All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #301 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
NOTABLE
Audible
Important
Insignificant
Responsible
Edible
Important
The root "note" comes from Latin and usually relates to being important, as in words like "noteworthy" and phrases like "of note," both of which mean important. Thus, it makes sense that "notable" also means "important." “Insignificant” means not important; “responsible” means able to be trusted to do the right thing or mature; “edible” means able to be eaten; “audible” means able to be heard.
Example Question #302 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
COMPEL
Force
Suppress
Deride.
Imitate
Encourage
Force
The Latin root "-pel" means force or drive and is found in English words like "dispel" (drive away or eliminate a bad feeling, especially uncertainty) and "repel" (to physically force back and away—think of what "mosquito repellant" accomplishes). Given this, it makes sense that "compel" means force someone to do something. “Deride” means mock, “imitate” means copy; “suppress” means subdue or curb; and "encourage" means support someone's actions and in doing so, suggest that he or she begin or continue those actions.
Example Question #303 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
BENIGN
Helpful
Harmful
Harmless
Horrific
Helpful
Harmless
The root "ben" means good, so it makes sense that "benign" means not harmful, not dangerous, or "harmless." As for the other answer choices, “harmful” means causing damage; “helpless” means unable to help oneself; “helpful” means kind and providing assistance; and “horrific” means shocking and terrible.
Example Question #304 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CHRONOLOGICAL
Timely
Irreversible
Inherent
Malleable
Sequential
Sequential
The "chron-" part of "chronological" comes from a Latin word meaning time, so it makes sense that “chronological” means arranged in the order in which events happened. This is very close to the meaning of the word “sequential,” which means happening in a defined sequence. As for the other answer choices, “irreversible” means not able to be changed back or reversed; “malleable” means flexible, bendable, and able to be molded; "timely" means well-timed or appropriate; and “inherent” means natural or inborn.
Example Question #305 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
LIBERATE
Rejoice
Barter
Free
Enslave
Entrap
Free
"Liber-" derives from Latin roots meaning free, so it makes sense that with the "-ate" suffix added, which means to do or make, "liberate" means set free from some kind of oppression. This means that "free" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “enslave” means to make into a slave; “entrap” means capture; “rejoice” means celebrate or express happiness about something that happened; and “barter” means to trade one thing for another so as to conduct business without money.
Example Question #306 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ELOQUENT
Well-spoken
Artistic
Nomadic
Incessant
Terminal
Well-spoken
The root "loq" means speak or talk and is found in other words like "loquacious" (talkative), "interlocutor" (someone with whom you have a conversation) and "elocution" (diction). Thus, it makes sense that someone who is "eloquent" is able to speak well and beautifully, making "well-spoken" the correct answer.
As for the other answer choices, “artistic” means creative and talented in making art; “nomadic” means wandering and not living permanently in one place; “incessant” means unrelenting; and “terminal” means final or concluding.
Example Question #307 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MALICIOUS
Serene
Embarrassed
Grateful
Humorous
Nasty
Nasty
The Latin root "mal" means bad or not, so it makes sense that "malicious" means cruel and wanting to cause pain and suffering. "Nasty" is thus the correct answer, as the word can be used to mean mean-spirited and hurtful when describing people As for the other answer choices, “grateful” means thankful for things you have been given; “humorous” means funny; “serene” means quiet and peaceful; and "embarrassed" means slightly ashamed, especially due to something one's actions in front of other people.
Example Question #533 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MALICE
Benevolence
Magnanimity
Magnificence
Malevolence
Benefit
Malevolence
The Latin root "mal-" means bad and appears in English words like "malcontent" (someone who instigates trouble due to not being content with the current state of things); "malady" (sickness), and "maladroit" (not adroit, therefore clumsy and uncoordinated). Because of this, it makes sense that "malice" means ill-will or spite, making "malevolence" the correct answer, as "malevolence" means vindictive, evil, or hostile. The opposite of “malevolence” is “benevolence,” which means wishing or doing good things for others. (The prefix "ben-" means good.) “Magnificence” means greatness; “magnanimity” means nobility, kindness and generosity; “benefit” means something or some aspect of something that is useful, good, and helpful.
Example Question #308 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
BIANNUAL
Once a year
Every decade
Monthly
Twice a year
Every century
Twice a year
The prefix "bi-" means two, and "annual" means yearly, so it makes sense that “biannual” means taking place two times per year. A “decade” is every ten years and a “century” is every hundred years. The prefix "dec-" means ten and the prefix "cent-" means one hundred.
Example Question #309 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CONTRADICT
Appraise
Arrive
Exasperate
Excavate
Dispute
Dispute
The Latin prefix "contra-" means against, and the Latin root "-dict" means speak or talk, so it makes sense that to "contradict" someone or a point is to speak against it—that is, to show that it is false by suggesting that the opposite is true. So, "dispute" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "contradict." As for the other answer choices, “appraise” means evaluate or determine the worth of something; “arrive” means show up; “excavate” means dig up; and “exasperate” means frustrate.