All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #51 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
VACANT
Pitiful
Forgotten
Emotionless
Solitary
Alone
Emotionless
The word “vacant” is related to the word “vacuum,” meaning “empty space.” Sometimes, you will hear an expression like “a vacant lot” to describe a piece of land that has nothing built on it (and perhaps is abandoned and unused). The word can also be applied to the expression that a person has. When someone shows a “vacant expression,” he or she has a “blank stare.” Often this implies that there is no emotion expressed at all.
Example Question #2366 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
JUBILANT
Gleeful
Bewildered
Morose
Fuming
Surprised
Gleeful
"Jubilant" is an adjective defined as "feeling or expressing great happiness and triumph." While all of the answer choices describe moods or emotions, only "gleeful," an adjective that means "exuberantly or triumphantly joyful," is a synonym of "jubilant," so "gleeful" is the correct answer.
Example Question #2367 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MOROSE
Tepid
Sulky
Lofty
Timid
Macabre
Sulky
“Morose” means in a bad mood and miserable, so "sulky" is the correct answer. “Lofty” means high-up or proud; “timid” means shy and quiet; “tepid” means lukewarm when describing temperature and unenthusiastic when describing responses; and "macabre" means morbid and grotesque.
Example Question #2368 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Answer the following sample question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
QUEASY
uneasy
reserved
weary
mundane
grotesque
uneasy
"Queasy" means uneasy or uncomfortable. "Grotesque" means ugly or misshapen. "Reserved" means quietly unsociable or restrained. "Mundane" means boring or day-to-day. "Weary" means tired or exhausted.
Example Question #431 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
JOVIAL
Hollow
Nuanced
Deft
Uncomfortable
Cheerful
Cheerful
“Jovial” means jolly, friendly and "cheerful." As for the other answer choices, “uncomfortable” means slightly painful or just removing or lacking all comfort; “hollow” means containing empty space on the inside; "nuanced" means full of subtle details; and “deft” means skillful.
Example Question #52 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DILAPIDATED
Bruised
Ugly
Inexpensive
Rubbled
Battered
Battered
When something is dilapidated, it is run down. This does not mean that it is totally destroyed. Nevertheless, a dilapidated piece of property is in poor shape. The word comes from roots that literally mean with stones fallen down. While such a piece of property might be inexpensive or ugly, this is not what "dilapidated" means. "To be dilapidated" is to be in a state of disrepair or ruin. Thus, the best option is "battered." While this can be used to describe someone who has been physically injured, it also can be used to describe something that has been worn down by use or over-exposure to poor conditions. Thus, someone can have a "battered old car."
Example Question #53 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
IRATE
Annoyed
Enraged
Vexed
Irritated
Angered
Enraged
For this question, you have to be very careful to match the synonym most closely. The options provided all are related to the word "irate." Note that "irate" means the state of being extremely angry. Thus, "enraged" is the best option among those provided for "irate." All of the other ones are too weak for so strong an emotion.
Example Question #54 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PENSIVE
Disturbed
Distracted
Confused
Contemplative
Annoyed
Contemplative
"Pensive" is an adjective meaning performing reflection or deep and serious thought. "Contemplative" is a similar adjective meaning engaged in the act of thinking as well. The words "annoyed," "disturbed," "distracted," and "confused" are all antithetical to "pensive."
Example Question #432 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
JOCULAR
Obvious
Beautiful
Annoying
Playful
Blank
Playful
"Jocular" is an adjective meaning exhibiting a joyous or jesting mood. "Playful" means wanting to play or be amused, and is a close synonym. "Annoying," "obvious," "blank," and "beautiful" are all adjectives unrelated to playfulness or joking.
Example Question #433 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PETULANT
Fastidious
Feckless
Peevish
Mendacious
Quiescent
Peevish
"Petulant" is an adjective meaning rude or bad tempered, often in a childish or immature way. "Peevish" means grumpy and has the same connotation of childishness, "feckless" means cowardly or incompetent, "fastidious" means careful and neat, "quiescent" means agreeable, and "mendacious" means lying.
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