ISEE Upper Level Verbal : ISEE Upper Level (grades 9-12) Verbal Reasoning

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #716 :Identifying Synonyms

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

MANIFOLD

Possible Answers:

Eccentric

Numerous

Overwhelming

Exotic

Handy

Correct answer:

Numerous

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Stubborn

Invigorating

Hazardous

Infectuous

Dangerous

Correct answer:

Invigorating

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Rare

Intelligible

简约

Simple

Deficient

Correct answer:

Deficient

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Disquieted

Irritated

Progressive

Nauseating

Rotting

Correct answer:

Nauseating

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Governmental

Exacting

Detrimental

Developing

Technical

Correct answer:

Developing

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Expository

Delightful

Common

Studious

Partisan

Correct answer:

Common

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Plaintive

Urbane

Exhaustive

Expensive

Pensive

Correct answer:

Exhaustive

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Glassy

Delicate

Cheap

Shattered

Fractured

Correct answer:

Delicate

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Mixed

Polluted

Poisoned

Murderous

Intoxicated

Correct answer:

Polluted

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Exorbitant

Overwhelming

Unnecessary

Outrageous

Tedious

Correct answer:

Unnecessary

Explanation:

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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