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 #14 : Synonyms: Roots

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

TENABLE

Possible Answers:

Sporadic

Catastrophic

Reasonable

Ambiguous

Debunk

Correct answer:

Reasonable

Explanation:

The prefix "ten-" means able to be held or defended, so the word “tenable” describes an idea that is able to be held or defended. We could also call this a “reasonable” idea. To provide further help, “debunk” means disprove; “catastrophic” means disastrous; “ambiguous” means unclear; “sporadic” means random and occurring infrequently.

Example Question #15 : Synonyms: Roots

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

PLACID

Possible Answers:

Dirty 

Soft 

Silver

Calm

Slow

Correct answer:

Calm

Explanation:

The word "placid" means calm and peaceful. For example, one might write, "You could see your reflection like a mirror image in the placid lake." So, "calm" is the correct answer.

Example Question #221 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

AGRARIAN

Possible Answers:

Agricultural

Faithful

Literary

Scientific

Urban

Correct answer:

Agricultural

Explanation:

The prefix "agr-" means having to do with farming or the land, as seen in the word “agriculture.” The word “agrarian” means having to do with to the land or agriculture, so "of land" is the correct answer.

Example Question #222 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

HOSPITABLE

Possible Answers:

Neighborly

Ideal

Incompatible

Cautious

Correct answer:

Neighborly

Explanation:

"Hospitable" means generous and friendly in entertaining guests, so "neighborly" would be the best match, as both words mean friendly.

Example Question #223 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

HOSPITABLE

Possible Answers:

Guest

Friendly

Bored

Hostile

Correct answer:

Friendly

Explanation:

"Hospitable" means receiving guests warmly and generously. The best choice is "friendly" because it means showing kindness and helpfulness. Someone who receives guests warmly and generously would be acting in a friendly manner toward those guests. 

Example Question #224 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

BENEVOLENT

Possible Answers:

Compassionate

Violent

Ruckus

Loud

Correct answer:

Compassionate

Explanation:

The word "benevolent" means kind and caring. The best choice is "compassionate" because it shares the same definition. Considering the other choices, "violent" means acting with uncontrolled, rough force, "loud" means great in volume, and "ruckus" means noisy commotion.

Example Question #225 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

DIFFIDENT

Possible Answers:

Reckless 

Thoughtless 

Hesitant 

Swift 

Hasty 

Correct answer:

Hesitant 

Explanation:

The root "fid" refers to belief, so someone who is “diffident” is lacking self-belief. Of the five answer choices, this is most similar in meaning to “hesitant,” which means uncertain and not confident. To provide further help, “reckless” means careless, quick to get into danger; “hasty” means rushed; “swift” means very quick; and “thoughtless” means carless, inconsiderate

Example Question #221 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

VERBOSE

Possible Answers:

Nurturing

Deadly

Reliant

Cozy

Wordy

Correct answer:

Wordy

Explanation:

"Verbose" means overly wordy, so "wordy" is the correct answer.

Example Question #227 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

VIVACIOIUS

Possible Answers:

Ventilate

Casual

Somber

Advocate

Lively

Correct answer:

Lively

Explanation:

"Vivacious" is defined as animated and gay.  This is similar to "lively."

Example Question #228 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

SALABLE

Possible Answers:

Able to be taught

Able to be tasted

Able to be sold

Able to be smelled

Able to be seen

Correct answer:

Able to be sold

Explanation:

The suffix "able-" means able to be and the prefix "sal-" relates to selling or being sold; therefore, “salable” means able to be sold

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