ISEE Upper Level Verbal : One-Blank Sentences

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1002 : Sentence Completion Questions

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

Having traveled to many nations, the journalist had a(n) __________ writing style.

Possible Answers:

eclectic

facetious

auspicious

jubilant

innocuous

Correct answer:

eclectic

Explanation:

The key phrase is “having traveled to many nations.” The word “eclectic” means embracing various or different sources.

Example Question #890 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

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

The ________ manner in which she gave to charity annoyed her more generous friends.

Possible Answers:

inexorable

parsimonious

unlimited

generous

ebullient

Correct answer:

parsimonious

Explanation:

A simple word replacement helps figure out the answer to this question. As the “more generous friends” are annoyed by the subject’s manner, then go through word by word for all the answer choices. "Parsimonious," which means stingy and tight with money, is the only choice that works.

Example Question #2382 : Sat Critical Reading

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

The rain clouds overhead were __________, as all of the crops in Kansas were dry and dying.

Possible Answers:

menacing

sedulous

considerate

auspicious

ephemeral

Correct answer:

auspicious

Explanation:

The correct answer here is "auspicious" because the rain clouds were a symbol of something good to come, as they would nourish and save the crops. The rain clouds may have been short-lived ("ephemeral"), but that would not benefit the crops; the rain clouds certainly were not thorough and studious ("sedulous"), and they may have appeared "menacing," but again, their menacing appearance would have no impact on the dry nature of the crops.

Example Question #1002 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

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

It was difficult to identify the __________ thief in the line-up; she did not have any distinguishing characteristics.

Possible Answers:

singular

unique

mesmerizing

incomparable

nondescript

Correct answer:

nondescript

Explanation:

"Nondescript" means lacking distinguishing characteristics. A thief without traits that set her apart would be difficult to identify in a line-up.

Example Question #2391 : Sat Critical Reading

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

He considered himself quite the ladies' man, but most of the women he met found his personality __________.

Possible Answers:

adroit

agreeable

noxious

pleasant

sensuous

Correct answer:

noxious

Explanation:

The structure of the sentence is a good clue that most women's perception of the man are at odds with his own sense of himself as a ladies' man. The correct answer choice is one that indicates some level of offensiveness in his personality. "Noxious," meaning offensive or even poisonous, is the only choice that has any sense of negativity.

Example Question #1004 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

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

The students looked at one another in a state of confusion, as the teacher's homework instructions were rather vague and __________.

Possible Answers:

relinquished

obtuse

obscure

ornary

acquiescent 

Correct answer:

obscure

Explanation:

Obscure is the only word that is a synonym of "vague." 

Example Question #1005 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

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

As the director lowered his arms, all one hundred of the Christmas carolers __________ began to sing a lively version of a popular carol in unison.

Possible Answers:

frigidly

callously

simultaneously

intermittenly 

tumultuously

Correct answer:

simultaneously

Explanation:

Only simultaneously means "in unison" or occurring at the same time.

Example Question #1006 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

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

The burglar must not have been too __________ leaving the scene of the crime; three different neighbors saw him exit the corner house with stolen goods in his arms.

Possible Answers:

overt

audacious

surreptitious

irreverent

cogent

Correct answer:

surreptitious

Explanation:

"Surreptitious" means secretive. Since the burglar was seen by various people, he could not have been too surreptitious. 

Example Question #1007 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Sentences

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

Jaded and __________, the aspiring young journalist decided to abandon his dream career due to the scarcity of writing jobs.

Possible Answers:

corpulent

despondent

agile

relentless

inarticulate

Correct answer:

despondent

Explanation:

"Despondent" means lacking hope. Since the journalist opted to abandon his dream job, he must have been despondent.

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. 

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