All ISEE Lower Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #111 : Phrase And Clause Based Sentence Completions
Sentence completion: Select the word or phrase that best completes the following sentence.
Although I do love him, __________.
he frustrates me very much
we keep living together
and I know he loves me
we have a child
he proves his love every day
he frustrates me very much
The conjunction "although" is usually used to mean in spite of. It means something like "even though this one thing is true, this other thing is also true." So, in this sentence you have to determine what is true in spite of the fact that the speaker loves someone. The correct answer is " . . . he frustrates me very much." The other answer choices would make more sense in a sentence constructed "I love him and we have a child/he proves his love everyday/etc."
Example Question #112 : Phrase And Clause Based Sentence Completions
Sentence completion: Select the word or phrase that best completes the following sentence.
My girlfriend believes in ghosts; __________.
whereas I do not
she is very rational
she is very tranquil
although I do not
in case I do not
whereas I do not
The speaker's girlfriend believes in ghosts. The word "rational" means reasonable, based on logic, based on what can be seen or proved. Also, the word "tranquil" means calm, peaceful. Neither of these words make sense in this context. So, you are left to try and decipher which of these conjunctions is appropriate if the author is saying he does not believe in ghosts. The correct answer is "whereas." You use "whereas" to express a difference, a contrast, such as "I like meat, whereas he likes vegetables."
Example Question #113 : Phrase And Clause Based Sentence Completions
Sentence completion: Select the word or phrase that best completes the following sentence.
__________ you have to persevere and keep working.
It is not always easy for me to stop working, but
After some time with your parents, but
Sometimes it is tempting to do nothing, but
I wonder if I shall ever get to travel the world and
I wish I could see my brother again and
Sometimes it is tempting to do nothing, but
The content of the second part of the sentence suggests that the information in the first part of the sentence will relate to wanting to take a break from work. To help you, "persevere" means keep going, not give up, continue. So, the correct answer is "Sometime it is tempting to do nothing, but . . . " because this accurately reflects the changing tone over the course of the sentence.
Example Question #114 : Phrase And Clause Based Sentence Completions
Sentence completion: Select the word or phrase that best completes the following sentence.
I have always loved birds, but __________.
my job is birdwatching
I always get to see them
they love me too
I have no idea why
they can fly
I have no idea why
The use of the conjunction "but" means that the meaning of the second part of the sentence must be different from and in some way opposite or surprising when compared to the first part of the sentence. So, the correct answer is " . . . I have no idea why." The other answer choices are either slightly nonsensical or would be better suited to the conjunction "and" which is generally used to continue the same meaning throughout the course of a sentence.
Example Question #115 : Phrase And Clause Based Sentence Completions
Sentence completion: Select the word or phrase that best completes the following sentence.
The mansion has fallen into a state of disrepair; __________.
it is very new
it has never looked better
it needs renovation
the weather is terrible outside
new tenants have just moved in
it needs renovation
To begin with "disrepair" means in bad condition. So, if the mansion was in bad condition it would make sense that it would "need renovation." "Renovation" means the action of repairing or improving something broken. Additionally, "tenants" means people renting property.
Example Question #116 : Phrase And Clause Based Sentence Completions
Sentence completion: Select the word or phrase that best completes the following sentence.
__________, but his compassionate nature eases my fears slightly.
I love going to visit my grandfather
I dread going to see the dentist
I always get excited to eat at a cafe
I am exhausted with my workload
I love working with with my best friend
I dread going to see the dentist
To begin with "compassionate" means caring, generous, kind, loving. So, to solve this problem it is useful to focus on the conjunction "but." The use of this word suggests that the information in the first part of the sentence relates to a fear that the speaker experiences. So, the correct answer is "I dread going to see the dentist . . . " "Dread" means extreme fear and anxiety. Additionally, "exhausted" means very tired; "workload" means work one has to do.
Example Question #117 : Phrase And Clause Based Sentence Completions
Sentence completion: Select the word or phrase that best completes the following sentence.
America is one of the best countries in the world at women's soccer and __________.
the sport is hated by most of the population
the sport is banned in many states
it is very popular with young girls
not as good at men's soccer
the sport is considered too dangerous for young children
it is very popular with young girls
The use of the word "and" suggests that the primary idea of this sentence will continue in the second part of the sentence. The correct answer is therefore " . . . it is very popular with young girls." All the other answer choices dramatically change the meaning of the sentence and would likely be prefaced with the conjunction "but."
Example Question #118 : Phrase And Clause Based Sentence Completions
Sentence completion: Select the word or phrase that best completes the following sentence.
He was __________ man I ever met, until he lost his eyesight in an accident.
the most fortunate
the least attractive
the unluckiest
the least wealthy
the most ridiculous
the most fortunate
The use of the conjunction "until" means that the conditions that existed up to a point changed when something else happened. So, the man had an unlucky accident and lost his eyesight so the conditions before that must have been different or opposite. The correct answer is therefore " . . . the most fortunate . . . " "fortunate" means lucky. To summarize the man was considered lucky, until something bad happens, then he was considered unlucky. "Until" represents a change in conditions from past to present.
Example Question #119 : Phrase And Clause Based Sentence Completions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Even though Gregory wasn't certain about the choice they should make, he felt it necessary to __________ a possible option for dinner.
intensify
override
fulfill
cancel
suggest
suggest
The general idea is that Gregory cannot give a certain answer; however, given the way the sentence is structured, we can tell that he wants to present some kind of option. Therefore, we can say that he wants to "recommend" or "suggest." The second is a choice among the options given.
Example Question #120 : Phrase And Clause Based Sentence Completions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
On the whole, Candice had few __________; however, today, she greatly wished to have three chocolate bars, a new computer, and to go see a movie.
desires
complaints
hatreds
foods
interests
desires
To answer this question, look at the second half. On this day, it is said that Candice is expressing a desire for several things. The general point seems to be that these wants and desires are to be contrasted to her normal state of mind. She must not wish to have very much at all. Hence, the best option is "desires."
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