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 #84 : Synonyms: Roots

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

MALODOROUS

Possible Answers:

Firm

Gross

Smelly

Unattractive

Loud

Correct answer:

Smelly

Explanation:

In the word "malodorous" there are two relevant Latin roots. The first mal- means bad, as in "malevolent," which means bad natured, evil, wicked. The second is -odor- which means related to smell or scent. So, "malodorous" means smelly, unpleasantly smelling, disgusting, stinky, fetid

Example Question #85 : Synonyms: Roots

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

INVINCIBLE

Possible Answers:

Impassive

Unbeatable

Important

Interesting

Unlikely

Correct answer:

Unbeatable

Explanation:

The Latin root -vinc- means conquer, win, as in "victory." So, "invincible" means unable to be conquered, indestructible, unbeatable. Additionally, "impassive" means not showing or feeling emotions

Example Question #81 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

ENUMERATE

Possible Answers:

List

Allow

Repel

Compel

Attract

Correct answer:

List

Explanation:

The Latin root -numer- means number, as in "numerous" which means a large number of something. So, to "enumerate" means to make a numbered list of something. Additionally, "repel" means force back, fight off; "compel" means force to do something.

Example Question #561 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning

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

DERIDE

Possible Answers:

Kill

Detain

Mock

Impair

Discuss

Correct answer:

Mock

Explanation:

The word "deride" comes from the Latin word for to laugh. Whenever we "ridicule" someone, we mock that person or "laugh at them." In a way, you can think of the expression "being a laughing stock." This means that someone is being ridiculed or derided. When we "deride" someone, we mock that person. Mockery is a mean way of "making fun of" someone. (Do you see that the word "deride" has a form similar to "ridicule"? Both words come from the Latin "ridere," meaning to laugh.) 

Example Question #88 : Synonyms: Roots

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

LUMINOUS

Possible Answers:

Surprising

Dim

Fading

Increasing

Brilliant

Correct answer:

Brilliant

Explanation:

The word "luminous" is related to the word "illuminate." They both come from Latin roots meaning light. Whenever we "illuminate" a room, we add light to it. Something that is "luminous" is shining or bright. The word "brilliant" is often used to mean very intelligent; however, this comes from the idea that such a person has a "very bright or shining mind." It is a bit metaphorical. The word "brilliant" means to shine, and this is a good synonym for "luminous."

Example Question #89 : Synonyms: Roots

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

DOCILE

Possible Answers:

Intelligent

Submissive

Quiet

Forgetful

Regular

Correct answer:

Submissive

Explanation:

The word "docile" comes from Latin roots meaning to teach. The words "doctor," "indoctrinate," "doctrine," and "document" all come from the same root. A "doctor" is someone who has been taught very thoroughly, and a "doctrine" is a teaching. Whenever a person is described as being "docile," he or she is teachable. Hence, the best option is "submissive." Someone who is "submissive" is someone who lets himself or herself be taught (or, at least, led) by someone else.

Example Question #90 : Synonyms: Roots

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

ILLITERATE

Possible Answers:

Learning

Remote

Irrational

Ignorant

Plain

Correct answer:

Ignorant

Explanation:

The word "illiterate" comes from the Latin word for letters. Whenever we talk about the "literal" meaning of something, we want to know "what the letters mean"—i.e. what it means without any additional interpretation. Whenever someone is "illiterate," he or she cannot read or communicate via written language. Thus, an illiterate person is generally an uneducated person. Thus, the word "ignorant" is sometimes a fine synonym for "illiterate."

Example Question #561 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning

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

ALIENATE

Possible Answers:

Isolate

Condemn

Forgive

Invade

Arrive

Correct answer:

Isolate

Explanation:

The words "alien" and "alienate" come from Latin roots meaning other. Whenever something is "alien," it is foreign to us—it is something "other" in the sense of being different. The verb form "alienate" describes the process of making something appear to be foreign or other. Thus, the only option that is adequate for this question is "isolate." Whenever we "alienate" people, we isolate them from each other.

Example Question #562 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning

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

IMITATION

Possible Answers:

Mockery

Display

Dull

Simulation

Occupation

Correct answer:

Simulation

Explanation:

Whenever we "imitate" something else, we try to copy that thing. The word "imitate" comes from roots meaning image. Think of what we mean when we call a picture an "image." It is a kind of copy of something else. This is the general idea of being an "imitation." Another example that might be familiar to you is "imitation vanilla." Because vanilla can be expensive, some companies make a kind of vanilla by artificial processes. Thus, they make a kind of replica of vanilla or they attempt to simulate vanilla flavoring. The best option provided for this question is "simulation," which expresses this general idea of being a copy or an imitation.

Example Question #563 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning

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

VILIFY

Possible Answers:

Concur

Attack

Defame

Frighten

Infuriate

Correct answer:

Defame

Explanation:

The word "vilify" is made up of two stems with which you should be familiar. The first portion is related to "vile." Whenever something is "vile," it is very unpleasant. Sometimes, we use the word to describe something that is very disgusting. The suffix "-fy" means to do or to make. Thus, to "vilify" someone is to make that person appear to be disgusting or unpleasant. In general, the word is used to describe how we can ruin someone's appearance in public by saying bad things about them. Thus, the word "defame" is excellent, for it means to ruin someone's reputation.

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