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 #63 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.

The medicine should __________ the physical pain, but it might take a while for his mental health to recover from the trauma of the accident.

Possible Answers:

alleviate

aver

abscond

apprise

aggregate

Correct answer:

alleviate

Explanation:

The choice that makes the most sense is alleviate: to relieve or make suffering less severe.

Example Question #65 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.

We tried to __________ the baby in several ways, but she kept crying no matter what we did.

Possible Answers:

deride

burnish

elicit

appease

diffuse

Correct answer:

appease

Explanation:

The choice that makes the most sense is appease: to pacify or soothe; to relieve.

Example Question #372 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.

Would you prefer me to __________ the story or tell a shorter, to the point version?

Possible Answers:

embellish

entail

exculpate

encompass

enumerate

Correct answer:

embellish

Explanation:

The choice that makes the most sense is embellish: to make more attractive by the addition of decorative details or features

Example Question #67 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Pick the best word to complete the sentence.

"Listen to your heart," the lyrics __________, but Sasha hardly heard over the sound of the thunderous applause behind her.

Possible Answers:

squeal

screech

intone

blared 

are playing

Correct answer:

blared 

Explanation:

The sentence is written in the past tense, so in order for the verb to fit into the existing context, it needs to be past, as well as imply a degree of loud volume; therefore, blared is the best answer.

Example Question #52 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

The righteous king __________ all forms of injustice.

Possible Answers:

abhorred

acquiesced

acclaimed

absolved

abjured

Correct answer:

abhorred

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "abhorred," to detest or hate.

Example Question #68 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

It is illegal to __________ foods without informing the consumers of what has been added.

Possible Answers:

aggrandize

adapt

aggregate

allocate

adulterate

Correct answer:

adulterate

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "adulterate," to make impure by adding inferior substances.

Example Question #381 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

Jim was called upon to __________ the dispute between his coworkers.

Possible Answers:

appall

arbitrate

appease

append

appraise

Correct answer:

arbitrate

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "arbitrate," to act as a judge.

Example Question #482 : Sentence Completions

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

He brought in an expert in order to __________ the diamond he found.

Possible Answers:

array

ascribe

atone

assay

ascertain

Correct answer:

assay

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "assay," to analyze or evaluate.

Example Question #71 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

He __________ his success in physics to the encouragement he received from his parents and teachers.

Possible Answers:

attributes

augments

authenticates

avows

avers

Correct answer:

attributes

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "attributes," to ascribe or explain.

Example Question #72 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

If a few of the minor political parties __________, the result may be a formidable opponent.

Possible Answers:

chortle

coalesce

cleave

circumscribe

coagulate

Correct answer:

coalesce

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "coalesce," to combine or fuse.

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