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 #3 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

PLACID

Possible Answers:

Turbulent

Sociable

Calm

Cheerful

Troubled

Correct answer:

Calm

Explanation:

For something to be described as placid, it means it is calm and tranquil.  For example, someone with a placid disposition is calm and peaceful in nature.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

DEMURE

Possible Answers:

Brazen

Mean

Qualified

Shy

Proud

Correct answer:

Shy

Explanation:

"Demure" is an adjective that means "of a woman or her behavior: reserved, modest, and shy" or "of clothing: lending such an appearance." So, neither "brazen" nor "proud" can be the correct answer because each of those words are an antonym of "demure." Because "shy" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "demure," it is the correct answer.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

ARDENT

Possible Answers:

Melodramatic

Ablaze

Covetous

Passionate

Antagonistic

Correct answer:

Passionate

Explanation:

An ardent statement means that is passionate and very enthusiastic.

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

PETULANT

Possible Answers:

Guileless

Esoteric

Florid

Sullen

Extravagant

Correct answer:

Sullen

Explanation:

"Petulant" and "sullen" both mean crabby or moody. "Guileless" means honest or forthright. "Florid" means very elaborate or decorative. "Extravagant" means indulgent or wasteful. "Esoteric" means mysterious or obscure

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

FERVENT

Possible Answers:

Intermittent

Apathetic

Ardent

Virulent

Dispassionate

Correct answer:

Ardent

Explanation:

"Fervent" and "ardent" both mean devout or passionate. "Apathetic" means uncaring or disinterested. "Dispassionate" means unfeeling or impartial. "Intermittent" means irregular or sporadic. "Virulent" means poisonous or lethal

Example Question #33 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

CONTRITE

Possible Answers:

Disingenuous

Cerebral

Corporeal

Remorseful

Supreme

Correct answer:

Remorseful

Explanation:

If you are “contrite,” it means you are honest about your feelings of regret and guilt over something you have done wrong. This is very similar in meaning to “remorseful.” “Disingenuous” means not candid or insincere and dishonest; “supreme” means best of all; “corporeal” means relating to the body; and “cerebral” means relating to the mind or, when used to describe a person, intelligent.

Example Question #34 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

ECSTASY

Possible Answers:

Memory

Confusion

Sorrow

Joy

Demeanor

Correct answer:

Joy

Explanation:

“Ecstasy” is a feeling of deep joy and happiness, so "joy" is the best answer. As for the other answer choices, “sorrow" is an antonym of “ecstasy” and means deep sadness; and "demeanor" means manner or appearance.

Example Question #31 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

AFFABLE

Possible Answers:

Bizarre

Opulent

Gregarious

Tenacious

Derelict

Correct answer:

Gregarious

Explanation:

"Affable" is an adjective that describes people and means "friendly, good natured, or easy to talk to." While "tenacious" also describes people, it means "stubborn; clinging or adhering closely" and isn't a synonym of "affable." "Gregarious," however, also is used to describe people and means "fond of company; sociable," so it is the best answer choice.

Example Question #412 : Identifying Synonyms

Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.

CONTRITE

Possible Answers:

close

incremental

refreshed

quiet

repentant

Correct answer:

repentant

Explanation:

"Contrite" means sorry for wrongs. The only word that matches that is "repentant."

Example Question #23 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

ABJECT

Possible Answers:

Audacious

Diffident

Laudable

Ambiguous

Downtrodden

Correct answer:

Downtrodden

Explanation:

"Abject" means downtrodden and hopeless, so "downtrodden" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, none are close in meaning to "abject": "ambiguous" means having more than one meaning; "audacious" means brazen or bold; "diffident" means hesitant or lacking in confidence; and "laudable" means admirable or praiseworthy.

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