All ISEE Lower Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SUSPEND
Delay
Fasten
Intrigue
Scheme
Arrange
Delay
One of the meanings of "suspend" is hang in the air, but none of the answer choices matches that definition, so we need to consider other definitions of "suspend." Another definition of "suspend" is to "delay" or wait. "Arrange" means organize; "fasten" means attach; "scheme" means plan; and "intrigue" means interest greatly.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AVERAGE
Unusual
Excellent
Mathematical
Typical
Constant
Typical
Average means to be ordinary, not on the polar end of the spectrum. Something that is typical matches this description. Therefore, typical is the correct answer. A tempting wrong answer is mathematical. While averages are used in math, the two words are not synonyms.
Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
POSITION
Marker
State
Occupation
Landmass
Region
Occupation
The word "position" has many meanings. The general idea involved in many of them is being in a given location. It can also be used in a physical sense as well as a metaphorical sense. Think about your position in one of your classes. This really means how well you have scored so far. We use the word "position" also to locate the "place" someone holds in a company for which they work. Thus, a nurse is one position among many others in a hospital. We might ask, "What position did you apply for?" Hence, the best option for this question is "occupation," meaning job. Do not be tricked by "region" and "landmass". Just because they are physical terms, they are not the same as "position."
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
BRILLIANT
Careful
Memorable
Mathematical
Alert
Dazzling
Dazzling
The word "brilliant" has two main sets of meanings. The word originally comes from roots meaning to shine. Thus, we know of usages like, "The light brilliantly shone on the water." This means that it was shining brightly upon the water. Now, it has also been extended to mean intelligent, as when we say that someone is "bright." In this question, the only possible meaning is "dazzling." The other options may tempt you (especially "mathematical"). However, none of them express a possible meaning for "brilliant."
Example Question #51 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
LIGHT
Cloudy
Summer
Easy
Interesting
Known
Easy
This question is trying to trick you into avoiding the sense of "light" that is implied by the answer choices. Yes, the word "light" has to do with physical light; however, this is not at all the same as being cloudy or, even, with "summer." (Indeed, many summer days could be quite dark and cloudy.) The word "light" can also mean "not heavy," and in this sense, it can also mean, "easy." This is the answer to this question.
Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CLOUDY
Showering
Uncertain
Predictable
Rainy
Depressing
Uncertain
The word "cloudy" is, of course, used to describe the familiar weather condition; however, do not be fooled by this question. It is trying to get you to answer using anything that you might relate to weather. You might even choose "depressing" because many people get depressed during cloudy weather. Do not be tricked! Whenever the air is cloudy, it is not clear. Therefore, the word "cloudy" is sometimes used in an extended sense to mean "not clear" or "uncertain." For example, you could say, "His explanation was somewhat cloudy, so I asked him to be more specific." Also, you could say, "He was a bit cloudy about the details, so he asked several questions to help clarify his knowledge about the event." In both of these cases, the word "cloudy" has to do with a kind of mental uncertainty. The only option that matches this sort of meaning is "uncertain."
Example Question #52 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
VILLAIN
Hero
Devil
Monster
Convict
Ghost
Convict
The word "villain" is often used in stories. It indicates the "bad guy" or the "antagonist" in the story. Now, this might tempt you to choose something like "monster" or "devil," but the best option is actually "convict." Unless the question gives you "antagonist" for an option, you have to use the secondary meaning of "villain," which indicates, in general, someone who inflicts harm on others.
Example Question #5 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CLASS
Scholarship
Group
Education
Distance
Flight
Group
The word "class" is primarily used to describe a group of people or things. Thus, on a plane, "first class" is the group of passengers who have the most expensive tickets. In school, a "class" is a group of students. Note, however, that "class" is not synonymous with "education" or "scholarship." These options are trying to trick you!
Example Question #6 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FINE
Forgetful
Punished
Denied
Dusty
Cold
Dusty
The word "fine" has many meanings. Do not be tempted by "punished". Yes, a "fine" is a punishment; however, that is a noun use, while "punished" is an adjective. The best option, perhaps surprisingly, is "dusty." If you had powder that you would call "fine," this would be very dusty powder. This is the best option among those given.
Example Question #7 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EXAMPLE
Surprise
Expected
Excitement
Model
Distance
Model
In general, the word "example" means a particular case or specimen. For example, you can say, "The word 'greet' is an example of a verb, but you can also use the word "example" in the sense of "a model" (to be imitated). For instance, you could say, "Regis' actions were an example for his younger brother to follow." This means that Regis' actions were a model for his younger brother.
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