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 #373 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Corey thought that releasing his dog into the holiday party would __________ its quiet atmosphere, but his plan worked a bit too well and the dog ended up upsetting the pies, which splattered across the floor.

Possible Answers:

involve

calm down

dull

enliven

portray

Correct answer:

enliven

Explanation:

We can infer that Corey wanted to bring energy and excitement to the party, but his dog ended up spilling the pies onto the floor. So, we need to pick out a verb that means something like "bring energy or excitement to." Neither "dull" nor "calm down" can be the correct answer, then, because each of those words is an antonym of "bring energy or excitement to." "Enliven," however, is a verb that means "make (something) more entertaining, interesting, or appealing," and because "enliven" best describes Corey's motivation for releasing his dog into the holiday party, "enliven" is the correct answer.

Example Question #601 : One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.

The medicine should __________ the physical pain, but it might take a while for his mental health to recover from the trauma of the accident.

Possible Answers:

apprise

abscond

aver

aggregate

alleviate

Correct answer:

alleviate

Explanation:

The choice that makes the most sense is alleviate: to relieve or make suffering less severe.

Example Question #601 : One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.

We tried to __________ the baby in several ways, but she kept crying no matter what we did.

Possible Answers:

deride

diffuse

burnish

appease

elicit

Correct answer:

appease

Explanation:

The choice that makes the most sense is appease: to pacify or soothe; to relieve.

Example Question #374 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank in the sentence.

Would you prefer me to __________ the story or tell a shorter, to the point version?

Possible Answers:

encompass

embellish

entail

enumerate

exculpate

Correct answer:

embellish

Explanation:

The choice that makes the most sense is embellish: to make more attractive by the addition of decorative details or features

Example Question #603 : One Blank Sentences

Pick the best word to complete the sentence.

"Listen to your heart," the lyrics __________, but Sasha hardly heard over the sound of the thunderous applause behind her.

Possible Answers:

intone

squeal

screech

are playing

blared 

Correct answer:

blared 

Explanation:

The sentence is written in the past tense, so in order for the verb to fit into the existing context, it needs to be past, as well as imply a degree of loud volume; therefore, blared is the best answer.

Example Question #52 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

The righteous king __________ all forms of injustice.

Possible Answers:

abhorred

acquiesced

acclaimed

absolved

abjured

Correct answer:

abhorred

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "abhorred," to detest or hate.

Example Question #1421 : Psat Critical Reading

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

It is illegal to __________ foods without informing the consumers of what has been added.

Possible Answers:

adapt

aggregate

aggrandize

adulterate

allocate

Correct answer:

adulterate

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "adulterate," to make impure by adding inferior substances.

Example Question #604 : One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

Jim was called upon to __________ the dispute between his coworkers.

Possible Answers:

append

arbitrate

appraise

appall

appease

Correct answer:

arbitrate

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "arbitrate," to act as a judge.

Example Question #482 : Sentence Completions

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

He brought in an expert in order to __________ the diamond he found.

Possible Answers:

array

ascribe

atone

assay

ascertain

Correct answer:

assay

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "assay," to analyze or evaluate.

Example Question #603 : One Blank Sentences

Select the answer choice that best completes the blank.

He __________ his success in physics to the encouragement he received from his parents and teachers.

Possible Answers:

augments

authenticates

avows

attributes

avers

Correct answer:

attributes

Explanation:

The answer that makes the most sense is "attributes," to ascribe or explain.

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