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 #66 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LASSITUDE

Possible Answers:

vigor

largess

lethargy

diligence

legerdemain

Correct answer:

lethargy

Explanation:

"Lassitude" and "lethargy" both mean apathy or fatigue. "Diligence" means perseverance in carrying out an action. "Vigor" means power or energy. "Largess" means generosity. "Legerdemain" means sleight of hand

Example Question #67 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EXIGENCY

Possible Answers:

transient

contingency

hegemony

boon

largess

Correct answer:

contingency

Explanation:

"Exigency" and "contingency" both mean difficulty or crisis. "Boon" means an advantage or blessing. "Hegemony" means dominion or authority. "Transient" means temporary or ephemeral. "Largess" means generosity or aid.

Example Question #68 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ATAVISM

Possible Answers:

reversion

pathos

pariah

polemic

rectitude

Correct answer:

reversion

Explanation:

"Atavism" and "reversion" both mean backsliding or regression. "Pariah" means social outcast. "Pathos" means deep sadness or emotion. "Polemic" means argument or spat. "Rectitude" means uprightness or decency.

Example Question #69 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LIEN

Possible Answers:

whelp

neologism

suffragist

claim

consensus

Correct answer:

claim

Explanation:

"Lien" and "claim" both mean a claim on property. "Consensus" means general agreement or accord. "Suffragist" means a voter or citizen. "Neologism" means a new word. "Whelp" means a young animal, especially a mammal.

Example Question #70 : Identifying Synonyms

COMMANDMENT

Possible Answers:

Compassion

Rebellion

Insomnia

Dearth

Order

Correct answer:

Order

Explanation:

"Commandment" is an official order usually by a government official. "Dearth" means lacking of something. "Compassion" means showing emotion and sympathy for another person. "Insomnia" means sleeplessness or inability to sleep. "Rebellion" means a revolt against a government or some other entity.

Example Question #21 : Hspt Verbal Skills

ENIGMA

Possible Answers:

Puzzle

Herbivore

Zealot

Accreditation

Fatigue

Correct answer:

Puzzle

Explanation:

"Enigma" means puzzle or something difficult to understand. "Accreditation" means providing credit or approval for an institution (usually a school). "Zealot" is a person who is passionate for something. "Fatigue" means exhausted and worn-out. "Herbivore" is an organism that eats only plants.

Example Question #71 : Identifying Synonyms

FELICITY

Possible Answers:

Inactive

Frightful

Bliss

Inconsistent

Humid

Correct answer:

Bliss

Explanation:

"Felicity" means bliss or extreme happiness. "Inconsistent" means not constant or not the same throughout. "Frightful" means horrible or causing fear in people. "Humid" means that there is a lot of moisture in the air. "Inactive" means not moving or not involved with physical activity.

Example Question #22 : Hspt Verbal Skills

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

ALACRITY

Possible Answers:

Forceful

Diligent

Acidity

Willingness

Disagreeable

Correct answer:

Willingness

Explanation:

The word “alacrity” is related to the musical words “allegro” and “allegretto,” which indicate quickness or briskness of tempo. Strictly speaking, “alacrity” means pleasant, quick readiness (to do something). Among the provided options, the best answer is “willingness.”

Example Question #23 : Hspt Verbal Skills

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

ZENITH

Possible Answers:

Cessation

Vulgarity

Reconciliation

Zealot

Apex

Correct answer:

Apex

Explanation:

"Zenith" means apex or highest point, so "apex" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to highest point: "zealot" means fanatic or enthusiast; "reconciliation" means agreement or harmony reached after an argument or battle; "cessation" means ending or conclusion; and "vulgarity" means crassness or obscenity.

Example Question #72 : Identifying Synonyms

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

METTLE

Possible Answers:

Diffidence

Dauntlessness

Wont

Nomad

Nepotism

Correct answer:

Dauntlessness

Explanation:

"Mettle" is a noun that means "courage; fortitude" or "the ability to cope well with difficulties; resilience." While "diffidence" might seem like a promising answer choice, it actually means "modesty or shyness resulting from a lack of self-confidence," so it's an antonym of "mettle," not a synonym. "Dauntlessness," on the other hand, means "fearlessness, intrepidness, boldness; the incapability of being discouraged or intimidated" and is the best answer choice of those listed.

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