All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The manager warned that every error must be fixed immediately, for once an irregularity entered the system, it would __________ a number of additional ones within minutes.
inquire
overwhelm
vex
undertake
generate
generate
The sentence implies that once an irregularity enters the system, more would be created very quickly thereafter. The only synonym that we have for the notion of "create" is "generate." This word—which is related to "generations" and "genus"—means to produce or cause. It is related to earlier Latin usages that were particularly used by philosophers to discuss how things come to be and are destroyed—which they called "generation and corruption." We speak of "generations" in a family because we number them according to how they were "created." The grandparents were one generation; they generated the next generation (parents), and so forth.
Example Question #2 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Extremely difficult topics require teachers to __________ concepts with creative examples in order to make the topics more concrete.
delineate
unravel
confound
exculpate
illustrate
illustrate
The key phrases for this sentence is “with creative examples” and “to make the topics more concrete.” Although one could “unravel” complex topics into simpler ones, such “unraveling” does not necessarily involve creative examples (though it may accidentally contain them). Likewise, clear delineation of topics may provide some clarity, but that does not necessarily indicate the use of creative examples. However, “to illustrate” a topic means to explain it with examples. The word comes from the Latin for to illuminate. Something with “luster” has a glow—it shines (like a good example).
Example Question #3 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Following his refutation of the state religion, he was __________ from his homeland forever.
procured
shrouded
ransacked
banished
lamented
banished
The subject of this sentence “refuted” (discredited or invalidated) the state religion, which would likely upset the established order. It therefore makes sense that he would be “banished,” or sent away and exiled, from his homeland. “Lamented” means mourned or expressed sadness about; “shrouded” means covered or enveloped; “procured” means got or obtained; and “ransacked” means searched recklessly and quickly for something.
Example Question #4 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The witness was brought forth to __________ against the accused.
concede
testify
lampoon
amend
transgress
testify
The use of the word “witness” suggests that the correct answer is “testify.” “Testify” means to speak out about or bring evidence against in a court of law; “concede” means give up or accept defeat; “amend” means edit; “lampoon” means mock or deride; and “transgress” means misbehave or break the rules.
Example Question #5 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The parents were very angry with the babysitter for __________ the children’s routine by allowing the kids to stay up way past their bedtimes.
investigating
permitting
reinforcing
mollifying
jeopardizing
jeopardizing
The parents are angry with the babysitter because she put the maintenance of the children’s routine in danger. This means that the correct answer is “jeopardizing.” To “jeopardize” means to put in danger, to endanger, or to threaten; “reinforcing” means backing up, improving the defense of, or strengthening; “mollifying” means calming, soothing, or alleviating; "investigating" means exploring or looking into an issue; and "permitting" means allowing.
Example Question #6 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
He __________ his son for losing the car keys, asking, “How exactly did this happen?”
acclaimed
chided
lionized
hailed
complimented
chided
It makes sense that the boy’s father would criticize or reprimand his son for losing the car keys, so the correct answer must be “chided.” “Chided” means scold, rebuke, reprimand, or chastise. As for the other answer choices, “lionized” means made into a hero; “complimented” means praised or said something nice about; "acclaimed" means praised openly; “hailed” means praised, lauded, or mentioned the impact of favorably. All four of these incorrect answer choices are loose synonyms of one another.
Example Question #7 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
She makes a good impressionist because she is able to __________ the voices and mannerisms of many different types of people.
contravene
rout
exasperate
mimic
agitate
mimic
A good impressionist would be able to copy the voices and mannerisms of people, so the best answer is “mimic,” which means to copy, particularly for the purposes of humor. As for the other answer choices, "contravene" means violate or breach; “rout” means beat completely or destroy in competition; “agitate” means disturb or annoy; and “exasperate” means anger, enrage, or antagonize.
Example Question #8 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
He did not wish to own a dog, as he was __________ by memories of being bitten by one as a child.
tormented
exposed
censured
swindled
assured
tormented
The context of the sentence suggests that the man being described has traumatic and horrible memories of being bitten by a dog. This suggests that he was “tormented” by these memories. “Tormented” means emotionally distressed; “exposed” means revealed; “swindled” means tricked out of money; “censured” means expressed one's disapproval of; and “assured” means guaranteed or made to feel confident.
Example Question #9 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
The organizers __________ people passionately to come out and support their cause, and everyone took note of their enthusiastic requests.
mourned
exhorted
chided
aspired
pardoned
exhorted
The underlined word describes what the organizers did. Because they did so “passionately” and their purpose was to get people to do something, the best answer is “exhorted.” “Exhorted” means passionately urged. As for the other answer choices, “chided” means censured or rebuked; “aspired” means desired to achieve; “mourned” means expressed great sadness over the loss of; and “pardoned” means officially forgave a wrong.
Example Question #10 : Verbs In One Blank Sentences
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
Her theory was __________ by experimental evidence, so she felt finally ready to publish.
invalidated
implored
disregarded
bolstered
impeded
bolstered
Because the subject feels as if she is "finally ready to publish," you know that her theory must have been supported or reinforced by the evidence. So, the correct answer is “bolstered." “Impeded” means slowed down or halted; “disregarded” means ignored; “implored” means begged; and "invalidated" means shown to be false.
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