ISEE Lower Level Verbal : ISEE Lower Level (grades 5-6) Verbal Reasoning

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ISEE Lower Level Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #591 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

INTRIGUING

Possible Answers:

Famous

Fascinating

Likeable

Popular

Intelligent

Correct answer:

Fascinating

Explanation:

When something is intriguing, it draws your interest. It does not have to be famous or well known. It just needs to be something that is rather interesting. For example, a mysterious doorway with a weird light coming out of it might be called "intriguing". The word "fascinating" is a close synonym for "interesting." Therefore, it is the best option among those given.

Example Question #592 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

ABNORMAL

Possible Answers:

Embracing

Unusual

Astonishing

Exciting

Enticing

Correct answer:

Unusual

Explanation:

The word "abnormal" can be understood from its parts. The "ab-" prefix means away from or even not. Thus, something that is "abnormal" is not normal. When something is unusual, it is not usual. Such a thing does not have to be amazing. For example, every stone in a driveway may be brown. Then, if one is black, it is abnormal. That certainly is unusual for the driveway. It is not, however, amazing!

Example Question #593 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

ADMIRED

Possible Answers:

Amazing

Respected

Selective

Trapped

Communicative

Correct answer:

Respected

Explanation:

Whenever we say that we "admire" someone, we mean that we have a very high opinion of that person. We respect such people for who they are and for what they do. Although such persons are sometimes famous, often they are not. We admire our grandparents, even if few people know them. This means that we respect them, and thus "respected" is the best option.

Example Question #594 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

LUXURIOUS

Possible Answers:

Magnificent

Impoverishing

Cheap

Astonishing

Sparkling

Correct answer:

Magnificent

Explanation:

When something is "luxurious," it is expensive and often unnecessary. When we speak of "luxuries," we are often speaking of items that we do not need, though we want them. For example, a very expensive car is a luxury item. We buy it because it is magnificent and wonderful, not merely because it is something that we need. Hence, the word "luxurious" can mean "magnificent" because such luxurious things tend to be very grand.

Example Question #595 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

TYPICAL

Possible Answers:

Measured

Amazing

Surprising

Educated

Average

Correct answer:

Average

Explanation:

The word "typical" is related to "type," meaning kind. For example, you could say, "It was the type of day that makes you very cold." This is the kind of day that makes you cold. When something is "typical" it is just as expected. Thus, a "typical winter day" is one that is just how you would expect it to be. It is average or ordinary.  Hence, "average" is the best option.

Example Question #596 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

SATISFACTORY

Possible Answers:

Excellent

Doubtful

Acceptable

Graded

Superb

Correct answer:

Acceptable

Explanation:

The word "satisfactory" comes from the Latin for enough. When we are "satisfied," we have had enough of something. When something is "satisfactory," it is good enough. Therefore, the best answer is "acceptable." Several of the options are too positive. You cannot say that something "satisfactory" is "excellent" or "superb."

Example Question #597 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

INFERIOR

Possible Answers:

Simple

Unsatisfactory

Enhanced

Plain

Alluring

Correct answer:

Unsatisfactory

Explanation:

The word "inferior" comes from roots that mean below or low. When something is of "inferior quality," it is of poor quality.  The only option that expresses this is "unsatisfactory," which indicates that something is not good enough.

Example Question #598 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

UNIVERSAL

Possible Answers:

Surprising

Amazing

Spatial

Common

Thorough

Correct answer:

Common

Explanation:

In science, we use the word "universe" to describe everything that exits. When something is "universal," it is true everywhere. Therefore, you could say, "It is a universal opinion that everyone should brush his or her teeth at night." This means that everyone thinks this. When something is "universal" in this manner, it is common. A "common opinion" is one that is held by almost everyone.

Example Question #599 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

PLAIN

Possible Answers:

Shoddy

Uncultured

Depressing

Ordinary

Poor

Correct answer:

Ordinary

Explanation:

When something is "plain" it is not very complex. We might also say that it has "no frills." "Ordinary" things are normal, not too different from whatever is "normal" or "regular." In this sense, we can say that "ordinary" can be a synonym for "plain." Thus, an "ordinary dress" is one that is likely "plain."

Example Question #600 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

FOUL

Possible Answers:

Lazy

Domesticated

surprising

Disgusting

Expensive

Correct answer:

Disgusting

Explanation:

The word "foul" can have a number of different uses. It generally describes something that is very negative. Thus, a "foul mood" is a very bad mood. A "foul person" is someone who is very nasty. Something that is "foul" can also be something very rotten. Thus, "foul meat" is very rotten meat. From this, the word "foul" can also be used to describe the very strong odor or ugly appearance of the thing. Therefore, it can take on the meaning, "Disgusting." This is the sense in which it is being used here.  

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