All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #541 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DESPOT
Supply
Store
Tyrant
Leader
King
Tyrant
First of all, do not confuse "despot" with "depot," which is a place where things are stored. A "despot" is a type of leader that has absolute power and is usually wicked. The "-pot" portion of the word comes from the Latin root for "power" or "ability." We see this same root in "possible," "potential," and "potent." Thus, the best option among those given is "tyrant," which describes a ruler who is powerful and wicked.
Example Question #542 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
COMPACT
Dense
Thorough
Inexpensive
Cheap
Prepared
Dense
The word "compact" comes from two Latin roots. The prefix "com-" means with or together. It can also be "cum-" or "con-" (as well as numerous other forms). The "-pact" portion of the word comes from roots meaning fastened. Thus, something that is "compact" has parts that are tightly fixed together. When something has parts that are related in this way, it is dense. Several of the other options attempt to trick you into choosing based on other thoughts you might have about compact items. For instance, a compact car is a small one. These may be inexpensive or cheap; however, that is not necessarily of the essence of being compact.
Example Question #543 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
UNIVERSAL
Complete
Cosmic
Spatial
Scientific
Logical
Complete
The word "universe" in Latin is a very interesting word. We generally use it to mean all things or even all of outer space, but what it literally means is turned toward one point. The "uni-" prefix comes from the word for one, as we see in words like "unity," "unify," and "unit." The "-verse" portion of the word comes from Latin roots for to turn. We see this root in words like "convert" and "invert." When something is "universal" it is complete, explaining how everything is related. We say that someone has "universal knowledge" when he or she seems to know everything. Thus, the best option provided here is complete.
Example Question #544 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SOLITARY
Important
Bright
Brilliant
Isolated
Famous
Isolated
The word "solitary" comes from the Latin root for alone—"solus." When someone has a "solo" in a concert, he or she plays or sings a part all by himself or herself. This should not be confused with "solar," which has to do with the sun. Now, when someone is isolated, he or she is also alone. The word "isolated" comes from the Latin for island, which is also found in words like "insular" and "insulation." Thus, the best option provided among those given here is the word "isolated." This is a primary meaning when we have expressions like "solitary confinement," meaning, "isolated imprisonment."
Example Question #545 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SEQUENCE
Entertainment
Written
Intellectual
Order
Dramatic
Order
The word "sequence" comes from the Latin root for to follow. Thus, we find other words like "subsequent" (coming after), "sequel" (something that comes after another thing), "pursue," and even "second!" Thus, a "sequence" is an orderly arrangement of things. We can call this sequence an "order." Often, we seem to use "order" as a verb; however, we do often use it as a noun too. Think of when you say, "Put those things in order!" You mean to say, "Put them into a sequence!"
Example Question #546 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
REJUVENATE
Relate
Cleanse
Recount
Purify
Revive
Revive
The word "rejuvenate" comes from two Latin roots. The prefix "re-" used here means again. You see it in words like "recant" and "repeat," as well as the options "revive" and "relate" mentioned in this question. The "-juvenate" portion comes from a root meaning young. When someone acts in a "juvenile" manner, he or she acts like he or she is immature or young. Thus, to "rejuvenate" means to make something feel or become young. It thus also means to renew or to revive. The latter is the correct answer, and it means literally to make something have life again.
Example Question #547 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PATRIARCH
Father
Descendent
Predecessor
Ancestor
God
Father
The word "patriarch" comes from the Latin word "pater," which means father. A "patriarchy" is a kind of society in which fathers (and males in general) have the most power. This is contrasted to a "matriarchy" in which mothers (and women in general) have power. ("Mater" is the Latin word for mother.) Now, "patriarch" could be any male ancestor. Thus, Jewish people refer to Abraham as being one of their patriarchs, for they see him as being a "father" to their people. It is also fine to refer to any father as a "patriarch." Indeed, even the word "father" can often be used to describe an important ancestor or figure who is not an immediate father. In this respect, think of the expression, "Founding fathers" often used to describe those men who played a key role in the founding of the American republic.
Example Question #548 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AMPLIFY
Pervade
Resonate
Fill
Translate
Increase
Increase
The word "amplify" comes from two Latin roots. The stem of the word, "ampli-," comes from the Latin word for large. Perhaps you have heard of the word "ample," which means large or abundant. The "-fy" suffix also comes from Latin and means to do or to make. Thus, something that "amplifies" is a thing that makes something larger or more intense. Often, we use the word "amplifier" for something that makes sound on a stereo to be louder. Thus, the best option among those given is "increase." When you "amplify" something, you increase its size or intensity.
Example Question #549 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FRACTURE
Dig
Break
Conclude
Illustrate
Combine
Break
The best synonym is "break." Fracture comes from the Latin roots "fract" and "frangere," meaning to break (e.g. "fraction," "fracking," "fragile," "fragment").
Example Question #550 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning
POSTSCRIPT
Raise
Mental
Afterword
Summary
Recording
Afterword
Postscript comes from the Latin prefix "post" meaning "after." Script comes from the Latin word "scriptus" meaning written. Postscript can be defined as written after, such as an appendix or epilogue. Therefore, "Afterword" is the correct synonym. A "postcript" does not necessarily provide a "summary," it merely comes at the end of a document.
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