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 #10 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things

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

LAURELS

Possible Answers:

Homages

Ideas

Grievances

Praise

Sentiments

Correct answer:

Praise

Explanation:

“Laurels” are literally leaves from a laurel tree formed into a crown for a victor, but metaphorically, "laurels" can also mean praise for some accomplishment. The phrase "resting on one's laurels" uses this definition; it means not really trying very hard, but instead, coasting on the fame of one's previous successes. So, "praise" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “sentiments” are one’s attitudes and opinions; “grievances” are things one disagrees with and takes issue with; and “homages” are things that are dedicated to someone or something.

Example Question #1961 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

EMOLLIENT

Possible Answers:

aspersion

liniment

effrontery

grandiloquence

antipathy

Correct answer:

liniment

Explanation:

"Emollient" and "liniment" both mean a balm or ointment. "Aspersion" means a verbal exhibition of bad tempter. "Antipathy" means strong dislike or distrust. "Effrontery" means nerve or boldness. "Grandiloquence" means bombast or boasting

Example Question #1962 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

Edifice most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

delicatessen

restaurant

resolve

resolution

building

Correct answer:

building

Explanation:

The word “edifice” comes from Latin roots either literally meaning “building” or also “to make a building.” When we “edify” someone, we “build them up” or improve them. The best option is the very general term “building” and none of the more specific building types mentioned.

Example Question #1963 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

TERMINAL

Possible Answers:

Diagnosis

Sickness

End

Disease

Prognostication

Correct answer:

End

Explanation:

Often, we speak of a “terminal illness,” and several of the wrong answers are meant to tempt you into thinking choosing them because of this association. What is meant when we so call an illness is that it is going to lead to the end of life of the person diagnosed. The “term” of something is its “end” in the sense of being the very last point with regard to that thing (the end of life, the end of a stick, etc).

Example Question #1964 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

ARRAY

Possible Answers:

Perjury

Frenzy

Distraction

Assortment

Mishap

Correct answer:

Assortment

Explanation:

An “array” is an assortment of many different types of things, so "assortment" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, a “distraction” is something that takes your attention away from whatever you are focused on; “perjury” is the act of lying under oath in court; a "mishap” is something minor that goes wrong; and a "frenzy" is a brief span of intense emotion or activity.

Example Question #1965 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

GARB

Possible Answers:

Plaudits

Clothing

Lamentations

Limitations

Possessions

Correct answer:

Clothing

Explanation:

“Garb” is another word for garments or "clothing," often referring to a specific set of clothes used for a particular purpose or when one takes on a particular role. As for the other answer choices, “possessions” are things that are owned; “limitations” are restrictions or things that hold people back; “plaudits” are congratulations or praise; “lamentations” are spoken acts of mourning.

Example Question #1966 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

MALADY

Possible Answers:

Catalyst

Antecedent

Inspiration

Detention

Ailment

Correct answer:

Ailment

Explanation:

A “malady” is a disease, sickness, or "ailment." As for the other answer choices, “detention” means the act of being punished or imprisoned by being placed in custody or this state of imprisonment; a “catalyst” is something that provides impetus for or helps start a reaction or an event; “inspiration” means motivation or something that causes someone to act willingly; “antecedent” means precursor, forerunner, or a thing that comes before another thing.

Example Question #1967 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

HAZARD

Possible Answers:

Toxic

Carcinogenic

Terror

Option

Risk

Correct answer:

Risk

Explanation:

When used as a noun, the word "hazard" is used to describe something that is dangerous. The adjectival form "hazardous" is often used to describe various things that are dangerous—hazardous roads, hazardous traffic, hazardous waste, and so forth. Among the options given here, most of them are somehow related to hazardous things. If something is dangerous, it is likely a terror. Likewise, a toxic thing is hazardous, as is a carcinogenic (i.e. cancer-causing) thing, but a "hazard" is simply a dangerous thing. Thus, the general word "risk" is the best option for this question.

Example Question #1968 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

WRIT

Possible Answers:

Polyglot

Heroine

Order

Hiatus

Kowtow

Correct answer:

Order

Explanation:

A "writ" is a legal command, an order to appear before court. The closest answer therefore is "order." To provide further help, a "heroine" is a female hero; "hiatus" means break, rest period; "kowtow" means to bow, to defer to another; a "polyglot" is a speaker of multiple languages.

Example Question #1969 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

PRECEPT

Possible Answers:

Rule

Festival

Bastion

Gala

Stronghold

Correct answer:

Rule

Explanation:

A "precept" is a rule or principle meant to govern behavior. To provide further help, "bastion" and "stronghold" are synonyms; both words mean an institution that upholds a dying ideal. "Gala" means festival

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