All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #521 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PREDICAMENT
Power
Speech
Discussion
Plight
Prediction
Plight
"Predicament" is a noun meaning " a difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation," so we need to pick out an answer choice which is a noun meaning something like "a problem." While "prediction" might sound like "predicament," a "prediction" is "a thing predicted; a forecast" or "the action of predicting something;" since the meaning of "prediction" isn't close to "a problem," it can't be the correct answer. "Plight," however, when used as a noun means "a dangerous, difficult, or otherwise unfortunate situation." Since "plight" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "predicament," it is the correct answer.
Example Question #522 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
STEREOTYPE
Assumption
Generalization
Attack
Ignorance
Hate
Generalization
A "stereotype" is the application of an overly general belief about a certain type of people. For example, there is a stereotype that all sushi chefs are Asian, when in actuality this is not at all true and there are many sushi chefs who are not Asian. Therefore, the best synonym would be "generalization." While a stereotype is a type of assumption, "generalization" is the more precise synonym; therefore the answer choice "assumption" is incorrect.
Example Question #523 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FLAK
Disapproval
Debris
Consideration
Mosaic
Obstacle
Disapproval
"Flak" is a noun that means criticism. "Disapproval" is the best choice since it shares the same definition. Considering the other choices, "debris" means the remains of something broken, "mosaic" means a flat piece of art made of small pieces of colored material, a "consideration" is something that is thought about or needs to be thought about for some or idea to work, and an "obstacle" is a hindrance, often a physical one.
Example Question #524 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
VOW
Betray
Bow
Oath
Pacify
Suggestion
Oath
A "vow" is a solemn, formal promise. "Oath" is the best choice, since it means a formal promise. Considering the other choices, "bow" means a weapon used to shoot arrows or a decoration added to gifts made of looped sections of ribbon; "betrayal" is an antonym of "vow" and means the act of breaking a promise or violating the trust of someone, and "suggestion" means an idea put forward as an option of proceeding or adjusting how one is doing something.
Example Question #525 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
GRATUITY
Advice
Hermit
Tip
Vow
Outcast
Tip
The Latin root "grat" means pleasing, so a “gratuity” is a “tip,” or money given to show you are pleased. A “hermit” is a recluse, someone who lives alone and avoids people; “vow” means promise; and an “outcast” is someone excluded from society.
Example Question #526 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ENNUI
Boredom
Terror
Mediocrity
Excitement
Joy
Boredom
"Ennui" is a noun that means "a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement." While all of the potential answer choices refer to feelings, only "mediocrity," "terror," and "boredom" refer to negatively-connoted emotions. "Terror" is not close in meaning to "ennui," and while "mediocrity" may seem like a potentially correct answer, "boredom" is the best answer choice because it is the closest synonym of "ennui."
Example Question #526 : Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
RENOWN
Power
Wealth
Knowledge
Fame
Fury
Fame
"Renown" means fame. For example, an artist of great renown is famous and well known. So, "fame" is the correct answer.
Example Question #527 : Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
DISCORD
Distaste
Fruitful
Untied
Disharmony
Disdain
Disharmony
"Discord" means lack of harmony, therefore "disharmony" is closest in meaning to "discord."
Example Question #528 : Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
DEFECT
Fatigue
Flaw
Dynasty
Treasurer
Candor
Flaw
A "defect" is a flaw, so "flaw" is the correct answer. A "treasurer" is an officer in an organization that manages the finances. "Candor" means utmost honesty and truthfulness. "Dynasty" is a line of rulers from the same family. "Fatigue" means extreme tiredness.
Example Question #529 : Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
PROCLAMATION
Sea
Announcement
Scheme
Story
Announcement
A "proclamation" is an official announcement. The best choice is "announcement" because it is a part of the definition of "proclamation." Considering the other choices, "sea" refers to a large body of salt water, "scheme" means come up with a plan, often to commit some sort of crime when used as a verb or a plan when used as a noun, and "story" means a narrative designed to entertain readers or listeners.
Certified Tutor
Certified Tutor