ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Conjunctions and Sentence Logic in One-Blank Sentences

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #91 : Conjunctions And Sentence Logic In One Blank Sentences

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The problem is not yet __________, but if progress is not made soon any comprehensive solution might no longer be possible.

Possible Answers:

quiescent 

equivocal 

supercilious 

pejorative

irreparable

Correct answer:

irreparable

Explanation:

You are told that there is a problem for which a solution has not yet been found. The use of the conjunction "but" provides a big clue as to the nature of the answer choice you are looking for. The word "irreparable" means unfixable, not able to be repaired. So, the problem is not yet "unfixable," but might become that way if progress is not made soon. To provide further help, "equivocal" means unclear, ambiguous; "supercilious" means arrogant and disdainful; "pejorative" means having a derogatory impact; "quiescent" means inactive, at rest

Example Question #92 : Conjunctions And Sentence Logic In One Blank Sentences

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The employee felt that the __________ she was receiving from her company was inadequate when compared to the wages being paid to the men in her company. 

Possible Answers:

buttress 

dogma 

renumeration 

contrition 

chivalry 

Correct answer:

renumeration 

Explanation:

Based on the context of this sentence it is clear that the underlined word must be a synonym of "wages" or "payment." So, the correct answer is "renumeration" which means money paid to someone for work. To provide further help, "chivalry" was a medieval code of conduct for knights emphasizing honor; a "buttress" is something that offers support; "dogma" is a set of principles or beliefs; "contrition" is the feeling of remorse or wanting to make amends

Example Question #93 : Conjunctions And Sentence Logic In One Blank Sentences

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

He made a(n) __________ argument that changed her mind and so she agreed to help him. 

Possible Answers:

enigmatic 

cogent 

nominal 

venal 

maudlin 

Correct answer:

cogent 

Explanation:

In order for the woman to be change her mind and agree to help the man the argument he made must have been convincing, well-reasoned. The correct answer is therefore "cogent" which means (of an argument) reasonable and convincing. Additionally, "venal" means corrupt; "nominal" means insignificant, unimportant; "maudlin" means overly sentimental; "enigmatic" means mysterious, cryptic

Example Question #94 : Sentence Completion

Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.

In opposition to the labyrinthine prose of Hegel, the passage from Sokolowski was refreshing for its __________.

Possible Answers:

lucidity

density

passivity

honesty

opacity

Correct answer:

lucidity

Explanation:

When something is “lucid” it is clear and bright—like light. Indeed, the word comes from the Latin word for light, which is found in other words like "translucent" and "pellucid." To say that something is “labyrinthine” is to say that it is like a maze. The implication is that Hegel’s writing style is as difficult to read as a maze is to navigate. In contrast to this, Sokolowski’s style must have been clear—that is, it was "lucid."

Example Question #94 : Context Clues In One Blank Sentences

Fill in the blank:

He suffered one final ignominy after death when his tomb was __________.

Possible Answers:

vitalized

absolved

consecrated

desecrated

secured

Correct answer:

desecrated

Explanation:

An “ignominy” is shame, disgrace, or humiliation, so because he suffered one final “ignominy” after death, we can infer that his tomb must have been “desecrated,” which means defiled, disrespected, or dishonored. “Absolved” means forgiven or removed blame from; “vitalized” means gave strength and energy to; and “secured” means fixed so something can’t be moved or assured the protection of.

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