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 #784 : Synonyms

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

FURTIVE

Possible Answers:

Infinite

Superfluous

Persistant

Clandestine

Lavish

Correct answer:

Clandestine

Explanation:

"Furtive" means secretive or stealthy, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble; because of this, the answer choice that is its closest synonym is "clandestine," or kept secret or done secretively, especially because something is illicit.

Example Question #785 : Synonyms

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

PAINSTAKING

Possible Answers:

Unified

Inconsiderate

Slapdash

Exemplary

Meticulous

Correct answer:

Meticulous

Explanation:

"Painstaking" is an adjective that means meticulous or extremely careful and particular, so "meticulous" is the correct answer.

Example Question #791 : Synonyms

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

SACRILEGIOUS

Possible Answers:

Blasphemous

Traditional

Gargantuan

Pious

Serene

Correct answer:

Blasphemous

Explanation:

“Sacrilegious” means disrespecting religious ideas, objects, or traditions, or in other words, "blasphemous." As for the other answer choices, “serene” means quiet and peaceful; “pious” means deeply religious; “gargantuan” means huge, gigantic, very large, or colossal; and "traditional" means adhering to established conventions without changing them.

Example Question #792 : Synonyms

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.

ARRESTING

Possible Answers:

dissimilar

verbose

impactful

threatening

Correct answer:

impactful

Explanation:

Arresting means striking, eye-catching, or impactful.

Example Question #792 : Synonyms

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

SYMBIOTIC

Possible Answers:

succinct

encumbering

hindering

synergistic

stringent

Correct answer:

synergistic

Explanation:

"Symbiotic" and "synergistic" both mean cooperative or concerted. "Encumbering" means hindering or slowing. "Hindering" means encumbering or burdening. "Stringent" means stringent or tight. "Succinct" means short and to the point.

Example Question #2501 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

INTRINSIC

Possible Answers:

Innate

Original

Somatic

Intuitive

Mandatory

Correct answer:

Innate

Explanation:

Instrinsic traits means they are innate or fundamental to a person; they are also described as inborn and natural.

Example Question #794 : Synonyms

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

POLARIZING

Possible Answers:

Extraneous

Horrifying

Patriotic

Elusive

Divisive

Correct answer:

Divisive

Explanation:

Although polarize has a more literal, scientific meaning relating to ionization of atoms, it is also used to refer to an opposition of beliefs; therefore "divisive" is the best synonym.

Example Question #191 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

ONEROUS

Possible Answers:

trivial

obsequious

obdurate

facile

arduous

Correct answer:

arduous

Explanation:

"Onerous" and "arduous" both mean difficult or backbreaking. "Facile" means simple or easy. "Trivial" means unimportant or superficial. "Obsequious" means groveling or submissive. "Obdurate" means stubborn or adamant

Example Question #795 : Synonyms

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

ADVERSE

Possible Answers:

Vexing

Unfavorable

Clashing

Battling

Foe

Correct answer:

Unfavorable

Explanation:

The word “adverse” comes from the Latin meaning to turn toward or, more directly, to the Latin for to be against. The word “adverse” most often is used to describe conditions that are disadvantageous to some undertaking. For instance, a very standard usage is “adverse weather conditions,” meaning weather conditions that are not favorable to activities—either in specific or in general. It can also mean harmful, thus being used in a sentence like, “The adverse effects of the drug were known to cause cancer and heart damage within two years of beginning treatment.” The word “adversary,” meaning opponent, is clearly related to this word.

Example Question #2502 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

ESTEEMED

Possible Answers:

Adulterated

Admired

Relished

Enjoyed

Astonished

Correct answer:

Admired

Explanation:

To hold something in esteem is not merely to enjoy it or relish it. It is to give it high respect. The word “admired” best fits for this reason. “Admire” actually comes from Latin roots related to wondering at something. Something that is “miraculous” is wonderful or wondrous. The “admirable” is likewise quite wonderful.

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