Sentence Completions: Context Clues - ISEE Middle Level Verbal Reasoning
Card 0 of 1090
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The Great Depression was a time of tremendous __________ in the United States, and indeed around the world.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The Great Depression was a time of tremendous __________ in the United States, and indeed around the world.
The Great Depression was a very difficult time when many people suffered a great deal. To solve this problem you are looking for an answer choice that reflects this meaning. The correct answer is therefore "hardship," which means great suffering, poverty or pain. To provide further help, "jubilation" means happy celebration; "opulence" means great wealth; "splendor" means magnificence; "prosperity" means wealth and success.
The Great Depression was a very difficult time when many people suffered a great deal. To solve this problem you are looking for an answer choice that reflects this meaning. The correct answer is therefore "hardship," which means great suffering, poverty or pain. To provide further help, "jubilation" means happy celebration; "opulence" means great wealth; "splendor" means magnificence; "prosperity" means wealth and success.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
One look at the beautiful girl and the boy was __________, so he decided to ask her out.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
One look at the beautiful girl and the boy was __________, so he decided to ask her out.
The girl is described as "beautiful" and the boy decides to ask her out on a date. It makes sense then that the boy was strongly attracted to and/or in love with the girl. The correct answer then is "smitten." To be "smitten" means to be deeply attracted to or in love with. To provide further help, "anxious" means worried; "timid" means shy; "docile" means harmless and obedient; "passive" means not aggressive, accepting and submissive.
The girl is described as "beautiful" and the boy decides to ask her out on a date. It makes sense then that the boy was strongly attracted to and/or in love with the girl. The correct answer then is "smitten." To be "smitten" means to be deeply attracted to or in love with. To provide further help, "anxious" means worried; "timid" means shy; "docile" means harmless and obedient; "passive" means not aggressive, accepting and submissive.
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Many museum visitors prefer realistic works of art that clearly depict recognizable figures and objects to works comprised of __________ streaks of paint and abstract lines.
Many museum visitors prefer realistic works of art that clearly depict recognizable figures and objects to works comprised of __________ streaks of paint and abstract lines.
We can infer from the sentence's context that we need to pick out a word for the first blank that means something like "not realistic," because the type of art that the blank describes is being contrasted against "art which clearly depicts recognizable figures and objects." Given that, the best answer choice is "amorphous," an adjective that means "without a clearly defined shape or form."
We can infer from the sentence's context that we need to pick out a word for the first blank that means something like "not realistic," because the type of art that the blank describes is being contrasted against "art which clearly depicts recognizable figures and objects." Given that, the best answer choice is "amorphous," an adjective that means "without a clearly defined shape or form."
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
They spent months searching for the __________ solution to the problem.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
They spent months searching for the __________ solution to the problem.
The subjects of this sentence spent a very long time looking for the solution to a problem. Based on the degree of intensity put into the search it makes sense that they would be looking for the best possible, ideal solution to the problem, so the correct answer is "optimal." To provide further help, "lethal" means deadly; "hushed" means made quiet; "succinct" means brief, expressed accurately in as little words as possible; "laconic" means brief, quick.
The subjects of this sentence spent a very long time looking for the solution to a problem. Based on the degree of intensity put into the search it makes sense that they would be looking for the best possible, ideal solution to the problem, so the correct answer is "optimal." To provide further help, "lethal" means deadly; "hushed" means made quiet; "succinct" means brief, expressed accurately in as little words as possible; "laconic" means brief, quick.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The wheels were __________ so they needed to be replaced.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The wheels were __________ so they needed to be replaced.
If the wheels needed to be replaced it makes sense that they would be broken, not working properly. The correct answer then is "faulty" because this word means not working properly. To provide further help, "puny" means small and weak; "momentous" means very large or very important; "hideous" means ugly, repulsive; "delicious" means tasty.
If the wheels needed to be replaced it makes sense that they would be broken, not working properly. The correct answer then is "faulty" because this word means not working properly. To provide further help, "puny" means small and weak; "momentous" means very large or very important; "hideous" means ugly, repulsive; "delicious" means tasty.
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Sentence Completions: Select the word that most best completes the sentence.
When we finally reached the coast, the __________ ocean spread out before us, seeming to go on forever.
Sentence Completions: Select the word that most best completes the sentence.
When we finally reached the coast, the __________ ocean spread out before us, seeming to go on forever.
"Seeming to go on forever" is the clue in this sentence. The word that most closely means "seeming to go on forever" is "vast," which means immense, so "vast" is the correct answer.
"Seeming to go on forever" is the clue in this sentence. The word that most closely means "seeming to go on forever" is "vast," which means immense, so "vast" is the correct answer.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The __________ athlete set a new record when he completed the obstacle course more quickly than anyone at his school had done so before.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The __________ athlete set a new record when he completed the obstacle course more quickly than anyone at his school had done so before.
One might be tempted to pick "limber," which means flexible. But nothing in this sentence indicates the athlete is flexible. The sentence does tell us that the athlete "completed the obstacle course more quickly than anyone at his school had done so before," however, so we know that the athlete is fast. "Nimble," which means quick, best describes the athlete, so "nimble" is the correct answer.
One might be tempted to pick "limber," which means flexible. But nothing in this sentence indicates the athlete is flexible. The sentence does tell us that the athlete "completed the obstacle course more quickly than anyone at his school had done so before," however, so we know that the athlete is fast. "Nimble," which means quick, best describes the athlete, so "nimble" is the correct answer.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Steve was in no hurry and so was content to __________ to his friend's house.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Steve was in no hurry and so was content to __________ to his friend's house.
From the context of the sentence, you can infer that Steve would be likely to travel slowly to his friend's house; the sentence tells you he "was in no hurry." The answer choice that best captures this slow movement is “amble,” which means walk slowly. To help you, "sprint" means run quickly, and "allay" means calm or diminish and is usually used in the sense of allaying someone's fears or concerns.
From the context of the sentence, you can infer that Steve would be likely to travel slowly to his friend's house; the sentence tells you he "was in no hurry." The answer choice that best captures this slow movement is “amble,” which means walk slowly. To help you, "sprint" means run quickly, and "allay" means calm or diminish and is usually used in the sense of allaying someone's fears or concerns.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The magician amazed the spectators by making the rabbit disappear, although it was merely __________ under the table.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The magician amazed the spectators by making the rabbit disappear, although it was merely __________ under the table.
In order to appear to have disappared, the rabbit must be hidden from sight under the table. The correct answer is "concealed," which is a synonym of "hidden." None of the other answer choices make sense in the sentence's context: "discovered," when used as an adjective, is an antonym of "concealed" and means revealed or exposed; "compiled" means put together; "drenched" means soaked; and "visible" is another antonym of "concealed," and means able to be seen.
In order to appear to have disappared, the rabbit must be hidden from sight under the table. The correct answer is "concealed," which is a synonym of "hidden." None of the other answer choices make sense in the sentence's context: "discovered," when used as an adjective, is an antonym of "concealed" and means revealed or exposed; "compiled" means put together; "drenched" means soaked; and "visible" is another antonym of "concealed," and means able to be seen.
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Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
The book, despite rejection from some critics, met almost universal __________ when it was first published.
Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
The book, despite rejection from some critics, met almost universal __________ when it was first published.
Since the book received something that is the opposite of rejection from some critics, the correct choice is "acclaim", which means praise. None of the other answer choices have anything to do with the sentence's context: "frenzy" means panic, "parapet" refers to a short wall that encloses a raised part of a building, "lull" means pause or respite, and "criticism" means censure or denunciation.
Since the book received something that is the opposite of rejection from some critics, the correct choice is "acclaim", which means praise. None of the other answer choices have anything to do with the sentence's context: "frenzy" means panic, "parapet" refers to a short wall that encloses a raised part of a building, "lull" means pause or respite, and "criticism" means censure or denunciation.
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Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
The king showed no compassion to the treasonous prisoners; then again, he was always known for his ___________ side.
Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
The king showed no compassion to the treasonous prisoners; then again, he was always known for his ___________ side.
From the context of the sentence, you know that the blank word must describe the king’s lack of mercy and compassion. The correct answer is therefore “ruthless," which means showing no mercy or violent. To help you, "benevolent" means good-natured, "supple" means flexible, "intelligent" means smart, and "gregarious" means sociable.
From the context of the sentence, you know that the blank word must describe the king’s lack of mercy and compassion. The correct answer is therefore “ruthless," which means showing no mercy or violent. To help you, "benevolent" means good-natured, "supple" means flexible, "intelligent" means smart, and "gregarious" means sociable.
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Sentence completions: Fill in the gap(s) in this sentence.
It is late at night and I am walking alone; as a result, I feel __________ and keep checking the sidewalk behind me.
Sentence completions: Fill in the gap(s) in this sentence.
It is late at night and I am walking alone; as a result, I feel __________ and keep checking the sidewalk behind me.
The sentence suggests that the author is feeling nervous walking home alone at night. The answer choice that most closely resembles nervous is “wary,” which means nervous and cautious. To further help you, "enamored" means in love with; "passive" means restrained or not aggressive; "rage" means anger; "effusive" means demonstrative.
The sentence suggests that the author is feeling nervous walking home alone at night. The answer choice that most closely resembles nervous is “wary,” which means nervous and cautious. To further help you, "enamored" means in love with; "passive" means restrained or not aggressive; "rage" means anger; "effusive" means demonstrative.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
It was far from a(n) __________ situation; we were surrounded by enemies on all sides and running low on food and water.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
It was far from a(n) __________ situation; we were surrounded by enemies on all sides and running low on food and water.
The situation described in the second clause is very negative, which means the blank word must mean something opposite to the negative situation. The correct answer is "ideal,” which means perfect. To further help you, "fruitful" and "abundant" are two words that both describe something there is plenty of.
The situation described in the second clause is very negative, which means the blank word must mean something opposite to the negative situation. The correct answer is "ideal,” which means perfect. To further help you, "fruitful" and "abundant" are two words that both describe something there is plenty of.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
In contrast to the unmethodical approach of his peers, Albert was a scientist well known for his __________ work.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
In contrast to the unmethodical approach of his peers, Albert was a scientist well known for his __________ work.
Clearly, this sentence is contrasting Albert's method of working with the unmethodological approach taken by his peers. When someone works "with a method" (or "methodologically"), he or she works with a plan and procedure. The so-called scientific method has its name because it describes a procedure for arriving at scientific truths. If Albert's peers are "unmethodical," he must be "methodical." This means that he works "systematically" or according to a plan.
Clearly, this sentence is contrasting Albert's method of working with the unmethodological approach taken by his peers. When someone works "with a method" (or "methodologically"), he or she works with a plan and procedure. The so-called scientific method has its name because it describes a procedure for arriving at scientific truths. If Albert's peers are "unmethodical," he must be "methodical." This means that he works "systematically" or according to a plan.
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Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
Unlike his modest brother Rickard, Vince was extremely __________, prominently displaying his appearance and stylish clothing.
Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
Unlike his modest brother Rickard, Vince was extremely __________, prominently displaying his appearance and stylish clothing.
In this sentence, Vince is being contrasted to Rickard inasmuch as Rickard is modest and Vince, apparently, is not. Specifically, Vince's immodesty pertains to his concerns about appearance and clothing. Since he is prominently displaying these, he must have a high opinion of his appearance. Such a person is vain—an attitude quite the opposite of that found in a modest person.
In this sentence, Vince is being contrasted to Rickard inasmuch as Rickard is modest and Vince, apparently, is not. Specifically, Vince's immodesty pertains to his concerns about appearance and clothing. Since he is prominently displaying these, he must have a high opinion of his appearance. Such a person is vain—an attitude quite the opposite of that found in a modest person.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
After three hours of buzzing around the room, the fly did not merely annoy Brandon; it completely __________ him.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
After three hours of buzzing around the room, the fly did not merely annoy Brandon; it completely __________ him.
The sentence indicates an increase in intensity between being annoyed and the word that we need. Several of the options are relative synonyms for annoy ("vexed," "miffed"). The other options do not adequately express an intensification of anger. However, the word "enraged," though it may seem a bit strong, is indeed the best option.
The sentence indicates an increase in intensity between being annoyed and the word that we need. Several of the options are relative synonyms for annoy ("vexed," "miffed"). The other options do not adequately express an intensification of anger. However, the word "enraged," though it may seem a bit strong, is indeed the best option.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
As the weather cooled, the cold November temperatures gave way to quite ___________ temperatures by January.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
As the weather cooled, the cold November temperatures gave way to quite ___________ temperatures by January.
The sentence is setting up a contrast of intensification. The cooling of temperatures is going from being "cold" to being cold_er_. This is the key thing that you need to capture. The word "frigid", strictly speaking, means "very cold." None of the other options are appropriate for conveying intensification. The only other weather-related word, "balmy," means pleasantly warm. This definitely does not fit!
The sentence is setting up a contrast of intensification. The cooling of temperatures is going from being "cold" to being cold_er_. This is the key thing that you need to capture. The word "frigid", strictly speaking, means "very cold." None of the other options are appropriate for conveying intensification. The only other weather-related word, "balmy," means pleasantly warm. This definitely does not fit!
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
In crowds and at public functions, Gilbert was quite personable, but in the __________ of his own home, he was quite withdrawn and quiet.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
In crowds and at public functions, Gilbert was quite personable, but in the __________ of his own home, he was quite withdrawn and quiet.
This sentence contrasts how Gilbert acted in public and in private. Therefore, the best option for the sentence would be "privacy," for this describes his home as being the private space in which he was quiet—as opposed to the public space that is mentioned in the first part. The word "privacy" helps to establish the contrast quite clearly.
This sentence contrasts how Gilbert acted in public and in private. Therefore, the best option for the sentence would be "privacy," for this describes his home as being the private space in which he was quiet—as opposed to the public space that is mentioned in the first part. The word "privacy" helps to establish the contrast quite clearly.
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Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
In contrast with Geneva’s cheery attitude, Donald had a rather __________ temperament.
Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
In contrast with Geneva’s cheery attitude, Donald had a rather __________ temperament.
A "cheery" attitude is one that is very happy and often "optimistic" (seeing the best in everything). If someone has the opposite of such an attitude, such a person is depressing, "dark," and unhappy. Since Donald is being contrasted with Geneva, this is the case for him. It is not proper to say that he has an "angry" attitude (or any of the options related to that). Likewise, "chipper" is really a synonym of "cheery"; we need an antonym. "Dreary" works best, as it means bleak or depressing.
A "cheery" attitude is one that is very happy and often "optimistic" (seeing the best in everything). If someone has the opposite of such an attitude, such a person is depressing, "dark," and unhappy. Since Donald is being contrasted with Geneva, this is the case for him. It is not proper to say that he has an "angry" attitude (or any of the options related to that). Likewise, "chipper" is really a synonym of "cheery"; we need an antonym. "Dreary" works best, as it means bleak or depressing.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Thankfully the poison proved not to be __________ and the girl made a complete recovery.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Thankfully the poison proved not to be __________ and the girl made a complete recovery.
If the author is "thankful" and the girl made a "complete recovery" then the poison must not have been deadly, likely to cause death, or "lethal." To provide further help, "superb" means excellent; "paltry" means small, an insufficiently little amount of something; "hilarious" means very funny; "muddled" means confused.
If the author is "thankful" and the girl made a "complete recovery" then the poison must not have been deadly, likely to cause death, or "lethal." To provide further help, "superb" means excellent; "paltry" means small, an insufficiently little amount of something; "hilarious" means very funny; "muddled" means confused.
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