All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #614 : Sentence Completions
Sentence completions: Fill in the gap(s) in this sentence.
Lions are __________; they eat only meat.
subservient
belligerent
omnivores
carnivores
herbivores
carnivores
From the context of the sentence you know that the blank word must describe how the lion only eats meat. An animal that only eats meat is called a "carnivore." To provide further help, an "herbivore" is an animal that only eats plants and am omnivore is an animal that eats plants and meat, like a human; "belligerent" means aggressive; "subservient" means willing to be dominated or ruled by someone else.
Example Question #615 : Sentence Completions
Sentence completions: Fill in the gap(s) in this sentence.
__________ is the study of human existence and the nature of reality.
Biology
Astrology
Philosophy
Chemisty
Biography
Philosophy
To answer this question you need to know that "philosophy" is the name given to the study of human existence and reality. If you did not know that you would probably have to eliminate as many answer choices as possible and guess an answer. So "biology" means the study of life, and "chemisty" means the study of the nature and interaction of matter; a "biography" is a non-fiction story told about someone; "astrology" is using the position of the stars and planets to predict the future.
Example Question #616 : Sentence Completions
Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
My grandparents are fearful of the effects of computers and smart phones on human interaction; you might call them __________.
technophiles
parsimonious
animated
technophobes
disorganized
technophobes
The context of this question suggests that the blank word describes two people who are fearful of technology. When answering any questions about fear, look for the suffix "-phobe" or "-phobia," because they mean someone who is afraid of something and fear of something, respectively. "Technophobe" is the correct answer here; it means someone who is afraid of technology. A "technophile," on the other hand, is someone who loves technology, because the suffix "-phile" means someone who loves something. To provide further help, "parsimonious" means not generous with money, "animated" means excited, and "disorganized" means not organized or out of control.
Example Question #617 : Sentence Completions
Sentence completions: Fill in the blank(s) to complete the sentence.
I am very proud of Sarah; she handled the situation with great __________.
mockery
abyss
aplomb
disgrace
adverse
aplomb
Because the author of this sentence is proud of Sarah we can assume that Sarah must have handled the situation well. Of the answer choices, only “aplomb” summarizes this position. Handling something with "aplomb” means dealing with something with style, grace and dignity. “Aplomb” means coolness, style and composure. To provide further help, “disgrace” means shame; “adverse” means not favorable; an “abyss” is a deep hole; “mockery” means ridicule.
Example Question #618 : Sentence Completions
Sentence completions: Fill in the blank(s) to complete the sentence.
The Norwegian athlete described her gold medal at the Olympics as the __________ of her career.
warlock
debunk
apex
plight
counsel
apex
It stands to reason that winning a gold medal would be the best moment or highest point of an athlete’s career. One of the words that means highest point is “apex.” To provide further help, “counsel” means advise, give advice to; “debunk” means prove incorrect; a “warlock” is a male witch, a wizard; “plight” is a dangerous situation.
Example Question #619 : Sentence Completions
Sentence completions: Fill in the blank(s) to complete the sentence.
I choose not to eat meat; vegetables give me all the __________ I need to survive.
inconvenience
degradation
appropriation
imitation
sustenance
sustenance
From the context of the sentence, you know that the blank word must mean something like energy or nourishment. The correct answer is therefore “sustenance,” which means the energy and nourishment you need to survive. To provide further help, an “imitation” is a copy; “degradation” means humiliation; “appropriation” means money set aside for some use; an “inconvenience” is a bothersome trouble.
Example Question #620 : Sentence Completions
ISEE Sentence completions: Fill in the blank(s) to complete the sentence.
Here in North America, we live in the Northern __________; Australians live in the Southern half of the world.
semicircle
equator
diameter
radius
hemisphere
hemisphere
Because the second clause contains the phrase half of the world, we know that the blank term must be “hemisphere.” To provide further help, a “semicircle” is half a circle; the “diameter” is the length of something from one side to the other; the “radius” is half the diameter and relevant to geometry; the “equator” is the imaginary line that runs through the middle of our planet; on one side of the “equator” is the Northern Hemisphere, and on the other side is the Southern Hemisphere.
Example Question #21 : Sentence Completions: Nouns
After spending twenty years in __________ from his homeland, Athanasius was welcomed back when the corrupt political party was removed.
brigandage
exile
illumination
condemnation
longing
exile
Two key phrases help us interpret this sentence: (1) "from his homeland" and (2) "welcomed back." These both imply that Athanasius was sent away from his homeland and then was able to return. It seems that the corrupt political party was involved, so his being sent away was likely by force, not choice. Although he might have longed for (that is, desired) his homeland, the best answer would be one that merely describes the state of being "sent away." To be "exiled" is to be banished from one's homeland, often for political reasons.
Example Question #27 : Sentence Completions: Nouns
Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
Prince Renaldo, unable to attend the great council of the kingdoms, sent a trusted __________ to represent him to the gathered group of rulers.
inquisitor
knight
civilian
courtier
delegate
delegate
From what the sentence states, we know that Renaldo is sending a representative on his behalf. Beyond this, we do not know any details regarding the nature of this person (other than that he or she is trusted). Therefore, we do not know if it is a "civilian" (i.e. someone who is not in the military) or a "knight." Likewise, a "courtier" is an advisor to a royal person but not necessarily a representative on his or her behalf. Finally, an "inquisitor" is someone who investigates a matter. It is related to the words "inquire" and "inquisition," both of which pertain to "questioning." This is the task of an inquisitor, not representing. A "delegate" is a person who is sent on behalf of another as a representative. Often, we think of "delegates to a convention" (as in the United States primary elections), but a prince could likewise send a delegate to represent him. This is the basic meaning of "delegate," which works well in our sentence.
Example Question #22 : Sentence Completions: Nouns
Sentence completions: Fill in the blank(s) to complete the sentence.
When it is snowing like this, I seldom leave my comfortable __________; I have everything I need in my house and refuse to spend time in the freezing cold.
chorus
abode
flaw
feud
champion
abode
Based on the context of the second clause, the blank word must mean something like house or home. The correct answer is therefore, “abode,” which is a synonym for home. To provide further help, “feud” is a long-standing disagreement between two or more people; a “flaw” is something wrong with something; a “champion” is the winner.
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