ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Sentence Completion
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Example Questions
Example Question #263 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The developer's new software garnered a great deal of __________ for the previously unknown young programmer.
jealousy
renown
hatred
infamy
ignominy
renown
This question is an example of finding the best fit among the answer choices, not just a word that makes sense in the sentence, which all the answer choices do. The inclusion of "previously unknown" in the sentence indicate that the correct answer has some meaning of fame for achievements, which is the definition of "renown."
Example Question #271 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
King Solomon was esteemed for his knowledge and __________, as his knowledge was counter-balanced by a practical wisdom.
indecisiveness
ardor
irresoluteness
shallowness
sapience
sapience
"Sapience" means great wisdom and discernment. King Solomon's knowledge was tempered by his practical wisdom (that is, his "sapience").
Example Question #272 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
She was a __________ with the cello, but her exceptional talent came at a heavy price; she had no social life.
clairvoyant
hack
virtuoso
iconoclast
novice
virtuoso
"Virtuoso" means a person with masterly technique, skill, or style. The cellist had masterly technique, skill, or style, but her accomplishment detracted from her relationships with others.
Example Question #273 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Although he was noted as an emerging star in his rookie season, the baseball player enjoyed his greatest __________ after his fifth year in the league.
apathy
quagmire
delusion
translucence
renown
renown
The main clue is the word “although,” which suggests a contrast. Here, despite having a strong reputation in his first, rookie season, the baseball player enjoyed his greatest recognition later in his career. Only "renown" fits the definition of having even greater recognition.
Example Question #261 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The expert sculptor was astonished to see such breathtaking work done by a mere __________.
sophist
philistine
ascetic
amateur
chronicler
amateur
The fact that an expert would be astonished by the work of an individual suggests that it was unexpected. An amateur (the correct choice) completing such breathtaking work would cause this astonishment.
Example Question #274 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
There is a need for more disciplined and stoical soldiers in our army; there are too many __________ among the troops.
hedonists
altruists
myrmidons
auguries
bureaucrats
hedonists
The semicolon indicates there is a supporting connection between what is declared before and after the semicolon. If there is a lack of disciplined and stoical (accepting pain and hardship without complaining) soldiers, then there are probably too many of the opposite types of soldiers currently in the army. Only "hedonists" (pleasure seekers) fits this definition.
Example Question #273 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
While losing his job and his title, the politician believed the public __________ was the worst part of his infamous scandal.
esteem
approbation
censure
celebration
approval
censure
The “infamous scandal” and the loss of job and title indicate negativity in the politician’s experience. The only word among the answer choices which has a negative connotation is “censure,” which means expression of disapproval.
Example Question #274 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The politician was always railing against taxes, and was accused of offering a lower tax rate as a simple __________.
fabrication
falsehood
mechanism
apparatus
panacea
panacea
The invocation of simplicity means that the politician’s lower tax rates are never seriously considered or offered with any complexity. “Panacea,” which means cure-all or magical fix, is the only answer with the appropriate sense of lightness to the solution.
Example Question #276 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
His sales strategy was considered a __________, and all new hires in the company were taught the method in regular orientation.
facsimile
paradigm
possibility
problem
waste
paradigm
The key element to the sentence is the second clause, which indicates that the sales strategy is something the company wants to share with everyone. There is not an exactly perfect word, but each needs to be read in context. “Paradigm,” meaning model or example, is the best answer available.
Example Question #277 : Nouns In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Her __________ for driving sports cars harmed both her bank account and her personal safety.
proclivity
incongruity
ambivalence
hatred
abhorrence
proclivity
To find the answer, look at the way the sentence is structured. Her driving habit was something she did despite the fact she was potentially harming herself, indicating the habit was something she could not help. “Proclivity,” meaning a strong tendency towards something, is the only answer choice that indicates such a meaning.
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