ISEE Upper Level Verbal : ISEE Upper Level (grades 9-12) Verbal Reasoning

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #2391 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

JUDICIOUS

Possible Answers:

Tribunal

Rhetorical

Illicit

Prudent

Legal

Correct answer:

Prudent

Explanation:

The word “judicious” is related to “judgment,” but do not let that lead you to the law-related words like “legal,” “illicit,” and “tribunal.” When someone is “judicious,” he or she has and exercises “good judgment.” Such a person could be called “prudent,” meaning he or she is wise in a practical manner.

Example Question #2392 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.

CAPRICIOUS

Possible Answers:

Planned

Condescending

Predictable

Amusing

Impulsive

Correct answer:

Impulsive

Explanation:

"Capricious" means unpredictable, so both planned and predictable are incorrect, because they are antonyms for capricious. "Condescending" means to lower in position, and "amusing" involves humor, so the best answer choice is "impulsive."

Example Question #2393 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

OSTENTATIOUS

Possible Answers:

Pedantic

Pejorative

Conspicuous

Resolute

Mellifluous

Correct answer:

Conspicuous

Explanation:

"Ostentatious" means conspicuous, flashy, or showy. "Mellifluous" means smooth and sweet-sounding. "Pedantic" means overly-precise or bookish. "Pejorative" means negative or belittling. "Resolute" means determined or strong-willed.

Example Question #2394 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

QUIXOTIC

Possible Answers:

Idealistic

Potential

Quotidian

Humorous

Literary

Correct answer:

Idealistic

Explanation:

"Quixotic" is an adjective that means "exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical" and derives from Cervantes's literary character Don Quixote. While "quotidian" may look like a potentially correct answer choice simply because both "quixotic" and "quotidian" begin with "q," "quotidian" means "of or occurring every day," so it cannot be the correct answer. "Idealistic," which means "characterized by idealism; unrealistically aiming for perfection," is the best answer choice because it is closest in meaning to "quixotic."

Example Question #2395 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

PLACID

Possible Answers:

Complaining

Levelheaded

Compliant

Jovial

Harried

Correct answer:

Levelheaded

Explanation:

"Placid" is an adjective meaning either "not easily upset or excited" when used to describe a person or animal and "calm and peaceful, with little movement or activity" when describing a place or stretch of water. "Levelheaded," an adjective that means "calm and sensible," is the answer choice closest in meaning to "placid," so it is the correct answer.

Example Question #2396 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

MOROSE

Possible Answers:

Conventional

Prolific

Recondite

Virtuous

Gloomy

Correct answer:

Gloomy

Explanation:

A "morose" person is of a sullen temperament, often negative and depressing to be around. Among the options provided, the only decent synonym is “gloomy.” The words “conventional” and especially “virtuous” might tempt you given that “morose” looks like “moral.” While it actually is distantly related to these other words, do not be tricked so easily!

Example Question #2397 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

FRACTIOUS

Possible Answers:

Shimmery

Grandiose

Ephemeral

Irritable

Broken

Correct answer:

Irritable

Explanation:

"Fractious" means "irritable" and quarrelsome.

Example Question #848 : Hspt Verbal Skills

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

FATUOUS

Possible Answers:

Dull

Brazen

Portly

Worrisome

Bright

Correct answer:

Dull

Explanation:

The word "fatuous" is an adjective that means foolish or lacking wit. "Dull," which can mean lacking wit, shares the same definition and is therefore the best answer choice. Considering the other choices, "bright" in this context is an antonym of "fatuous" since it can mean intelligent. "Portly" means heavy or fat.

Example Question #2398 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

GLIB

Possible Answers:

Dumbfounded

Pivot

Smooth-talking

Crass

Portable

Correct answer:

Smooth-talking

Explanation:

A person who is "glib" is smooth-talking, meaning they are able to speak well. The best choice is thus "smooth-talking," since it is part of the definition of "glib." Considering the other choices, "crass" means rude or gross, "dumbfounded" means astonished, "pivotal" means crucial or important, and "portable" means able to be transported easily.

Example Question #2399 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

COMBATIVE

Possible Answers:

Disruptive

Battle

Torrid

Masterful

Obedient

Correct answer:

Disruptive

Explanation:

"Combative" is an adjective that means ready to fight. The best choice is "quarrelsome," since it holds a similar meaning of ready to argue. Considering the other choices, "obedient" is an antonym which means complying with authority, "masterful" means skillful, "torrid" means very hot and arid, or passionate when describing a romantic relationship.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors