All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #716 :Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MANIFOLD
Eccentric
Numerous
Overwhelming
Exotic
Handy
Numerous
When we describe something as being "manifold," we mean that itinvolves many different aspects or elements.Thus, the word "numerous" is the best synonym. When we say, "The requirements for the position were manifold", we mean, "There were numerous requirements for the position."
Example Question #717 :Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EXHILARATING
Stubborn
Invigorating
Hazardous
Infectuous
Dangerous
Invigorating
When something is exhilarating, it isexciting or thrilling.This does not mean that it is dangerous, though dangerous things are often exhilarating precisely because of their dangerous nature. Thus, the best option is "invigorating." "Vigor" isenergy or enthusiasm.To say that something is "invigorating" is to say that itfills one with energy.Something that is exhilarating does this insofar as it is exciting. Thus, this is the best option among those provided.
Example Question #718 :Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INFERIOR
Rare
Intelligible
简约
Simple
Deficient
Deficient
When something is "inferior," it isbeneath something else.(That "higher" thing is said to be "superior.") The word can be used to describe people. Thus a worker is the "inferior" to his or her boss. The word can also be used to describe things that aredeficient in quality.Thus, you could say, "The corn that I bought yesterday was of inferior quality." This means that it was not as good as it could be. The options "minimalistic" and "simple" attempt to have you choose incorrectly. Something that is inferior issubpar or sub-standard.Neither "minimalistic" nor "simple" express this kind of deficiency. Hence, "deficient" is by far the best option among those provided.
Example Question #719 :Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
REVOLTING
Disquieted
Irritated
Progressive
Nauseating
Rotting
Nauseating
Something that is "revolting" isdisgusting.Now, this could also be the present participle of the verb "revolt," meaningto rebel, butnone of the options presented match that meaning. Therefore, we are looking for something that is akin to "disgusting." While something that is "rotting" is likely to be disgusting, this is not the same being revolting, as "rotting" refers to a specificprocess of organic decay, not the feeling produced by that process.The only option that provides a direct synonym is "nauseating," which describes something that issickening(in the way that something revolting is sickening).
Example Question #720 :Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PROGRESSIVE
Governmental
Exacting
Detrimental
Developing
Technical
Developing
The word "progressive" can be used as an adjective to describea process that changes one step at a time.To make progress literally means "to step forward." (The word "gradual" comes from the same Latin root.) Additionally, the word can also be used to describe something that has already made such progress—a progressive idea is one that isforward-thinking.For this question, the only option that functions as an adequate synonym is "developing." If someone has a progressive disease it is "developing" (in the sense ofincreasing in its strength and the damage that it is doing).
Example Question #941 :Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MUTUAL
Expository
Delightful
Common
Studious
Partisan
Common
When something is "mutual" it isheld by multiple people.例如,三个人可以有一个“相互hatred" for corn on the cob. This hatred is common to each of the members of the group. We also speak of a "mutual enemy". This very clearly means "common enemy." Thus, "common" is the most obvious choice for this question.
Example Question #942 :Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EXTENSIVE
Plaintive
Urbane
Exhaustive
Expensive
Pensive
Exhaustive
The adjective "extensive" describessomething that covers a large area—whether literally or metaphorically.An extensive plot of land is a very large plot of land. An extensive collection of books "covers" many topics and authors. Extensive knowledge "covers" many topics. (You can think of it meaning that each of these "extends" over a large area.) Now, this does not mean that something that is "extensive" completely covers its given "area;" however, it can seem close to being complete. The word "exhaustive" meanscomprehensive.At least among the options provided here, this is by far the best.
Example Question #943 :Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FRAGILE
Glassy
Delicate
Cheap
Shattered
Fractured
Delicate
The word "fragile" meansweak or easily broken.Now, most of your options are likely tempting, for they remind you of glass, which is easily broken, but the only option that directly indicates a kind of fragility or weakness is "delicate." When something is "delicate," it isnot very strong.Sometimes, we speak of "delicate health" in someone who is sickly. We can also speak of a "delicate situation," meaning that the situation could fall apart easily.
Example Question #944 :Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
TAINTED
Mixed
Polluted
Poisoned
Murderous
Intoxicated
Polluted
When something is tainted, itloses its purity.For instance, a water supply can be tainted by having small amounts of paint poured into as well as small amounts of soda. In both cases, the water supply loses its purity. Tainting does not have to do with poison necessarily, so be careful not to choose an answer based on this. Instead, the best option is "polluted," which can apply to any kind of the actions mentioned above as examples of tainting.
Example Question #945 :Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SUPERFLUOUS
Exorbitant
Overwhelming
Unnecessary
Outrageous
Tedious
Unnecessary
The word "superfluous" comes from Latin roots that literally meanoverflowing.(The "super-" prefix means "over or above" and "-fluous" clearly means "flowing.") When something is "superfluous," it isexcessive or beyond one's current needs.While such things could be "overwhelming" or even outragous / exorbitant, they are always unnecessary. Thus, this simple word is the best option for this question!
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