All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #2538 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AFFLUENT
Despicable
Impoverished
Winsome
Wealthy
Comely
Wealthy
“Affluent” means very wealthy. It is the opposite of “impoverished,” which means very poor. “Despicable” means evil and wicked; “comely” means very cute and beautiful; and “winsome” means charming and appealing.
Example Question #51 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
COLLOQUIAL
Irrational
Illicit
Conversational
Plausible
Irredeemable
Conversational
“Colloquial” means informal or conversational and refers to language or writing, so "conversational" is the best answer choice. As for the other answer choices, “irredeemable” means unable to be redeemed or so bad that it cannot be forgiven; “plausible” means believable as being potentially true or succeeding; “irrational” means not rational, not logical, and thinking with emotions; and “illicit” means against the rules or illegal.
Example Question #52 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CAUSTIC
Obscure
Euphoric
Plump
Derisive
Obligatory
Derisive
"Caustic" means corrosive when describing substances or scathing when describing communication and speech. So, "derisive," which means disdainful and scathing, is the correct answer. “Plump” means fat, chubby, and round; “euphoric” means in a state of intense happiness; “obscure” means esoteric or unclear; and “obligatory” means mandatory.
Example Question #53 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AUTHORITARIAN
Royal
Tyrannical
Enslaved
Democratic
Liberated
Tyrannical
“Authoritarian” describes governments and means autocratic, repressive, or “tyrannical.” As for the other answer choices, “democratic” means relating to democracy and its form of representative government; “liberated” means set free; “enslaved” means made a slave; and “royal” means a king, a queen or related to a king or queen.
Example Question #54 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ARBITRARY
Flimsy
Legal
Judgmental
Argumentative
Whimsical
Whimsical
You might be tempted to see the word “arbiter” in “arbitrary.” They are not unrelated, for both pertain to a judgment being made. However, when something is "arbitrary," it is done at the whim of the one judging. It has no real reason other than that person’s desires or passions. Therefore, an “arbitrary” decision could be called “whimsical.” All of the other answers (except “flimsy”) are meant to trick you.
Example Question #55 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AFFLUENT
Direct
Sober
Mobile
Arrogant
Prosperous
Prosperous
The word "affluent" does have roots that mean to flow. While this meaning was once upon a time reflected in the word, it no longer is used in this manner. Instead, the word means wealthy—as though someone is "flowing" with money. Thus, the only option that is appropriate is "prosperous." (Note that "mobile" is not the same as flowing. A walking person is mobile—yet is not flowing, strictly speaking.)
Example Question #56 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
OPULENT
Cultured
Lavish
Important
Sophisticated
Urbane
Lavish
Something that is "opulent" is very expensive, to the point of being showy. Thus, the word "lavish" is the only option that matches this meaning. Note, however, that "opulent" can be used as an adjective that means wealthy more generally as well.
Example Question #57 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
IMPASSIONED
Foolish
Devoted
Loving
Ardent
Loyal
Ardent
As probably is obvious to you, the word "impassioned" is related to "passion," but this does not necessarily indicate being in love or anything of that sort. It merely can mean being moved greatly. Think of a "passionate attitude." This describes someone who experiences a great amount of emotional attachment to something. To say, "Paul is passionate about politics," is to say, "He really is devoted to and excited about political matters." Thus, the best synonym for "impassioned" is "ardent", which means enthusiastic. It actually comes from Latin roots meaning to burn. (A passionate person burns with enthusiasm, so to speak.)
Example Question #58 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INFIRMITY
Senility
Elasticity
Vigor
Malady
Flexibility
Malady
Someone who is "infirm" is weak or sick. This has nothing to do with rigidity (as though it were like a "firm mattress"). Several options—elasticity and flexibility—attempt to have you misread the word in this manner. We often speak of the elderly as being "infirm" because of their weakness; however, "infirmity" is not the same as senility. The only option that is correct, therefore, is "malady". Inasmuch as an infirmity can be a sickness (in addition to a more general weakness), it is synonymous to "malady", which means disease.
Example Question #59 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DRASTIC
Thrilling
Infirm
Depressing
Wonderful
Radical
Radical
Something that is "drastic" is extreme and often surprising. A drastic reduction in work output means that the amount of work being done has reduced significantly. The word "radical" comes from Latin roots meaning, to the root. A radical change is one that alters something significantly. This is the best option among those provided. Do not be tricked into "thrilling." A drastic event might be exciting or thrilling; however, this is not the direct meaning of "drastic."
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