All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #251 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SPECIFY
Identify
Suggest
Generalize
Fake
Recognize
Identify
The word "specify" is related to the word "species." Although we use this in biology to discuss particular classes of animals, the word "species" has a broader definition that comes from its use in logic. When we talk about a general class of things, we call that its "genus." (We do this in biology as well.) The members of that general class are its "species." They are "specific" members—you can see how all of these words are related. When something is "specified," it is pointed out, or made specific and thus can be said to be "identified." This is the best option among those provided. Do not be tricked by "recognize," which is close in meaning to this but not exactly the same. Something can be recognized without being specifically identified.
Example Question #252 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
NOTIFY
Instill
Provide
Inform
Rest
Bother
Inform
"Notify" is a verb meaning inform or bring to the attention of, so the answer choice closest in meaning is "inform" a verb that means notify. Considering the other choices, none are close in meaning to "notify": "bother," when used as a verb, means annoy; "rest," when used as a verb, means relax and take a break in order to regain energy; and "provide" means give.
Example Question #253 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AQUEDUCT
Solubility
Transmission
Container
Conduit
Pool
Conduit
The root "aqua" refers to water, and the suffix "-duct" refers to something that carries something else, so an “aqueduct” is a pipe that carries drinking water from a source to a population center. Another word for something that carries things from one place to another is a “conduit.” To provide further help, "solubility" is how well a substance dissolves in water or another solute, a "transmission" is the transferral of something from one place to another; a "container" is something used to store or hold something else; and a "pool" is a small artificial body of water used for recreational swimming.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Roots
Synonyms: Select the word or phrase that best matches the word in capital letters.
MEMENTO
Catchphrase
Heretical
Insistence
Rancorous
Reminder
Reminder
A "memento" is a souvenir or a reminder of past events, so "reminder" is the correct answer. To help you, a "catchphrase" is a repeated saying associated with an individual or a character, "rancorous" means unforgiving or angry, and "heretical" means dissenting from the popular or traditional opinion, unorthodox, or going against established religious ideas.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
BENEDICTION
Curse
Dystopia
Utopia
Blessing
Euphemism
Blessing
A "benediction" is a blessing, so "blessing" is the correct answer. To provide further help, a "euphemism" is a word or phrase used in place of a rude or offensive term, a "utopia" is an ideal paradise, whereas a "dystopia" is a world in which everything has gone wrong and the opposite of a "utopia."
Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin
Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
SCRIPTURE
Biblical writings
Impossible equations
Mathematical equations
Victorian writings
Scientific writings
Biblical writings
The prefix "script-" refers to writing and is related to the suffix "scribe," such as in “inscribe” or “transcribe.” “Scripture” commonly refers to Biblical writings.
Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin
Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
ANACHRONISM
Testament
Diatribe
Monument
Relic
Hypothesis
Relic
"Chron-" refers to time or the passage of time, so an “anachronism” is something from a previous period of history or something out of its time. Its former meaning is closest in definition to a “relic,” which is an object left over from the past. To provide further help, a “testament” is evidence; a “monument” is something built to remember a great person or event; a “hypothesis” is an idea or theory that requires investigation; a “diatribe” is an angry verbal attack.
Example Question #254 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ACRIMONY
Influx
Rancor
Monument
Celebration
Admonition
Rancor
The prefix "acri-" refers to bitterness, either a bitter sensation or a bitterness of personality. In this instance it is the latter usage that is relevant, as “acrimony” is a feeling of bitterness towards someone else. This is similar in meaning to “hostility,” or “rancor,” which means resentment. To provide further help, “influx" means arrival of a large group of things or people; a “monument” is a statue built to commemorate someone or some event; and “admonition” means caution or warning.
Example Question #255 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
NOMENCLATURE
Title
Taxonomy
Fatigue
Pseudonym
Discrepancy
Taxonomy
The prefix "nom-" means related to names, and “nomenclature” means a naming system. As such, it is most similar in meaning to “taxonomy,” which is another name for a system of naming and identifying things. To provide further help, a “discrepancy” is an inconsistency; a “pseudonym” is a fake name or a nickname; "fatigue" is exhaustion or extreme tiredness, and a "title" is the name by which a work of art or literature is known.
Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
VOCATION
Occupation
Account
Task
Information
Homework
Occupation
Since "vocation" is a noun that means job or profession we're looking for another noun that also means job. "Task" sounds like it might be the correct answer, but a "task" is a job in the sense of a piece of work to be done, it is not a day-to-day job or profession. "Occupation," on the other hand, means a job or profession, so it is the correct answer.
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