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 #2021 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

TRUCE

Possible Answers:

Scroll

Battlefield

Armor

Armistice

Honesty

Correct answer:

Armistice

Explanation:

A "truce" is an agreement to delay fighting for a set period of time. "Armistice," which shares the same meaning, is therefore the best choice. Considering the other choices, "armor" is any item warn for protection in a fight, "honesty" means truthfulness, "battlefield" is the area in which a battle takes place, and a "scroll" is a rolled up piece of paper or parchment either written on or able to be written on.

Example Question #2022 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

IDIOSYNCRASY

Possible Answers:

Defection

Authority

Foreshadowing

Vagrant

Peculiarity

Correct answer:

Peculiarity

Explanation:

An "idiosyncrasy" is a manner of behavior unique to one person, or a “peculiarity.” “Defection” is the act of deserting one’s country or party in favor of the direct opponent or desertion; “authority” means power or the person or entity who is in charge; “foreshadowing” means an act of warning of something that will happen in the future; a “vagrant” is a tramp or someone who wanders from place to place begging to survive.

Example Question #311 : Synonyms

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

MANDATE

Possible Answers:

Succor

Duress

Calculation

Authority

Directive

Correct answer:

Directive

Explanation:

A “mandate” is an official directive, so "directive" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “succor” means aid or assistance; “duress” means stress or pressure to do something.

Example Question #312 : Synonyms

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

RESTRAINT

Possible Answers:

Illusion

Self-control

Participation

Consideration

Defiance

Correct answer:

Self-control

Explanation:

"Restraint” means a physical restriction that keeps one from moving normally or the ability to control oneself and not just act on emotion, so the best answer choice is "self-control." 

Example Question #313 : Synonyms

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

CHAGRIN

Possible Answers:

Privilege

Fusion

Ferocity

Antipathy

Mortification

Correct answer:

Mortification

Explanation:

“Chagrin” is acute personal embarrassment or irritation at how a situation resulted, so "mortification," which means extreme embarrassment, is the answer choice closest in meaning to "chagrin." As for the other answer choices, “fusion” means blend; “privilege” means a special right or advantage granted to someone; “antipathy” means a deep-feeling of hatred or dislike; and “ferocity” refers to fierceness and cruelty. 

Example Question #314 : Synonyms

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

HYPERBOLE

Possible Answers:

Obstinance

Exaggeration

Conformity

Conviction

Enthusiasm

Correct answer:

Exaggeration

Explanation:

“Hyperbole” is an obvious and intentional overstatement of the truth, so "exaggeration" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "hyperbole." Considering the other answer choices, a “conviction” is a strongly felt opinion; “conformity” means similarity or compliance to rules; "enthusiasm" means excitement or zeal; and "obstinance" means stubbornness.

Example Question #315 : Synonyms

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

PRETENSE

Possible Answers:

Order

Secrecy

Deception

Candidness

Difference

Correct answer:

Deception

Explanation:

"Pretense" is a noun that means "an attempt to make something that is not the case appear true" or "a false display of feelings, attitudes, or intentions."So, we need to pick out a noun that means something like "an attempt to make something false appear true" or "a false display." "Candidness," then, cannot be the correct answer, because "candidness" is a noun that means "the quality of being truthful and straightforward; frankness," making it more of an antonym than a synonym of "pretense." "Deception," however, is a noun that means "the action of deceiving someone" or "a thing that deceives," and because "deception" is the answer choice closest to "pretense," "deception" is the correct answer.

Example Question #316 : Synonyms

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

PREDILECTION

Possible Answers:

Parsimony

Elegance

Impartiality

Propensity

Modicum

Correct answer:

Propensity

Explanation:

"Predilection" and "propensity" both mean tendency or inclination. "Impartiality means equality or fairness. "Modicum" means a bit or small amount. "Parsimony" means stinginess or frugality

Example Question #317 : Synonyms

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

PROPENSITY

Possible Answers:

Pathos

Tendency

Incompetence

Repetition

Panacea

Correct answer:

Tendency

Explanation:

"Propensity" and "tendency" both mean an inclination or weakness. "Panacea" means a cure-all or elixir. "Incompetence" means lack of ability"Pathos" means deep sadness

Example Question #318 : Synonyms

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

ANTITHESIS

Possible Answers:

Apex

Estimate

Hyperbole

Opposite

Irony

Correct answer:

Opposite

Explanation:

Since "antithesis" means a person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else, the answer choice that is its closest synonym is "opposite."

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