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 #578 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RESTRAIN

Possible Answers:

Harm

Purchase

Limit

Force

Blast

Correct answer:

Limit

Explanation:

The word "restrain" means to prevent or limit someone's ability to act. Thus, we can say, "I restrained the dog while the doctor treated its wound." Also, we can exercise "self-restraint," as when we prevent ourselves from acting in an excessive manner. For example, "I restrained myself from eating fifteen candy bars for dinner." Thus, restraining and limiting are synonymous, making the best choice for this question "limit."

Example Question #71 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

ASSUME

Possible Answers:

Condemn

Shout

Explain

Suppose

Express

Correct answer:

Suppose

Explanation:

The word "assume" means to suppose something to be the case. For example, let's say that I haven't looked out the window today. For the past five weeks, it has been sunny outside. If I assume that it will be sunny, I am making an educated guess that it will be so again. I don't take an umbrella because I suppose that it will be dry outside. Sometimes, you hear people say something like, "Suppose that you are on a high mountain alone, what would you do?" This is trying to get you to assume that you are on such a mountain so that you can imagine what you might do in that situation.

Example Question #581 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RECALL

Possible Answers:

Manufacture

Inspect

Startle

Remember

Verify

Correct answer:

Remember

Explanation:

Remember that the prefix "re-" means again or back. The word "recall" means something like to call back. It can be used in the sense meaning to call to mind again. In other words, it can mean to remember. We use the word this way when we say, "I recall your face!" This means, "I remember you!"

Example Question #73 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

DEMAND

Possible Answers:

Scream

Remark

Tell

Shout

Order

Correct answer:

Order

Explanation:

When we "demand" something, we ask for it with a lot of energy and force. Because of this, you may think that "shout" or "scream" are good answers. You can, however, demand something without shouting or screaming, nor are all shouts or screams themselves "demands." Now, while there are various possible meanings for the verb "demand," the only option in this question that functions well is "order." For example, you could say, "He demanded that she bring the book to him immediately." This means that he ordered her to do so.

Example Question #582 : Identifying Synonyms

What is a synonym for edit?

Possible Answers:

exemplify

publish

destroy

dismiss

revise

Correct answer:

revise

Explanation:

Although editing is often done when something is going to be published, these are not synonymous words.  When we edit something, we review it and try to find mistakes.  Sometimes, we even remove parts to help make the work better.  This can be done with written works as well as things like movies and, even, songs.  When we "revise" something, we make a new version of it, hopefully one that is improved after the editing has been done.

Example Question #75 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

SCOLD

Possible Answers:

Forgive

Beat

Shout

Reprimand

Cry

Correct answer:

Reprimand

Explanation:

Whenever we "scold" someone, we rebuke him or her for doing something bad. For example, you could say, "The mother scolded her daughter for kicking her brother." The only option that expresses this idea of rebuking is "reprimand."

Example Question #76 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

ESTIMATE

Possible Answers:

Increase

Guess

Educate

Repair

Count

Correct answer:

Guess

Explanation:

The word "estimate" can be used either as a verb or as a noun. All of the options here are verbs, so this is the meaning that we are looking for. When we estimate something, we make a rough guess about how much it is. For example, if someone put a bowl of candy in front of you, he or she could say, "Estimate how many pieces are in there."  In this situation, you are being asked to guess how many are in the bowl. Thus, the option "guess" is the correct answer. When the word "estimate" is used as a noun, "the estimate" is the actual guess. For example, if you answered, "484 pieces," this guess was your estimate.

Example Question #583 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PARDON

Possible Answers:

Greet

Welcome

Enchant

Forgive

Discuss

Correct answer:

Forgive

Explanation:

Whenever we "pardon" someone, we forgive him or her for doing something wrong or offensive. Sometimes, we speak of pardoning the offence itself. Thus, you could say, "I pardoned her rude remark, even though she should have known better." This means that you "forgave" it—though she should have known that it was wrong.

Example Question #584 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DETERMINE

Possible Answers:

Slice

Reflect

Please

Consider

Decide

Correct answer:

Decide

Explanation:

The verb "to determine" means to decide upon. Thus, you can say, "The carpenter determined that he would need five feet of wood for the project." This means that he decided that he would need five feet of wood. A "determined amount" is an amount that has been settled upon by someone. Hence, the simple word "decide" is the best option. Even the options "consider" and "reflect" are not sufficient. We can "consider" something without determining one thing or another. Consideration does not necessarily include making a particular decision.

Example Question #585 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INQUIRE

Possible Answers:

Inspire

Restrain

Ask

Say

Tell

Correct answer:

Ask

Explanation:

To "inquire" means to ask for more information about something, therefore "ask" is the best synonym.

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