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 #33 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

DILAPIDATED

Possible Answers:

Inexpensive

Bruised

Ugly

Battered

Rubbled

Correct answer:

Battered

Explanation:

When something is dilapidated, it is run down. This does not mean that it is totally destroyed. Nevertheless, a dilapidated piece of property is in poor shape.  The word comes from roots that literally mean with stones fallen down. While such a piece of property might be inexpensive or ugly, this is not what "dilapidated" means.  "To be dilapidated" is to be in a state of disrepair or ruin. Thus, the best option is "battered." While this can be used to describe someone who has been physically injured, it also can be used to describe something that has been worn down by use or over-exposure to poor conditions. Thus, someone can have a "battered old car."

Example Question #34 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

IRATE

Possible Answers:

Angered

Annoyed

Irritated

Vexed

Enraged

Correct answer:

Enraged

Explanation:

For this question, you have to be very careful to match the synonym most closely. The options provided all are related to the word "irate." Note that "irate" means the state of being extremely angry. Thus, "enraged" is the best option among those provided for "irate."  All of the other ones are too weak for so strong an emotion.

Example Question #35 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

PENSIVE

Possible Answers:

Annoyed

Distracted

Contemplative

Confused

Disturbed

Correct answer:

Contemplative

Explanation:

"Pensive" is an adjective meaning performing reflection or deep and serious thought. "Contemplative" is a similar adjective meaning engaged in the act of thinking as well. The words "annoyed," "disturbed," "distracted," and "confused" are all antithetical to "pensive."

Example Question #61 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

JOCULAR

Possible Answers:

Annoying

Playful

Obvious

Blank

Beautiful

Correct answer:

Playful

Explanation:

"Jocular" is an adjective meaning exhibiting a joyous or jesting mood. "Playful" means wanting to play or be amused, and is a close synonym. "Annoying," "obvious," "blank," and "beautiful" are all adjectives unrelated to playfulness or joking.

Example Question #62 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

PETULANT

Possible Answers:

Mendacious

Quiescent 

Feckless

Peevish

Fastidious

Correct answer:

Peevish

Explanation:

"Petulant" is an adjective meaning rude or bad tempered, often in a childish or immature way. "Peevish" means grumpy and has the same connotation of childishness, "feckless" means cowardly or incompetent, "fastidious" means careful and neat, "quiescent" means agreeable, and "mendacious" means lying.

Example Question #63 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

CRESTFALLEN

Possible Answers:

Ruffled

Ebullient

Miserly

Dejected

Lifeless

Correct answer:

Dejected

Explanation:

"Crestfallen" means dejected, feeling sad, disappointed and hopeless. To provide further help, "lifeless" means without life; "miserly" means stingy, not inclined to spend money; "ebullient" means enthusiastic; "ruffled" means disturbed

Example Question #64 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

ENERVATING

Possible Answers:

Invigorating

Brandishing

Tiring

Placating

Demoralizing

Correct answer:

Tiring

Explanation:

"Enervating" means tiring, causing one to feel drained of energy. It is opposite in meaning to "invigorating" which means energizing. To provide further help, to "brandish" means to flourish or wave around; "demoralizing" means taking away morale, making one feel less enthusiastic; "placating" means soothing, comforting

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.

VULNERABLE

Possible Answers:

susceptible

veteran

painstaking

morose

Correct answer:

susceptible

Explanation:

Vulnerable means susceptible to physical or emotional harm.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.

RETICENT

Possible Answers:

quick

medical

entertaining

reserved

Correct answer:

reserved

Explanation:

Reticent means not readily revealing thoughts or feelings, or reserved.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

URBANE

Possible Answers:

metropolitan

urgent

succinct

cultured

resolute

Correct answer:

cultured

Explanation:

"Urbane" means cultured or civilized. "Metropolitan" means urban or concerning a city. "Urgent" means needing immediate attention. "Resolute" means determined or strong-willed. "Succinct" means short and to the point.

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