ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Adjectives and Adverbs in One-Blank Sentences
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Example Questions
Example Question #1150 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The athlete decided to change her training regime after a particularly __________ performance.
pedestrian
formidable
comely
posh
luminary
pedestrian
Based on the context of this sentence the underlined word must mean something like bad or average - if the athlete performed well she would not want to change coaches. So, the correct answer is "pedestrian." "Pedestrian" means dull, uninspired, mediocre. To provide further help, "comely" means cute; "luminary" means notable, an important person (and is also a noun, not an adjective, so it cannot be correct here); "posh" means wealthy and refined; , "formidable" means daunting.
Example Question #1151 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
At his retirement party the forty-year employee was given a certificate recognizing his __________ conduct during his years of service.
doleful
venial
melodious
nefarious
exemplary
exemplary
Based on the context of this sentence it is logical that the man would be given a certificate that reflects his flawless, impeccable, and devoted service during his years at the company. The answer choice that most closely reflects this definition is "exemplary" which means serving as a model, perfect and flawless. To provide further help, "melodious" means harmonious, producing a pleasant sound; "doleful" means sad and pathetic; "venial" means (of a sin) easily forgiven; "nefarious" means wicked, evil, wrong.
Example Question #1152 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Her __________ and impatient manner won her few friends at work.
brusque
panache
deferential
elusive
humane
brusque
Based on the context of this sentence the correct answer must be at least somewhat similar in meaning to "impatient." The only answer choice that describes a negative characteristic similar to "impatient" is "brusque" which means curt, impolite, blunt. To provide further help, "panache" means style, flair; "humane" means compassionate, kind; "elusive" means hard to find or hard to identify; "deferential" means respectful of others and willing to let others take the lead.
Example Question #1153 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
His __________ beliefs required a rigid devotion to the status quo and an aversion to change of any kind.
reactionary
conservative
moderate
radical
liberal
reactionary
On the political spectrum you have five broad categories. Furthest left is "radicals" who favor quick and immediate change. Next is "liberals," then "moderates," then "conservatives." Furthest right is those who are "reactionary." "Reactionary" means completely, sometimes violently, opposed to any changes or reforms. So, because the subject is described as rigidly attached to the status quo you know that he is best put under the category of "reactionary."
Example Question #2041 : Psat Critical Reading
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The author’s __________ output tended to overshadow the poor quality of the majority of his work.
unimpressive
prodigious
limited
infinitesimal
meager
prodigious
Here the word “poor” indicates that the author is not very good; therefore, he must have written a good amount of material if it overshadows the quality of the material. Only "prodigious" means in a great amount.
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