All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #221 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
He is considered a charming man, but some who know him better think this charisma is a mask for his __________ nature.
relentless
knowledgeable
humble
capacious
malevolent
malevolent
As the author employs the word “but” it suggests that the subject is not really charming, but rather uses his personality to mask an evil nature. This should lead to the correct answer “malevolent,” which means wicked-natured. To provide further help, “knowledgable" means knowing about a topic or wise; “humble” means modest and not arrogant; “capacious” means roomy; and “relentless” means constantly doing something or unstoppable.
Example Question #222 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Eliza was suspended for two days and received a "0" on her paper when her teacher discovered she had deliberately __________ the entire thing from an article on the internet.
plagiarized
observed
found
researched
discussed
plagiarized
"Plagiarism" means to copy someone else's words and not give them credit for it. If you are writing a report and take large chunks of information from a book or website, and don't credit your source, you are plagiarizing the author's work, or taking credit for it. Since, in this case, Eliza was severely punished in an academic setting, and she was punished because she had taken something from the internet, "plagiarism" is the only answer that makes sense. One is not punished merely for "researching," which carries an inherently neutral/positive connotation.
Example Question #223 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Ruth asked Jorge to help her solve a particularly __________ problem.
ignorant
simple
determined
unhappy
knotty
knotty
If Ruth is asking for help, the problem must be difficult. "Knotty" means difficult, when applied to a problem or task.
Example Question #224 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Even though she is my sister I am __________ to help her; she needs to learn this lesson on her own.
reluctant
zealous
eager
detrimental
fortunate
reluctant
The author notes that his sister needs to learn this lesson on her own meaning he is probably unwilling, hesitant to help her. The correct answer therefore is "reluctant." To provide further help, "detrimental" means harmful; "zealous" means passionate; "fortunate" means lucky; "eager" means enthusiastic.
Example Question #225 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The __________ young man did not endear himself to his new colleagues.
deft
dynamic
brash
adept
eloquent
brash
Because the young man did not "endear" (inspire admiration and affection) himself to his colleagues you can reasonably assume that the correct answer must be something negative. The only negative answer choice is "brash," which means rude, cocky and arrogant, impudent. To provide further help, "eloquent" means well spoken; "deft" and "adept" both mean skilled and capable; "dynamic" means energetic.
Example Question #221 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The __________ man was fired from his job.
fearless
incompetent
massive
tranquil
muddled
incompetent
To solve this problem you need to determine which of these answer choices is a negative adjective that might lead to someone getting fired. The correct answer is therefore "incompetent" which means not competent, not capable, not good at something. To provide further help, "muddled" means confused, mixed; "tranquil" means calm, peaceful; "fearless" means brave, not afraid; "massive" means very large.
Example Question #222 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The dog was clearly __________ so the old lady went inside to fetch a small bowl of water.
parched
docile
lush
aloof
satisfied
parched
The old lady went inside to get water for the dog so the dog must have been very thirsty. The correct answer then is "parched" because this means very thirsty, needing water. To provide further help, "docile" means obedient and harmless; "satisfied" means happy enough; "aloof" means detached, emotionally distant from other people; "lush" means rich and abundant.
Example Question #223 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
She was told she could not serve on the jury because the defense attorney believed she was not __________.
chilly
impartial
jaded
mundane
flawless
impartial
In order to serve on a jury you need to be unbiased, objective, not prejudiced, capable of making a fair decision. The correct answer then is "impartial," someone who is "impartial" is not biased. To provide further help, "flawless" means perfect, without flaws; "chilly" means cold; "mundane" means boring and ordinary; "jaded" means tired, bored of life.
Example Question #224 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The __________ young boy could not behave and had to be sent to the principle's office.
brawny
outgoing
ludicrous
miscreant
timid
miscreant
You are told that the boy could not behave and had to be sent to the principle so the correct answer must mean something like badly behaved, troublesome, delinquent. The correct answer is therefore "miscreant." The word "miscreant" can be used as an adjective or a noun, but it effectively has the same meaning. It describes someone who is badly behaved. To provide further help, "brawny" means strong, muscular and tough; "timid" means shy; "outgoing" means confident and sociable; "ludicrous" means ridiculous, absurd, silly.
Example Question #225 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Once the __________ affairs of the mayor's private life were made public he had little choice but to resign from his position.
pivotal
disgruntled
sordid
durable
laudable
sordid
The mayor was forced to resign so the details of his private life must have been something that caused outrage to the general public. The correct answer then is "sordid" which means sleazy, morally corrupt, distasteful and dirty. Additionally, "laudable" means deserving of praise; "pivotal" means crucial, deeply important, the turning point; "durable" means capable of lasting a long time; "disgruntled" means not satisfied, annoyed and angered by.
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