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 #158 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

ZEALOUS

Possible Answers:

Indignant

Vexed

Irate

Divine

Committed

Correct answer:

Committed

Explanation:

The word "zealous" and "zeal" come from Latin roots that mean jealous. To be "zealous" is to be energetic with regard to something. It is a kind of "jealous anger" or "jealous energy"—not so much in the sense of being envious as in the sense of desiring something intensely. Thus, a zealous person is very devoted to his or her cause and could rightly be described as being "committed," which is the best option among those provided. 

Example Question #159 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

PENSIVE

Possible Answers:

Wise

Intelligent

Egalitarian

Introspective

Foolish

Correct answer:

Introspective

Explanation:

The word "pensive" is related to the French "penser," as in the famous expression of Descartes: "Je pense donc je suis!"—"I think therefore I am!" Someone who is "pensive" is reflective and thoughtful. This does not mean that the person is necessarily deeply wise or intelligent (though this may quite well be the case). To be pensive means that you can ponder. Among the options, the best is "introspective." This means inward looking (=intro + spective). A person who is thoughtful, looks inward (so to speak) and reflects for a long time.

Example Question #761 : Synonyms

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

DILIGENT

Possible Answers:

Delightful

Devoted

Fixated

Regular

Industrious

Correct answer:

Industrious

Explanation:

When someone is "diligent," he or she is devoted to his or her work. Now, while this would likely make you think that "devoted" would be the best option, actually "industrious" is slightly better. When someone is "industrious," he or she is works with great care and devotion. This expresses the role of work in the devotion better than the simple word "devoted." 

Example Question #2471 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

THRIFTY

Possible Answers:

Destitute

Careful

Economical

Stingy

Cheap

Correct answer:

Economical

Explanation:

When someone is "thrifty," he or she is very careful with money. This does not necessarily mean that he or she is "cheap" or "stingy." Likewise, it does not mean that the person is "destitute" (poor). A wealthy person can be thrifty by buying things at a good price and not wasting his or her money. Now, "careful" may seem correct for this reason, but "economical" is better. When something is described as being "economical," it is an option that provides a good return for the amount of money spent on it. Therefore, this is the best option for a synonym for "thrifty."

Example Question #2472 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

ZEALOUS

Possible Answers:

Colossal

Lethargic

Imprisoned

Fervent

Apathetic

Correct answer:

Fervent

Explanation:

"Zealous" is an adjective meaning having zeal or demonstrating energetic or fanatical support for a cause or person. "Fervent" shares the meaning of being fanatical. "Imprisoned" means held captive, "colossal" means huge, "lethargic" means tired and slow, and "apathetic" is an antonym of zealous meaning not caring at all.

Example Question #2473 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

GREGARIOUS

Possible Answers:

Sociable

Pungent

Innate

Fertile

Disgusting

Correct answer:

Sociable

Explanation:

"Gregarious" means sociable or enjoying the company of others, so "sociable" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "gregarious": "innate" means natural or inherent; "disgusting" means causing revulsion or off-putting; "fertile" means productive, able to produce a lot of vegetation, or able to bear young; and "pungent" means having a powerful smell or taste.

Example Question #2474 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

ELITIST

Possible Answers:

Apprehensive

Desirable

Nonplussed

Petrified

Snobbish

Correct answer:

Snobbish

Explanation:

Someone who is "elitist" is arrogant and thinks they are better than other people. The closer answer choice to this definition is "snobbish." To provide further help, "petrified" means very scared; "apprehensive" means cautious and worried; "desirable" means wanted; "nonplussed" means confused

Example Question #2475 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

DISTINGUISHED

Possible Answers:

Permissive

Frivolous

Portly

Comely

Eminent

Correct answer:

Eminent

Explanation:

"Distinguished" is an adjective used to describe a person who is accomplished, famous and eminent within their field. To provide further help, "permissive" means tolerant; "portly" means fat; "comely" means cute; "frivolous" means wasted, not necessary

Example Question #2476 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

FORMIDABLE

Possible Answers:

Pusillanimous

Bestial

Reticent

Daunting

Timorous

Correct answer:

Daunting

Explanation:

"Formidable" means imposing and daunting. To provide further help, "reticent" means reserved; "timorous" means timid, easily frightened; "pusillanimous" means cowardly; "bestial" means savage, like a beast

Example Question #2477 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

UNCTUOUS

Possible Answers:

Nominal

Fawning

Acute

Obtuse

Abstruse

Correct answer:

Fawning

Explanation:

"Unctuous" means excessively ingratiating, fawning, someone who debases themselves for someone else's approval. To provide further help, "abstruse" means hard to understand; "obtuse" means dim-witted, not smart; "acute" means sharp, quick-witted; "nominal" means insignificant

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