All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #2371 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DILAPIDATED
Bruised
Ugly
Rubbled
Battered
Inexpensive
Battered
When something is dilapidated, it is run down. This does not mean that it is totally destroyed. Nevertheless, a dilapidated piece of property is in poor shape. The word comes from roots that literally mean with stones fallen down. While such a piece of property might be inexpensive or ugly, this is not what "dilapidated" means. "To be dilapidated" is to be in a state of disrepair or ruin. Thus, the best option is "battered." While this can be used to describe someone who has been physically injured, it also can be used to describe something that has been worn down by use or over-exposure to poor conditions. Thus, someone can have a "battered old car."
Example Question #2372 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
IRATE
Enraged
Irritated
Annoyed
Vexed
Angered
Enraged
For this question, you have to be very careful to match the synonym most closely. The options provided all are related to the word "irate." Note that "irate" means the state of being extremely angry. Thus, "enraged" is the best option among those provided for "irate." All of the other ones are too weak for so strong an emotion.
Example Question #2373 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PENSIVE
Annoyed
Disturbed
Contemplative
Distracted
Confused
Contemplative
"Pensive" is an adjective meaning performing reflection or deep and serious thought. "Contemplative" is a similar adjective meaning engaged in the act of thinking as well. The words "annoyed," "disturbed," "distracted," and "confused" are all antithetical to "pensive."
Example Question #2374 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
JOCULAR
Obvious
Blank
Beautiful
Annoying
Playful
Playful
"Jocular" is an adjective meaning exhibiting a joyous or jesting mood. "Playful" means wanting to play or be amused, and is a close synonym. "Annoying," "obvious," "blank," and "beautiful" are all adjectives unrelated to playfulness or joking.
Example Question #2375 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PETULANT
Feckless
Mendacious
Quiescent
Fastidious
Peevish
Peevish
"Petulant" is an adjective meaning rude or bad tempered, often in a childish or immature way. "Peevish" means grumpy and has the same connotation of childishness, "feckless" means cowardly or incompetent, "fastidious" means careful and neat, "quiescent" means agreeable, and "mendacious" means lying.
Example Question #2376 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CRESTFALLEN
Ruffled
Lifeless
Ebullient
Dejected
Miserly
Dejected
"Crestfallen" means dejected, feeling sad, disappointed and hopeless. To provide further help, "lifeless" means without life; "miserly" means stingy, not inclined to spend money; "ebullient" means enthusiastic; "ruffled" means disturbed.
Example Question #2377 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ENERVATING
Invigorating
Brandishing
Demoralizing
Tiring
Placating
Tiring
"Enervating" means tiring, causing one to feel drained of energy. It is opposite in meaning to "invigorating" which means energizing. To provide further help, to "brandish" means to flourish or wave around; "demoralizing" means taking away morale, making one feel less enthusiastic; "placating" means soothing, comforting.
Example Question #2378 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.
VULNERABLE
veteran
morose
painstaking
susceptible
susceptible
Vulnerable means susceptible to physical or emotional harm.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.
RETICENT
entertaining
medical
reserved
quick
reserved
Reticent means not readily revealing thoughts or feelings, or reserved.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Answer the following sample question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
URBANE
succinct
cultured
metropolitan
resolute
urgent
cultured
"Urbane" means cultured or civilized. "Metropolitan" means urban or concerning a city. "Urgent" means needing immediate attention. "Resolute" means determined or strong-willed. "Succinct" means short and to the point.
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