All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1941 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
HERETIC
Apostate
Deist
Atheist
Pantheist
Secularist
Apostate
The word “heretic” is perhaps used by many people in inexact manners. It is originally derived from Greek that merely meant “to choose” or “to select.” While it is regularly applied to religious matters, the term more generally means “one who has chosen one doctrine to the exclusion of others.” Such a person holds an opinion that is outside the norms and beliefs of a given group. An “apostate” is one who has abandoned a set of views—often religious, though not always. Among the options provided, this is the closest to “heretic.”
Example Question #1942 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PARAGON
Decree
Prodigy
Nomad
Impasse
Epitome
Epitome
A "paragon" is an exemplary example of something, so "epitome," which means or embodiment, archetype, or model, is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, a “prodigy” is a young person who is especially gifted; an “impasse” is a situation that cannot be passed, a deadlock, or a stalemate; a “nomad” is a person who wanders from place to place without a permanent home; and a “decree” means an official order, often given by a monarch.
Example Question #1943 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
RECLUSE
Antagonist
Protagonist
Villain
Savior
Hermit
Hermit
A "recluse" is a person who lives alone and avoids all contact with people. This is very similar in meaning to a "hermit." To provide further help, a "protagonist" is the hero of a story; an "antagonist" is the villian of a story.
Example Question #1944 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PEER
Equal
Juror
Enemy
Legislator
Outlaw
Equal
A "peer" is a contemporary, an equal, someone of the same social grouping as you. To provide further help, a "juror" is someone who sits on a jury; an "outlaw" is a bandit, someone who operates outside the law; a "legislator" is a lawmaker.
Example Question #1945 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INSURGENT
Teacher
Guard
Rebel
Soldier
Student
Rebel
An "insurgent" is a rebel, someone seeking to overthrow the existing political order. While "insurgents" may, in fact, act as "soldiers," not all insurgents are directly involved with warfare, nor are any insurgents members of an official state-sanctioned army, so the two words are not synonymous.
Example Question #1951 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MENDICANT
contaminant
harbinger
vagabond
proclivity
iconoclast
vagabond
A "mendicant" is a vagabond or a beggar. An "iconoclast" is someone who goes against established traditions or beliefs. A "harbinger" is an omen or portent. A "contaminant" is an impurity or pollutant. A "proclivity" is a tendency or a habit.
Example Question #11 : Identifying Synonyms
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
DROSS
contusion
referendum
sybarite
dregs
nonchalance
dregs
"Dross" and "dregs" both mean remains or refuse. "Nonchalance" means apathy or indifference. "Contusion" means a bruise or injury. "Referendum" means a popular vote on an issue. "Sybarite" means a hedonist or someone who loves luxury.
Example Question #12 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PRECIPICE
Deference
Precursor
Plethora
Crag
Misanthrope
Crag
"Precipice" and "crag" both mean a cliff or bluff. "Deference" means obedience or compliance. "Misanthrope" means someone who hates people. "Plethora" means excess or overabundance. "Precursor" means something that indicates an outcome or event beforehand.
Example Question #13 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PYRE
Gambol
Galleon
Stratagem
Bonfire
Quarry
Bonfire
"Pyre" and "bonfire" are both synonyms. "Stratagem" means a trick or gimmick. "Quarry" means goal or aim. "Gambol" means to tumble playfully. "Galleon" means a large sailing ship.
Example Question #14 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
HOVEL
Residue
Prodigy
Shanty
Infection
Prophesy
Shanty
A "hovel" is a shanty or a small and run-down cabin, so "shanty" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "hovel": "infection" means disease or the process of being infected with a disease; a "prodigy" is a young person with extraordinary abilities or skills; "prophesy" is a foretelling about what will happen in the future; and "residue" is whatever remains or is left.
Certified Tutor
Certified Tutor
All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
