ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Sentence Completions: Verbs

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ISEE Middle Level Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #271 : Sentence Completions: Verbs

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

He won a small fortune on the lottery, but he quickly __________ it and was left destitute again.

Possible Answers:

ameliorated

confined

squandered

bellowed

masticated

Correct answer:

squandered

Explanation:

To begin with "destitute" means very poor, without possessions. So, if the man won some money but became poor again it makes sense that he wasted, recklessly spent, or "squandered" the money. Additionally, "masticate" means chew; "confine" means lock up, imprison; "bellow" means shout, yell; "ameliorate" means relieve, soothe, calm, make a situation better

Example Question #272 : Sentence Completions: Verbs

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

His novel was __________ for its brilliant character development and gripping narrative.

Possible Answers:

acclaimed

vexed

rectified

intimidated

emulated

Correct answer:

acclaimed

Explanation:

The context of this sentence talks about an author and his "brilliant" and "gripping" writing. It makes sense that writing described in such positive language would be widely praised or "acclaimed." Additionally, "vex" means confuse, irritate and annoy; "intimidate" means frighten into doing something; "rectify" means fix; "emulate" means copy, match the accomplishments of.

Example Question #273 : Sentence Completions: Verbs

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

He is trying to determine what people think of the new product so he is calling people's houses to __________ their opinions.

Possible Answers:

cram

dispute

antagonize

solicit

elevate

Correct answer:

solicit

Explanation:

Based on the context of this sentence you are looking for a verb that means something like ask for, request. So, the correct answer is to "solicit." Additionally, "antagonize" means irritate, annoy, 'wind-up'; "elevate" means rise up, lift up; "dispute" means argue against a certain point; "cram" means stuff into a small space or study hard for a test.

Example Question #274 : Sentence Completions: Verbs

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

I was being __________ and could not breathe.

Possible Answers:

scowled

enrolled

throttled

grinned

grimaced

Correct answer:

throttled

Explanation:

If the speaker could not breathe it makes sense that they were being choked, strangled, or "throttled." Additionally, "grin" means smile; "scowl" means frown in anger; "grimace" means make a pained facial expression; "enroll" means sign up for, become a member of.

Example Question #275 : Sentence Completions: Verbs

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

Even though she desperately wanted to say something, she __________ out of respect and politeness.

Possible Answers:

ordained

impaled

refrained

uttered

succored 

Correct answer:

refrained

Explanation:

Based on the context of this sentence you are looking for a verb that means something like stop oneself from doing, hold back from doing. So, the correct answer is "refrained." Additionally, "ordain" means make sacred, make holy; "utter" means speak aloud, whisper; "impale" means stab, pierce; "succor" means provide relief, aid, and comfort for.

Example Question #276 : Sentence Completions: Verbs

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

I fell into the swimming pool and got completely __________.

Possible Answers:

acknowledged

drenched

hoarded

scolded

ephemeral

Correct answer:

drenched

Explanation:

Based on the context of this sentence you are looking for a verb that means something like very wet, soaked. So, the correct answer is "drenched." Additionally, "scold" means burn or yell at; "horde" means collect obsessively, store away; "acknowledge" means recognize, notice; "ephemeral" means lasting for a brief time, fleeting.

Example Question #277 : Sentence Completions: Verbs

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

Using some strong super glue I was able to __________ together the two pieces of wood.

Possible Answers:

activate

applaud

recite

depict

splice

Correct answer:

splice

Explanation:

Glue is used to join two things together so the correct answer is "splice." To "splice" is to join, to connect, to interweave. Additionally, "recite" means speak aloud and from memory; "depict" means visually represent, draw and show; "applaud" means clap for, praise; "activate" means make active, start up.

Example Question #278 : Sentence Completions: Verbs

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The Christmas tree was __________ with many beautiful ornaments.

Possible Answers:

amassed

confounded

usurped

abdicated

adorned

Correct answer:

adorned

Explanation:

Based on the context of this sentence you know you are looking for a verb that means something like decorated. So, the correct answer is "adorned." It can help to remember that "adorn" means decorate, if you think that "ornaments" means decorations. Noting the similarities between the words "adorn" and "ornaments." They sound similar right? Additionally, "amassed" means gathered, collected, compiled; "confounded" means confused, bewildered; "usurp" means take control from, seize power from; "abdicate" means give up power, renounce authority.

Example Question #279 : Sentence Completions: Verbs

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The politician was widely supported and __________ by people from across the political spectrum.

Possible Answers:

endorsed

perturbed

lofted

conspired

behooved

Correct answer:

endorsed

Explanation:

Based on the context of this sentence you are looking for a verb that means something like publicly supported. So, the correct answer is "endorsed." To "endorse" something is to offer one's personal support and recommendation publicly. Additionally, "conspire" means plot, plan together against someone else; "perturb" means worry, unnerve, scare; "loft" means throw high in the air, pass; "behoove" means it is one's responsibility to do something, it is in one's best interest to do something.

Example Question #280 : Sentence Completions: Verbs

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The task of pulling up the carpet __________ him for several days, preventing him from working on anything else.

Possible Answers:

annoyed

tortured

occupied

intrigued

regulated

Correct answer:

occupied

Explanation:

All we know is that the work on the carpet took up the person's time. When we are occupied with something, we spend our time working on that thing or being concerned with it. Yes, it might be annoying or even torturous. All we know is that it took up time. Therefore, "occupied" is by far the best option available.

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