SSAT Middle Level Verbal : SSAT Middle Level Verbal

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SSAT Middle Level Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #24 : Synonyms: Roots

Synonyms: Select the word whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

CIRCUMFERENCE

Possible Answers:

Division 

Understanding 

Side

Perimeter 

Condition 

Correct answer:

Perimeter 

Explanation:

A "circumference" is the length of a line that goes around something or that makes a circle or other round shape or the outer edge of a shape or area. We can get this meaning from the prefix "circum-," which usually means around, as in the word "circumnavigate," which means go around something. A "perimeter" is the outside edge of an area or surface, so it is the answer choice closest in meaning to "circumference."

Example Question #25 : Synonyms: Roots

Synonyms: Choose the word or phrase that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

ABSCOND

Possible Answers:

Bring forth 

Send for 

Keep apart 

Run away 

Come together

Correct answer:

Run away 

Explanation:

The prefix ab- means away from, as in “absent,” which means not here, or “absolve,” which means to take away blame. In this instance the word “abscond” means to run away

Example Question #26 : Synonyms: Roots

Synonyms: Choose the word or phrase that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

EPITAPH

Possible Answers:

Individual

Inscription

Comatose

Calculation

Mathematical

Correct answer:

Inscription

Explanation:

The prefix epi- means upon, on top of, and the word “epitaph” means writing upon a tombstone. This is closest in definition to “inscription,” which means writing or a dedication. To provide further help, “comatose” means in a coma-like state; an “individual” is one person.

Example Question #27 : Synonyms: Roots

Synonyms: Choose the word or phrase that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

MONOSYLLABLE

Possible Answers:

Badger

Grunt

Proclaim

Whistle

Dialogue

Correct answer:

Grunt

Explanation:

The prefix mono- means one, and the word “monosyllable” means containing only one syllable. An example of a “monosyllable” sound is a grunt. To provide further help, “proclaim” means formally announce to a large group of people; “badger” means annoy; “dialogue” is conversation between two people

Example Question #28 : Synonyms: Roots

Synonyms: Select the word whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

OVERWHELMED

Possible Answers:

Barrage 

Garrulous

Inundated

Insipid 

Aloof 

Correct answer:

Inundated

Explanation:

The prefix "over-" means too much of, so we know that “overwhelmed” must mean completely taken over or emotionally overcome by something. The word closest in meaning to “overcome” or “taken over” is “inundated.” "Inundated" literally means flooded with water, but can also mean flooded with a great number of something. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "overwhelmed": “aloof” means distant; “insipid” means dull; “garrulous” means talkative; and “barrage” means a relentless bombardment.

Example Question #29 : Synonyms: Roots

Synonyms: Select the word whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

OBSTACLE

Possible Answers:

Recalcitrant 

Auspicious 

Serendipitous

Impediment 

Unfortunate 

Correct answer:

Impediment 

Explanation:

An “obstacle" is something that gets in the way or an impediment. This makes sense, as "obstacle" contains the prefix "ob," which can mean in the way of. "Impediment" is thus the correct answer. To provide further help, “recalcitrant” means wayward and disobedient; “serendipitous” means owed to chance or good fortune; “unfortunate” means not lucky; and “auspicious” means a favorable beginning that suggests at a good outcome.

Example Question #31 : Synonyms: Roots

Synonyms: Select the word whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

TRANSPLANT

Possible Answers:

Relocate 

Portend 

Administer 

Imply 

Lament 

Correct answer:

Relocate 

Explanation:

The root "trans" in English can mean either go across or to change into a different state. An example of the former would be “transatlantic,” and an example of the latter would be “transform” or “transplant.” To “transplant” means to move to another place or to relocate. It is most commonly heard in English to refer to a surgical procedure where one person’s organs are relocated into another person, usually to save the latter’s life. To provide further help, “administer” means give someone a specific kind and amount of medicine; “portend” means foreshadow or forewarn of something bad; “lament” means mourn; and “imply” means suggest something without directly stating it.

Example Question #32 : Synonyms: Roots

Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

AGITATE

Possible Answers:

Stir up 

Listen intently 

Sit with 

Calm down 

Go around 

Correct answer:

Stir up 

Explanation:

The prefix "ag-" (or "act-") means to make happen, to drive, to move. It can be seen in the words “agent,” which means the reason for making something happen, “action,” and “active.” “Agitate” means to stir up, to incite, to cause people to feel.

Example Question #33 : Synonyms: Roots

Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

EGOIST

Possible Answers:

Flounder

Founder 

Individualist

Philanthropist 

Miser 

Correct answer:

Individualist

Explanation:

The prefix "ego-" means related to the self, related to I. An “egoist” is someone focused on the self or someone focused on the individual. It is closest in meaning to an “individualist.” To provide further help, a “philanthropist” is someone who gives to charity; a “miser” is someone who is stingy with money; “flounder” means struggle; “founder” means person who started a company or organization.

Example Question #32 : Synonyms: Roots

Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

MALADJUSTED

Possible Answers:

Unseemly 

Benevolent 

Malodorous 

Beneficial 

Unbalanced 

Correct answer:

Unbalanced 

Explanation:

The prefix "mal-" means bad, so “maladjusted” means badly adjusted. When someone is “well-adjusted” it means they are comfortable with themselves and comfortable in society. On the other hand, someone who is “maladjusted” is uncomfortable or unbalanced. To provide further help, “beneficial” means helpful and “benevolent” means good-natured. The prefix "ben-" is often used as an opposite to the prefix "mal-." "Malodorous” means bad-smelling and “unseemly” means gross, unpleasant

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