All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Other Languages
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SURPASS
Exceed
Summit
Undermine
Neutralize
Regress
Exceed
When someone "surpasses" something such as a world record in running, it means they "exceed" the previously set limit or expectation. The other answer chocies are as follows: to "summit" is to reach the peak; to "regress" is to go backwards; to "undermine" is to weaken; and to "neutralize" is to counteract.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Other Languages
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
REDOUBTABLE
Clingy
Daunting
Superlative
Pathetic
Gross
Daunting
“Redoubtable” is an adjective that means “formidable” when referring to a person, so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “formidable.” That means that “pathetic” cannot be the correct answer, because “pathetic” means “arousing pity,” making it a near antonym, not a synonym, of “redoubtable.” “Daunting,” however, is an adjective that means “intimidating,” and because “daunting” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “redoubtable,” “daunting” is the correct answer.
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Suffixes
Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
PESTICIDE
Rat tracker
Insect feeder
Insect tracker
Insect killer
Rat feeder
Insect killer
The suffix "-cide" means related to killing and the prefix "pest-" means related to pests, such as insects or rats. In this instance, since there is no option for “rat killer” the correct answer is “insect killer.”
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Suffixes
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FORMULATE
Find
Create
Calculate
Understand
Express
Create
The answer choice closest in meaning to "formulate" is "create." For example, if you "formulate" a plan, it means that you create a plan.
Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Suffixes
Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
SEGREGATE
Keep from winning
Keep awake
Keep forever
Keep apart
Keep from moving
Keep apart
The prefix "se-" means apart or away, so “segregate” means keep apart.
Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Suffixes
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
LAUGHABLE
Whiny
Bold
Ridiculous
Prickly
Sensible
Ridiculous
“Laughable” is an adjective that means “so ridiculous as to be amusing,” so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “ludicrous.” That means that “sensible” cannot be the correct answer, because “sensible” means “having good sense,” making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “laughable.” “Ridiculous,” however, is an adjective that means “absurd,” and because “ridiculous” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “laughable,” “ridiculous” is the correct answer.
Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Suffixes
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EQUITABLE
Fair
Ceremonial
Fragile
Uneven
Fine
Fair
The prefix equi- means same or equal. A situation that is “equitable” is one that is the same for everyone, equal and fair. To provide further help, “fragile” means easily broken; “ceremonial” means done for reasons of tradition or ceremony.
Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Suffixes
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ABOMINABLE
Passable
Sincere
Participating
Limited
Detestable
Detestable
"Abominable" is an adjective that can mean "causing moral revulsion" or "very bad or unpleasant." So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "very bad." Because "detestable" means "deserving intense dislike," it is the answer choice closest in meaning to "abominable" and the correct answer.
Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Suffixes From Latin
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CLARIFY
Obscure
Elucidate
Puzzle
Contort
Defy
Elucidate
The Latin root "clar" means clear, so “clarify” means to make clear. “Obscure” means hide when used as a verb; “puzzle” means confuse; "contort" means twist out of shape; and "defy" means purposely disobey a figure of authority.
Example Question #7 : Synonyms: Suffixes From Latin
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CONFER
Foster
Award
Surmise
Undermine
Fuse
Award
The prefix "con-" means together, so it makes sense that to “confer” something means to bring, "award," or present that thing to someone in particular. “Surmise” means guess or suppose something to be true; “foster” means encourage or assist; “undermine” means reduce the importance of, subvert, erode, or weaken; and “fuse” means weld together, join, or combine.
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All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
