All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #81 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
VIM
Tendency
Energy
Boredom
Generosity
Opinion
Energy
"Vim" is a noun defined as "robust energy and enthusiasm." So, "boredom" cannot be the correct answer because it is an antonym of "vim." "Energy" is the closest synonym to "vim" amongst the listed answer choices, so "energy" is the correct answer.
Example Question #82 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
BLUNDER
Fool
Stumble
Slice
Condemn
Error
Error
A "blunder” is a mistake that is often foolish. For this reason, we often imply a number of other secondary meanings when we use the term. For instance, we think of things like “a blundering fool.” While this is fine, the general point is that a blunder is a mistake; therefore, the best option here is “error.”
Example Question #83 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
KERFUFFLE
Material
Disagreement
Ignition
Fluff
Ruin
Disagreement
"Kerfuffle" is a noun and is another word for a disagreement or fight. The best choice here is "disagreement" because it shares the same meaning. Considering the other choices, the word "ignition" means the act of setting something on fire or the act of starting an engine. "Fluff" means light, soft particles, and "ruin," when used as a noun, means a state of decay or disrepair.
Example Question #84 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
RITE
Ceremony
Ability
Correct
Same
Wrong
Ceremony
The word "rite" is a noun that means a ceremonial act. "Ceremony" is the best choice because it is related to the word rite, meaning a formal observance. Considering the other choices, "wrong" is an adjective that means not correct, "correct" means true, and "same" means identical.
Example Question #41 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SCHTICK
Stream
Prologue
Act
Staff
Insult
Act
A "schtick" (also spelled "shtick") is a routine or act done to gain a laugh or draw attention to oneself. The best choice here is "act," since it is a part of the definition of "schtick." Considering the other choices, "staff" means a group of people charged with carrying out the work of a particular establishment or a rod used to support one's weight when walking, "stream" means a flowing body of water or liquid, "insult" means a statement that offends, and "prologue" means a distinct introductory section in a literary work.
Example Question #86 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
TRUCE
Scroll
Honesty
Battlefield
Armistice
Armor
Armistice
A "truce" is an agreement to delay fighting for a set period of time. "Armistice," which shares the same meaning, is therefore the best choice. Considering the other choices, "armor" is any item warn for protection in a fight, "honesty" means truthfulness, "battlefield" is the area in which a battle takes place, and a "scroll" is a rolled up piece of paper or parchment either written on or able to be written on.
Example Question #42 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
IDIOSYNCRASY
Authority
Peculiarity
Vagrant
Defection
Foreshadowing
Peculiarity
An "idiosyncrasy" is a manner of behavior unique to one person, or a “peculiarity.” “Defection” is the act of deserting one’s country or party in favor of the direct opponent or desertion; “authority” means power or the person or entity who is in charge; “foreshadowing” means an act of warning of something that will happen in the future; a “vagrant” is a tramp or someone who wanders from place to place begging to survive.
Example Question #88 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MANDATE
Calculation
Succor
Authority
Duress
Directive
Directive
A “mandate” is an official directive, so "directive" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “succor” means aid or assistance; “duress” means stress or pressure to do something.
Example Question #89 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
RESTRAINT
Participation
Consideration
Defiance
Illusion
Self-control
Self-control
"Restraint” means a physical restriction that keeps one from moving normally or the ability to control oneself and not just act on emotion, so the best answer choice is "self-control."
Example Question #90 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CHAGRIN
Fusion
Antipathy
Privilege
Mortification
Ferocity
Mortification
“Chagrin” is acute personal embarrassment or irritation at how a situation resulted, so "mortification," which means extreme embarrassment, is the answer choice closest in meaning to "chagrin." As for the other answer choices, “fusion” means blend; “privilege” means a special right or advantage granted to someone; “antipathy” means a deep-feeling of hatred or dislike; and “ferocity” refers to fierceness and cruelty.
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