ISEE Upper Level Verbal : ISEE Upper Level (grades 9-12) Verbal Reasoning

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #16 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

MENDICANT

Possible Answers:

contaminant

harbinger

proclivity

vagabond

iconoclast

Correct answer:

vagabond

Explanation:

A "mendicant" is a vagabond or a beggar. An "iconoclast" is someone who goes against established traditions or beliefs. A "harbinger" is an omen or portent. A "contaminant" is an impurity or pollutant. A "proclivity" is a tendency or a habit.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things

Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.

DROSS

Possible Answers:

nonchalance

dregs

sybarite

contusion

referendum

Correct answer:

dregs

Explanation:

"Dross" and "dregs" both mean remains or refuse. "Nonchalance" means apathy or indifference. "Contusion" means a bruise or injury. "Referendum" means a popular vote on an issue. "Sybarite" means a hedonist or someone who loves luxury

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things

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

PRECIPICE

Possible Answers:

Misanthrope

Deference

Plethora

Crag

Precursor

Correct answer:

Crag

Explanation:

"Precipice" and "crag" both mean a cliff or bluff. "Deference" means obedience or compliance. "Misanthrope" means someone who hates people. "Plethora" means excess or overabundance. "Precursor" means something that indicates an outcome or event beforehand

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things

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

PYRE

Possible Answers:

Stratagem

Galleon

Bonfire

Gambol

Quarry

Correct answer:

Bonfire

Explanation:

"Pyre" and "bonfire" are both synonyms. "Stratagem" means a trick or gimmick. "Quarry" means goal or aim. "Gambol" means to tumble playfully. "Galleon" means a large sailing ship

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things

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

HOVEL

Possible Answers:

Infection

Shanty

Prophesy

Prodigy

Residue

Correct answer:

Shanty

Explanation:

A "hovel" is a shanty or a small and run-down cabin, so "shanty" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "hovel": "infection" means disease or the process of being infected with a disease; a "prodigy" is a young person with extraordinary abilities or skills; "prophesy" is a foretelling about what will happen in the future; and "residue" is whatever remains or is left.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things

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

ABODE

Possible Answers:

Indicated

Presaged

Enemy

Traveled

Residence

Correct answer:

Residence

Explanation:

In an older usage, the word “abode” also functions as the past tense of “abide,” which means (in addition to its most common meanings today) “to continue, remain, or dwell.” Here, it is used in its more accepted sense of meaning “house” or “residence.”

Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things

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

DEARTH

Possible Answers:

Excess

Enmity

Moroseness

Lack

Mirth

Correct answer:

Lack

Explanation:

“Dearth” means lack or state of not having much or enough of something, so "lack" is the correct answer. “Excess” is an antonym of "dearth" and means the part of a quantity that is more than what is needed;“mirth” means joy, celebration and happiness; and “sulkiness” is petulance and a state in which one is disgruntled; and “enmity” means mutual dislike or hatred.

Example Question #7 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things

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

CACOPHONY

Possible Answers:

Din

Asset

Parity

Instrument

Prudence

Correct answer:

Din

Explanation:

A “cacophony” is a harsh mixture of noise that is not pleasing to hear, also known as a “din” or a “racket.” As for the other answer choices, “asset” means something useful that offers some advantage, "prudence" is the ability to make smart, careful decisions in order to avoid future problems, and "parity" is equality.

Example Question #8 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things

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

CHICANERY

Possible Answers:

Accountability

Deception

Erudition

Remonstration

Edification

Correct answer:

Deception

Explanation:

“Chicanery” is getting something from someone using dishonest trickery, so "deception" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “edification” is moral improvement; “erudition” is knowledge and learning; “accountability” means responsibility; and a "remonstration" is complaint or protest.

Example Question #9 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things

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

EMBELLISHMENT

Possible Answers:

Adornment

Repartee

Fragment

Outcast

Perjury

Correct answer:

Adornment

Explanation:

An “embellishment” is something added to decorate something else; this is very close in meaning to an “adornment.” As for the other answer choices, a “fragment” is a portion or a part of a greater whole; “perjury” is lying in court under oath; an “outcast” is someone who is rejected by a social group; and “repartee” means witty conversation.

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