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 #4 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

SCRIPTURE

Possible Answers:

Biblical writings 

Scientific writings 

Impossible equations 

Mathematical equations

Victorian writings

Correct answer:

Biblical writings 

Explanation:

The prefix "script-" refers to writing and is related to the suffix "scribe," such as in “inscribe” or “transcribe.” “Scripture” commonly refers to Biblical writings

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

ANACHRONISM

Possible Answers:

Testament 

Diatribe 

Monument 

Hypothesis 

Relic 

Correct answer:

Relic 

Explanation:

"Chron-" refers to time or the passage of time, so an “anachronism” is something from a previous period of history or something out of its time. Its former meaning is closest in definition to a “relic,” which is an object left over from the past. To provide further help, a “testament” is evidence; a “monument” is something built to remember a great person or event; a “hypothesis” is an idea or theory that requires investigation; a “diatribe” is an angry verbal attack.

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

ACRIMONY

Possible Answers:

Rancor 

Influx

Monument 

Admonition 

Celebration 

Correct answer:

Rancor 

Explanation:

The prefix "acri-" refers to bitterness, either a bitter sensation or a bitterness of personality. In this instance it is the latter usage that is relevant, as “acrimony” is a feeling of bitterness towards someone else. This is similar in meaning to “hostility,” or “rancor,” which means resentment. To provide further help, “influx" means arrival of a large group of things or people; a “monument” is a statue built to commemorate someone or some event; and “admonition” means caution or warning.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

NOMENCLATURE

Possible Answers:

Pseudonym

Fatigue

Title

Taxonomy

Discrepancy

Correct answer:

Taxonomy

Explanation:

The prefix "nom-" means related to names, and “nomenclature” means a naming system. As such, it is most similar in meaning to “taxonomy,” which is another name for a system of naming and identifying things. To provide further help, a “discrepancy” is an inconsistency; a “pseudonym” is a fake name or a nickname; "fatigue" is exhaustion or extreme tiredness, and a "title" is the name by which a work of art or literature is known.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Roots

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

VOCATION

Possible Answers:

Occupation

Information

Account

Homework

Task

Correct answer:

Occupation

Explanation:

Since "vocation" is a noun that means job or profession we're looking for another noun that also means job. "Task" sounds like it might be the correct answer, but a "task" is a job in the sense of a piece of work to be done, it is not a day-to-day job or profession. "Occupation," on the other hand, means a job or profession, so it is the correct answer.

Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

AQUEOUS

Possible Answers:

Wispy

Watery

Sedimentary

Suggested

Correct answer:

Watery

Explanation:

The word "aqueous" means watery or pertaining to water. The best choice is "watery," as it is a part of the definition of "aqueous." Considering the other choices, "sedimentary" means having to do with sediment, "wispy" means light and delicate, and "suggested" means mentioned for consideration.

Example Question #7 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

Synonyms: Choose the word or phrase that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

TACTILE

Possible Answers:

Able to be seen

Able to be touched 

Able to be improved 

Able to be tasted 

Able to be heard

Correct answer:

Able to be touched 

Explanation:

The prefix "tact-" means related to touch, so “tactile” means able to be touched. To provide further help, “audible” means able to be heard; “visible” means able to be seen. Notice that the suffix "-ible" means able to be.

Example Question #481 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning

Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

ACRID

Possible Answers:

Soothing 

Jaunty 

Cantankerous 

Sharp 

Pacifying

Correct answer:

Sharp 

Explanation:

The prefix "acri-" means related to bitterness or harshness. The word “acrid” means unpleasantly sharp or bitter in smell or taste. To provide further help, “soothing” means comforting; “pacifying” means calming; “jaunty” means cheerful; “cantankerous” means grumpy

Example Question #481 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning

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

DUCTILE

Possible Answers:

Sticky

Pliant

Original

Hollow

Rigid

Correct answer:

Pliant

Explanation:

The Latin root "duct" means to lead. You may, for example, have seen an "aqueduct," which literally "leads water" in a particular direction. Someone or something that is "ductile" is "able to be led," in the sense of being easily influenced or bendable. This is also the meaning of the word "pliant." "Rigid" is an antonym.

Example Question #483 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning

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

OCULAR

Possible Answers:

Tactile 

Condemned 

Blessed

Audio 

Visual 

Correct answer:

Visual 

Explanation:

The prefix "ocu-" refers to being able to see, or to the eyes. This is similar to the prefix "vis-," which means to see. We can infer that “ocular” and “visual” are closely related to one another. To provide further help, “audio” means having to do with sound and hearing; “tactile” means able to be touched; “condemned” means considered guilty and awaiting punishment.

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