ISEE Middle Level Verbal : ISEE Middle Level (grades 7-8) Verbal Reasoning

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Latin

A synonym of "imperceptible" is __________.

Possible Answers:

secret

undetectable

prominent

filial

wise

Correct answer:

undetectable

Explanation:

"Imperceptible" is an adjective that means "impossible to perceive," so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "impossible to perceive." So, "prominent" cannot be the correct answer because one meaning of "prominent" is "situated so as to catch the attention; noticeable," making it an antonym of "imperceptible." "Undetectable," however, is an adjective that means "not able to be detected," and because it is the answer choice closest in meaning to "imperceptible," "undetectable" is the correct answer.

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.

TRANSVERSE

Possible Answers:

Perpendicular

Gradient

Parallel

Slanting

Slope

Correct answer:

Slanting

Explanation:

The prefix trans- means across or travel. The word “transverse” means to travel across something in a slanting or diagonal manner. To provide further help, “parallel” means side-by-side; “perpendicular” means intersecting just once, opposite of parallel; “gradient” and “slope” are synonyms of one another and mathematical terms, both mean incline or angle of rising.

Example Question #51 : Synonyms

Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

INCARNATE

Possible Answers:

Synthesis 

Serendipitous 

Personified 

Portent 

Pertinent 

Correct answer:

Personified 

Explanation:

"Carn-" means in the flesh, related to the body. “Incarnate” literally means in the flesh; however, it is taken to mean “personified,” which means the epitome of something, the most obvious example of something. To provide further help, “serendipitous” means owed to good fortune; a “synthesis” is a mixture; a “portent” is an omen; “pertinent” means relevant.

Example Question #52 : Synonyms

A synonym of "indeterminate" is __________.

Possible Answers:

definite

unspecified

miraculous

predatory

charismatic

Correct answer:

unspecified

Explanation:

"Indeterminate" is an adjective that means "not exactly known, established, or defined." So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "not exactly defined." "Definite," then, cannot be the correct answer, because "definite," which means "clearly stated or decided; not vague or doubtful" or "clearly true or real; unambiguous," is an antonym of "indeterminate," not a synonym. "Unspecified," however, is an adjective that means "not stated clearly or exactly," and because "unspecified" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "indeterminate," "unspecified" is the correct answer.

Example Question #53 : Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

PRESCIENT

Possible Answers:

Do

Foreknowing

Science

Sentient

Correct answer:

Foreknowing

Explanation:

The word "prescient" means having knowledge of things before they happen. The best choice is "foreknowing," as it shares the same definition as "prescient." Considering the other choices, "do" means perform an act, "science" is knowledge gained from systematic study, and "sentient" means conscious.

Example Question #61 : Synonyms

Synonyms: Choose the word or phrase that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

SUBLIMINAL

Possible Answers:

Unconscious 

Remonstrate 

Posthumous 

Comparable 

Outlying 

Correct answer:

Unconscious 

Explanation:

The prefix sub- means beneath or under. “Subliminal” means occurring beneath the surface of your understanding; this is closest in definition to “unconscious.” “Conscious” means aware, so “unconscious” means an understanding you are not aware of. “Unconscious” can also mean passed-out. To provide further help, “posthumous” means occurring after death; “outlying” means remote; “remonstrate” means argue, protest; “comparable” means similar, able to be compared

Example Question #62 : Synonyms

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

INNOCUOUS

Possible Answers:

Benign 

Malodorous 

Benevolent 

Malfeasant

Malevolent

Correct answer:

Benign 

Explanation:

“Innocuous” means not harmful, which is identical in definition to “benign.” Here might be a good time to examine the differences between the prefixes "ben-" and "mal-." "Ben-"means good, positive, helpful, etc. and "mal-" means bad, evil, hurtful, etc. “Malevolent” means evil or wicked-natured and “benevolent” means good-natured, while “malfeasant” means exhibiting bad behavior and “malodorous” means bad-smelling.

Example Question #63 : Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the word or phrase that best matches the word in capital letters. 

MALCONTENT

Possible Answers:

Whimsical

Nostalgic

Obsequious

Dissatisfied

Mercurial

Correct answer:

Dissatisfied

Explanation:

“Malcontent” means not content, dissatisfied. To provide further guidance, "whimsical" means quirky and silly; "mercurial" means enigmatic and hard to predict; "nostalgic" means having fond memories about the past; "obsequious" means flattering.

Example Question #64 : Synonyms

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

INCREDULOUS

Possible Answers:

Awestruck

Disbelieving

Uncertain

Imaginative

Enthusiastic

Correct answer:

Disbelieving

Explanation:

"Incredulous" means disbelieving or doubtful of the credibility of something. Thus, the best answer choice is "disbelieving." For instance, if a child gives an incredulous look about whether drinking tea will help his or her cold, it means that the child is doubtful whether the tea can help him or her.

Example Question #65 : Synonyms

A synonym of "unruly" is __________.

Possible Answers:

rowdy

opinionated

beneficial

well-behaved

low

Correct answer:

rowdy

Explanation:

"Unruly" is an adjective that means "disorderly and disruptive and not amenable to discipline or control." So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "disruptive." "Well-behaved" cannot be the correct answer, then, because "well-behaved" is an antonym of "disruptive." "Rowdy," however, is an adjective that means "noisy and disorderly," and because "rowdy" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "unruly," "rowdy" is the correct answer.

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