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 #871 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

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

It took years of practice before I was finally able to __________ my older brother.

Possible Answers:

retaliate

warble

establish

surpass

subjugate

Correct answer:

surpass

Explanation:

Based on the context of this sentence you know you are looking for a verb that means something like do better than, go beyond, beat. So, the correct answer is "surpass," which means go beyond, be better than. Additionally, "retaliate" means fight back against; "warble" means sing like a bird; "subjugate" means bring under control, make submissive, exert authority over; "establish" means set up.

Example Question #872 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

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

He was __________ for a crime committed seven years ago, but he refused to acknowledge his guilt.

Possible Answers:

abolished

quelled

accented

indicted

acclaimed

Correct answer:

indicted

Explanation:

Based on the context of this sentence you know you are looking for a verb that means something like formally accuse of committing a crime. The correct answer is therefore "indicted." Additionally, "acclaim" means widely praise; "abolish" means get rid of; "accent" means highlight, emphasize, speak in a way that suggests something is of particular importance; "quell" means bring to an end a conflict.

Example Question #873 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

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

The investigators __________ the house in search of the missing treasure.

Possible Answers:

disputed

confined

ransacked

amassed

enticed

Correct answer:

ransacked

Explanation:

Based on the context of this sentence you are looking for a verb that relates to searching. So, the correct answer is "ransacked." To "ransack" is to search through in a messy and destructive manner. Additionally, "amass" means gather, collect; "confine" means imprison, lock away; "entice" means lure, tempt, attract; "dispute" means to argue against a particular point.

Example Question #874 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

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

Her ideas __________ with my own and we made a great team.

Possible Answers:

dovetailed

retrieved

shunned

stifled

alluded

Correct answer:

dovetailed

Explanation:

Based on the fact that the speaker believes that he and the girl made a great team you can reasonably determine that the correct answer is a verb that means something like fit together. The correct answer is therefore "dovetailed." To "dovetail" is to join together, to fit together. Additionally, "retrieve" means fetch, go get and bring back; "stifle" means hold back, prevent from doing; "shun" means banish, ignore, avoid; "allude" means hint at, suggest at, imply.

Example Question #875 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

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

bellowed

masticated

squandered

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 #876 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

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:

emulated

intimidated

acclaimed

rectified

vexed

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 #877 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

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:

solicit

cram

dispute

elevate

antagonize

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 #878 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

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

I was being __________ and could not breathe.

Possible Answers:

grinned

grimaced

scowled

enrolled

throttled

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 #879 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

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:

succored 

refrained

impaled

uttered

ordained

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 #880 : Sentence Completions: Parts Of Speech

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

I fell into the swimming pool and got completely __________.

Possible Answers:

ephemeral

scolded

drenched

hoarded

acknowledged

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.

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