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 #4 : Synonyms: Using Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

ILLUMINATE

Possible Answers:

Brighten

Shade

Gladden

Praise

Sully

Correct answer:

Brighten

Explanation:

The word "illuminate" has the base "-lumen- / -lumin" in it. This comes from the Latin for "light." If you look at your lightbulbs, you will see that they are not only measured in watts but also in "lumens." This measurement—"lumens"—indicates the amount of light that the bulb produces. During the holiday season, people might speak of "exterior illumination" when they decorate their houses outside. This describes the "outside lights" that they put up on the house and the bushes and/or trees around their houses. To "illuminate" something is to shine light on it. Therefore, the best option for a synonym is "brighten."

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Using Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

DOMESTIC

Possible Answers:

Domelike

Round

Household

Durable

Circular

Correct answer:

Household

Explanation:

"Domestic" means pertaining to the home. The best choice is "household" because it has the same definition as domestic when used as an adjective, as in the phrase "household chores." The "dom-" in "domestic" comes from the Latin word for house.

Example Question #2271 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

CONSPICUOUS

Possible Answers:

Renowned

Famous

Visible

Excellent

Forgotten

Correct answer:

Visible

Explanation:

The word "conspicuous" has a root that you might not see at first. The "-spic-" is related to the "spec-" that we find in "spectator" and "spectacle." A "spectator" is someone who watches an event (perhaps a sports game). A "spectacle" is something very visible—a massive event, so large that it is very visible. Likewise, "spectacles" are glasses that someone wears—things helping you to see. When something is "conspicuous," it is not at all hidden. The "con-" prefix does not mean with or among like it does in other words. Here, it merely means very. Something "conspicuous" is very visible.  Among our options, however, "visible" is the only appropriate answer.  This is a fine synonym, given the other answers. 

Note that while something "conspicuous" could become famous (since it is so easily seen), the word "conspicuous" does not itself designate such fame. It merely deals with being able to be seen.

Example Question #2272 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

ANALYZE

Possible Answers:

Examine

Invigorate

Synthesize

Discuss

Reflect

Correct answer:

Examine

Explanation:

The word "analysis" comes from Greek roots meaning to break apart. The analysis of a sentence provides an overview of all its parts—it breaks it apart and shows the parts for what they are. The activity of producing such an "analysis" is called "analyzing." This is the opposite of "synthesizing," which is the activity of putting together multiple things into a single whole. We "synthesize" material when we bring it together to make an argument and, likewise, "synthesize" chemicals when we create them out of their parts. An "examination" is a thorough review of the details of something, somewhat like an analysis. Therefore, among the options provided, "examine" is the best synonym for "analyze." Note, that while you might discuss something while analyzing it, this is not necessary. (You can always analyze something by yourself, without discussion.)

Example Question #2273 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

SEVER

Possible Answers:

Fix

Sprint

Cut

Aid

Increase

Correct answer:

Cut

Explanation:

The prefix "sev-" or "sec-" often relates to cutting, so it makes sense that the word “sever” means to cut one thing off of another completely. The word “sprint” means to run quickly; the word “fix” means to mend or repair something; and the word “aid” means help.

Example Question #2274 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

SANCTUARY

Possible Answers:

Shelter

Wilderness

Prison

School

Adventure

Correct answer:

Shelter

Explanation:

The word "sanctuary" includes the root "sanct-," which is from the Greek for "holy." "Sanctuary" originally referred to a religious place of worship where people could not be arrested for certain crimes. Since then, the word's meaning has shifted to be more general, and today it is used to mean a place that offers comfort or shelter, sometimes associated with a particular religious group, so "shelter" is the correct answer.

Example Question #2275 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

ABDUCT

Possible Answers:

Demonstrate

Praise

Accord

Kidnap

Exceed

Correct answer:

Kidnap

Explanation:

The prefix "ab-" can mean away, so it makes sense that "abduct" means kidnap, as kidnapping someone can be thought of carrying them away without their permission. As for the other answer choices, “praise” means to say something nice about someone; “demonstrate” means show or, more specifically, show by doing; “exceed” means go beyond or do more than is necessary; and “accord” means agree or not argue.

Example Question #2276 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

PATERNITY

Possible Answers:

Sisterhood

Fatherhood

Brotherhood

Family

Motherhood

Correct answer:

Fatherhood

Explanation:

The Greek root "patr-" means relating to fathers or being a father, so it makes sense that "paternity" means fatherhood.

Example Question #2277 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

AUDIENCE

Possible Answers:

Musicians

Performers

Tasters

Listeners

Cooks

Correct answer:

Listeners

Explanation:

The "aud-" in "audience" derives from the same Latin roots as "audible" (able to be heard) and "audio" (recorded sound, often specifically the sound that often accompanies video)So, since "aud-" means having to do with hearing, it makes sense that an an “audience” is a group of people who are listening to and watching a show or reading a text-based work, making "listeners" the best answer choice. “Musicians” are people who play music and “performers” are people who perform in some sort of show or entertainment. So, an “audience” listens to the “musicians” or watches the “performers.”

Example Question #2278 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

FRACTURE

Possible Answers:

Describe

Break

Include

Bemoan

Represent

Correct answer:

Break

Explanation:

The "fract-" part of "fracture" stems from the same roots as the words "fraction" (a portion of a whole) and "frangible" (breakable), so it makes sense that "fracture," when used as a verb, means break something hard. The word is often used to describe breaking a bone. "Break" is thus the answer choice closest in meaning to "fracture." As for the other answer choices, "include" means consider as part of a group; “bemoan” means complain about; “describe” means use words to share information about the characteristics of something or someone; “represent” means show using a visual or textual medium or stand in for.

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