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 #511 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning

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

PACIFIC

Possible Answers:

Frigid

Expansive

Calming

Deep

Western

Correct answer:

Calming

Explanation:

If you connected the adjective, "pacific," with the Pacific Ocean, you made a proper connection, though it probably didn't help you with the definition, as all of the options could describe that body of water. More helpful would be the related words "pacify" and "peace." These could lead you to connect the word "pacific" with its correct meaning of peaceful and calming.

Example Question #512 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning

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

CARNIVORE

Possible Answers:

Meat-eater

Vegetarian

Omnivore

Herbivore

Voracious

Correct answer:

Meat-eater

Explanation:

The Latin root "carn" means meat or body, so a “carnivore” is a meat-eater. A “herbivore” is an animal that eats plants (the root "herb" meaning plants); a “vegetarian” is a human that does not eat meat; and an “omnivore” is an animal that eats both plants and meats, the prefix "omni-" meaning all. "Voracious" means extremely hungry or fervent.

Example Question #513 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning

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

JUDGMENT

Possible Answers:

Nonsense

Resolve

Honesty

Sense

Wit

Correct answer:

Sense

Explanation:

The Latin root "jud" means law, so “judgment” is a ruling by a court of law. It can also refer to the ability to make good decisions or having good sense. “Nonsense” means speech or writing that makes no sense; “wit” is the ability to be funny by being clever; “resolve” is determination; and "honesty" is truthfulness.

Example Question #514 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning

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

CONFIDE

Possible Answers:

Reprimand

Mistrust

Misunderstand

Understand

Trust

Correct answer:

Trust

Explanation:

The Latin root "fid" means faith or trust, and the Latin prefix "con-" means with, so it makes sense that to “confide” means to put trust in and to tell secrets to someone. The Latin prefix "mis-" means not, so it makes sense that “mistrust” means to suspect and not trust and that “misunderstand” means to not understand, or to understand incorrectly. “Reprimand” means to punish for a relatively small wrongdoing.

Example Question #515 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning

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

PRESCRIBE

Possible Answers:

Portend

Will

Ignore

Demonstrate

Recommend

Correct answer:

Recommend

Explanation:

The root "scribe" means write, and the prefix "pre-" means before, so it makes sense that “prescribe” means recommend the use of (often specifically in the sense of a doctor recommending and authorizing that medicine be given to a patient), since when a doctor prescribes a patient a medication, he writes down a prescription; this means that "recommend" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "prescribe." " “Ignore” means purposely not pay attention to; “demonstrate” means show how something is done; “will” is intend or transfer property or money in a will (a document stating how you want your possessions distributed after your death); and “portend” means suggest at something negative happening in the future.

Example Question #516 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning

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

MONOTONOUS

Possible Answers:

Productive

Convoluted

Uninteresting

Enervated

Defiant

Correct answer:

Uninteresting

Explanation:

The root "mono" means one, and the "-ton-" in "monotonous" derives from "tone," meaning sound, so it makes sense that “monotone” means producing one tone. However, it also means boringly uniform and uninteresting. "Uninteresting" is thus the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, "defiant" means rebellious; "convoluted" means complex or overly complex; "enervated" means having used up all of one's energy or exhausted; and "productive" means yielding useful results.

Example Question #517 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning

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

PERMANENT

Possible Answers:

Frivolous

Acceptable

Considerable

Lasting

Carefree

Correct answer:

Lasting

Explanation:

The prefix "per-" means through, and it is here combined with a Latin word that means "stay," so it makes sense that "permanent" means staying or lasting throughout all time or intended to do so. This means that "lasting" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “acceptable” means good enough, “frivolous” means having no purpose or seriousness; “considerable” means of enough significance to be thought about or of a notable amount; and "carefree" means untroubled.

Example Question #518 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning

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

MANUAL

Possible Answers:

Handheld

Hand-operated

Intangible

Particular

Tactile

Correct answer:

Hand-operated

Explanation:

"Manual" derives from the Latin word "manus," which has many definitions, one of which is hand. So, it makes sense that "manual," when used as an adjective, means having to do with the hands or operated by hand as opposed to automatically by utilizing another force. "Manual" labor involves the use of one's hands, for example. "Hand-operated" is thus the correct answer. While "handheld" (of a size able to be easily held in the hands) may look like a potentially correct answer, it has nothing to do with work. "Tactile," meaning able to be touched or having to do with the sense of touch, may also seem like a potentially correct answer, but again, it has nothing to do with work.

Example Question #519 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning

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

NUMEROUS

Possible Answers:

Immovable

Literate

Plentiful

Illogical

Fortunate

Correct answer:

Plentiful

Explanation:

The word "numerous" derives from the Latin word for number. This makes sense, as it means found in great numbers, or in other words, abundant or "plentiful." As for the other answer choices, “illogical” means not logical or not reasonable; “literate” means able to read; “fortunate” means lucky; and “immovable” means impossible to move.

Example Question #520 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning

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

MAGNIFICENT

Possible Answers:

Great

Frequent

Gorgeous

Terrible

Untouchable

Correct answer:

Great

Explanation:

"Magnificent" derives from a Latin word meaning noble, important, or great like other English words that include "magn-" (like "magnify" and "magnate"). So, it makes sense that "magnificent" means splendid or majestic. "Great" is thus the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, "gorgeous" means very good-looking; “untouchable” means not able to be touched or not able to be matched; “terrible” means very bad; and "frequent" means often.

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