All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #2015 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
VIM
Generosity
Energy
Opinion
Boredom
Tendency
Energy
"Vim" is a noun defined as "robust energy and enthusiasm." So, "boredom" cannot be the correct answer because it is an antonym of "vim." "Energy" is the closest synonym to "vim" amongst the listed answer choices, so "energy" is the correct answer.
Example Question #2016 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
BLUNDER
Condemn
Stumble
Slice
Fool
Error
Error
A "blunder” is a mistake that is often foolish. For this reason, we often imply a number of other secondary meanings when we use the term. For instance, we think of things like “a blundering fool.” While this is fine, the general point is that a blunder is a mistake; therefore, the best option here is “error.”
Example Question #81 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
KERFUFFLE
Fluff
Ignition
Material
Ruin
Disagreement
Disagreement
"Kerfuffle" is a noun and is another word for a disagreement or fight. The best choice here is "disagreement" because it shares the same meaning. Considering the other choices, the word "ignition" means the act of setting something on fire or the act of starting an engine. "Fluff" means light, soft particles, and "ruin," when used as a noun, means a state of decay or disrepair.
Example Question #2018 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
RITE
Ceremony
Wrong
Correct
Same
Ability
Ceremony
The word "rite" is a noun that means a ceremonial act. "Ceremony" is the best choice because it is related to the word rite, meaning a formal observance. Considering the other choices, "wrong" is an adjective that means not correct, "correct" means true, and "same" means identical.
Example Question #82 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SCHTICK
Prologue
Staff
Insult
Stream
Act
Act
A "schtick" (also spelled "shtick") is a routine or act done to gain a laugh or draw attention to oneself. The best choice here is "act," since it is a part of the definition of "schtick." Considering the other choices, "staff" means a group of people charged with carrying out the work of a particular establishment or a rod used to support one's weight when walking, "stream" means a flowing body of water or liquid, "insult" means a statement that offends, and "prologue" means a distinct introductory section in a literary work.
Example Question #83 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
TRUCE
Honesty
Armistice
Battlefield
Armor
Scroll
Armistice
A "truce" is an agreement to delay fighting for a set period of time. "Armistice," which shares the same meaning, is therefore the best choice. Considering the other choices, "armor" is any item warn for protection in a fight, "honesty" means truthfulness, "battlefield" is the area in which a battle takes place, and a "scroll" is a rolled up piece of paper or parchment either written on or able to be written on.
Example Question #84 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
IDIOSYNCRASY
Peculiarity
Authority
Vagrant
Foreshadowing
Defection
Peculiarity
An "idiosyncrasy" is a manner of behavior unique to one person, or a “peculiarity.” “Defection” is the act of deserting one’s country or party in favor of the direct opponent or desertion; “authority” means power or the person or entity who is in charge; “foreshadowing” means an act of warning of something that will happen in the future; a “vagrant” is a tramp or someone who wanders from place to place begging to survive.
Example Question #2023 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MANDATE
Directive
Calculation
Duress
Succor
Authority
Directive
A “mandate” is an official directive, so "directive" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “succor” means aid or assistance; “duress” means stress or pressure to do something.
Example Question #2024 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
RESTRAINT
Consideration
Self-control
Illusion
Defiance
Participation
Self-control
"Restraint” means a physical restriction that keeps one from moving normally or the ability to control oneself and not just act on emotion, so the best answer choice is "self-control."
Example Question #85 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CHAGRIN
Fusion
Mortification
Antipathy
Privilege
Ferocity
Mortification
“Chagrin” is acute personal embarrassment or irritation at how a situation resulted, so "mortification," which means extreme embarrassment, is the answer choice closest in meaning to "chagrin." As for the other answer choices, “fusion” means blend; “privilege” means a special right or advantage granted to someone; “antipathy” means a deep-feeling of hatred or dislike; and “ferocity” refers to fierceness and cruelty.
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All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
