SSAT Upper Level Verbal : SSAT Upper Level Verbal

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #516 : Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

PARITY

Possible Answers:

Satire

Tradition

Debate

Equality

Performance

Correct answer:

Equality

Explanation:

"Parity" means equality. The similarly pronounced "parody" is a synonym of satire.

Example Question #1271 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

DEBACLE

Possible Answers:

Discovery

Pattern

Concern

Stipple

Disaster 

Correct answer:

Disaster 

Explanation:

A “debacle” is an unfortunate event with disastrous consequences, so the best available synonym is “disaster.” 

Example Question #518 : Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

PARAGON

Possible Answers:

Trickery

Shape

Emotion

Criticism

Epitome

Correct answer:

Epitome

Explanation:

A "paragon" is a model or epitome, so "epitome" is the correct answer.

Example Question #1272 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

SCRUPLE

Possible Answers:

Misgiving

Promotion

Duration

Liberty

Art

Correct answer:

Misgiving

Explanation:

A "scruple" is a feeling of doubt or a misgiving because one feels out of suspicion that a course of action may be immoral, so "misgiving" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "scruple": "liberty" means freedom; "art" means the class of objects and activities subject to aesthetic criteria; "duration" means a length of time; and "promotion" means advancement.

Example Question #1273 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

PARADIGM

Possible Answers:

Ideal

Design

Insinuation

Gesture

Polygon

Correct answer:

Ideal

Explanation:

A "paradigm" is an ideal or perfect model of something. One might write, "He is the paradigm of a perfect student."

Example Question #1274 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

REPARTEE

Possible Answers:

Speech

Contrition

Plight

Lament

Banter

Correct answer:

Banter

Explanation:

Since "repartee" is a noun that means a conversation or speech characterized by quick, witty comments or replies, we're looking for a noun that refers to speech and includes a connotation of being witty. "Speech" is a tempting answer, but it is too broad to be the correct answer. "Lament" and "banter" both refer to kinds of speech, but where "lament" specifies speech that is mournful or regretful, "banter" means speech in which the participants converse in a witty and teasing manner. Because "banter" not only refers to a type of speech but also specifically refers to a type of witty speech, it is the closest synonym to "repartee," and the best answer choice.

Example Question #522 : Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

RUSE

Possible Answers:

Trick

Blockage

Kin

Courtesy

Mistake

Correct answer:

Trick

Explanation:

A ruse is a trick.  

Example Question #1275 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

SCOURGE

Possible Answers:

Blessing 

Plague 

Contribution

Weather 

Notice 

Correct answer:

Plague 

Explanation:

A “scourge” is a plague or tormentor as in “the neighbor’s terrifying dog was the scourge of my childhood.” For clarification, weather can be used to mean to endure as in “he weathered the storm.”

Example Question #1276 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

PITFALL

Possible Answers:

Ruse

Hole

Danger

Shelter

Disappearance

Correct answer:

Danger

Explanation:

You can infer from the words "pit" and "fall" contained in "pitfall" that the word describes something that could cause someone's downfall. In fact, a "pitfall" is a danger, so "danger" is the correct answer. By dissecting the word "pitfall," it is possible to infer its meaning. 

Example Question #1277 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Synonyms: choose the answer closest in meaning to the word in question.

STANDSTILL

Possible Answers:

Wreckage

Connection

Altercation

Facade

Deadlock

Correct answer:

Deadlock

Explanation:

"Standstill" means a stop or a deadlock. "Connection" is a link or bond between two or more people or items. "Altercation" is a fight or argument. "Wreckage" is the remains of the things after it has been severly damaged or broken. "Facade" is the front or face of something

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