All ISEE Lower Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #661 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PASSIVE
Destroyed
Killed
Sad
Aloft
Obedient
Obedient
"The word "passive" comes from Latin roots meaning to suffer or to have something happen to oneself. Thus, it is related to words like "passion" and "impassioned." When we have a lot of emotion, we seem to "suffer" the feelings that overwhelm us. Think of a time that you have been very mad, it seems like the anger overtakes you—you are the passive recipient of the emotion, or at least it seems so. The word "passive" can mean not active. Additionally, someone who just receives someone's words or orders by merely accepting and doing them can be called "passive" as well. Hence, "obedient" is a good option for this question.
Example Question #331 : Synonyms: Adjectives
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
OPTIONAL
Idiotic
Voluntary
Educated
Acceptable
Certain
Voluntary
When something is "optional," it is not required. Thus, you could say, "That homework was only optional." This means that you are not required to do that particular work. When something is voluntary, it is up to our choice—just like something optional. The word "voluntary" actually comes from the Latin "voluntas," which means will. Something voluntary is in the power of our willing. A "volunteer" does something of his or her own free will—that is, not out of a requirement or for a payment.
Example Question #332 : Synonyms: Adjectives
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FIGURATIVE
Symbolic
Crazy
Deceptive
False
Unintelligible
Symbolic
When we use "figurative" language, we use words in a way that is not literal. For example, I could say, "The sun is bright today." This is literal language. However, if I were to say on a beautiful day, "The sun is happy today," this would be figurative language. Likewise, I could say, "She had a look on her face that could curdle milk." Well, maybe the person's face did show her displeasure. It certainly could not literally curdle milk! Thus, figurative language is symbolic or metaphorical.
Example Question #333 : Synonyms: Adjectives
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ABUNDANT
Wealthy
Plentiful
Snobby
Fattening
Arrogant
Plentiful
Whenever we have something "in abundance," this means that we have a lot of it. The adjective "abundant" is used to describe something that is numerous and plentiful. Therefore, you could say, "I have an abundance of bread—indeed, enough to fill two whole baskets!" This means that you have a lot of bread. Your bread is "plentiful"!
Example Question #334 : Synonyms: Adjectives
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
RURAL
Undeveloped
Foolish
Hilly
Unintelligent
Agricultural
Agricultural
The word "rural" is used as an adjective to describe an area that is not developed like a city. It is usually used as a synonym for "the countryside." There are few adjectives that mean "country-like" or "pertaining-to-the-countryside." Therefore, the only option provided here that is close is "agricultural." This is sometimes used as a synonym for "rural." People in the countryside often have agricultural businesses to make money, using the land to grow crops.
Example Question #335 : Synonyms: Adjectives
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PRECISE
Excellent
Picky
Scientific
Exact
Amazing
Exact
Whenever something is "precise," it is exact. We tend to talk about "precise measurements," often meaning the kinds of measurements that scientists might make. Also, people who are precise can at times be picky—very annoying about exact details. The only option that really expresses a correct synonym is the word "exact."
Example Question #336 : Synonyms: Adjectives
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ENCHANTING
Mythological
Improper
Delightful
False
Fictional
Delightful
Whenever something is "enchanting," it draws our attention and keeps it. Thus, it is something that is captivating or delightful. Whenever we say, "It was an enchanting evening," we mean that it was a very delightful and wonderful evening. A story can be "enchanting" when it is delightful and captivates the attention of the listener or reader.
Example Question #337 : Synonyms: Adjectives
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
HOSTILE
Warlike
Poisonous
Unfriendly
Pushy
Favorable
Unfriendly
Whenever someone is "hostile," he or she is a foe. The primary meaning of "hostile" means unfriendly, in the sense that implies that someone or something is a kind of foe or enemy. Therefore, among the options given, the simple word "unfriendly" is actually the best option!
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the word that has most nearly the same meaning as the word in capital letters.
DEVIOUS
suspicious
reprehensible
turbulent
sneaky
unfortunate
sneaky
"Devious" is defined as showing a skillful use of underhanded tactics to achieve goals.
This is closest in definition to "sneaky." Although someone who is devious may be "reprehensible," meaning deserving censure or condemnation, is not a close match.
Example Question #340 : Synonyms: Adjectives
Each synonyms question is made up of a word in capital letters followed by five choices. Choose the one word that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ELOQUENT:
experienced
dull
efficient
expressive
ineffective
expressive
The word eloquent is often used in regards to eloquent language or writing. It indicates that someone is expressive or well-spoken.
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