All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AQUEDUCT
Pool
Container
Transmission
Conduit
Solubility
Conduit
The root "aqua" refers to water, and the suffix "-duct" refers to something that carries something else, so an “aqueduct” is a pipe that carries drinking water from a source to a population center. Another word for something that carries things from one place to another is a “conduit.” To provide further help, "solubility" is how well a substance dissolves in water or another solute, a "transmission" is the transferral of something from one place to another; a "container" is something used to store or hold something else; and a "pool" is a small artificial body of water used for recreational swimming.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Roots
Synonyms: Select the word or phrase that best matches the word in capital letters.
MEMENTO
Rancorous
Catchphrase
Reminder
Heretical
Insistence
Reminder
A "memento" is a souvenir or a reminder of past events, so "reminder" is the correct answer. To help you, a "catchphrase" is a repeated saying associated with an individual or a character, "rancorous" means unforgiving or angry, and "heretical" means dissenting from the popular or traditional opinion, unorthodox, or going against established religious ideas.
Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Roots
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
BENEDICTION
Curse
Dystopia
Blessing
Utopia
Euphemism
Blessing
A "benediction" is a blessing, so "blessing" is the correct answer. To provide further help, a "euphemism" is a word or phrase used in place of a rude or offensive term, a "utopia" is an ideal paradise, whereas a "dystopia" is a world in which everything has gone wrong and the opposite of a "utopia."
Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Roots
Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
SCRIPTURE
Scientific writings
Victorian writings
Impossible equations
Mathematical equations
Biblical writings
Biblical writings
The prefix "script-" refers to writing and is related to the suffix "scribe," such as in “inscribe” or “transcribe.” “Scripture” commonly refers to Biblical writings.
Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Roots
Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
ANACHRONISM
Diatribe
Hypothesis
Relic
Testament
Monument
Relic
"Chron-" refers to time or the passage of time, so an “anachronism” is something from a previous period of history or something out of its time. Its former meaning is closest in definition to a “relic,” which is an object left over from the past. To provide further help, a “testament” is evidence; a “monument” is something built to remember a great person or event; a “hypothesis” is an idea or theory that requires investigation; a “diatribe” is an angry verbal attack.
Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ACRIMONY
Admonition
Celebration
Influx
Rancor
Monument
Rancor
The prefix "acri-" refers to bitterness, either a bitter sensation or a bitterness of personality. In this instance it is the latter usage that is relevant, as “acrimony” is a feeling of bitterness towards someone else. This is similar in meaning to “hostility,” or “rancor,” which means resentment. To provide further help, “influx" means arrival of a large group of things or people; a “monument” is a statue built to commemorate someone or some event; and “admonition” means caution or warning.
Example Question #7 : Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
NOMENCLATURE
Discrepancy
Taxonomy
Fatigue
Pseudonym
Title
Taxonomy
The prefix "nom-" means related to names, and “nomenclature” means a naming system. As such, it is most similar in meaning to “taxonomy,” which is another name for a system of naming and identifying things. To provide further help, a “discrepancy” is an inconsistency; a “pseudonym” is a fake name or a nickname; "fatigue" is exhaustion or extreme tiredness, and a "title" is the name by which a work of art or literature is known.
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
VOCATION
Account
Task
Occupation
Homework
Information
Occupation
Since "vocation" is a noun that means job or profession we're looking for another noun that also means job. "Task" sounds like it might be the correct answer, but a "task" is a job in the sense of a piece of work to be done, it is not a day-to-day job or profession. "Occupation," on the other hand, means a job or profession, so it is the correct answer.
Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
AQUEOUS
Wispy
Watery
Sedimentary
Suggested
Watery
The word "aqueous" means watery or pertaining to water. The best choice is "watery," as it is a part of the definition of "aqueous." Considering the other choices, "sedimentary" means having to do with sediment, "wispy" means light and delicate, and "suggested" means mentioned for consideration.
Example Question #7 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin
Synonyms: Choose the word or phrase that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
TACTILE
Able to be seen
Able to be touched
Able to be improved
Able to be tasted
Able to be heard
Able to be touched
The prefix "tact-" means related to touch, so “tactile” means able to be touched. To provide further help, “audible” means able to be heard; “visible” means able to be seen. Notice that the suffix "-ible" means able to be.
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