ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Parts of Speech in One-Blank Sentences

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1011 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

Annette was enthused about pawning what she thought was a solid gold ring, but after some examination, her sister informed her that it was merely a __________ piece of jewelry.

Possible Answers:

admonished

harangue

ubiquitous

mysterious

gilded

Correct answer:

gilded

Explanation:

A gilded piece of jewelry is superficially covered with gold but not gold throughout. 

Example Question #334 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The recent discovery of oil on the property has led analysts to believe that the construction of refineries in the area will soon prove to be a very __________ investment.

Possible Answers:

lukewarm

vapid

demented

lucrative

deleterious

Correct answer:

lucrative

Explanation:

Only "lucrative" means prosperous or financially promising.

Example Question #335 : Adjectives And Adverbs In One Blank Sentences

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

Termites are known to invade and destroy homes in such a(n) __________ nature that one does not notice their presence until it is too late.

Possible Answers:

industrious

invincible

benign

incomprehensible

insidious

Correct answer:

insidious

Explanation:

"Insidious" means dangerous in a subtle way. Since the termites cause great damage to homes without the homeowners noticing, they can be described as "insidious."

Example Question #1012 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The __________ fishermen pressed on for port despite the treacherous conditions of the sea that night.

Possible Answers:

innocuous

intrepid

itinerant

insouciant

irksome

Correct answer:

intrepid

Explanation:

These fisherman were pressing on despite difficult circumstances. This description matches well with the meaning of "intrepid," an adjective that means fearless or bold.

Example Question #1013 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The doctor reassured the worried mother that the vaccine he was giving her child was completely __________ and that her baby was not in any danger.

Possible Answers:

inscrutable

insouciant

innocuous

insipid

intrepid

Correct answer:

innocuous

Explanation:

"Innocuous" means harmless, and if the doctor told the mother that her the baby wouldn't be in any danger, the meaning of "innocuous" fits the context of the sentence.

Example Question #1014 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

Living in Boston was __________ for the young couple, as all of their friends and family were still in California and they felt like they didn't know anyone.

Possible Answers:

dismantling

delineating

deploring

arduous

encumbering

Correct answer:

arduous

Explanation:

"Arduous" means difficult and tiring. Living in a big city full of strangers can certainly be difficult and tiring, so "arduous" is the answer choice that best fits the context of the sentence.

Example Question #1015 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

Receiving his court summons, Carl cursed our __________ society for being overly concerned with lawsuits.

Possible Answers:

litigious

supine

garrulous

magnanimous

onerous

Correct answer:

litigious

Explanation:

"Litigious" means interested in lawsuits or tending to go to court to solve problems. Summoned by the courts, Carl cursed society for being excessively prone to go to the law to settle disputes.

Example Question #1016 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

Bobby Orr is truly a __________ ice hockey defenseman; no defenseman has ever dominated the sport like him.

Possible Answers:

mediocre

importunate

modest

common

peerless

Correct answer:

peerless

Explanation:

"Peerless" means eminent beyond or above comparison. Because Bobby Orr dominated his sport like no other defenseman, it can be said that he is eminent beyond comparison.

Example Question #1017 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

The scientist reviewed all of the research on the matter and then proposed a __________ reason for the chimps' behavior.

Possible Answers:

implausible

outlandish

intrepid

inconsiderate

plausible

Correct answer:

plausible

Explanation:

"Plausible" means reasonable. Naturally, a scientist would wish to put forward a reasonable (that is, plausible) explanation for the chimps' behavior.

Example Question #1018 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

After years of talking down to his players as if they were ignorant children, the coach finally acknowledged that his attitude was __________.

Possible Answers:

variable

condescending

indifferent

fastidious

commendable

Correct answer:

condescending

Explanation:

The phrases “talking down” and “ignorant children” suggest that the coach’s attitude toward his players was one of patronizing superiority. "Condescending" fits this definition. 

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