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 #522 : Synonyms

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

DECEPTIVE

Possible Answers:

Wicked

Vicious

Problematic

Thieving

Misleading

Correct answer:

Misleading

Explanation:

When you deceive someone, you lie to them. Therefore, the word "deceptive" is an adjective describing someone who is a liar or something that misrepresents the truth. The word can also be used to describe a situation that misrepresents the general truth of a matter. For example, a "deceptive laugh" is one that really is not a laugh—like when someone laughs without really being happy (perhaps to fit in). Also, a big piece of cake could look "deceptively tasty," though it might really be disgusting and poorly made. The look of the cake deceives by making us think it is good.

While being deceptive is a character flaw, it does not mean "vicious" or "wicked." "Deceptive" indicates that something lies or at least misrepresents the truth.  That means that "misleading" is the best option among the answer choices given.

Example Question #532 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

A synonym of "improbable" is __________.

Possible Answers:

moist

unlikely

boisterous

expected

veritable

Correct answer:

unlikely

Explanation:

"Improbable" is an adjective that means either "not likely to be true or to happen" or "unexpected and apparently inauthentic." So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "not likely." "Expected" cannot be the correct answer, then, because "expected" means "regarded as likely to happen," making it an antonym, not a synonym, or "improbable." "Unlikely," however, is an adjective that means "not likely to happen, be done, or be true; improbable," and because "unlikely" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "improbable," "unlikely" is the correct answer.

Example Question #533 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

INCREDIBLE

Possible Answers:

Recognizable

Edible

Acceptable

Unbelievable

Correct answer:

Unbelievable

Explanation:

"Incredible" means not able to be believed. "Unbelievable" is a synonym of "incredible." None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "incredible": "recognizable" means able to be recognized or noticeable; "acceptable" means passable or just meeting a standard; and "edible" means able to be eaten.

Example Question #534 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

IMPLICIT

Possible Answers:

Implicated

Impecunious

Implacable

Implied

Correct answer:

Implied

Explanation:

"Implicit" is an adjective that means recognized but not actually stated. So, the best answer choice is "implied," which also means recognized but not actually stated. While all of the incorrect answer choices also begin with "im-," none of them are close in meaning to "implicit": "implicated" means accused of a crime; "implacable" means unable to be appeased; and "impecunious" means having no money or very poor.

Example Question #535 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

TENTATIVE

Possible Answers:

Caustic

Unsettled

Chide

Timely

Correct answer:

Unsettled

Explanation:

The word "tentative" means uncertain. The best choice is "unsettled," which also means uncertain. Considering the other choices, to "chide" means to express disapproval, "caustic" means judgemental, and "timely" means well-timed.

Example Question #536 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

Synonyms: Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.

TRANSIENT

Possible Answers:

Long-term

Temporary

Lengthy

Permanent

Correct answer:

Temporary

Explanation:

"Transient" is defined as lasting only for a short amount of time, making "temporary" the best answer choice. "Permanent," "long-term," and "lengthy" are all antonyms of transient. 

Example Question #537 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

OMNISCIENT

Possible Answers:

Unconscious

Obtuse

Oblivious

Blind

All-knowing

Correct answer:

All-knowing

Explanation:

"Omniscient" means having complete and unlimited knowledge.  "All-knowing" means knowing everything, so it is the best match.

Example Question #531 : Synonyms

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

QUIZZICAL

Possible Answers:

Testing

Inquiring

Examining

Comprehending

Final

Correct answer:

Inquiring

Explanation:

"Quizzical" means demonstrating that you do not understand something and have a question and usually refers to expressions. "Inquire," the verb form of "inquiring," means ask, so "inquiring" is the best match because it means demonstrating that you have a question about something.

Example Question #532 : Synonyms

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

FANCIFUL

Possible Answers:

Imaginary

Opulent

Decorative

Invaluable

Exemplary

Correct answer:

Imaginary

Explanation:

For something to be "fanciful," it means that it is whimsical and imaginary; it is opposite of something that is real and reasonable.

Example Question #532 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

OBVIOUS

Possible Answers:

Evident

Confused

Interesting

Uncertain

Correct answer:

Evident

Explanation:

You might use the word "obvious" every day, but the answer to this question might not be obvious at first sight! The word means not hidden or clear and understandable. The word "evident" means obvious or plainly expressed and understood. It is related to "evidence." "Evidence" is something that makes another thing to be known. For example, evidence in a criminal case is used to make the guilt or innocence of the charged person known. When something is "evident," it is obvious and can function well as evidence. Notice that every other answer (other than "interesting") is opposite in meaning to "obvious."

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