ISEE Lower Level Verbal : ISEE Lower Level (grades 5-6) Verbal Reasoning

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #7 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

EXTERIOR

Possible Answers:

Outside

Entirety

Support

Inside

Opposition

Correct answer:

Outside

Explanation:

The prefix "ex-" means outside of, so it makes sense that the word “exterior” means the outside of something. It is the opposite of “interior,” which means the inside of something. The "opposition" is the people who disagree with you or your group, taken as a whole.

Example Question #1104 : Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

ANTONYM

Possible Answers:

Noun

Synonym

Antagonistic

Opposite

Verb

Correct answer:

Opposite

Explanation:

An "antonym" is a word that has a meaning that is the opposite of another word. (This makes sense, given that the word "antonym" is derived from the Greek prefix "anti," which can mean opposite of, and "-onym," which is from the Greek for name.) Therefore, the synonym for this word would be "opposite." Both words mean the same thing, although "antonym" is used specifically for defining the meanings of words. All the other answer choices are not related to the concept of opposites and are therefore incorrect.

Example Question #32 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

ENDANGER

Possible Answers:

Extinguish

Imperil

Falsify

Defend

Preserve

Correct answer:

Imperil

Explanation:

The word "endanger" is composed of two parts: "en-danger." The "en-" prefix is a form of the "in-" prefix that, unsurprisingly, means in or into. Therefore, the word "endanger" could be read as meaning to place into danger or a dangerous situation. The general idea of "endangering" someone or something is to put that thing at risk for being harmed or even killed. When we talk of "endangered species," these are species that are at a serious risk of being completely wiped out from existence. Extinction is their total death—none being left alive.

To endanger something is to put it at risk or into danger. This is not the same as "extinguishing" something. In fact, "extinguishing" something is more like making it to be extinct than endangering it. Certainly, "preserve" and "defend" cannot be correct, for they are opposites of "endanger." Therefore, "imperil" is the best option.  The word "imperil" itself has the "in-" prefix, though it is in the form "im-".  To "im-peril" something is to put it into danger. ("Peril" is a serious danger.  A "perilous" situation is one that is very dangerous.)

Example Question #34 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

INSANE

Possible Answers:

Loud

Intelligent

Crazy

Cool

Exuberant

Correct answer:

Crazy

Explanation:

The prefix "in-" means not, and "sane" means mentally stable and healthy, so it makes sense that "insane" means not mentally stable and healthy, or "crazy." As for the other answer choices, “intelligent” means smart, and “exuberant” means lively and excited.

Example Question #31 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

RELOCATE

Possible Answers:

Move

Crave

Assume

Explain

Create

Correct answer:

Move

Explanation:

The prefix "re-" means again or new and "locate" means find or position, so it makes sense that "relocate" means move to a new place. As for the other answer choices, "assume” means think you know something without evidence; “crave” means want; “create” means make; and "explain" means give reasons for an action or decision.

Example Question #32 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

IMMIGRANT

Possible Answers:

Pinnacle

Commerce

Traveler

Settler

Native

Correct answer:

Settler

Explanation:

The prefix "im-" can mean into, so it makes sense that "immigrant" means someone who moves to a new country. "Settler" is thus the answer choice closest in meaning to "immigrant." As for the other answer choices, a “native” is someone who was born and raised in the place in which they live; “commerce” is trade or the buying and selling things; “pinnacle” means the high point of something or the peak of accomplishment; and a "traveler" is a tourist, nomad, or wanderer.

Example Question #2191 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

MIDWAY

Possible Answers:

Period

Halfway

Length

Coastline

Island

Correct answer:

Halfway

Explanation:

The prefix "mid-" means middle, so it makes sense that "midway" through something is "halfway" through it. As for the other answer choices, “period” is a specific length of time or a time in history, like the Revolutionary period in the United States. “Length” is how long something is. A “coastline” is the part of a country that touches the sea.

Example Question #42 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

NONSENSE

Possible Answers:

Fantastic

Logical

Standard

Profound

Ridiculous

Correct answer:

Ridiculous

Explanation:

The prefix "non-" means not or without, so "nonsense" means not making any sense when used as an adjective and writing or speech that doesn't make any sense, or "gibberish," when used as a noun. As for the other answer choices, "standard” means normal or typical; “logical” means making sense according to logical principles; “profound” means great, intense, or significant and refers to emotions; and "fantastic" means imaginary or of very high quality.

Example Question #43 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

REACTION

Possible Answers:

Misstep

Response

Reproach

Rest

Demand 

Correct answer:

Response

Explanation:

The prefix "re-" means again or back, so it makes sense that a “reaction” is a response to an action. How you behave after hearing or seeing something is your “reaction” to it. This is closest to “response.” As for the other answer choices, "reproach" can be used as a noun meaning something conveying that one is not happy with something someone else has done; a "misstep" is a step where one shouldn't step, or more generally, a mistake; a "rest" is a break, especially from physical exertion; and a "demand" is something a person or group requires before they will agree to do something.

Example Question #44 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

RENEWAL

Possible Answers:

Return

Resistance

Renegade

Revival

Regulation

Correct answer:

Revival

Explanation:

The word "renewal" clearly is made up of two parts: (1) the prefix "re-" and (2) the base "newal." The prefix "re-" here means again, as in "repeat" and "recognize." (To "re-cognize" is to know something again—to know that person is, for example, your friend Sally, whom you know.)

A "renewal" is a making new again. It is a return to a more vibrant time or state of affairs. To "renew" wedding vows is to make them again, with the intent of living them more fully. A religious "renewal" is a return to more dedicated religious practice. Among the options provided, do not be tempted by the trick answer "return." Yes, every "renewal" could be said to be a return to the best times or to devotion. However, a "renewal" is even better said to be a "revival," which literally means "returning to life." The "-vival" portion is related to the Latin for life or to live and is found in words like "survive" and "vivacious."

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