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 #771 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

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

He __________ his statement to highlight a certain point.

Possible Answers:

adorned

accented

atoned

alluded

anchored

Correct answer:

accented

Explanation:

Based on the context of this sentence you know that the correct answer must mean something like highlighted, added emphasis to. So, the correct answer is "accented." To "accent" means to say something in a different tone so as to make the point stand out. Additionally, "adorn" means decorate; "allude" means imply, insinuate, hint at; "anchor" means fix in place, keep something steady; "atone" means seek forgiveness for, make amends for.

Example Question #772 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

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

He is in so much pain and it is impossible to __________ his suffering.

Possible Answers:

herd

ameliorate

carp

bluff

lure

Correct answer:

ameliorate

Explanation:

If the subject is in a lot of pain it makes sense that it would be impossible to relieve, soothe, make better, calm his suffering. So, the correct answer is "ameliorate" which means relieve, lessen the intensity of. Additionally, "herd" means gather, or force, together; "carp" means complain at length about; "bluff" means tell a lie using false confidence; "lure" means attract, tempt.

Example Question #773 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

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

He was able to __________ the process and finish the project two days early.

Possible Answers:

hypnotize

warble

rue

expedite

slander

Correct answer:

expedite

Explanation:

As the man was able to get the project finished early it makes sense to say that he was able to "expedite" the process. To "expedite" means to do something to help the progress of something that makes it quicker, to accelerate the progress of something. Additionally, "rue" means regret; "warble" means sing; "hypnotize" means put to sleep; "slander" means speak out against in a way that is attacking and possibly untrue.

Example Question #774 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

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

The ceremony was __________ by the antisocial behavior of some of the guests.

Possible Answers:

bustled

germinated

impaled

amassed

marred

Correct answer:

marred

Explanation:

The antisocial behavior of some guests would be likely to spoil, ruin a ceremony, so the correct answer is "marred." Additionally, "impaled" means stabbed; to "bustle" means to move about in a hurried but organized fashion; "amass" means gather, collect; "germinate" means plant and grow.

Example Question #775 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

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

He used an eraser to __________ the words he had written.

Possible Answers:

defray

abdicate

masticate

efface

commandeer

Correct answer:

efface

Explanation:

As an eraser is being used to do something you can reasonably infer that the correct answer is a verb that means to erase. The correct answer is therefore "efface." Additionally, "abdicate" means renounce control, give up power; "masticate" means chew; "defray" means pay for; "commandeer" means take control of (a vehicle).

Example Question #1001 : Sentence Completions

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

She needed time to forget the past and __________ her demons.

Possible Answers:

dwindle

exercise

exorcise

beguile

trudge

Correct answer:

exorcise

Explanation:

Based on the context of this sentence you are looking for a verb that means something like to rid oneself of demons, to get rid of troubles and suffering. The correct answer is therefore "exorcise." Additionally, "beguile" means charm; "exercise" means work out, do something physical; "dwindle" means become smaller, reduce in amount; "trudge" means walk slowly and ponderously.

Example Question #1002 : Sentence Completions

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

He did not agree with her and found it hard to __________ her actions.

Possible Answers:

vex

facilitate

atrophy

quell

condone

Correct answer:

condone

Explanation:

Seeing as the subject does not agree with her it makes sense that he would not give his support to her actions. The correct answer is therefore "condone," which means allow, give support to. Additionally, "facilitate" means help to get done; "atrophy" means weaken over time due to lack of use; "vex" means confuse and irritate; "quell" means stop, reduce in intensity.

Example Question #1003 : Sentence Completions

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

He wants to __________ his older sister, but his sister just wants him to be himself.

Possible Answers:

perturb

solicit

emulate

disentangle

mar

Correct answer:

emulate

Explanation:

The subject's speaker wants him to be himself, so the verb used to describe what the subject wants to do must relate to not being oneself. The correct answer is therefore "emulate," which means to copy, to try and match the accomplishments of. Additionally, "solicit" means ask for, try to get, seek help or payment; "disentangle" means separate, make no longer tangled; "mar" means spoil, ruin; "perturb" means upset, disturb, worry.

Example Question #1004 : Sentence Completions

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

She did not dare __________ such offensive words in such delicate company.

Possible Answers:

maraud

utter

throttle

confine

refrain

Correct answer:

utter

Explanation:

Based on the context of this sentence you know that the correct answer must mean something like say, speak. So, the correct answer is "utter," which means to say aloud. Additionally, "throttle" means strangle, choke; "confine" means imprison, trap, force to stay in one place; "maraud" means roam aimlessly in search of violence and theft; "refrain" means keep oneself from doing.

Example Question #1005 : Sentence Completions

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

The judge needed more detail so she __________ her original story.

Possible Answers:

mutilated

surpassed

elaborated

interrogated

lingered

Correct answer:

elaborated

Explanation:

Based on the context of this sentence you know that the correct answer is a verb that means to add detail to a story. The correct answer is therefore "elaborated." To "elaborate" means to add detail to a story, to go into further detail. Something that is "elaborate" is detailed and complex. Additionally, "interrogate" means question a suspect; "surpass" means go beyond; "mutilate" means destroy the appearance of; "linger" means stay behind, wait around.

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