All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #41 : Sentence Completions: Nouns
Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
After many days of dry weather, the city received enough __________ to fill the reservoirs for a week.
gushes
precipitation
clouds
downpours
hail
precipitation
For this sentence, you need to be careful that you are not tempted to answer with something that is far too specific based on the provided data. A "reservoir" is some sort of lake or large containment area used for holding water. All that we can tell is that the city finally received some sort of liquid after the period of dry days. Thus, the best answer is the very general term "precipitation," which indicates some sort of liquid that falls to the ground from the clouds. (More generally, "precipitation" is anything that "falls" out of a solution. In chemistry class, you may have seen this phenomenon, when several chemicals are added to make a single "precipitate" appear as a solid in a solution after a reaction. We most frequently use the term to describe when water "falls" from the "solution" that is the air.)
Example Question #42 : Sentence Completions: Nouns
Sentence completions: Fill in the blank(s) to complete the sentence.
In the science experiment, a __________ was used to measure the pressure in the atmosphere and the results were used to predict atmospheric changes and weather patterns.
speedometer
barometer
fathometer
wattmeter
odometer
barometer
The sentence tells us that whatever instrument is being used measures pressure in the atmosphere. This means the correct answer is a “barometer.” The suffix "-meter" means measurement, so a “fathometer” is used to measure depth; an “odometer” measures distance travelled; a “speedometer” measures speed; a “wattmeter” measures electrical power.
Example Question #43 : Sentence Completions: Nouns
Sentence completions: Fill in the blank(s) to complete the sentence.
There are always going to be __________ to overcome in life; the key is to never give up.
jubilations
parity
managers
ceremonies
obstacles
obstacles
The author tells us that there will always be things to overcome in life and it is important not to give up. The best answer choice is “obstacles,” which are things that need to be overcome, things that get in the way. To provide further help, “parity” means equality; “ceremonies” are formal meetings done for purposes of tradition or ceremony; “jubilations” are happy celebrations.
Example Question #44 : Sentence Completions: Nouns
Fill in the blank with the word that best completes the sentence.
The diversity of the United States stems from people with different ethnicities and __________ or beliefs.
creeds
backgrounds
characters
views
personalities
creeds
This sentence indicates that the diversity in the United States is partly due to peoples' beliefs or "creeds." "Creeds"are ethical codes and are what the sentence is referring to in terms of diversity. The other word choices do not mean the same thing and/or don't refer to the same sort of diversity.
Example Question #45 : Sentence Completions: Nouns
Fill in the blank with the word that best completes the sentence.
The __________ at the movie theater was scheduled for 4:00 p.m. and was a gathering of all of Jessica's close friends.
rendezvous
assembly
council
conference
function
rendezvous
This sentence suggests an informal meeting or "rendezvous" was arranged between Jessica and her friends. A "council" is a panel of people; an "assembly" is a formal grouping of people; a "conference" is a formal meeting; and a "function" is synonymous with "conference."
Example Question #46 : Sentence Completions: Nouns
Fill in the blank with the word that best completes the sentence.
The rock overhang was a safe __________ from the pouring rain that soaked everyone in its path.
harbor
protrusion
precipice
haven
reservation
haven
The rock overhang served as shelter from the pouring rain, and therefore it acted as a "haven." The other answer choices mean the following: a "protrusion" is an outgrowth; a "precipice" is a ledge; and a "reservation" is an area of land managed by a certain group of people or a tribe.
Example Question #47 : Sentence Completions: Nouns
Sentence completions: Fill in the blank(s) to complete the sentence.
Before I decide whether to dress for a hot or cold day each morning, I always read the temperature from the __________ outside my house.
altimeter
thermometer
fathometer
chronometer
barometer
thermometer
The sentence suggests that the object in question is an instrument used to measure temperatures. This means that the correct answer is “thermometer.” The suffix "-meter" is used in English to refer to something that measures things. So a “barometer” is an instrument that measures pressure; an “altimeter” is an instrument that measures height or altitude; a “chronometer” is an instrument that measures time; a “fathometer” is an instrument that measures depth.
Example Question #48 : Sentence Completions: Nouns
Sentence completions: Fill in the blank(s) to complete the sentence.
She was a kind, compassionate lady who felt great __________ for those who were suffering.
excitement
derision
nostalgia
fervor
empathy
empathy
From the context of the sentence, you can assume that the blank word must relate to the compassionate nature of the subject. "Empathy” is the ability to share the feelings of others and best captures the likely attitude of a compassionate person. To provide further help, “derision” means mocking cruelly; “nostalgia” is a feeling of fondness for the past; “fervor” means passion.
Example Question #49 : Sentence Completions: Nouns
Sentence completions: Fill in the blank(s) to complete the sentence.
After the political uprising, the government was overthrown and there was __________ throughout the country.
communism
patriarchy
anarchy
oligarchy
democracy
anarchy
A political state without a government and embracing chaos is called an “anarchy.” To provide further help, “communism” is an economic system where labor, production, and resources are pooled and shared equally; “democracy” is a political system where each individual is able to vote for representatives in government; “oligarchy” is rule by a select, wealthy few; “patriarchy” is a social system where men dominate over women.
Example Question #50 : Sentence Completions: Nouns
Fill in the blank with the word that best completes the sentence.
The friendly __________ of the new girl made her fit in well at her new school and she quickly made friends.
aura
conduct
demeanor
symbols
signals
demeanor
The girl seems to have a friendly appearance and the closest word in meaning to appearance is "demeanor" or exterior expression. "Conduct" refers to behavior; an "aura" is an atmosphere; and "signals" and "symbols" are signs of some degree.
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