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

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #95 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.

SUPERCILIOUS

Possible Answers:

arrogant

radical

unnecessary

taciturn

Correct answer:

arrogant

Explanation:

Supercilious means arrogant or haughty.

Example Question #34 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

EXTROVERTED

Possible Answers:

Outgoing

Harsh

Reclusive

Fickle

Merciful

Correct answer:

Outgoing

Explanation:

"Extroverted" means sociable or outgoing, so "outgoing" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "extroverted": "reclusive" is an antonym of "outgoing" and means solitary and avoiding other people; "fickle" means constantly changing; "harsh" means severe or cruel; and "merciful" means sympatheitc or forgiving.

Example Question #35 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

CONVIVIAL

Possible Answers:

Insolent

Generous

Exotic

Lively

Ferocious

Correct answer:

Lively

Explanation:

"Convivial" means lively or enjoyable and often is used to describe an environment or event. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "convivial": "exotic" means foreign or nonnative; "ferocious" means fierce or savage; "generous" means very willing to give or donate to other people; and "insolent" means rude and arrogant.

Example Question #36 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

LACONIC

Possible Answers:

Concise

Portly

Stern

Representative

Egalitarian

Correct answer:

Concise

Explanation:

The people of ancient Sparta (a region also called Lakonia) were known for sparing their words. Today the word "laconic," meaning concise or succinct communication, keeps the memory of the ancient Spartan concision alive in the English language.

Example Question #2411 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

STOIC

Possible Answers:

resigned

boring

placed

exhausted

tedious

Correct answer:

resigned

Explanation:

The word “stoic” is taken from a school of Greek and Roman philosophy that emphasized the need of being detached from emotions and unmoved by the fortunes of life. When someone is said to be “stoic” or “stoical,” he or she is being described as “accepting things as they come in a calm manner.” When someone is “resigned,” he or she accepts something that is undesirable precisely because he or she cannot alter the situation.

Example Question #38 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

TRACTABLE

Possible Answers:

Eclectic

Loquacious

Manageable

Vacuous

Obstinate

Correct answer:

Manageable

Explanation:

"Tractable" and "manageable" both mean controllable or easily grasped. "Obstinate" means stubborn or determined. "Eclectic" means diverse or varied. "Loquacious" means talkative. "Vacuous" means empty or unintelligent.

Example Question #39 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

VERBOSE

Possible Answers:

Pejorative

Loquacious

Venerable

Succinct

Venturesome

Correct answer:

Loquacious

Explanation:

"Verbose" and "loquacious" both mean wordy or long-winded. "Succinct" means brief or to the point. "Venturesome" means courageous or adventurous. "Venerable" means respected or esteemed. "Pejorative" means negative or belittling.

Example Question #41 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

RELIABLE

Possible Answers:

Plodding

Repeatable

Gregarious

Dependable

Friendly

Correct answer:

Dependable

Explanation:

This question is meant to make you over-think your answer. The word “reliable” is very common, but do not be fooled by the options given to you. We often think of someone who is reliable as being friendly, willing, and many other positive descriptions. While this might be the case at times, the strictest sense of “reliable” (i.e. the sense that most directly applies to our question here) is "dependable” or trustworthy. The former is the answer to this question in particular. We speak of “reliable” people and things when we wish to express that we can “count on them,” that is, when we know that they will function when the necessary time arrives.

Example Question #42 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

LACONIC

Possible Answers:

Trite

Sullen

Verbose

Tempered

Terse

Correct answer:

Terse

Explanation:

The word “laconic” is very rare, but it means “speaking in a brief manner.” It is derived from the Greek region Lacedaemonia, in which were located the Spartans. As a warrior people, they were known for being rather “short” in their speech—practical people, cut and dry. The word “laconic” is derived from this. The only option that expresses such brevity is “terse.”

Example Question #43 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

CONNIVING

Possible Answers:

Surly

Colluding

Superlative

Jaundiced

Emaciated

Correct answer:

Colluding

Explanation:

"Conniving" and "colluding" both mean to plot or scheme. "Jaundiced" means tainted or prejudiced. "Superlative" means excellent or first-class. "Emaciated" means undernourished or thin. "Surly" means gruff or boorish.

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