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 #75 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

COMPOSITION

Possible Answers:

Posture

Structure

Ambush

Declaration

Equity

Correct answer:

Structure

Explanation:

The prefix "co-" means together, so it makes sense that “composition” means how something is put together, also known as its makeup or "structure." "Composition" can also mean the act of making something, but none of the answer choices matches this definition. “Declaration” means official announcement; “equity” means the trait of being fair and impartial; “ambush” means a surprise attack; and "posture" means the way in which one carries oneself and sits.

Example Question #76 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

DETHRONE

Possible Answers:

Ridicule

Foil

Court

Summon

Depose

Correct answer:

Depose

Explanation:

The prefix "de-" means reduce, away, or remove, so it makes sense that “dethrone” means remove from the throne or remove from power. "Depose," which also means remove from a position of power, is thus the correct answer. “Foil” means thwart or prevent; “summon” means send for or call for; “court,” when used as a verb, means pursue or consider; and “ridicule” means mock or bully.

Example Question #121 : Synonyms

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

ARCHENEMY

Possible Answers:

Friend

Compatriot

Accomplice

Nemesis

Misanthrope

Correct answer:

Nemesis

Explanation:

The prefix "arch-" means most or most important, so one's “archenemy” is one's biggest enemy, or “nemesis.” “Accomplice” means coconspirator or someone who works with someone else, especially to commit a crime; “compatriot” means fellow countryman; and “misanthrope” means someone antisocial who dislikes people.

Example Question #122 : Synonyms

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

SESSION

Possible Answers:

Crook

Forerunner

Benefactor

Omen

Sitting

Correct answer:

Sitting

Explanation:

A “session” is a meeting of a council or a span of time scheduled for doing one specific thing, or a sitting.” “Forerunner” means predecessor; “crook” means criminal; a “benefactor” is someone who funds something; and “omen” means sign of what might happen in the future.

Example Question #121 : Synonyms

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

SUBVERSIVE

Possible Answers:

Manufacturer

Illustrator

Supporter

Troublemaker

Mentor

Correct answer:

Troublemaker

Explanation:

The prefix "sub-" means under and the "-versive" portion of "subversive" derives from the Latin meaning turn, so it makes sense that someone who is “subversive” is rebellious and makes trouble, wanting to "subvert" or overturn something. As for the other answer choices, a “manufacturer” is someone who makes something; an “illustrator” is someone who draws something; a "supporter" is someone who supports something, and a "mentor" is someone knowledgeable in a given area who helps someone else gain knowledge in that area by advising that person.

Example Question #131 : Synonyms

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

EJECT

Possible Answers:

Distress

Reward

Vend

Reproach

Discharge

Correct answer:

Discharge

Explanation:

The prefix "e-" can mean away or out and the "-ject" portion of the word derives from the Latin for "throw," so it makes sense that "eject" means throw away from. That makes "discharge" the correct answer, as "discharge" means toss away from. Considering the other answer choices, "reward" means give someone something nice for doing the right thing; “reproach” means show that one does not approve of something; “distress” means cause to become upset; and “vend” means sell.

Example Question #132 : Synonyms

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

DISMISS

Possible Answers:

Conclude

Introduce

Ignore

Demand

Question

Correct answer:

Ignore

Explanation:

 

In the word "dismiss," the "dis-" prefix is functioning to mean away, and the "-miss" portion derives from the Latin for to send, so it makes sense that "dismiss" means send away or ignore. "Ignore" is thus the correct answer. Considering the other answer choices, “demand” means ask for forcefully as if the person being queried has no other choice; “question” means ask or cast doubt on; “introduce” means bring something up, like an idea or a person, for the first time; and “conclude” means determine or finish.

Example Question #84 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Latin

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

INTERACT

Possible Answers:

Calculate

Trade

Communicate

Portray

Undermine

Correct answer:

Communicate

Explanation:

The prefix "inter-" means between, so it makes sense that "interact" means engage with another person, talk, or "communicate." As for the other answer choices, “undermine” means subvert, sabotage, or work against the progress of; “trade” means exchange goods; “calculate” means figure out or determine; and “portray” means show or represent.

Example Question #133 : Synonyms

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

ASYMMETRICAL

Possible Answers:

Balanced

Uneven

Resourceful

International

Outdated

Correct answer:

Uneven

Explanation:

The prefix "a-" means not and negates the original meaning of a word. “Symmetrical” means having two halves that are mirror images of one another, so “asymmetrical” means not having two halves that are mirror images of one another. This makes "uneven" the best answer choice. As for the other answer choices, “resourceful” means capable and able to cope with many situations; “balanced” means even; “international” means global or having to do with multiple nations; “outdated” means out of date and obsolete.

Example Question #134 : Synonyms

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

Hummingbirds are __________ because they eat both insects and nectar.

Possible Answers:

omnivores

herbivores

carnivores

omnipotent

deities

Correct answer:

omnivores

Explanation:

Animals that eat both other animals and vegetables are called “omnivores.” “Carnivores” eat only meat and “herbivores” eat only plants. The prefixes "omni-" (all) herb- (having to do with plants), and carn- (having to do with the body, flesh, or meat) are all relative here. A “deity” is a god or goddess; and “omnipotent” means all-powerful.

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