ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Parts of Speech in Word-Based Sentence Completions

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #551 : Parts Of Speech In Word Based Sentence Completions

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

The band played __________, perfectly in sync with one another and producing a heavenly melody.

Possible Answers:

randomly

harmoniously

fervently

uniquely

joyfully

Correct answer:

harmoniously

Explanation:

Given that the sentence states that the band played in perfect sync with one another, it is indicating that the musicians played in a manner such that their music was in cadence and agreement. "Harmonious" means to be in agreement, without clashing. It is therefore the correct answer.

Example Question #552 : Parts Of Speech In Word Based Sentence Completions

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

Devon feels very __________ when he meditates; all his stress disappears.

Possible Answers:

introverted

hungry

philosophical

relaxed

tired

Correct answer:

relaxed

Explanation:

Given that Devon's stress disappears when he meditates, the blank should contain a word that reflects an unstressed state of being. "Relaxed" is an excellent fit because it implies the state of being stress-free.

Example Question #553 : Parts Of Speech In Word Based Sentence Completions

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

Gina hates hiking with her backpack because of how __________ it is; she always has to take numerous breaks to rest while carrying her bag's extra weight.

Possible Answers:

negative

outdated

flighty

useless

burdensome

Correct answer:

burdensome

Explanation:

In this sentence, the context clue is that Gina often has to rest "while carrying her bag's extra weight." The blank should be a word that somehow conveys the weight of the bag or how much more difficult it makes hiking. Something that is large and heavy is bound to be a nuisance or burden. Thus, "burdensome" is the best word that can be used to complete this sentence.

Example Question #554 : Parts Of Speech In Word Based Sentence Completions

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

I have a little sister who I love very much; she is very ___________ to me.

Possible Answers:

content

unbearable

precious

terrifying

restless

Correct answer:

precious

Explanation:

Something that you love very much that is very important to you can be called “precious” to you. So a little sister would be “precious” to her older brother. The word “content” means happy with things as they are; “terrifying” means very scary; “restless” means not able to be still or needing to be active; and the word “unbearable” means so horrible or sad that you cannot deal with it.

Example Question #694 : Word Based Sentence Completions

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

Sometimes I feel __________ because my parents won’t let me have something I want, but then I remember how lucky I am.

Possible Answers:

humble

overwhelmed

confident

deprived

intelligent

Correct answer:

deprived

Explanation:

The word “deprived” means not given or not having things that you want or need, so you can see from the context that this is the correct word to describe a child who feels his or her parents are not letting him or her have things he or she wants. The words “modest” means not boastful about one’s accomplishments or success. Someone who is “confident” believes in him- or herself; and someone who is “intelligent” is smart.

Example Question #555 : Parts Of Speech In Word Based Sentence Completions

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

George Washington is a(n) __________ figure in American history for the role he played in establishing the future of the nation.

Possible Answers:

despicable

heroic

enslaved

content

sorrowful

Correct answer:

heroic

Explanation:

Because the role that Washington played was positive (good) we know that the correct answer must be “heroic.” Someone who is “heroic” behaves like a hero. The word “sorrowful” means very sad; the word “despicable” means very evil or is used to describe someone who does bad things; “enslaved” means lacking freedom as a slave; and “content” means happy with things the way they are.

Example Question #556 : Parts Of Speech In Word Based Sentence Completions

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

The wood was highly __________, so when they lit a match, it burst into flames almost immediately.

Possible Answers:

ignorant

lenient

flammable

remorseful

rugged

Correct answer:

flammable

Explanation:

Something that easily catches fire is called “flammable.” To provide extra help, the word “remorseful” means feeling guilty for having done something bad; “ignorant” means not smart or not understanding things; and “lenient” means not strict and allowing things to happen that might be against the rules.

Example Question #557 : Parts Of Speech In Word Based Sentence Completions

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

I have a __________ model of an airplane that I like to carry in my pocket; it is very small, but an exact replica of the plane my father flies.

Possible Answers:

miniature

grotesque

jubilant

gigantic

excited

Correct answer:

miniature

Explanation:

The phrase "very small" tells us that the correct answer here must be “miniature.” The word “gigantic” means very big. “Gigantic” is an antonym of “miniature” because the two words have opposite meanings. The word “jubilant” means very happy; something that is “grotesque” is ugly and very unpleasant to look at.

Example Question #558 : Parts Of Speech In Word Based Sentence Completions

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

After spending so much time away from my family, I was very __________ to get home.

Possible Answers:

surprised

resolute

keen

constrained

empty

Correct answer:

keen

Explanation:

Because the speaker spent so much time away from his family, we can assume he was happy or excited to see them. So, this leads us to the correct answer, which is “keen.” To be “keen” means very much wanting to do something. The word “resolute” means certain and sticking to what you believe.

Example Question #559 : Parts Of Speech In Word Based Sentence Completions

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

It gets very cold in the winter in New England, and I refuse to go outside in such __________ conditions.

Possible Answers:

stifling

comforting

significant

frigid

hectic

Correct answer:

frigid

Explanation:

From the context of the sentence, you know that the answer choice must mean something like very cold or wintry. This should lead you to the correct answer, which is “frigid.” The word “frigid” means very cold and the word “stifling” means very hot. Something that is “comforting” is something that makes you feel better; “significant” means important; and “hectic” means rushed, happening too quickly, and making you feel nervous.

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