All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.
VULNERABLE
veteran
susceptible
morose
painstaking
susceptible
Vulnerable means susceptible to physical or emotional harm.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.
RETICENT
entertaining
medical
reserved
quick
reserved
Reticent means not readily revealing thoughts or feelings, or reserved.
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Answer the following sample question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
URBANE
urgent
resolute
metropolitan
cultured
succinct
cultured
"Urbane" means cultured or civilized. "Metropolitan" means urban or concerning a city. "Urgent" means needing immediate attention. "Resolute" means determined or strong-willed. "Succinct" means short and to the point.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
AFFABLE
untrue
genial
wealthy
comical
genial
Someone who is "affable" is easy to talk with and pleasant to be around. "Genial" best conveys this sense (a likable pageant contestant might be named "Miss Congeniality"—a related word).
Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
CAPRICIOUS
superstitious
generous
captivating
erratic
erratic
Derived from an old Italian word that described one's hair standing on end in horror, "capricious" means subject to sudden, unpredictable changes (a prospect that might terrify someone who desires a more-predictable life). This is best expressed by the adjective "erratic." Do not confuse "capricious" with "propitious" (favorable).
Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
BENIGN
stygian
injurious
malignant
benevolent
unkempt
benevolent
"Benign" and "benevolent" both mean kindly or favorable. "Unkempt" means shabby or sloppy. "Injurious" means hurtful or destructive. "Malignant" means diseased or cancerous. "Stygian" means dark or shadowy.
Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
WILLFUL
obstinate
nonplussed
abysmal
arboreal
noisome
obstinate
"Willful" and "obstinate" both mean stubborn or headstrong. "Abysmal" means to a great extent or immeasurable. "Noisome" means immoral, bad, or offensive. "Arboreal" means pertaining to trees. "Nonplussed" means confused.
Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
QUIXOTIC
idealistic
cynical
pragmatic
cogent
demure
idealistic
"Quixotic" and "idealistic" both mean foolishly dreamy. "Cynical" means nonbelieving or doubtful. "Pragmatic" means sensible or efficient. "Demure" means reserved or affected. "Cogent" means effective or compelling.
Example Question #7 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
FORBEARING
intrepid
stolid
tolerant
impotent
garish
tolerant
"Forbearing" and "tolerant" both mean forgiving or moderate. "Impotent" means disabled or unable to perform an action. "Garish" means flashy or tasteless. "Intrepid" means brave or nervy. "Stolid" means apathetic or stupid.
Example Question #8 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
GARRULOUS
Talkative
Pleasurable
Bizarre
Considerate
Imminent
Talkative
"Garrulous" means talkative, so "talkative" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "garrulous": "bizarre" means strange or very odd "Cocnsiderate" means thoughtful or considering the feelings and thoughts of other people; "pleasurable" means giving one pleasure; and "imminent" means impending or close to occurring.
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