ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Adjectives and Adverbs in One-Blank Sentences

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ISEE Upper Level Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #692 : One Blank Sentences

Each question below is made up of a sentence with one or two blanks.  One blank indicates that one word is missing.  Two blanks indicate that two words are missing.  Each sentence is followed by five choices.  Select the one word or pair of words that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

The __________ competitiveness between the hockey teams during the championship showed their desire to win.

Possible Answers:

fabricated

artificial

missing

wanting

relentless

Correct answer:

relentless

Explanation:

In the championship, both teams had a desire to win and were therefore relentless or persistent in their competitive spirit.

Example Question #693 : One Blank Sentences

Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

When Suzie baked, she attempted to use _____ combinations of ingredients in order to create delectable desserts.

Possible Answers:

equitable

requisite

justifiable

indefinite

judicious

Correct answer:

judicious

Explanation:

Since Suzie wants to create delicious desserts, she needs to use judicious combinations of ingredients or combinations she makes using good sense.

Example Question #681 : One Blank Sentences

Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

His _____ lifestyle was not conducive to running, biking, or similar activities.

Possible Answers:

dynamic

occupied

stagnant

tireless

sedentary

Correct answer:

sedentary

Explanation:

If his lifestyle is not conducive to physical activities, it means that he leads a sedentary or inactive life.

Example Question #682 : One Blank Sentences

Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

The _____ ointment was used to prevent bacterial infection and was also used to heal the wound faster.

Possible Answers:

aseptic

dilute

soothing

transparent

viscous

Correct answer:

aseptic

Explanation:

The key to this sentence is noting that the ointment prevents infection and therefore it must be sterile or aseptic.

Example Question #683 : One Blank Sentences

Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

In order to effectively emulate the drawing, the tracing paper needed to be _____.

Possible Answers:

opaque

permeable

diaphanous

luminous

sturdy

Correct answer:

diaphanous

Explanation:

In order for someone to trace a drawing, the tracing paper needs to be transparent or diaphanous.

Example Question #684 : One Blank Sentences

Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

Heather's __________ gaze as she waited for the subway indicated that her mind was a blank slate.

Possible Answers:

mindful

vacuous

piercing

intuitive

injudicious

Correct answer:

vacuous

Explanation:

Since her mind was a blank slate, it means that Heather's gaze was presumably without thought or vacuous in nature.

Example Question #685 : One Blank Sentences

Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

The __________ living arrangement of the two roommates was beneficial to both; they had communal meals together and shared many of their possessions.

Possible Answers:

coinciding

disjointed

symbiotic

adhesive

disobliging

Correct answer:

symbiotic

Explanation:

The living arrangement between the two roommates is favorable and thus, they have a symbiotic living arrangement.

Example Question #686 : One Blank Sentences

Many people did not realize the __________ nature of the naval victory, for at the time most citizens were merely glad to have a single success, paying little heed to the future ramifications of such an outcome.

Possible Answers:

momentous

importance

gravity

recognized

joyous

Correct answer:

momentous

Explanation:

Although several options, like “importance” and perhaps even “gravity” are tempting here, the best option is “momentous.” A “momentous” event is one that is important, especially in having implications for the future. Because of the last subordinate clause, this is the best option.

Example Question #687 : One Blank Sentences

Ryan did not seem to be aware of how __________ he appeared to others, even though his actions seemed to show an utter lack of respect for the sensibilities of those with whom he spoke.

Possible Answers:

deceptive

callous

censorious

hypocritical

judgmental

Correct answer:

callous

Explanation:

The key thing to note in this sentence is that Ryan did not show respect for others. This does not necessarily mean that he was judgmental or censorious with regard to them. The word “callous” best fits the need in this sentence, for it means that one is insensitive to others or disregards them. It is related to the physical notion of “callus,” in the sense of a hardened piece of skin (like that which one gets from playing the guitar).

Example Question #688 : One Blank Sentences

Few people are experts in many subjects, though some people can be at least __________ in quite a few.

Possible Answers:

steady

remarkable

dependable

reviewed

competent

Correct answer:

competent

Explanation:

The implication in this sentence is that quite a few people at least have abilities in subjects to a decent degree, even if not one that is superlative. When someone has “competency” in something, he or she is said to have an adequate amount of skill, at least enough to be able to do the task. It is indirectly related to words like “compete,” “competitor,” and “petition.” All of these words come from Latin roots meaning “to seek,” (implied by the “-pet-” portion of the word).

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