ISEE Upper Level Verbal : ISEE Upper Level (grades 9-12) Verbal Reasoning
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All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #273 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Once cordial, in recent years their relationship had developed a strong __________.
antagonism
fondness
affection
ambivalence
friendship
antagonism
The opening phrase, “Once cordial,” indicates that the appropriate answer choice must be an antonym to “cordial,” which means warmth and good feeling. Of all the answer choices, only “antagonism” conveys the appropriate meaning of rivalry or even hatred.
Example Question #461 : Sentence Completion
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Despite attempts to appear serious and respected, most medical professionals viewed the pharmaceutical salesman often came off as a __________.
impresario
entrepreneur
chimera
magnate
charlatan
charlatan
The “despite” at the beginning of the sentence is the best clue as to the correct answer. With that word beginning the sentence, look for a word meaning that conveys a meaning different than “serious and respected.” “Charlatan,” which means an impostor or fake, is the best answer.
Example Question #372 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
He was considered a bit of a(n) __________ by his friends, and this was brought up every time he skipped a social event to stay home and read.
extrovert
plethora
paragon
circumlocution
recluse
recluse
That this individual stays home from social outings gives a strong hint that he may prefer being alone. This is what it means to be a "recluse."
Example Question #461 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
To sailors, a red sky has always been a __________ of harsh weather to come.
nuance
epicure
pariah
reprieve
harbinger
harbinger
The red sky is a warning or a sign, so we need a word that fits the definition of something that could be considered a warning. "Harbinger" is the only answer choice that fits.
Example Question #291 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
At the beginning of her lecture, the professor pulled out an old __________ and read several passages in an ancient language.
conflagration
volume
consensus
eulogy
tome
tome
A "tome" is a large book, something a professor would use to begin a lecture.
Example Question #272 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Mike fell down the stairs last night and awoke the whole neighborhood with the __________ that he created.
harangue
dolt
vertigo
clamor
coercion
clamor
Falling down the stairs and awaking the neighborhood implies that there was a lot of loud noise, and so "clamor" is the only answer choice that fits.
Example Question #291 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Deborah has always been a(n) __________; she has always composed her music independent of tradition and popular trends.
maverick
follower
adherent
conservative
conformist
maverick
A "maverick" is an independent, non-conformist person. A composer who does not follow past or present trends is surely a non-conformist, a maverick.
Example Question #461 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The __________ waited his turn as the more experienced skydivers exited the plane.
polyglot
transcendent
extemporaneous
neophyte
unabashed
neophyte
A "neophyte" is someone who is inexperienced in a certain field. Logically, a skydiver who waited for the more experienced to jump would be regarded as a relative novice, a neophyte.
Example Question #281 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The young priest experienced great __________ at the sight of the suffering in his village.
timidity
sobriquet
pathos
apathy
diffidence
pathos
"Pathos" means an emotion of sympathy. Certainly, a young priest would feel great sympathy at the sight of suffering in his own village.
Example Question #381 : One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The con artist’s __________ tricked the unsuspecting widow out of her money.
honesty
scruples
forthrightness
integrity
legerdemain
legerdemain
"Legerdemain" is slight-of-hand or a deception. A con artist would rely upon deception to steal from a widow.
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