient
jolly
brittle
To solve this problem you need to figure out which of these answers is an adjective that describes something fragile that children need to be careful not to break. The correct answer is therefore "brittle," which means not tough or firm, easily broken. Additionally, "sturdy" means tough, reliable, not likely to break or fall; "ancient" means very old; "zany" means wacky, wild, crazy; "jolly" means good-natured, happy and cheerful.
Example Question #780 : Sentence Completions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
His advisors urged caution so that he would not make another __________ decision.
rash
delicate
prudent
supreme
just
rash
To begin with "urged" means strongly encouraged, begged, pleaded and "caution" means carefulness. So, if the subject's advisors suggested that he be extra careful this time it probably means his decision last time was foolish and reckless. The correct answer is therefore "rash" which means done foolishly without proper planning, reckless, imprudent, careless. Additionally, "prudent" means careful, not rash, not foolish; "just" means fair, right, equal and balanced; "delicate" means soft, fine, easily broken; "supreme" means ideal, best.
Example Question #781 : Sentence Completions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Thousands of men are needed to manage the __________ empire.
portly
petite
oblivious
sacred
vast
vast
If a large number of men are needed to manage the empire than it can be safely assumed to be very large, massive, or "vast." Additionally, "portly" means chubby, fat; "petite" means very small; "sacred" means holy; "oblivious" means unaware.
Example Question #782 : Sentence Completions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The parents are proud of their children for being so __________.
drowsy
obnoxious
furtive
spooky
courteous
courteous
To solve this problem you need to determine which of these answer choices is an adjective that parents would be proud to call their child. The correct answer then is "courteous" which means polite, well-mannered, well-behaved and respectful. Additionally, "spooky" means scary, creepy; "obnoxious" means rude, poorly-behaved, arrogant; "furtive" means secretive, sneaky; "drowsy" means sleepy, lacking energy.
Example Question #783 : Sentence Completions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Of course, the __________ girl looks great in these pictures.
photogenic
posthumous
portable
placated
perilous
photogenic
If the girl looks great in the pictures it makes sense to call her "photogenic." Someone who is "photogenic" looks very good in pictures. Additionally, "posthumous" means after death; "placated" means calmed, soothed; "portable" means able to be carried, able to be transported; "perilous" means dangerous.
Example Question #784 : Sentence Completions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The graveyard seemed __________ to her and she did not want to go in.
lively
enthralling
composed
eerie
fascinating
eerie
If the girl did not want to go into the graveyard it makes sense that the adjective she would use to describe it would be negative. The correct answer is therefore "eerie" which means spooky, creepy, unnerving. This also fits with the object which is a graveyard. Additionally, "composed" means calm, under control; "lively" means spirited, full of life, energetic; "enthralling" means captivating, attractive and interesting; "fascinating" means very interesting.
All ISEE Lower Level Verbal Resources
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