All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #2551 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
LUDICROUS
Engaging
Preposterous
Infantile
Illogical
Immature
Preposterous
Something that is "ludicrous" is ridiculous, amusing, and utterly foolish. While such things could be considered illogical, the word "illogical" does not exactly capture the ridiculousness expressed by the word "ludicrous." Thus, among the options provided, the only one that is appropriate is "preposterous," which means completely insane or crazy.
Example Question #2552 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
LAMENTABLE
Crying
Redundant
Wretched
Pernicious
Harmful
Wretched
To "lament" something means to express sorrow or grief over that thing. Something that is "lamentable" is something that causes grief or sorrow for an understandable reason. Now, while it may cause sorrow, the primary meaning of a lamentable event or thing is horrible or extremely bad. Because it is so bad, it causes grief, but "lamentable" first and foremost indicates such a terrible situation. Thus, the best option among those given is "wretched", meaning horrible.
Example Question #2553 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FAMISHED
Ravenous
Hungry
Tedious
Dying
Neglected
Ravenous
The word "famished" describes someone who is extremely hungry. For this reason, the option "ravenous" is a much better option than "hungry," for "ravenous" means exactly what you need for this question—very hungry. Perhaps you have heard of someone being said to have a "ravenous appetite". This means that he or she has a very large appetite.
Example Question #2554 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
HINDER
Detract
Impede
Expose
Trace
Placate
Impede
You likely know the word "hinder" as meaning to make (something) difficult. Thus, if stones were to roll across a major mountain road, such a situation would hinder the flow of traffic. The word "impede" means to delay by adding to the difficulty of a situation. It comes from the same Latin roots as the word "foot," actually. (Think of related words like "pedal" and "pedestrian".) It literally means to place on the foot—im + pede. If you placed something on your foot, it certainly would impede your travel!
Example Question #2555 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DESTITUTE
Excluded
Disheartened
Depressed
Conquered
Impoverished
Impoverished
When someone is in a state of "destitution," he or she is in a state of absolute poverty, so much so that he or she cannot provide for day-to-day living. Thus, the adjective "destitute" describes such a person. While none of the options describe extreme poverty, "impoverished" is the only one that indicates the state of lacking money. Hence, this is the best option among those provided.
Example Question #2556 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MUNIFICENT
Political
Pervasive
Magnanimous
Obtuse
Mordant
Magnanimous
"Munificent" is an adjective meaning overly generous or philanthropic. "Magnanimous" is a close synonym meaning especially kind or generous. "Obtuse" means stubborn or foolish, "mordant" means biting, or critical and is often associated with dry humor, "political" means having to do with government, and "pervasive" means common or deeply ingrained.
Example Question #2557 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PARCHED
Tired
Maudlin
Hungry
Energetic
Thirsty
Thirsty
"Parched," when used to describe a person means very thirsty. "Parched," when used to describe the land means dried up, lacking water. To provide further help, "maudlin" means overly sentimental.
Example Question #2558 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
UTTERLY
Gingerly
Seldom
Completely
Formerly
Faithfully
Completely
“Utterly” means completely and is often heard in the redundant phrase “completely and utterly.” As for the other answer choices, “faithfully” means loyally; "gingerly" means with delicacy and care; "seldom" means infrequently; and "formerly" means previously.
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Time, Age, Location, And Movement
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PASSÉ
Modern
Measurable
Outdated
Exuberant
Continual
Outdated
"Passé" is an adjective that means "no longer fashionable; out of date," so we need to pick out an adjective that means something like "no longer fashionable" or "out of date." "Modern," then cannot be the correct answer because "modern" is an antonym of "passé," not a synonym. "Outdated," however, is an adjective that means "out of date; obsolete," and because it is the answer choir that is closest in meaning to "passé," "outdated" is the correct answer.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Time, Age, Location, And Movement
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SPONTANEOUS
Deliberate
Premeditated
Impromptu
Importune
Contentious
Impromptu
"Spontaneous" and "impromptu" both mean impulsive or unplanned. "Deliberate" means intentional or calculated. "Premeditated" means planned or intended. "Contentious" means quarrelsome or combative. "Importune" means to demand or insist.
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