ISEE Middle Level Verbal : ISEE Middle Level (grades 7-8) Verbal Reasoning

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #148 : Sentence Completions: Nouns

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

The __________ meets once a month to discuss how to improve park safety.

Possible Answers:

boon

mentality

syndicate

grievance

despot

Correct answer:

syndicate

Explanation:

Based on the context of this sentence you are looking for a noun that describes a group of people who meet to discuss some shared interest or aspiration. The correct answer is therefore "syndicate." Additionally, a "grievance" is a complaint; a "despot" is an autocratic, tyrannical rules, someone who has absolute power in a society; a "boon" means a gift, a period of prosperity; "mentality" means state of mind.

Example Question #149 : Sentence Completions: Nouns

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

Her __________ quickly changed from positive to despondent when she heard the bad news.

Possible Answers:

idiosyncrasy

caution

mentality

guerrilla

comprehension

Correct answer:

mentality

Explanation:

The adjectives being used, "positive" and "despondent" are being used to describe the subject's state of mind before and after hearing bad news. So, the correct answer must mean something like state of mind, how someone is feeling in a moment. So, the correct answer is "mentality." Additionally, an "idiosyncrasy" is a personality quirk, a trait unique to one person; a "guerrilla" is a rebel; "comprehension" is understanding; "caution" is the quality of being careful.

Example Question #150 : Sentence Completions: Nouns

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

The invention of fertilizer was quite a __________ for farmers.

Possible Answers:

banality

tremor

retort

boon

tribulation

Correct answer:

boon

Explanation:

The invention of fertilizer helps farmers to grow more and healthier produce so it would naturally be considered a blessing, gift, benefit, or a "boon." A "boon" is some gift that offers some advantage. Additionally, a "retort" is a response in an argument; a "tremor" is a shake; a "tribulation" is some difficulty to be overcome; "banality" is the quality of being banal, the condition of being unoriginal.

Example Question #151 : Sentence Completions: Nouns

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

She dropped off her things at the __________ to be stored whilst she was away in the army.

Possible Answers:

expediency

infirmary

repository

university

impunity

Correct answer:

repository

Explanation:

Based on the context of this sentence you are looking for a noun that describes a place where things are stored. The correct answer is therefore a "repository." Additionally, an "infirmary" is another name for a hospital; "expediency" means the quality of being quick and convenient; "impunity" means the quality of not being able to be punished.

Example Question #152 : Sentence Completions: Nouns

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

The audience was thoroughly entertained by the __________ of the performer.

Possible Answers:

frivolity

apathy

clarity

despondency

panache

Correct answer:

panache

Explanation:

Based on the context of this sentence you know that the answer you are looking for must relate to a style that is found entertaining. The correct answer is therefore "panache" which means a certain style that makes one a good performer, a flourish and confidence of performance. Additionally, "apathy" is the quality of not caring; "despondency" is hopelessness; "clarity" is the quality of being clear and easily understood; "frivolity" means the quality of not being serious.

Example Question #153 : Sentence Completions: Nouns

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

The __________ was sentenced to ten years in jail for the armed robbery.

Possible Answers:

culprit

generator

creed

oligarch

orator

Correct answer:

culprit

Explanation:

Based on the context of this sentence you know that the correct answer must mean something like guilty party, person held responsible for some crime. The correct answer then is "culprit." Additionally, "creed" is a formal belief within a belief system; an "orator" is a public speaker; an "oligarch" is a wealthy businessman who is a member of the ruling class in a society; a "generator" is something that makes power

Example Question #154 : Sentence Completions: Nouns

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

The __________ was finally broken when the attacker scored the game's first goal.

Possible Answers:

quack

substitute

barrage

deadlock

fodder

Correct answer:

deadlock

Explanation:

Based on the context of the sentence you know that before the goal was scored the two teams were tied. The term "deadlock" means stalemate, even, not being won by one side or the other. Additionally, "quack" means amateur, someone who does not know what they are doing; "fodder" is raw material of little importance; a "substitute" is a replacement; a "barrage" is a fast-paced and relentless attack.

Example Question #155 : Sentence Completions: Nouns

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

He craved __________ so he went alone up into the mountains.

Possible Answers:

objection

solitude

banter

commodity

atrocity

Correct answer:

solitude

Explanation:

To begin with "crave" means want desperately, desire. So, if the man went to the mountains alone, it makes sense that he desperately wanted time alone. The correct answer is therefore "solitude" which is the state of being alone. Additionally, "banter" is playful teasing between friends; an "objection" is a disagreement; an "atrocity" is some terrible act committed by someone; a "commodity" is something of value that can be owned.

Example Question #156 : Sentence Completions: Nouns

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

His __________ regularly got him into trouble.

Possible Answers:

pestilence

semblance

contemplation

antics

joy

Correct answer:

antics

Explanation:

Based on the context of this sentence you know that you are looking for a noun that means something like behavior, actions. So, the correct answer is "antics" which are foolish, dangerous, or hilarious actions. Additionally, "contemplation" is a state of thinking deeply about something; "joy" is great happiness; "semblance" is likeness, appearing to be like something else; "pestilence" means disease.

Example Question #157 : Sentence Completions: Nouns

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

He woke up with a feeling of extreme __________ and needed two cups of coffee just to get out the front door.

Possible Answers:

lassitude

acumen

wrath

verge

dissent

Correct answer:

lassitude

Explanation:

Based on the context of this sentence, which describes a man waking up and needing coffee to do anything, you know that the correct answer must relate to a state of exhaustion, weariness. So, the correct answer is "lassitude." Additionally, "verge" is the edge of; "wrath" is anger and vengeance; "acumen" is skill, ability; "dissent" is refusal to follow orders.

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