All ISEE Lower Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #22 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
EUPHORIC
Disturbing
Smooth
Elated
Poor
Elated
"Euphoric" is defined as characterized by an intense feeling of excitment and/or happiness. Since those who are "elated" may also be characterized as very happy or excited, "elated" is the best answer choice.
Example Question #23 : Synonyms: Adjectives
Synonyms: Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
CONFUSED
Enabled
Inconsistent
Puzzled
Contrite
Puzzled
"Confused" is defined as unable to think clearly; bewildered. Since "puzzled" is defined as to feel confused due to a lack of understanding, "puzzled" is the best answer choice.
Example Question #18 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States
Synonyms: choose the answer with the meaning closest to the word in question.
Merry
Sleepy
Cheerful
Burnt
Helpful
Sad
Cheerful
"Merry" means cheerful.
Example Question #24 : Identifying Synonyms
A synonym of "frantic" is __________.
to alarm
loud
enchanted
attractive
wild
wild
Frantic often has to do with fear or anxiety, being crazed with stress; alarmed might have fit, but to alarm is the wrong part of speech (a verb instead of adjective).
Example Question #23 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the word whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
APPREHENSIVE
Destructive
Perceptive
Anxious
Criminal
Anxious
When you are "apprehensive," you are fearful that something negative is going to happen. You have likely heard of the word "apprehend." (If you haven't, you should use it!) The word "apprehend" means to seize or grab. It is often used when we talk about the police "apprehending a criminal," that is, seizing and grasping a criminal. An "apprehensive" state of mind is one that is "grasped by fear" or "seized by worry." Therefore, the best answer is "anxious," for when someone is anxious, he or she is quite worried.
Example Question #24 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
DEFLATED
Imposed
Disposed
Encouraged
Discouraged
Implied
Discouraged
“Deflated” means saddened and discouraged by some experience. To provide further help, “encouraged” means supported; “disposed” means got rid of; “imposed” means forced upon; “implied” means suggested.
Example Question #25 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
INTIMIDATED
Chronological
Stationary
Scared
Dominant
Hazardous
Scared
"Intimidated" means scared, frightened, or overawed, so "scared" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "intimidated": "dominant" means superior or most powerful; "stationary" means immobile or not moving; "hazardous" means unsafe or dangerous; and "chronological" means in an order based on when something occurred.
Example Question #26 : Identifying Synonyms
A synonym of "plaintive" is __________.
respected
celebratory
sorrowful
thrilling
moving
sorrowful
"Plaintive" is an adjective that means "sounding sad and mournful." So, we need to pick out an adjective that means something similar to "sad" or "mournful." So, "celebratory" cannot be the correct answer because it is an antonym of "sad" and "mournful." "Sorrowful," however, is an adjective that means either "feeling or showing grief" or "causing grief," and because it is the answer choice closest in meaning to "plaintive," "sorrowful" is the correct answer.
Example Question #31 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
RELUCTANT
Unwilling
Enthused
Susceptible
Cantankerous
Demonic
Unwilling
“Reluctant” means not willing, so "unwilling" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "reluctant": “cantankerous” means grumpy; “enthused” means excited; “demonic” means marked by qualities of the devil or of demons; “susceptible” means vulnerable or in danger from something specific.
Example Question #32 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
HOSTILE
Courteous
Complicated
Hateful
Lively
Hateful
The word "hostile" means not friendly or like an enemy. The best choice is "hateful," which means expressing hate or dislike of something. Considering the other choices, "complicated" means difficult to understand, "courteous" means polite, and "lively" means energetic.