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 #671 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

TEDIOUS

Possible Answers:

Hateful

Frequent

Boring

Standard

Failing

Correct answer:

Boring

Explanation:

The word "tedious" is used to describe someone or something that is relatively boring. Often, this is because the thing or person in question is very repetitive or, at least, does not make much progress. For example, "a tedious lecture" is one that likely keeps making the same point over and over again. Tedious things tend to be boring, so this is a good option for this question.

Example Question #672 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

WEALTHY

Possible Answers:

Affluent

Greedy

Friendly

Lucky

Generous

Correct answer:

Affluent

Explanation:

You almost certainly know the meaning of the word "wealthy." That said the correct answer, "affluent," may be a bit difficult. This word is indeed a synonym. It comes from roots that mean to flow. Think of "fluid" or even "fluent." (Someone who can speak a language "fluently" can do so in a flowing manner, without hesitations.) Although a number of the incorrect answers may be tempting, this is the only correct synonym!

Example Question #501 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PROMISING

Possible Answers:

Truthful

Talkative

Aware

Friendly

Encouraging

Correct answer:

Encouraging

Explanation:

The word "promising" does not merely have to do with "making promises." We can also use this word in a way that helps to extend this meaning of "to promise." When something is "promising" it gives positive reason to be hopeful about that thing. So, for example, if the weather looks "promising," this means that it has the appearance of being nice or pleasant. (It is like the weather is itself promising to be good.) Thus, the adjective "promising" can mean encouraging.

Example Question #502 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PASSIVE

Possible Answers:

Destroyed

Sad

Killed

Obedient

Aloft

Correct answer:

Obedient

Explanation:

"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 #503 : Identifying Synonyms

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

OPTIONAL

Possible Answers:

Certain

Acceptable

Idiotic

Voluntary

Educated

Correct answer:

Voluntary

Explanation:

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 #676 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

FIGURATIVE

Possible Answers:

Crazy

Deceptive

Symbolic

False

Unintelligible

Correct answer:

Symbolic

Explanation:

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 #677 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

ABUNDANT

Possible Answers:

Arrogant

Fattening

Snobby

Wealthy

Plentiful

Correct answer:

Plentiful

Explanation:

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 #678 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

RURAL

Possible Answers:

Foolish

Unintelligent

Agricultural

Undeveloped

Hilly

Correct answer:

Agricultural

Explanation:

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 #679 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

PRECISE

Possible Answers:

Excellent

Scientific

Amazing

Picky

Exact

Correct answer:

Exact

Explanation:

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 #680 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

ENCHANTING

Possible Answers:

Mythological

Fictional

Improper

Delightful

False

Correct answer:

Delightful

Explanation:

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.

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