ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Verbs

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ISEE Lower Level Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #171 : Verbs

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The two lovers __________ at the airport before they parted ways.

Possible Answers:

concocted

merged

isolated

complained

embraced

Correct answer:

embraced

Explanation:

Seeing as the subjects of this sentence are said to be in love and leaving one another's company it makes sense that they would hug or "embrace." "Embrace" can mean either to hug or to accept an idea. Additionally, "isolated" means alone, separated from others; "complained" means expressed irritation withmoaned; "merged" means came together, blended, combined; "concocted" means made, invented, came up with.

Example Question #172 : Verbs

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

She could not __________ the new material so she asked her teacher to help her understand.

Possible Answers:

descend

ascend

fathom

restrain

recollect

Correct answer:

fathom

Explanation:

If the subject asked her to teacher to help her understand it stands to reason that she originally could not understand the material. The correct answer is therefore "fathom" which means understand, comprehend. Additionally, "recollect" means recall, remember; "ascend" means go up and "descend" means go down; "restrain" means hold back, tie down.

Example Question #173 : Verbs

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

Despite her telling me she was fine I was able to __________ that she was unhappy. 

Possible Answers:

allude 

jest 

reject 

ignore

detect

Correct answer:

detect

Explanation:

The speaker in this sentence is talking about how they were able to notice that the girl was unhappy even though she said she was fine. The verb you are looking for must be a synonym of "notice," so the correct answer is "detect." "Detect" means notice, identify, discover. Additionally, to "jest" means to joke; "allude" means hint at

Example Question #174 : Verbs

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

The old man __________ his wife to the doctor.

Possible Answers:

accompanied

scolded

possessed

employed

lauded

Correct answer:

accompanied

Explanation:

To solve this problem you need to determine which of these answer choices fits within the context of this sentence. "Possessed" means owned; "lauded" means praised; "scolded" means yelled at, punished; "employed" means gave a job to. None of these answer choices fit the context or structure of the sentence. So, the correct answer is "accompanied." To "accompany" means to go with someone.

Example Question #175 : Verbs

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

The words were once easy to read, but time has slowly __________ them.

Possible Answers:

eroded

strengthened

depicted

reinforced

arrived

Correct answer:

eroded

Explanation:

The use of the word "but" tells you that although the words were once easy to read, they now are not. The gradual process by which things are worn down is called "erosion." So, if something has been "eroded" it has been gradually destroyed. Additionally, to "arrive" means to show up, to get somewhere; to "depict" means to represent, to show; to "strengthen" and to "reinforce" are synonyms, they both mean to support, to make something stronger.

Example Question #171 : Verbs

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

He found it hard to __________ with the terrible pain.

Possible Answers:

amuse

carve

cope

pry

dismiss

Correct answer:

cope

Explanation:

If the pain could be described as "terrible" (very bad) it makes sense that the subject found it hard to deal with it, manage it. So, the correct answer is "cope." To "cope" with something means to deal with it even though it is not pleasant, to get through it. Additionally, "dismiss" means ignore or send away; "pry" means interfere, get involved in someone else's business; "amuse" means entertain, make laugh; "carve" means cut, slice.

Example Question #177 : Verbs

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

The __________ man lifted weights every day.

Possible Answers:

elegant

composed

feeble

petite

brawny

Correct answer:

brawny

Explanation:

All you are told about this man is that he lifts weights every day. So, logically you can infer that he might be strong, muscular. So, the correct answer is "brawny." Additionally, "feeble" means weak, it is an antonym of "brawny"; "petite" means very small; "composed" means calm and under control; "elegant" means dignified, refined, fancy.

Example Question #178 : Verbs

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

The audience __________ at the spectacular performance.

Possible Answers:

slept

jeered

marveled

moaned

derided

Correct answer:

marveled

Explanation:

To begin with "spectacular" means awesome to witness, incredible to see. So, if the the performance was "spectacular" it makes sense that the audience would "marvel" at it. To "marvel" is to feel wonder, awe, and astonishment. Additionally, "moaned" means complained, whined, expressed pain or irritation; "jeered" means booed, expressed disapproval; "derided" means mocked, made fun of.

Example Question #179 : Verbs

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

He felt very sad and could not stop __________ at the funeral.

Possible Answers:

dodging

weeping

giggling

lying

estimating

Correct answer:

weeping

Explanation:

You are told that the subject is very sad and at a funeral so it would make sense for him not to be able to stop crying. The correct answer is therefore "weeping" which means to cry intensely. Additionally, "giggling" means laughing; "estimating" means guessing; "dodging" means avoiding, getting out of the way of.

Example Question #180 : Verbs

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

Although the two candidates are supposed to be having a reasonable __________, it sounds more like a passionate argument.

Possible Answers:

hindrance

debate

ailment

rebellion

outcome

Correct answer:

debate

Explanation:

Based on the context of this sentence you know that the correct answer means something like a reasoned argument. The correct answer is therefore "debate." A "debate" is a formalized discussion in which two people present opposing arguments. Additionally, a "rebellion" is an act of resistance, refusing to follow the rules, or trying to overthrow the government; a "hindrance" is something that gets in the way, an obstacle; an "ailment" is a sickness; an "outcome" is a result.

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