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 #2311 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

REPARATION

Possible Answers:

Retaliation

Taxation

Compensation

Injury

Legislation

Correct answer:

Compensation

Explanation:

"Reparation" is a kind of repayment made to someone because of wrongs done to that person. It is of the essence of reparation to be a repayment—this is quite important. The only option that expresses this idea of repaying is "compensation," which is a kind of payment given in return for something, usually for damages or injuries caused.

Example Question #2312 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

PRIORITIZE

Possible Answers:

Acclaim

Order

Overlook

Alleviate

Laud

Correct answer:

Order

Explanation:

The word "prioritize" is clearly related to "prior," which means coming before something else. When we prioritize things, we place them before less important matters; however, the word "prioritize" can be used in general to indicate the activity involved in setting the relative importance of many things. Thus, to "prioritize the tasks" means to put them in order (according to priority, of course). Thus, it is acceptable to choose something like "order" for a synonym here. Do not be tempted by options "laud" or "acclaim," which mean to praise. Just because we often like what we prioritize, this does not mean that the word means the same thing as the actual act of praising.

Example Question #2313 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

RESCIND

Possible Answers:

Placate

Order

Cancel

Contend

Inspect

Correct answer:

Cancel

Explanation:

To "rescind" something means to repeal, to cancel. To provide further help, "contend" means to argue something is the truth; "placate" means sooth, calm

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

ALLURING

Possible Answers:

Cute

Concerning

Unstable

Responsible

Deliberate

Correct answer:

Cute

Explanation:

"Alluring" is an adjective that means beautiful or attractive. The best choice is "cute," since it means attractive. Considering the other choices, "concerning" means causing worry, "unstable" means constantly changing states of being, "responsible" means able to be relied upon to complete tasks, and "deliberate" means done on purpose or working carefully.

Example Question #2314 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

DULCET

Possible Answers:

Mellifluous

Soft

Delicious

Simple

Ambiguous

Correct answer:

Mellifluous

Explanation:

The word "dulcet" is an adjective that means sweet and calming and is used to describe sounds and music. The best choice is the word "mellifluous," as it means sweet-sounding. Considering the other choices, "simple" means not complicated, "delicious" mean tasting very good, "soft" means having a fuzzy texture, and "ambiguous" means having multiple ways in which the meaning of something could be interpreted.

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

PALPABLE

Possible Answers:

Repressible

Malleable

Tangible

Explicable

Invulnerable

Correct answer:

Tangible

Explanation:

“Palpable” means able to be felt or sensed. This is very similar to “tangible,” which means able to be touched. As for the incorrect answer choices, “explicable” means able to be explained; “invulnerable" means not open to being attacked or damaged; “repressible” means able to be repressed or hidden; and “malleable” means able to be manipulated or able to be changed and molded.

Example Question #2315 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

GAUDY

Possible Answers:

Meaningful

Awful

Shameful

Suspenseful

Colorful

Correct answer:

Colorful

Explanation:

“Gaudy” means bright and colorful, although it is usually used in a negative way to suggest something is so uncomfortably bright and colorful as to be tasteless. So, "colorful" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “shameful” means embarassing or causing shame; “meaningful” means important, significant, or containing meaning; “suspenseful” means causing anxiety due to not knowing what will happen; and “awful” means terrible. (Note how the suffix "-ful" generally means full of.)

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

GARISH

Possible Answers:

Implacable

Fruitless

Essential

Furtive

Tasteless

Correct answer:

Tasteless

Explanation:

“Garish” means tastelessly showy and flashy and thus not having good taste. Thus, "tasteless" is the best synonym amongst the given answer choices. As for the other answer choices, “furtive” means secretive or trying to avoid notice; “implacable” means unable to be appeased; “fruitless” means completely unsuccessful; and “essential” means necessary.

Example Question #2316 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

GOSSAMER

Possible Answers:

Abrogate

Translucent

Opaque

Brusque

Assiduous

Correct answer:

Translucent

Explanation:

"Gossamer" and "translucent" both mean luminous or see-through. "Opaque" means clouded or muddy. "Brusque" means curt or surly. "Assiduous" means hard-working or diligent. "Abrogate" means to formally put an end to

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

OSSIFIED

Possible Answers:

Prodigal

Petrified

Pliable

Nefarious

Tortuous

Correct answer:

Petrified

Explanation:

"Ossified" and "petrified" both mean hardened or bony. "Pliable" means bendable or adaptable. "Nefarious" means heinous or sinful. "Prodigal" means wasteful or reckless. "Tortuous" means twisted or complicated.

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