ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Sentence Completions: Parts of Speech

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #551 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

She gave some __________ of being calm, but actually felt terrified.

Possible Answers:

semblance

philistine

aberration

banter

contemplation

Correct answer:

semblance

Explanation:

If the subject was actually very scared then she would have to give the appearance of, act like she was calm. The correct answer is therefore "semblance," which means having the outward appearance of something that is contrary to how one actually feels or usually looks, resembling, likeness. Additionally, "contemplation" is deep thought about something; an "aberration" is something outside of the norm, something bizarre; "banter" is playful teasing and joking; a "philistine" is a person unfamiliar with or hostile towards culture

Example Question #552 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The boxer's __________ failed to deceive his opponent.

Possible Answers:

solitude

objection

jaunt

flux

feint

Correct answer:

feint

Explanation:

Based on the context of this sentence, which describes a deceptive move made by a boxer, you know that the correct answer is a noun that describes a deceptive attack designed to distract. The correct answer is therefore "feint." Additionally, a "jaunt" is a relaxed, casual trip; "flux" is a state of constant change; an "objection" is an argument, a problem with a plan; "solitude" is the state of being alone

Example Question #553 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The family went on a(n) __________ to the countryside.

Possible Answers:

ferment

debacle

edifice

excursion

conundrum

Correct answer:

excursion

Explanation:

The context of this sentence seems to be describing a leisurely trip taken by a family. So, the correct answer is an "excursion." Additionally, a "debacle" is an embarrassing poorly managed situation; an "edifice" is a building or one side of a building; "ferment" is a state of passionate enthusiasm and excitement; a "conundrum" is a problem, a situation.

Example Question #554 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

She offered a(n) __________ in support of his testimony.

Possible Answers:

verge

ferocity

affirmation

perjury

candor

Correct answer:

affirmation

Explanation:

Based on the context of this sentence you know that you are looking for a noun that means a statement providing support for or declaring something to be true. The correct answer is an "affirmation." To "affirm" means to announce is true, to provide support for. Additionally, the "verge" is the edge; "perjury" is the act of lying under oath; "candor" is honesty, frankness; "ferocity" is fierceness.

Example Question #555 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The __________ spread quickly through the small village and claimed many lives.

Possible Answers:

pestilence

rancor

mettle

impasse

conundrum

Correct answer:

pestilence

Explanation:

Based on the context of this sentence you are looking for a noun that relates to something that spreads and kills people, like a disease. The correct answer is therefore "pestilence." Additionally, a "conundrum" is a problem; an "impasse" is a deadlock, some obstacle that cannot be overcome; "mettle" is courage; "rancor" is bitter resentfulness, spite.

Example Question #556 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

They knew of his __________ for chocolate almonds and laid out a bowl of them in preparation for the meeting.

Possible Answers:

altercation

predilection

income

barrage

potential

Correct answer:

predilection

Explanation:

If the people in this sentence laid out a bowl of chocolate almonds for the man they must have done so because they knew of his preference or "predilection" for them. A "predilection" is a preference, something liked above something else. Additionally, an "altercation" is a fight; a "barrage" is a relentless, fast-paced attack; "income" is money earned for work; "potential" is possible ability.

Example Question #557 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The sailors sang a(n) __________ to pass the time.

Possible Answers:

adage

flux

ditty

dissent

debris

Correct answer:

ditty

Explanation:

Based on the context the correct answer must be a noun that means song. The correct answer is therefore "ditty" which means playful, short song. Additionally, an "adage" is an old saying; "dissent" is disagreement, refusal to follow the rules; "flux" is a state of constant change; "debris" is refuse, trash.

Example Question #558 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The family gathered in their __________ at least once a year.

Possible Answers:

rift

hearth

adherent

residue

substitute

Correct answer:

hearth

Explanation:

Based on the context of this sentence, which describes the place where a family comes together, you know that the correct answer must mean something like home. The correct answer is therefore "hearth." A "hearth" can be a home or a fireplace. Additionally, a "substitute" is a replacement; a "rift" is a disagreement; "residue" is what is left behind when something else is removed; an "adherent" is a follower.

Example Question #559 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

She was surprised by his aggressive __________.

Possible Answers:

cull

indifference

deportment

lassitude

disruption

Correct answer:

deportment

Explanation:

Based on the context of this sentence you know you are looking for a noun that means something like character, behavior, conduct. The correct answer is therefore "deportment." Additionally, "indifference" is apathy, a lack of caring; "lassitude" is weariness, exhaustion; a "cull" is an organized killing of an animal; a "disruption" is something that interrupts and causes people to have to change their plans to get around it

Example Question #560 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

His _________ was tested by the horrors of war.

Possible Answers:

severity

persistence

excursion

mettle

compensation

Correct answer:

mettle

Explanation:

Which of these nouns is a characteristic of a person that might be tested by war? The correct answer is "mettle" which means spirit, courage, bravery. Additionally, "severity" means harshness; "persistence" means determination; "compensation" means payment made to someone for work done or injury suffered; an "excursion" is a short, pleasant trip.

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