All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #401 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ALLURING
Deliberate
Unstable
Cute
Responsible
Concerning
Cute
"Alluring" is an adjective that means beautiful or attractive. The best choice is "cute," since it means attractive. Considering the other choices, "concerning" means causing worry, "unstable" means constantly changing states of being, "responsible" means able to be relied upon to complete tasks, and "deliberate" means done on purpose or working carefully.
Example Question #402 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SERENDIPITOUS
Decadent
Preordained
Ordained
Demonstrative
Coincidental
Coincidental
“Serendipitous” means occurring by convenient chance, or "coincidental." As for the other answer choices, “ordained” means having been officially made a member of the clergy, or ordered and decreed; “preordained” means decided beforehand or predestined; “decadent” means degenerate and corrupt or very luxurious; and “demonstrative” means serving to show that something is true or tending to show emotions without reserve.
Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States
FORLORN
Ecstatic
Miserable
Arrogant
Informed
Significant
Miserable
"Forlorn" means miserable or sad. "Ecstatic" is the antonym; it means extremely happy. "Arrogant" means conceited or full of oneself. "Informed" means having knowledge or information regarding a topic. "Significant" means important or noteworthy.
Example Question #403 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SENSATIONAL
Apparent
Condemned
Visible
Available
Astonishing
Astonishing
The word “sensational” does not mean merely able to be seen or something related to being sensed. Instead, it means astonishing and often shocking. When used in the latter sense, it has the connotation of causing scandal or moral judgment. The use of the word for “astonishing” can be seen in a sentence like, “The circus performance was sensational—filled with dangerous lions, fiery pits, and an eight-hundred-foot-long snake.” In the latter sense, one could say, “The crime was so sensational that its details filled the newspaper for three months.”
Example Question #404 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ACRIMONIOUS
Relative
Monotonous
Well-spoken
Delightful
Caustic
Caustic
"Acrimonious" is an adjective that means "angry and bitter" and is used in particular of speech or a debate. So, we need to pick out an adjective that means something like "bitter" and refers to speech. While "well-spoken" might refer to speech, it does not mean "angry and bitter," so it cannot be the correct answer. "Caustic," however, is an adjective that can mean "able to burn or corrode organic tissue by chemical action" or "sarcastic in a scathing and bitter way." Because the second definition of "caustic" is similar to the meaning of "acrimonious," "caustic" is the correct answer.
Example Question #2341 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PLACID
Calm
Turbulent
Troubled
Sociable
Cheerful
Calm
For something to be described as placid, it means it is calm and tranquil. For example, someone with a placid disposition is calm and peaceful in nature.
Example Question #2342 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DEMURE
Shy
Mean
Brazen
Qualified
Proud
Shy
"Demure" is an adjective that means "of a woman or her behavior: reserved, modest, and shy" or "of clothing: lending such an appearance." So, neither "brazen" nor "proud" can be the correct answer because each of those words are an antonym of "demure." Because "shy" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "demure," it is the correct answer.
Example Question #405 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ARDENT
Covetous
Antagonistic
Melodramatic
Ablaze
Passionate
Passionate
An ardent statement means that is passionate and very enthusiastic.
Example Question #406 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PETULANT
Florid
Guileless
Extravagant
Sullen
Esoteric
Sullen
"Petulant" and "sullen" both mean crabby or moody. "Guileless" means honest or forthright. "Florid" means very elaborate or decorative. "Extravagant" means indulgent or wasteful. "Esoteric" means mysterious or obscure.
Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FERVENT
Intermittent
Dispassionate
Ardent
Apathetic
Virulent
Ardent
"Fervent" and "ardent" both mean devout or passionate. "Apathetic" means uncaring or disinterested. "Dispassionate" means unfeeling or impartial. "Intermittent" means irregular or sporadic. "Virulent" means poisonous or lethal.