ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Context Clues in Word-Based Sentence Completions

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #37 : Style, Intensity, And Connotation In Word Based Sentence Completions

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

He had completely forgotten to prepare for the speech so when he got up on stage he had to __________.

Possible Answers:

heckle

speculate

insulate

improvise

jeer

Correct answer:

improvise

Explanation:

You are told that the subject is not prepared for his speech. So, the correct answer should refer to a verb that means to perform something without preparation. The correct answer is therefore "improvise." To "improvise" means to do something without having prepared, to make something up on the spot. Additionally, "insulate" means wrap something to protect from the influence of outside sources; "speculate" means guess, estimate; "heckle" means to interrupt a performer and mock them, to boo someone on stage; "jeer" means to mock, to make fun of.

Example Question #38 : Style, Intensity, And Connotation In Word Based Sentence Completions

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

He triggered a(n) __________ when he fired his gun in close proximity to the herd of animals.

Possible Answers:

skirmish

venture

stampede

conglomeration

expedition

Correct answer:

stampede

Explanation:

To begin with "proximity" means in the general area of. So, being in "close proximity" means being physically close to. If someone fired a gun when they were close to a group of animals it makes sense that the animals would flee as a group in a sudden and panicked fashion. The correct answer is therefore "stampede" which means a sudden, terrified fleeing of a group of animals from a perceived danger. Additionally, an "expedition" is a synonym of "venture," both words mean a journey or mission of discovery; a "skirmish" is a small battle, usually before a larger battle; a "conglomeration" is a group of smaller things put together to form a larger combination.

Example Question #39 : Style, Intensity, And Connotation In Word Based Sentence Completions

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

The two combatants finally resolved their __________ after years of bitter fighting.

Possible Answers:

custody

feud

peninsula

incentive

sanctuary

Correct answer:

feud

Explanation:

To begin with "combatants" are people engaged in a conflict. Based on the context of this sentence and the intensity of words like "bitter" the correct answer must mean something like a long-running disagreement, a long-term conflict. The correct answer is therefore "feud." Other synonyms of "feud" include "dispute," "fight," "disagreement." Additionally, "incentive" means motivation, reason for doing something; a "sanctuary" is a safe place, a refuge; "custody" means protective care, the guardianship and ownership of something; a "peninsula" means a piece of land almost completely surrounded by water.

Example Question #40 : Style, Intensity, And Connotation In Word Based Sentence Completions

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

The two unemployed and infirm men lived together in filth and __________.

Possible Answers:

squalor

glamor

treachery

intrigue

triumph

Correct answer:

squalor

Explanation:

The two men are described as "unemployed and infirm" which means not working and sick. Furthermore, their home is described as one of "filth" and something else. Based on the context that something else probably relates very closely to "filth." The correct answer is therefore "squalor" which means the condition of being dirty, foul and filthy, usually as a result of extreme poverty. Additionally, "triumph" is victory, success; "intrigue" is interest, fascination, something secretive and interesting; "treachery" is betrayal, disloyalty; "glamor" is attraction, charm

Example Question #41 : Style, Intensity, And Connotation In Word Based Sentence Completions

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

We were worried about introducing our new dog to our two toddlers, but the dog's __________ nature quickly soothed our concerns.

Possible Answers:

squeamish

placid

giddy

inquisitive

amuck

Correct answer:

placid

Explanation:

To begin with "soothing" means calming, something that relaxes one's fears or concerns. So, whatever quality the dog demonstrated calmed the worries of the parents that their small children would be safe around the dog. The correct answer is therefore "placid" which means calm, tranquil, having a peaceful nature. Additionally, "amuck" means out of control; "giddy" means feeling dizzy, often feeling light with relief or excitement; "squeamish" means easily make sick; "inquisitive" means curious, someone who asks a lot of questions out of interest and curiosity

Example Question #42 : Style, Intensity, And Connotation In Word Based Sentence Completions

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

A sudden flash of lightning briefly __________ the dark house. 

Possible Answers:

enumerated 

illuminated 

outdated 

intoxicated 

mollycoddled 

Correct answer:

illuminated 

Explanation:

Based on the context of this sentence you are looking for a verb that means something like shined a light on, lit up. So, the correct answer is "illuminated." Other synonyms of "illuminate" include "light up," "brighten." Additionally, "outdated" means old-fashioned and obsolete, no longer in use because something better is being used; "mollycoddled" means to care for and indulge like a baby, to treat over-protectively; "intoxicated" means drunk, under the influence of some drug; "enumerated" means listed numerically

Example Question #43 : Style, Intensity, And Connotation In Word Based Sentence Completions

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

I have great __________ for my two darling nieces.

Possible Answers:

affection

veracity

recreation

commiseration

disgust

Correct answer:

affection

Explanation:

It makes logical sense that the author of this sentence would feel fondly and care deeply for his two nieces. The answer choice that best reflects this definition is "affection." "Affection" is a feeling of fondness, liking and caring about someone. Additionally, "recreation" is fun, entertainment; "veracity" is truthfulness, honesty and accuracy; "disgust" means feeling something is gross and unpleasant; "commiseration" means feeling sorrow with someone, expressing that you feel bad for someone's pain, the action of sharing in someone's pain.

Example Question #44 : Style, Intensity, And Connotation In Word Based Sentence Completions

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

The protestors decided to __________ the product due to the inhumane practices of the company.

Possible Answers:

divulge

conceal

boycott

submerge

entreat

Correct answer:

boycott

Explanation:

To begin with "protestors" are people who act out or speak out against something, people who strongly disapprove of an official action and try to stop it. Also, "inhumane" means cruel, (of treatment) not appropriate for a human being. So, logically the protestors would refuse to buy, withdraw support for the company's product. The correct answer then is "boycott." To "boycott" means to refuse to support or buy a commercial product. Additionally, "submerge" means go under water, place under water; "entreat" means urge, beg, plead; "conceal" means hide; "divulge" means reveal.

Example Question #45 : Style, Intensity, And Connotation In Word Based Sentence Completions

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

The __________ of warriors advanced menacingly towards the fortified city.

Possible Answers:

catastrophe

denizen

horde

gait

fatality

Correct answer:

horde

Explanation:

This sentence describes a group of warriors marching to attack a city. The correct answer must describe a large group and reflect the style and connotation of a menacing group of warriors. The correct answer is therefore "horde." A "horde" is a large group of people doing something, often a large armed force. Additionally, a "denizen" is an inhabitant, someone who lives somewhere; a "gait" is a style of walking; a "catastrophe" is a disaster, something that has gone horribly wrong; a "fatality" is a death, an incidence of death caused by war or disease

Example Question #46 : Style, Intensity, And Connotation In Word Based Sentence Completions

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

The athlete felt terribly __________ after running her first ever marathon.

Possible Answers:

fatigued

hysterical

tawdry

plausible

common

Correct answer:

fatigued

Explanation:

The athlete ran a marathon for the first time, it makes sense that she would feel very exhausted, lacking in physical energy. The correct answer is therefore "fatigued." To be "fatigued" means to be mentally or physically exhausted. Additionally, "hysterical" means very funny; "plausible" means believable, able to be believed, not absurd; "common" means usual, regular, occurring often; "tawdry" means flashy, cheap and of poor quality but meant to be noticeable.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors