All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #261 : Sentence Completions
Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
The statue was __________, so no matter how long the viewers admired it, it did not move.
inept
inert
jocular
limber
shoddy
inert
The key to this sentence is to note that "no matter how long the viewers admired [the statue], it did not move." So, the best answer choice for the blank is "inert," which means unmoving.
Example Question #262 : Sentence Completions
Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
The child was __________ and the babysitter had a difficult time maintaining order when the child refused to listen to any directions she gave.
unruly
intuitive
robust
passive
zany
unruly
The child was hard to manage and would not listen to directions, and therfore the child was "unruly," or disobedient.
Example Question #263 : Sentence Completions
Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
It saddened the children a great deal to watch their grandmother grow old and __________; it is never easy when a loved one changes in ways that are hard to understand.
trustworthy
energetic
senile
reliable
vigorous
senile
The sentence tells you that the grandmother has gotten older and changed in some way that is not enjoyable for the children. "Vigorous" and "energetic" are both loosely synonyms of one another and mean full of life and energy. The answer we are looking for is opposite in meaning to this. It cannot be "reliable," which means dependable, as being dependable is a positive trait, so the answer must be “senile.” "Senility" is the weakening of physical and mental ability with age.
Example Question #264 : Sentence Completions
Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
The smallest puppy somehow proved the most indomitable; sometimes the __________ of the litter is forced to adapt to survive and thrive.
partner
mother
runt
boss
giant
runt
The term given to the smallest animal or person in a group is the “runt.”
Example Question #265 : Sentence Completions
Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
She was __________ with the stranger in the coffee shop; he was handsome, smart and mysterious - what wasn't to love?
shunned
smitten
absolved
stifled
menaced
smitten
From the context of the sentence, you know that the blank term must refer to the love felt instantly by the girl for the handsome man. The answer choice that most closely resembles love is “smitten.” To help you, "menaced" means threatened, "stifled" means restricted or held back, "shunned" means banished or ignored, and "absolved" means freed from guilt. "Smitten" is a synonym of besotted and enamored, and means in love with or having a crush on.
Example Question #266 : Sentence Completions
Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
The man was a __________ thief, and stole small things like pocket change and watches.
dangerous
understanding
talented
important
petty
petty
"Petty" means of lesser or secondary importance. Since the thief stole small things that were not very important, he was a petty thief.
Example Question #267 : Sentence Completions
Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
It is very __________ that you will spot a liger strolling down the street in New York City.
supported
pertinent
likely
understandable
improbable
improbable
It would be nearly impossible for one to see a liger strolling down the streets in New York City, so it is "improbable," a word which means not very likely to occur.
Example Question #268 : Sentence Completions
Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
When held in Russia, the Olympics were announced in Russian, the __________ language, as well as in English.
foreign
particular
vernacular
anonymous
unusual
vernacular
"Vernacular" is defined as native and is used to refer specifically to language. (When used as a noun, "vernacular" means native language spoken by ordinary people in a specific place. So, when held in Russia, the Olympics were announced in the country's native language, Russian, and "native" is the correct answer.
Example Question #269 : Sentence Completions
Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
With so many angry people, the riot became __________ quickly.
Dreamy
Passive
Quiet
Lethargic
Tumultuous
Tumultuous
"Tumultuous" means highly agitated and loud, and a riot full of angry people could be accurately described as "tumultuous."
Example Question #270 : Sentence Completions
Sentence Completions: Select the word or phrase that most correctly completes the sentence.
The ballerina was extremely _________ and could easily bend down and touch her toes.
stiff
limber
haggard
sturdy
comely
limber
The sentence tells you that the blank word must describe how flexible the ballerina is. This should lead you to the correct answer, which is “limber.” "Limber" means agile and flexible. To help you, "sturdy" means strong and reliable, "haggard" means looking like one is exhausted, "comely" means cute and attractive, and "stiff" means not flexible or not easily bent.
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