ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Sentence Completions: Parts of Speech

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #51 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.

When she was having her kitchen remodeled, Patty insisted that the windows be __________; she wanted natural light in the room but did not want to the whole world to be able to see her while she was working.

Possible Answers:

clear

covered

colored

translucent

transparent

Correct answer:

translucent

Explanation:

Since Patty did not want to be seen while working, she definitely did not want completely "transparent" or clear windows. Likewise, covered windows could imply that no light is let through. The word "translucent" is best, as it means letting light through. The prefix "trans-" means through or across. Something "transferred" from one point to another is carried across the space between them. The "-lucent" portion of the word, which is derived from the Latin word meaning "shining," is surprisingly related to the name "Lucifer," which means light-bearer. In popular stories from the Jewish / Christian tradition, the devil ("Lucifer") was said to be the highest angel before falling—the bearer of light because he was closest to God. Also, we shouldn't say that Patty wanted "colored" windows, since this implies more than is said by "translucent," which is adequate in itself.

Example Question #52 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.

After sixteen hours of labor in the mine, the workers all had a noticeably __________ appearance that bore evidence to their arduous work.

Possible Answers:

forgotten

abused

haggard

blackened

distasteful

Correct answer:

haggard

Explanation:

The key words to heed in this sentence are "bore evidence to their arduous work." In particular, note the word "arduous", which means difficult or requiring much effort. After sixteen hours, the workers apparently all looked like they had worked very hard. The implication is that they look exhausted. Do not try to stretch the meaning. "Haggard" most directly means having an appearance that is exhausted or unhealthy. Insofar as it regards exhaustion, this is the best option among those provided.

Example Question #53 : Sentence Completions: Adjectives And Adverbs

Sentence completions: Fill in the gap(s) in this sentence.

The rescuers’ attempts to free the trapped man proved __________, as they ran out of time before nightfall.

Possible Answers:

futile

humorous

effortless

triumphant

successful

Correct answer:

futile

Explanation:

From the context of the sentence you know that the rescuers were unsuccessful in their attempts; this means their attempts were “futile,” which means pointless, useless, or not achieving the desired result. To further help you, "triumphant" means victorious; "humorous" means funny

Example Question #54 : Sentence Completions: Adjectives And Adverbs

Sentence completions: Fill in the gap(s) in this sentence.

The Joneses are a very ­__________ family; their guests always feel welcomed at their home. 

Possible Answers:

parsimonious

miserly

miserable

despicable

hospitable

Correct answer:

hospitable

Explanation:

From the context of the second part of the sentence, you know that the Joneses make their guests feel welcomed. This means they are very “hospitable.” To further help you, "miserly" means not generous with money; "parsimonious" means economical with money; "despicable" means evil or wicked.

Example Question #55 : Sentence Completions: Adjectives And Adverbs

Sentence completions: Fill in the gap(s) in this sentence.

The dating website promised to find __________ matches for its members after they filled in a thorough questionnaire.

Possible Answers:

grotesque

compatible

abhorrent

ludicrous

absurd

Correct answer:

compatible

Explanation:

From the context of the sentence, the blank word must mean something favorable for making an suitable match. The correct answer is “compatible,” which is a word used to describe two or more things that go well together. To further help you, "abhorrent" and "grotesque" are synonyms that both mean disgusting and horrible; "ludicrous" and "absurd" are synonyms that both mean ridiculous.

Example Question #56 : Sentence Completions: Adjectives And Adverbs

Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.

There was __________ agreement among Democrats and Republicans that the anti-terrorist law needed to be passed.

Possible Answers:

democratic

bipartisan

divided

congressional

lackluster

Correct answer:

bipartisan

Explanation:

In this sentence, both political parties agree that a new law needs to be passed. The best word that describes this agreement is "bipartisan." "Bipartisan" means having to do with the cooperation of two opposing political parties.

Example Question #57 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.

The unexpected rainfall led to me getting __________ on the way home because I did not have an umbrella.

Possible Answers:

clean

drenched

dry

elegant

sad

Correct answer:

drenched

Explanation:

Because the speaker didn't have an umbrella, he or she was not shielded from the rain and got very wet. The correct answer is "drenched." "Drenchedmeans soaked or very wet.

Example Question #58 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.

Katie couldn't believe how __________ Mary was. It seemed like Mary didn't care about anything!

Possible Answers:

rude

indifferent

happy

insolent

curious

Correct answer:

indifferent

Explanation:

Because Mary seems to not care about anything, the sentence suggests that Mary does not have an opinion or does not have any interest. The word that best fits this sentence is "indifferent." "Indifferent" means not caring or not having an opinion about something.

Example Question #59 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.

Yesterday's weather changed __________; the temperature went from freezing to warm within a half hour.

Possible Answers:

feebly

unruly

abruptly

slowly

implicitly

Correct answer:

abruptly

Explanation:

The best answer choice needs to describe how quickly the yesterday's temperature changed. The best word to complete this sentence is "abruptly." "Abruptly" means quickly, suddenly, and without forewarning.

Example Question #57 : Sentence Completions: Adjectives And Adverbs

Sentence completions: Fill in the gap(s) in this sentence.

When I was travelling in India I did not have meat for several months; when I finally made it back to Delhi, the sight of a fast food house with burgers and fried chicken gave me a __________ appetite.

Possible Answers:

miniscule

scant

voracious

apathetic

meagre

Correct answer:

voracious

Explanation:

From the context of the sentence you know that the author is craving meat after going many months without it. This suggests that his appetite would be ravenous, or "voracious." Someone who is voracious has great appetite for something. To provide further help, "apathetic" means not caring; "scant" and "meagre" mean to have little of something; "miniscule" means to be very small.

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