ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Style, Intensity, and Connotation in One-Blank Sentences

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #131 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

While George did not hold his position with great __________, he was not likely to abandon it quickly.

Possible Answers:

assertion

assimilation

intelligence

tenacity

locality

Correct answer:

tenacity

Explanation:

The general point of this sentence is to say that while George did not hold his position with absolute, unbending certainty, he was not likely to give it up quickly. When someone is tenacious, he or she does not give up an ideal easily. He or she "holds" it tightly. The word comes from the Latin to hold. The word "extend" is related to this same root. When we extend something, we literally hold it (-tend) out (ex-). George may not tenaciously hold his position. Still, he does hold it enough that he is not likely to abandon it quickly.  

Example Question #132 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

After the main time for the presentation, Harvey allowed __________ time for as many questions as the intrigued audience might have.

Possible Answers:

thorough

ample

loquacious

cantankerous

selective

Correct answer:

ample

Explanation:

The sentence implies that the audience is likely to have questions, for they are "intrigued." Harvey is said to allow enough time for their questions. An "ample" space is one that is broad and plentiful enough. Thus, this is the best option among those given. The word "ample" comes from roots meaning large and / or plentiful. It is related to the word "amplify", which means to make larger or louder or to increase.

Example Question #133 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

Those who have had a chance to try many delicacies often have tastes that are quite __________ and able to discern the slightest taste or odor in the food they eat.

Possible Answers:

proximate

aware

snobby

refined

targeted

Correct answer:

refined

Explanation:

Delicacies can be expensive things, but they also can be things that have very intricate textures, tastes, and smells—having small, delicate spices and ingredients. Someone who eats a lot of such things will develop refined tastes. That is, he or she will be able to notice these delicate characteristics of the things in question. We know that the sentence is speaking of such refinement because of the description at the end of the sentence stating that these people are "able to discern the slightest taste or odor in the food they eat." Hence, the best option is "refined," which means well developed and able to discern many small aspects of a given thing.

Example Question #134 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

The accountant had only __________ the total taxes to be paid last year. Because of this inexact figure, the company was billed for the remaining tax dollars that had not been paid.

Possible Answers:

assayed

recompensed

declared

pilfered

estimated

Correct answer:

estimated

Explanation:

The second sentence states that there was an "inexact figure" involved in the taxes paid. This means that the accountant must not have calculated an exact figure. Instead, it seems that he merely estimated the amount taxes due. "An estimation" is a rough guess or approximation.

Example Question #135 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

Although the sound was very difficult to __________, a number of engineers were attempting to make the apparatus resonate again with the same sound waves.

Possible Answers:

deliver

recognize

recall

replicate

produce

Correct answer:

replicate

Explanation:

The key expression in this sentence is "resonate again." Now, it might be acceptable to say that the sound was merely difficult to produce or deliver, but we are told that the engineers were trying to make the resonation happen again. This implies that the sound is difficult to "reproduce" or to cause again. Thus, the best option is "replicate." Note that "recall" really has to do with calling something to mind, not recreating something totally.

Example Question #141 : Context Clues In One Blank Sentences

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

Paul knew that the bacteria in the garbage can was __________, so he would often eat food out of the container, knowing that he would not become ill by doing so.

Possible Answers:

innocuous

delicious

exceptional

acceptable

unique

Correct answer:

innocuous

Explanation:

The key clue in this sentence is, "Knowing that he would not become ill by doing so." We are not necessarily told that the bacteria was tasty or even that it is a rare kind of bacteria; however, it is implied that it will not make Paul sick. Thus, it is not harmful. The word "innocuous" means just this. It is related to the word "noxious," meaning harmful. The "in-" prefix is privative (or negative), making the whole word to mean "not noxious."

Example Question #142 : Context Clues In One Blank Sentences

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

The view from the mountaintop had __________ many artists whose work attempted to depict the rousing view in various styles and from numerous perspectives.

Possible Answers:

educated

inspired

informed

vanquished

positioned

Correct answer:

inspired

Explanation:

Pay close attention to the connotations in this sentence. It might seem that this view had informed or educated many artists; however, the view is described as being "rousing," meaning that it was a stirring and amazing sight. It was so stirring that many different styles and perspectives were needed to capture its meaning. Thus, it was an inspiring view, not merely an informative one. The word "inspire" actually comes from Latin meaning to breathe into—as though an idea or spirit were breathed into the hearts and minds of the artists.

Example Question #143 : Context Clues In One Blank Sentences

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

Although most people found the proposal acceptable, it was utterly __________ to a small but vocal group of citizens.

Possible Answers:

foreseen

uncertain

breathtaking

repugnant

questionable

Correct answer:

repugnant

Explanation:

The word "although" indicates a contrast between the majority of the group and the "small, vocal group of citizens." Now, since the second half of the sentence uses the intensifying adverb "utterly," we can guess that this group of citizens were not merely "not okay" with the proposal. They must have judged it to be terrible. Something that is "repugnant" is utterly unacceptable. The strength of the word "repugnant" thus best matches the connotation implied in this sentence.

Example Question #144 : Context Clues In One Blank Sentences

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

The king berated his son, the prince, for his __________. He assured his son that the kingdom required a courageous leader, not a moping, frightened boy.

Possible Answers:

tenacity

youthfulness

timidity

simplicity

courage

Correct answer:

timidity

Explanation:

The word "berated" means scolded, implying that the king was not happy with his son. Thus, it is most likely that the son was not "courageous" but instead was the "moping, frightened boy" mentioned at the end of the sentence. The only word that describes someone who is lacking in courage and confidence is "timidity."

Example Question #145 : Context Clues In One Blank Sentences

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

In response to the question, Lawrence did not show mere irritation. Instead, he was clearly __________ in response to the inquiry about his growing bald spot.

Possible Answers:

wrathful

miffed

vexed

delighted

gregarious

Correct answer:

wrathful

Explanation:

The implication of these sentences is that Lawrence was quite angry in response to the inquiry about his bald spot. His attitude was not one of mere irritation. Several of the options describe the state of being annoyed or irritated. Only "wrathful" captures the idea of being extremely angry. Thus, this word, meaning intensely angry, is the best option among those provided.

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