All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #44 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FIELD
Recreation
Talent
Publish
Joy
Answer
Answer
This question is using "field" in a way that you might not recognize at first glance. The word does indeed indicate a kind of physical field in which grass (and other things) might be found. The word can also be used as a verb. In this sense, we say things such as, "He fielded questions regarding the event." This means that the person received and answered the questions. (This is somewhat like a baseball catcher being in the field and catching balls—though, in this case, the "balls" are questions!)
Example Question #45 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PARCEL
Announce
Sylvan
Broadcast
Wealth
Divide
Divide
The word "parcel" has several meanings. It can be a noun indicating a package. It can also be a noun indicating some portion of a larger thing, as when we talk about a "parcel of land." In this latter way of speaking, the word can also be used as a verb meaning to divide up. It is in this sense that it is being used in this question, for none of the other options directly answer to one of the other meanings of "parcel."
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Prefixes
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
MISNOMER
Miss
Nominate
Accurate name
Inaccurate name
Inaccurate name
A "misnomer" is an inaccurate name. The best choice is "inaccurate name," as it is part of the definition of "misnomer." This is fitting as a misnomer is a mistake in naming something. Considering the other options, "nominate" means suggest for an honor, "miss" means fail or fail to meet, and "snore" means breathe with harsh sounds while asleep.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Prefixes
Synonyms: Select the word or phrase that best matches the word in capital letters.
PRESCIENCE
Amorous
Potentate
Foresight
Loathe
Dread
Foresight
"Prescience" is the quality of knowing what is going to happen; foresight. To provide further help, a "potentate" is a powerful leader; "dread" means fear and "loathe" means hate; "amorous" is a feeling of love.
Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Prefixes
Synonyms: Select the word or phrase that best matches the word in capital letters.
MISOGYNY
Hatred of men
Hatred of children
Hatred of women
Hatred of animals
Hatred of old people
Hatred of women
"Misogyny" is the hatred of women. A misogynist is a man who hates and mistreats women.
Example Question #1 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
PROLOGUE
Forsake
Foreword
Formless
Forerunner
Forensic
Foreword
The prefixes "pro-" and "fore-" are very similar to one another. Both prefixes describe something that comes before something else. A “prologue” is the introduction to a story, and as such, the word is most similar in meaning to a “foreword.” None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "prologue": “formless” means without shape; “forerunner” means precursor or thing that comes before something else; “forsake” means abandon; and “forensic” means relating to the application of science to crime solving.
Example Question #2 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms
Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
MALPRACTICE
Malcontent
Misinformed
Maladjusted
Misappropriated
Misconduct
Misconduct
The prefix "mal-" means bad, so “malpractice” means bad practice, improper behavior. The prefix "mis-" also means bad and is often used similarly to "mal-." The key here is to figure out which suffix is closest in meaning to “practice” and the correct answer is “conduct.” “Misconduct” means doing something wrong, bad conduct. To provide further help, “misappropriated” means given to the wrong people; “misinformed” means told incorrect information; “maladjusted” means not adjusted to one's social environment; “malcontent” means not happy, not content.
Example Question #3 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms
Synonyms: Choose the word or phrase that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
DISPARITY
Inequality
Accountability
Repudiate
Astute
Credibility
Inequality
The word “parity” means equality and the prefix "dis-" is a negation prefix, so “disparity” is the opposite of “parity.” The correct answer is therefore “inequality.” To provide further help, someone who is “astute” is shrewd and shows good judgment; “credibility” means believability; “accountability” means responsibility; “repudiate” means reject, renounce, disavow.
Example Question #1 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms
Synonyms: Choose the word or phrase that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
EQUANIMITY
Despondency
Motivation
Composure
Inspiration
Hopelessness
Composure
The prefix equa- means same as, equal to, even, so the word “equanimity” means having an evenness of mind, showing “composure.” “Composure” is a calmness in the face of difficulty. To provide further help, “inspiration” is something that makes you want to do something; “motivation” is the reason for doing something; “despondency” means hopelessness.
Example Question #1 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DISAVOWAL
Acceptance
Denunciation
Renunciation
Encouragement
Proviso
Renunciation
To “disavow” means to deny or renounce responsibility for someone or something, as such "disavowal" is closest in meaning to “renunciation,” which means rejection or denial of something. To provide further help, “encouragement” is support; a “proviso” is a condition that must be met in order to get something done or attain something; "acceptance" means agreeing to receive something or go along with a plan; and "denunciation" means condemnation.