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 #14 : Synonyms: Roots

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

TENABLE

Possible Answers:

Catastrophic

Reasonable

Debunk

Ambiguous

Sporadic

Correct answer:

Reasonable

Explanation:

The prefix "ten-" means able to be held or defended, so the word “tenable” describes an idea that is able to be held or defended. We could also call this a “reasonable” idea. To provide further help, “debunk” means disprove; “catastrophic” means disastrous; “ambiguous” means unclear; “sporadic” means random and occurring infrequently.

Example Question #15 : Synonyms: Roots

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

PLACID

Possible Answers:

Slow

Dirty 

Soft 

Silver

Calm

Correct answer:

Calm

Explanation:

The word "placid" means calm and peaceful. For example, one might write, "You could see your reflection like a mirror image in the placid lake." So, "calm" is the correct answer.

Example Question #16 : Synonyms: Roots

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

AGRARIAN

Possible Answers:

Faithful

Urban

Agricultural

Literary

Scientific

Correct answer:

Agricultural

Explanation:

The prefix "agr-" means having to do with farming or the land, as seen in the word “agriculture.” The word “agrarian” means having to do with to the land or agriculture, so "of land" is the correct answer.

Example Question #17 : Synonyms: Roots

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

HOSPITABLE

Possible Answers:

Ideal

Cautious

Incompatible

Neighborly

Correct answer:

Neighborly

Explanation:

"Hospitable" means generous and friendly in entertaining guests, so "neighborly" would be the best match, as both words mean friendly.

Example Question #17 : Synonyms: Roots

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

HOSPITABLE

Possible Answers:

Bored

Guest

Hostile

Friendly

Correct answer:

Friendly

Explanation:

"Hospitable" means receiving guests warmly and generously. The best choice is "friendly" because it means showing kindness and helpfulness. Someone who receives guests warmly and generously would be acting in a friendly manner toward those guests. 

Example Question #18 : Synonyms: Roots

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

BENEVOLENT

Possible Answers:

Violent

Compassionate

Loud

Ruckus

Correct answer:

Compassionate

Explanation:

The word "benevolent" means kind and caring. The best choice is "compassionate" because it shares the same definition. Considering the other choices, "violent" means acting with uncontrolled, rough force, "loud" means great in volume, and "ruckus" means noisy commotion.

Example Question #19 : Synonyms: Roots

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

DIFFIDENT

Possible Answers:

Swift 

Thoughtless 

Hesitant 

Reckless 

Hasty 

Correct answer:

Hesitant 

Explanation:

The root "fid" refers to belief, so someone who is “diffident” is lacking self-belief. Of the five answer choices, this is most similar in meaning to “hesitant,” which means uncertain and not confident. To provide further help, “reckless” means careless, quick to get into danger; “hasty” means rushed; “swift” means very quick; and “thoughtless” means carless, inconsiderate

Example Question #271 : Synonyms

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

VERBOSE

Possible Answers:

Cozy

Wordy

Nurturing

Deadly

Reliant

Correct answer:

Wordy

Explanation:

"Verbose" means overly wordy, so "wordy" is the correct answer.

Example Question #21 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

VIVACIOIUS

Possible Answers:

Ventilate

Advocate

Lively

Somber

Casual

Correct answer:

Lively

Explanation:

"Vivacious" is defined as animated and gay.  This is similar to "lively."

Example Question #273 : Synonyms

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

SALABLE

Possible Answers:

Able to be tasted

Able to be seen

Able to be smelled

Able to be sold

Able to be taught

Correct answer:

Able to be sold

Explanation:

The suffix "able-" means able to be and the prefix "sal-" relates to selling or being sold; therefore, “salable” means able to be sold

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