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 #2431 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

PRUDISH

Possible Answers:

Honorable

Censorious

Moral

Boring

Respectful

Correct answer:

Censorious

Explanation:

A prude is someone who is easily offended about sexual morality, often being judgmental of others. By extension, the term can generally mean “judgmental.” When someone is “censorious,” he or she is very critical—like one who censors the actions of others.

Example Question #2432 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

PAROCHIAL

Possible Answers:

Educational

Illiberal

Dying

Ecclesiastical

School

Correct answer:

Illiberal

Explanation:

The word “parochial” is related to statutes in the law of the Catholic Church defining the geographic boundaries in which a parish church exists. The word became extended in meaning to signify the character of someone that someone never leaves that small area. If someone becomes limited in travel, that person will likely also be limited in his or her exposure to new ideas. For that reason, the word “parochial” has taken on the additional meaning of “narrow or limited in outlook.” Illiberal can mean “uncultured” in the sense of being “not free-thinking or broad minded.”

Example Question #2433 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

VITRIOLIC

Possible Answers:

Glassy

Spiteful

Unhappy

Analytical

Evaluative

Correct answer:

Spiteful

Explanation:

The adjective “vitriolic” describes a kind of speech that is critical not in there merely “evaluative” sense but instead in a nasty and spiteful manner. An example use of the word would be, “She did not merely speak mild words to her adversary but instead, in great anger, shouted vitriolic condemnations against him.”

Example Question #2431 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

THRIFTY

Possible Answers:

Poor

Frugal

Greedy

Generous

Destitute

Correct answer:

Frugal

Explanation:

A thrifty person is very careful not to waste resources. While it might be tempting to assume that such a person is greedy or avaricious, the word only expresses the fact that he or she “pinches pennies,” that is, is very careful with any outlays. Note that someone can be “thrifty” with any resources, though the term is most often used to describe care with regard to money. The word “frugal” is the only option that expresses this notion of thrift.

Example Question #2432 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

FRUGAL

Possible Answers:

Prolific

Thrifty

Amiable

Miserly

Fecund

Correct answer:

Thrifty

Explanation:

The word “frugal” is related to base words in Latin for “fruit.” It means “being economical” or careful with resources. When someone is “thrifty,” he or she is careful in spending money. A “thrift store” is generally a second-hand store meant to allow people to save money on products that can be purchased at a lower-than-normal price because they are second hand.

Example Question #2433 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

STAUNCH

Possible Answers:

Faithful

Forgetful

Arrogant

Fanatic

Pompous

Correct answer:

Faithful

Explanation:

The word “staunch” has two meanings. One of them is “faithful” or “devoted.” This is the sense that is found here among the options provided. You might often hear the expression “staunch supporter.” Such a person is not an occasional supporter but instead is one that stands with whatever the cause / person is “come thick or thin.” The word can also mean “to stop the blood coming from a wound.”

Example Question #2434 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

BELLIGERENT

Possible Answers:

Condescending

Aggressive

Passive

Amiable

Stubborn

Correct answer:

Aggressive

Explanation:

Typically, someone who is hostile and aggressive is characterized as belligerent.

Example Question #2435 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

IRASCIBLE

Possible Answers:

Cantankerous

Opaque

Mirthful

Tenacious

Wary

Correct answer:

Cantankerous

Explanation:

"Irascible" means cantankerous or crabby. "Tenacious" means strong-willed or determined. "Wary" means careful or cautious"Opaque" means clouded, muddy, or hard to understand. "Mirthful" means merry or playful

Example Question #2436 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

SACCHARINE

Possible Answers:

Munificent

Cloying

Frigid

Abashed

Mundane

Correct answer:

Cloying

Explanation:

"Saccharine" means something cloying or sickeningly sweet. "Munificent" means generous or giving. "Abashed" means confused or embarassed. "Mundane" means ordinary or humdrum. "Frigid" means frozen or exceptionally cold.

Example Question #2437 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

PRODIGAL

Possible Answers:

Amazing

Famous

Gluttonous

Talented

Wasteful

Correct answer:

Wasteful

Explanation:

You might confuse “prodigal” with “prodigy” or “prodigious.” The former means “being very talented,” especially when that person is very young. For instance, one can speak of Mozart as being a “child prodigy,” having shown great musical talent from his youth. Something “prodigious” is impressive and of great magnitude. When something is “prodigal,” it is “great” in the sense of being wasteful. The Biblical story about the “Prodigal Son” is about a son who spends all of his money wastefully before coming home to seek forgiveness. He is called “prodigal” because of this wastefulness.

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