All ISEE Lower Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #81 : Style, Intensity, And Connotation In Word Based Sentence Completions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
When someone is ___________ to do something, he or she will often delay undertaking it for many days, unwilling to begin the undesired task.
afraid
delighted
reluctant
discouraged
surprised
reluctant
The only thing that you know is that the person in question is being described as "unwilling." We do not know if he or she is afraid to do the task (or really anything more detailed than "unwilling"). Therefore, the best answer is the one that stays closest to this basic meaning. When we are "reluctant" to do something, we are hesitant or unwilling. Since this is as general of a meaning as that which is indicated by your clues, it is the best option.
Example Question #82 : Style, Intensity, And Connotation In Word Based Sentence Completions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Lawrence was a(n) _____________ supporter of the opera, not only inviting all of his friends to go but also donating a lot of time and money support its operations.
interested
enthusiastic
wealthy
financial
amazing
enthusiastic
The idea that is presented here is that Lawrence is very devoted to the opera. He is not just a partial supporter of it. No! He does everything he can to support it—asking friends, giving money, and giving time. Although he might be wealthy, the point that the sentence is trying to express about him is that he is very "enthusiastic" about the opera.
Example Question #83 : Style, Intensity, And Connotation In Word Based Sentence Completions
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The store owner refused to make his prices too high, for he thought it would not be _____________ to his customers if he were to overcharge them for his wares.
understandable
financial
just
practical
respectable
just
The issue here is one of fairness. The store owner does not want to overcharge, which implies that he has some idea of a fair price that he should charge for his goods. When we act fairly, we act with justice. Something that is "fair" can be called "just."
Example Question #84 : Style, Intensity, And Connotation In Word Based Sentence Completions
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
Heidi's younger brother often __________ her by stealing and hiding her favorite stuffed animal, which bothered and annoyed her.
interrupted
teased
soothed
antagonized
encouraged
antagonized
Since Heidi is upset because of her brother's actions, it probably means that her brother aggravates or "antagonizes" her. The other answer choices mean the following: "soothe" means calm; and "encourage" means support. "Interrupt" and "tease" are tricky choices. While it might bother and annoy someone to be teased or interrupted, we are told that Heidi's younger brother specifically steals her favorite stuffed animal, which isn't "teasing" or "interrupting." So, "antagonize" is the best choice because it is a more general word.
Example Question #85 : Style, Intensity, And Connotation In Word Based Sentence Completions
Fill in the blank.
The student, having an excess of nervous energy, was __________ and paced around his bedroom all night, unable to fall asleep.
unhappy
happy
restless
busy
frustrated
restless
In this sentence, it is made clear that the student has an excess of energy and as a result is pacing about his room. This indicates that he is "restless," meaning that he is not able to relax himself. "Restless" is therefore the best way to complete this sentence.
Certified Tutor
Certified Tutor
All ISEE Lower Level Verbal Resources
