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 #81 : Sentence Completions: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

After having their first child, the couple learned that all fragile decorations had to be replaced by very __________ ones because of the destructive capacities of small children.

Possible Answers:

dull

dainty

flimsy

durable

blunt

Correct answer:

durable

Explanation:

The sentence concentrates on small children's abilities to destroy things. Therefore, the contrast implied is between "fragile" and the sentence's blank. Do not be tempted by options like "dull" or "blunt" merely because the parents of young children often have to make their houses safe. The contrast for "fragile" is strong or not easily broken. The word "durable" means just that.

Example Question #82 : Sentence Completions: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

When Mr. Williams went to the dealership, he tried to find the most __________ minivan; he didn't want a car that would break down after only a few months.

Possible Answers:

durable

fragile

conspicuous

plain

Correct answer:

durable

Explanation:

A quick glance at this sentence tells us that we are looking for an adjective that describes a minivan. More specifically, it describes the minivan that Mr. Williams wants to buy. The only other information we are given tells us that Mr. Williams wants a car that will be long-lasting instead of falling apart immediately. The answer choice that accurately describes this quality is "durable," which refers to a product that remains in a good condition over time.

Example Question #83 : Sentence Completions: Adjectives And Adverbs

Sentence completions: Fill in the blank(s) to complete the sentence. 

The teacher struggled to grade the hand-written essays; some of the handwriting was almost __________.

Possible Answers:

crafty

illegible

serene

passive

brittle

Correct answer:

illegible

Explanation:

Because the teacher struggled to grade the hand-written essays, we can assume that the handwriting on them was hard to read. The answer choice that most closely resembles this definition is “illegible,” which means unable to be read. To provide further help, “serene” means peaceful; “passive” means not aggressive or not taking the lead; “crafty” means sneaky, manipulative, and clever; “brittle” means easily broken.

Example Question #84 : Sentence Completions: Adjectives And Adverbs

Sentence completions: Fill in the blank(s) to complete the sentence.

The __________ railroad in Russia runs all the way from Moscow on one side of the continent to Siberia on the other. 

Possible Answers:

humanitarian

daily

submersible

propulsion

transcontinental

Correct answer:

transcontinental

Explanation:

Since the railroad runs all the way across the continent, it can be called “transcontinental.” The prefix "trans-" means across. To provide further help, “propulsion” is force that causes movement to occur; “submersible” means able to be covered with water; “humanitarian” means compassionate and helpful towards one’s fellow man.

Example Question #85 : Sentence Completions: Adjectives And Adverbs

Sentence completions: Fill in the blank(s) to complete the sentence.

The witness was sweating and stuttering on the stand; he looked nervous and did not appear __________

Possible Answers:

intelligent

credible

devout

praiseworthy

incredible

Correct answer:

credible

Explanation:

The description of the witness suggests that he was visibly nervous, likely because he was lying. In other words, his behavior made him seem not believable. The best answer choice is “credible,” which is a synonym of "believable." To provide further help, “incredible” means great, brilliant; “intelligent” means smart; “devout” means very religious; “praiseworthy” means laudable, deserving of praise

Example Question #86 : Sentence Completions: Adjectives And Adverbs

The __________ Christmas lights were impossible to disentangle; we spent hours trying to get them unraveled.

Possible Answers:

emphatic

convoluted

straightened

impenetrable

impeccable

Correct answer:

convoluted

Explanation:

From the context of the sentence, we know that the lights were tangled. We need a word that means the same as "tangled," which is "convoluted."

Example Question #87 : Sentence Completions: Adjectives And Adverbs

The whole cast of the play was __________ before the show; there was so much to be done, and they were running out of time. 

Possible Answers:

creative

relaxed

frantic

bashful

mischievous

Correct answer:

frantic

Explanation:

The cast had a lot to do in a little time, so they would most likely be "frantic."

Example Question #87 : Sentence Completions: Adjectives And Adverbs

Fill in the blank with the word that best completes the sentence.

The __________ measures that were taken to prevent flooding in the basement seemed to be overkill.

Possible Answers:

concrete

sublime

subtle

drastic

minuscule

Correct answer:

drastic

Explanation:

The key to this sentence is the word overkill that indicates excess measures were taken; this means they were most likely "drastic" or exaggerated measures. The other words mean the following: "miniscule" is tiny; "concrete" is finite; "subtle" is barely noticeable; and "sublime" is awe-inspiring.

Example Question #88 : Sentence Completions: Adjectives And Adverbs

Fill in the blank with the word that best completes the sentence.

The student was __________ to speaking out in class and found it hard to restrain herself from being so outspoken.

Possible Answers:

moved

earnest

prone

deft

disinclined

Correct answer:

prone

Explanation:

Since the student was outspoken, it means that she's likely, or "prone," to speak out in class. The other incorrect answer choices mean the following: "earnest" is to be sincere; "moved" is to be affected; "disinclined" is to be discouraged; and "deft" is to be skilled.

Example Question #89 : Sentence Completions: Adjectives And Adverbs

Fill in the blank with the word that best completes the sentence.

The wait at the doctor's office seemed extremely lengthy and nearly __________ to the young child who was antsy to play outside.

Possible Answers:

subtle

cursory

momentary

infinite

robust

Correct answer:

infinite

Explanation:

Since the wait was lengthy, this indicates that from the child's perspective, it seemed "infinite" or never-ending. The other answer choices mean the following: "robust" means healthy; "subtle" means delicate; "cursory" means quick, and "momentary" means fast.

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