All ISEE Lower Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #31 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Value, And Rarity
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
TALENTED
Famous
Irregular
Dedicated
Wealthy
Skilled
Skilled
A "talent" is a skill or ability that someone has. For example, the ability to play the tuba very well could be said to be a particular talent. We would describe such a person as saying that he or she is a "talented tubist." Thus, the best option among those given is "skilled." When we call someone a "skilled pianist," we mean that he or she is talented at the piano. Now, while such a person may be famous and, perhaps, even rich, being talented means being skilled. The fame and wealth come later if the person is lucky; however, no matter what, he or she will be skilled so long as he or she is talented.
Example Question #32 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Value, And Rarity
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INTRIGUING
Fascinating
Likeable
Popular
Famous
Intelligent
Fascinating
When something is intriguing, it draws your interest. It does not have to be famous or well known. It just needs to be something that is rather interesting. For example, a mysterious doorway with a weird light coming out of it might be called "intriguing". The word "fascinating" is a close synonym for "interesting." Therefore, it is the best option among those given.
Example Question #33 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Value, And Rarity
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ABNORMAL
Enticing
Exciting
Unusual
Embracing
Astonishing
Unusual
The word "abnormal" can be understood from its parts. The "ab-" prefix means away from or even not. Thus, something that is "abnormal" is not normal. When something is unusual, it is not usual. Such a thing does not have to be amazing. For example, every stone in a driveway may be brown. Then, if one is black, it is abnormal. That certainly is unusual for the driveway. It is not, however, amazing!
Example Question #421 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ADMIRED
Respected
Trapped
Communicative
Selective
Amazing
Respected
Whenever we say that we "admire" someone, we mean that we have a very high opinion of that person. We respect such people for who they are and for what they do. Although such persons are sometimes famous, often they are not. We admire our grandparents, even if few people know them. This means that we respect them, and thus "respected" is the best option.
Example Question #422 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
LUXURIOUS
Cheap
Sparkling
Magnificent
Impoverishing
Astonishing
Magnificent
When something is "luxurious," it is expensive and often unnecessary. When we speak of "luxuries," we are often speaking of items that we do not need, though we want them. For example, a very expensive car is a luxury item. We buy it because it is magnificent and wonderful, not merely because it is something that we need. Hence, the word "luxurious" can mean "magnificent" because such luxurious things tend to be very grand.
Example Question #423 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
TYPICAL
Measured
Average
Surprising
Amazing
Educated
Average
The word "typical" is related to "type," meaning kind. For example, you could say, "It was the type of day that makes you very cold." This is the kind of day that makes you cold. When something is "typical" it is just as expected. Thus, a "typical winter day" is one that is just how you would expect it to be. It is average or ordinary. Hence, "average" is the best option.
Example Question #424 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SATISFACTORY
Graded
Excellent
Superb
Acceptable
Doubtful
Acceptable
The word "satisfactory" comes from the Latin for enough. When we are "satisfied," we have had enough of something. When something is "satisfactory," it is good enough. Therefore, the best answer is "acceptable." Several of the options are too positive. You cannot say that something "satisfactory" is "excellent" or "superb."
Example Question #425 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INFERIOR
Alluring
Simple
Enhanced
Unsatisfactory
Plain
Unsatisfactory
The word "inferior" comes from roots that mean below or low. When something is of "inferior quality," it is of poor quality. The only option that expresses this is "unsatisfactory," which indicates that something is not good enough.
Example Question #426 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
UNIVERSAL
Amazing
Common
Thorough
Spatial
Surprising
Common
In science, we use the word "universe" to describe everything that exits. When something is "universal," it is true everywhere. Therefore, you could say, "It is a universal opinion that everyone should brush his or her teeth at night." This means that everyone thinks this. When something is "universal" in this manner, it is common. A "common opinion" is one that is held by almost everyone.
Example Question #427 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PLAIN
Uncultured
Poor
Shoddy
Depressing
Ordinary
Ordinary
When something is "plain" it is not very complex. We might also say that it has "no frills." "Ordinary" things are normal, not too different from whatever is "normal" or "regular." In this sense, we can say that "ordinary" can be a synonym for "plain." Thus, an "ordinary dress" is one that is likely "plain."
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