ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Adjectives and Adverbs

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ISEE Lower Level Verbal

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #181 : Adjectives And Adverbs

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

Gina is very _________ about doing her homework; she always sticks to a set schedule and gets everything done on time.

Possible Answers:

happy

smart

helpful

disciplined

wise

Correct answer:

disciplined

Explanation:

This sentence explains that Gina, in completing her homework, "always sticks to a set schedule." This means that she is very diligent about her work and trains herself to act in a certain way. The best word to describe this is "disciplined," meaning focused and self-motivated. Therefore, "disciplined" is the best answer choice.

Example Question #182 : Adjectives And Adverbs

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

Much like her incredibly refined mother, Isabel is very __________, always maintaining a ladylike composure.

Possible Answers:

outgoing

gruff

classy

mature

arduous

Correct answer:

classy

Explanation:

Here, the sentence provides a hint as to what the blank is by indicating that Isabel is very much like her mother, and revealing that her mother is "extremely refined." Another word for "refined" is "classy." Given that the blank should be filled with a word very similar in meaning to "refined," the word "classy" is the best answer choice.

Example Question #183 : Adjectives And Adverbs

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The band played __________, perfectly in sync with one another and producing a heavenly melody.

Possible Answers:

randomly

fervently

joyfully

uniquely

harmoniously

Correct answer:

harmoniously

Explanation:

Given that the sentence states that the band played in perfect sync with one another, it is indicating that the musicians played in a manner such that their music was in cadence and agreement. "Harmonious" means to be in agreement, without clashing. It is therefore the correct answer.

Example Question #184 : Adjectives And Adverbs

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

Devon feels very __________ when he meditates; all his stress disappears.

Possible Answers:

tired

hungry

relaxed

introverted

philosophical

Correct answer:

relaxed

Explanation:

Given that Devon's stress disappears when he meditates, the blank should contain a word that reflects an unstressed state of being. "Relaxed" is an excellent fit because it implies the state of being stress-free.

Example Question #185 : Adjectives And Adverbs

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

Gina hates hiking with her backpack because of how __________ it is; she always has to take numerous breaks to rest while carrying her bag's extra weight.

Possible Answers:

useless

negative

burdensome

outdated

flighty

Correct answer:

burdensome

Explanation:

In this sentence, the context clue is that Gina often has to rest "while carrying her bag's extra weight." The blank should be a word that somehow conveys the weight of the bag or how much more difficult it makes hiking. Something that is large and heavy is bound to be a nuisance or burden. Thus, "burdensome" is the best word that can be used to complete this sentence.

Example Question #186 : Adjectives And Adverbs

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

I have a little sister who I love very much; she is very ___________ to me.

Possible Answers:

unbearable

content

terrifying

precious

restless

Correct answer:

precious

Explanation:

Something that you love very much that is very important to you can be called “precious” to you. So a little sister would be “precious” to her older brother. The word “content” means happy with things as they are; “terrifying” means very scary; “restless” means not able to be still or needing to be active; and the word “unbearable” means so horrible or sad that you cannot deal with it.

Example Question #187 : Adjectives And Adverbs

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

Sometimes I feel __________ because my parents won’t let me have something I want, but then I remember how lucky I am.

Possible Answers:

intelligent

confident

humble

deprived

overwhelmed

Correct answer:

deprived

Explanation:

The word “deprived” means not given or not having things that you want or need, so you can see from the context that this is the correct word to describe a child who feels his or her parents are not letting him or her have things he or she wants. The words “modest” means not boastful about one’s accomplishments or success. Someone who is “confident” believes in him- or herself; and someone who is “intelligent” is smart.

Example Question #188 : Adjectives And Adverbs

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

George Washington is a(n) __________ figure in American history for the role he played in establishing the future of the nation.

Possible Answers:

heroic

despicable

content

enslaved

sorrowful

Correct answer:

heroic

Explanation:

Because the role that Washington played was positive (good) we know that the correct answer must be “heroic.” Someone who is “heroic” behaves like a hero. The word “sorrowful” means very sad; the word “despicable” means very evil or is used to describe someone who does bad things; “enslaved” means lacking freedom as a slave; and “content” means happy with things the way they are.

Example Question #189 : Adjectives And Adverbs

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The wood was highly __________, so when they lit a match, it burst into flames almost immediately.

Possible Answers:

flammable

remorseful

rugged

ignorant

lenient

Correct answer:

flammable

Explanation:

Something that easily catches fire is called “flammable.” To provide extra help, the word “remorseful” means feeling guilty for having done something bad; “ignorant” means not smart or not understanding things; and “lenient” means not strict and allowing things to happen that might be against the rules.

Example Question #190 : Adjectives And Adverbs

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

I have a __________ model of an airplane that I like to carry in my pocket; it is very small, but an exact replica of the plane my father flies.

Possible Answers:

excited

miniature

grotesque

gigantic

jubilant

Correct answer:

miniature

Explanation:

The phrase "very small" tells us that the correct answer here must be “miniature.” The word “gigantic” means very big. “Gigantic” is an antonym of “miniature” because the two words have opposite meanings. The word “jubilant” means very happy; something that is “grotesque” is ugly and very unpleasant to look at.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors