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 #454 : Identifying Synonyms

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

JUDICIOUS

Possible Answers:

Illicit

Prudent

Tribunal

Legal

Rhetorical

Correct answer:

Prudent

Explanation:

The word “judicious” is related to “judgment,” but do not let that lead you to the law-related words like “legal,” “illicit,” and “tribunal.” When someone is “judicious,” he or she has and exercises “good judgment.” Such a person could be called “prudent,” meaning he or she is wise in a practical manner.

Example Question #455 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CAPRICIOUS

Possible Answers:

Predictable

Planned

Impulsive

Condescending

Amusing

Correct answer:

Impulsive

Explanation:

"Capricious" means unpredictable, so both planned and predictable are incorrect, because they are antonyms for capricious. "Condescending" means to lower in position, and "amusing" involves humor, so the best answer choice is "impulsive."

Example Question #2391 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

OSTENTATIOUS

Possible Answers:

Pejorative

Mellifluous

Conspicuous

Pedantic

Resolute

Correct answer:

Conspicuous

Explanation:

"Ostentatious" means conspicuous, flashy, or showy. "Mellifluous" means smooth and sweet-sounding. "Pedantic" means overly-precise or bookish. "Pejorative" means negative or belittling. "Resolute" means determined or strong-willed.

Example Question #2392 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

QUIXOTIC

Possible Answers:

Literary

Potential

Quotidian

Humorous

Idealistic

Correct answer:

Idealistic

Explanation:

"Quixotic" is an adjective that means "exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical" and derives from Cervantes's literary character Don Quixote. While "quotidian" may look like a potentially correct answer choice simply because both "quixotic" and "quotidian" begin with "q," "quotidian" means "of or occurring every day," so it cannot be the correct answer. "Idealistic," which means "characterized by idealism; unrealistically aiming for perfection," is the best answer choice because it is closest in meaning to "quixotic."

Example Question #2393 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

PLACID

Possible Answers:

Compliant

Harried

Jovial

Complaining

Levelheaded

Correct answer:

Levelheaded

Explanation:

"Placid" is an adjective meaning either "not easily upset or excited" when used to describe a person or animal and "calm and peaceful, with little movement or activity" when describing a place or stretch of water. "Levelheaded," an adjective that means "calm and sensible," is the answer choice closest in meaning to "placid," so it is the correct answer.

Example Question #2394 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

MOROSE

Possible Answers:

Conventional

Gloomy

Recondite

Virtuous

Prolific

Correct answer:

Gloomy

Explanation:

A "morose" person is of a sullen temperament, often negative and depressing to be around. Among the options provided, the only decent synonym is “gloomy.” The words “conventional” and especially “virtuous” might tempt you given that “morose” looks like “moral.” While it actually is distantly related to these other words, do not be tricked so easily!

Example Question #2395 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

FRACTIOUS

Possible Answers:

Grandiose

Shimmery

Irritable

Broken

Ephemeral

Correct answer:

Irritable

Explanation:

"Fractious" means "irritable" and quarrelsome.

Example Question #2396 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

FATUOUS

Possible Answers:

Bright

Brazen

Portly

Worrisome

Dull

Correct answer:

Dull

Explanation:

The word "fatuous" is an adjective that means foolish or lacking wit. "Dull," which can mean lacking wit, shares the same definition and is therefore the best answer choice. Considering the other choices, "bright" in this context is an antonym of "fatuous" since it can mean intelligent. "Portly" means heavy or fat.

Example Question #2397 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

GLIB

Possible Answers:

Pivot

Crass

Smooth-talking

Dumbfounded

Portable

Correct answer:

Smooth-talking

Explanation:

A person who is "glib" is smooth-talking, meaning they are able to speak well. The best choice is thus "smooth-talking," since it is part of the definition of "glib." Considering the other choices, "crass" means rude or gross, "dumbfounded" means astonished, "pivotal" means crucial or important, and "portable" means able to be transported easily.

Example Question #2398 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

COMBATIVE

Possible Answers:

Torrid

Disruptive

Battle

Masterful

Obedient

Correct answer:

Disruptive

Explanation:

"Combative" is an adjective that means ready to fight. The best choice is "quarrelsome," since it holds a similar meaning of ready to argue. Considering the other choices, "obedient" is an antonym which means complying with authority, "masterful" means skillful, "torrid" means very hot and arid, or passionate when describing a romantic relationship.

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