All ISEE Lower Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Using Roots To Identify Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the word whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
APPREHEND
Punish
Catch
Condemn
Insist
Catch
The word "apprehend" comes from the Latin for to lay ahold of. When we "com-prehend" something, we understand it thoroughly—we grasp it thoroughly. The word "apprehend" is often used when we talk about capturing a criminal. The police "apprehend" a wrongdoer, meaning that they capture, seize, or catch him or her. Therefore, the best answer among those provided is "catch."
Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Using Roots To Identify Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the word whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
ANNIHILATE
Batter
Obliterate
Bomb
Build
Attack
Obliterate
The word "annihilate" literally means "to make into nothing." The "-nihil-" portion of the word comes from the Latin for "nothing." "Annihilation" is complete destruction, and "to annihilate" is to bring about such complete destruction. Although bombing, battering, and attacking might be means to bringing it about, only the word "obliterate" is a good synonym for complete destruction. The word "obliterate" means "to utterly destroy" and literally means "to erase like letters from a paper." To "obliterate" a city is to "wipe it out from existence."
Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Using Roots To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ILLUMINATE
Brighten
Shade
Gladden
Praise
Sully
Brighten
The word "illuminate" has the base "-lumen- / -lumin" in it. This comes from the Latin for "light." If you look at your lightbulbs, you will see that they are not only measured in watts but also in "lumens." This measurement—"lumens"—indicates the amount of light that the bulb produces. During the holiday season, people might speak of "exterior illumination" when they decorate their houses outside. This describes the "outside lights" that they put up on the house and the bushes and/or trees around their houses. To "illuminate" something is to shine light on it. Therefore, the best option for a synonym is "brighten."
Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Using Roots To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DOMESTIC
Domelike
Round
Household
Durable
Circular
Household
"Domestic" means pertaining to the home. The best choice is "household" because it has the same definition as domestic when used as an adjective, as in the phrase "household chores." The "dom-" in "domestic" comes from the Latin word for house.
Example Question #2271 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CONSPICUOUS
Renowned
Famous
Visible
Excellent
Forgotten
Visible
The word "conspicuous" has a root that you might not see at first. The "-spic-" is related to the "spec-" that we find in "spectator" and "spectacle." A "spectator" is someone who watches an event (perhaps a sports game). A "spectacle" is something very visible—a massive event, so large that it is very visible. Likewise, "spectacles" are glasses that someone wears—things helping you to see. When something is "conspicuous," it is not at all hidden. The "con-" prefix does not mean with or among like it does in other words. Here, it merely means very. Something "conspicuous" is very visible. Among our options, however, "visible" is the only appropriate answer. This is a fine synonym, given the other answers.
Note that while something "conspicuous" could become famous (since it is so easily seen), the word "conspicuous" does not itself designate such fame. It merely deals with being able to be seen.
Example Question #2272 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ANALYZE
Examine
Invigorate
Synthesize
Discuss
Reflect
Examine
The word "analysis" comes from Greek roots meaning to break apart. The analysis of a sentence provides an overview of all its parts—it breaks it apart and shows the parts for what they are. The activity of producing such an "analysis" is called "analyzing." This is the opposite of "synthesizing," which is the activity of putting together multiple things into a single whole. We "synthesize" material when we bring it together to make an argument and, likewise, "synthesize" chemicals when we create them out of their parts. An "examination" is a thorough review of the details of something, somewhat like an analysis. Therefore, among the options provided, "examine" is the best synonym for "analyze." Note, that while you might discuss something while analyzing it, this is not necessary. (You can always analyze something by yourself, without discussion.)
Example Question #2273 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SEVER
Fix
Sprint
Cut
Aid
Increase
Cut
The prefix "sev-" or "sec-" often relates to cutting, so it makes sense that the word “sever” means to cut one thing off of another completely. The word “sprint” means to run quickly; the word “fix” means to mend or repair something; and the word “aid” means help.
Example Question #2274 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SANCTUARY
Shelter
Wilderness
Prison
School
Adventure
Shelter
The word "sanctuary" includes the root "sanct-," which is from the Greek for "holy." "Sanctuary" originally referred to a religious place of worship where people could not be arrested for certain crimes. Since then, the word's meaning has shifted to be more general, and today it is used to mean a place that offers comfort or shelter, sometimes associated with a particular religious group, so "shelter" is the correct answer.
Example Question #2275 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ABDUCT
Demonstrate
Praise
Accord
Kidnap
Exceed
Kidnap
The prefix "ab-" can mean away, so it makes sense that "abduct" means kidnap, as kidnapping someone can be thought of carrying them away without their permission. As for the other answer choices, “praise” means to say something nice about someone; “demonstrate” means show or, more specifically, show by doing; “exceed” means go beyond or do more than is necessary; and “accord” means agree or not argue.
Example Question #2276 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PATERNITY
Sisterhood
Fatherhood
Brotherhood
Family
Motherhood
Fatherhood
The Greek root "patr-" means relating to fathers or being a father, so it makes sense that "paternity" means fatherhood.
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