All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #130 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the word whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
ANALOGY
replacement
distortion
similarity
equivalence
similarity
An "analogy" can be a type of comparison drawn between two different things, often expressed in a proportion. For instance: "As the eye sees so does the ear hear." These are based upon a certain similarity. For example, the eye and the ear each have their own ways of sensing things—or at least that is implied in the analogy. Therefore, we can also speak of an "analogy" as being a type of similarity. For instance, you could say, "They eye has a certain analogy to the ear, in that they both are used in sensing." (Of course, there are more poetic uses of analogy than this.) The best option is "similarity." Do not be fooled into thinking "equivalence" is correct, for an analogy is precisely something that is not strictly equivalent.
Example Question #131 : Synonyms: Nouns
Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
ALLOY
Homonym
Antonym
Hybrid
Aerial
Angle
Hybrid
An “alloy” is a mixture of metals and as such, it is closest in meaning to “hybrid,” which means mixture of two or more components. To provide further help, “aerial” means mid-air, in the air; a “homonym” is a word that sounds the same as another word but has a different spelling and meaning; an “antonym” is a word that means the opposite of another word.
Example Question #132 : Synonyms: Nouns
Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
ANNUITY
Tariff
Tax
Expenditure
Pension
Income
Pension
The prefix "ann-" means yearly and an “annuity” is a sum of money given out annually. It is most similar to “pension,” which means money saved for or paid during retirement on a fixed, usually yearly basis. To provide further help, “tax” is money people pay to the government so that it can function; a “tariff” is money charged by the government to ship goods into or out of the country; “expenditure” is money spent; "income” is money earned.
Example Question #61 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ACCORD
Happiness
Agreement
Reverence
Victory
Esteem
Agreement
If you are in "accord" with someone or something, it means you are in agreement with that person or thing.
Example Question #62 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ACCENT
Mentor
Niche
Refute
Dangle
Highlight
Highlight
An “accent” is a type of speaking distinct to a regional group of people or a mark placed over a vowel to indicate emphasis. However, when used as a verb, “accent” means emphasize the importance of something, so "highlight" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "accent": a "mentor" is an advisor; a "niche" is a suitable role; "refute" means to prove that an argument or point is incorrect; and "dangle" means swing or be suspended in midair.
Example Question #63 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CLEMENCY
Intent
Danger
Discombobulation
Cruelty
Mercy
Mercy
The word "clemency" means mercy. The word "mercy" is the best choice because it is a part of the definition of "clemency." Considering the other choices, "cruelty" means great unkindness directed towards another sentient living thing, "intent" means purpose, "discombobulation" means confusion, and "danger" means hazard.
Example Question #64 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PENCHANT
Oddity
Fondness
Tantrum
Cylinder
Market
Fondness
"Penchant" means a liking or fondness. For example, if someone has a "penchant for chocolate cake," they really like chocolate cake. "Fondness" is thus the correct answer.
Example Question #137 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
QUALM
Misgiving
Storm
Connection
Silence
Donation
Misgiving
A "qualm" is a sense of uneasiness or misgiving about something, often due to the still, small voice of one's conscience. A swindler may have no qualms about bilking you out of your hard-earned money. Don't be tricked into picking "storm" for this question—there may be a "calm" (but not a qualm) before a storm, and a "squall" (violent gust of wind) may accompany a storm, but these words are unrelated to "qualm."
Example Question #65 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AFFRONT
Mollify
Malice
Soothe
Allay
Insult
Insult
An “affront” is an insult, an offense. To provide further guidance, "allay," soothe and mollify are all synonyms. All three words mean to calm, to ease. Finally, malice is a feeling of hatred, an intent to do harm.
Example Question #66 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PACT
Credit
Contract
Break
Rule
Measurement
Contract
A "pact" is an agreement. The best choice is "contract," which means a legally enforceable agreement between two or more individuals or organizations. Considering the other choices, "break" means smash into parts, "credit" means the ability to buy things that you will then pay for at a later time or trustworthiness when used as a noun and attribute as a verb, and "rule" means a code by which people abide.
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