All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #98 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
OXYMORON
Contradiction
Rambling
Juxtaposition
Allusion
Citation
Contradiction
"Oxymoron" is a noun defined as "a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction." While both "contradiction" and "juxtaposition" involve combinations of things, "juxtaposition" means "the fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect." So, a juxtaposition of things creates a contrasting, but not necessarily contradictory, effect. The best answer is "contradiction," because an "oxymoron" is specifically defined as being made up of "apparently contradictory terms."
Example Question #99 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PARADIGM
Paradox
Collateral
Emotion
Mixture
Archetype
Archetype
"Paradigm" is a noun that can "a typical example or pattern of something; a model" or "a worldview underlying the theories and methodology of a particular scientific subject." So, we need to pick out a noun that means something like "a typical example of something" or "a worldview." While "paradox" and "paradigm" both begin with the root "para," "paradox" is a noun that can mean "a statement or proposition that, despite sound (or apparently sound) reasoning from acceptable premises, leads to a conclusion that seems senseless, logically unacceptable, or self-contradictory" or "a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true." So, because "paradox" does not mean the same thing as "paradigm," it cannot be the correct answer. "Archetype," however, is a noun that means "a very typical example of a certain person or thing," and because "archetype" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "paradigm," "archetype" is the correct answer.
Example Question #100 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DIFFIDENCE
Fortune
Misery
Guile
Haughtiness
Shyness
Shyness
“Diffidence” is an opposite of "confidence" and means "shyness." As for the other answer choices, “misery” is great sadness; “haughtiness” is arrogance; “guile” is sly and cunning intelligence; and "fortune" is luck, whereas a "fortune" is a great sum of money belonging to one person or family.
Example Question #101 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ANGST
Depression
Crisis
Anxiety
Adolescence
Solution
Anxiety
“Angst” is a feeling of anxiety and discomfort. It is often associated with teenagers, or in other words, those going through "adolescence." As for the other answer choices, “crisis” means emergency or disaster; a "solution" can mean a solvent in which a solute has been dissolved or the way in which a problem is thought to be able to be solved; and "depression" is strong, persistent sadness or the medical condition from which such emotions can arise.
Example Question #102 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AMITY
Hatred
Depravity
Peace
Friendship
Rivalry
Friendship
“Amity” means friendly or loving relationship, so "friendship" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “depravity” means immorality or lewd behavior; and “rivalry” is intense competition with one group or person.
Example Question #103 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PINNACLE
Peak
Valley
Mountain
Torrent
Thunder
Peak
The “pinnacle” is the high point of something, usually an achievement, or a "peak." As for the other answer choices, a “valley” is a low area of land between mountains; “torrent” means flood or outpouring;
Example Question #104 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FABRICATION
Question
Quilt
Misconception
Candor
Falsehood
Falsehood
A “fabrication” is a falsehood or a "lie." As for the other answer choices, “candor” is frank honesty; a “misconception” is something false that is believed or something understood incorrectly; a "quilt" is a bed covering made of squares of fabric sewn together over batting; and a "question" is a query.
Example Question #105 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FATUITY
Decadence
Flabbiness
Foolishness
Thoroughness
Bulkiness
Foolishness
The word "fatuous" comes from the Latin word for foolish or stupid. "Fatuity" describes the general state of being "fatuous." That is, it describes "foolishness." Thus, we could say, "The discussion was fatuous on the whole, and Socrates thought most of it to be a waste of time." As for "fatuity", we could say, "The arrogant professor thought almost all normal discussions were matters of fatuity compared to his important research work." Note, "fatuity" should not be interpreted as having something to do with being "fat." This word comes from very different roots.
Example Question #2081 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FLUCTUATE
Form
Ventilate
Respond
Return
Alter
Alter
The word "fluctuate" comes from Latin roots meaning wave or to make a wave-like motion. Thus, when something fluctuates, it continually changes. Thus, a fluctuating position is one that moves from place to place, and someone's weight fluctuates when it increases and decreases variously. The word broadly means, thus, to change. The only option that directly corresponds to this meaning is "alter." To "alter" something is to make it become different.
Example Question #141 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
JEOPARDY
Affluent
Exciting
Peril
Thriving
Amazing
Peril
When something is "in jeopardy," it is at risk. Therefore, the best synonym for "jeopardy" is "peril." Something is also at risk when it is "in peril" or "imperiled." The two options "exciting" and "amazing" might be tempting. Risky things are often exciting or amazing; however "excitement" is not a direct synonym for "jeopardy" itself.
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All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
