All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Identifying Synonyms
A synonym of "rabble" is __________.
lies
debris
rocks
pleasantries
crowd
crowd
"Rabble" is a noun that means "a disorderly crowd; a mob," or when used as "the rabble," "ordinary people, especially when regarded as socially inferior or uncouth." While "rabble" may sound like "rubble," a noun that "rocks" or "debris" could be considered synonyms of, "rubble" does not mean the same thing as "rabble," so it cannot be the correct answer. "Crowd," however, when used as a noun, is the answer choice closest in meaning to "rabble," so it is the correct answer.
Example Question #2 : Identifying Synonyms
A synonym of "insurgent" is __________.
loyalist
overseer
king
rebel
employee
rebel
"Insurgent" is a word that when used as an adjective, means "rising in active revolt" or "of or relating to rebels" and when used as a noun, means "a rebel or revolutionary." So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "rebel." "Loyalist" cannot be the correct answer, then, because "loyalist" means "a person who remains loyal to the established ruler or government, especially in the face of a revolt," so it is an antonym of "rebel." "Rebel" is an available answer choice, and because it is the answer choice that is closest in meaning to "insurgent," "rebel" is the correct answer.
Example Question #3 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
GLUTTON
Benefactor
Curmudgeon
Abstainer
Overeater
Overeater
A glutton is someone who eats or consumes too much, so "overeater" is the correct answer. "Curmudgeon" means a grumpy or bad-tempered person, "benefactor" means donator, and "abstainer" means someone who holds themself back from doing something.
Example Question #4 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
GUERRILLA
Beast
Soldier
Master
Chef
Soldier
A "guerrilla" is a soldier who uses surprise tactics, not to be confused with "gorilla," the animal. So, "soldier" is the correct answer.
Example Question #5 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
BUFFOON
Genius
Youthful
Fool
Ancient
Miser
Fool
A "buffoon" is someone who makes a fool of themselves. To help you, "youthful" means young, "ancient" means very old, and a "miser" is someone who saves all the money that they can.
Example Question #6 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
NEMESIS
Archaeologist
Receipt
Opponent
Candidate
Occurrence
Opponent
A "nemesis" is an opponent, enemy, or adversary, so "opponent" is the correct answer. An "archaeologist" is a person who studies prehistoric people and their lifestyles. A "candidate" is a person who applies for a job or is nominated for a position. An "occurrence" is an event or happening. A "receipt" is a document that shows that a bill has been paid.
Example Question #7 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
DESPOT
Depot
List
Tyrant
Store
Tyrant
A "despot" is a tyrant. The best choice is "tyrant," which means an oppressive or unjust ruler. Considering the other choices, a "store" is a place where people go to make purchases, "list" means a group of things that are written down, and a "depot" is a warehouse.
Example Question #8 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the word or phrase that best matches the word in capital letters.
PROGENY
Children
Ancestors
Professionals
Amateurs
Adults
Children
"Progeny" is another word for offspring or someone's children. To provide further help, a "professional" is someone paid for their work, whereas an "amateur" is someone not paid for work. We call the people that came before us our "ancestors," so for example, your grandfather is one of your ancestors.
Example Question #9 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
CULPRIT
Guilty person
Bystander
Thief
Crime
Innocent person
Guilty person
A "culprit" is the person responsible for doing something wrong or the guilty person. So, "guilty person" is the correct answer.
Example Question #10 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the word or phrase that best matches the word in capital letters.
TURNCOAT
Financier
Traitor
Supporter
Enemy
Ally
Traitor
A “turncoat” is a traitor; someone who betrays his allies and helps his former enemies. Almost every American school child has heard of Benedict Arnold, the famous turncoat from the Revolutionary War. To provide further guidance, an "ally" is someone on your side; an "enemy" is someone who you are fighting against; a "supporter" is a fan; a "financier" is someone who provides the money to make something happen.
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