SSAT Upper Level Verbal : SSAT Upper Level Verbal

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #21 : Analogies

Complete this analogy.

Exaggeration is to hyperbole as peaceable is to _________.

Possible Answers:

amicable

parsimonious

unworthy 

disgraceful

quaint 

Correct answer:

amicable

Explanation:

Exaggeration and hyperbole are synonyms that both mean to overstate something. So to solve this analogy you have to determine which of the answer choices is the best synonym for peaceable. Peaceable means friendly and disposed toward avoiding conflict, the correct answer is therefore “amicable” which means friendly and disinclined toward conflict. For clarification, "quaint" means cute and old-fashioned; "parsimonious" means frugal and economical.

Example Question #22 : Analogies

Complete this analogy.

Palace is to ostentatious as hovel is to __________.

Possible Answers:

Dirty 

Luscious

Whimsical 

Lofty 

Big 

Correct answer:

Dirty 

Explanation:

Ostentatious means luxurious and showy which is a quality that would usually describe a palace. So to solve this analogy you have to determine which of these answer choices is a quality usually associated with a hovel. A hovel is a shack; a small, dirty and poor home. The correct answer is therefore “dirty.” For clarification, "luscious" means succulent; "whimsical" means quirky; "lofty" means ambitious or big.

Example Question #23 : Analogies

Complete this analogy.

Dollar is to currency as cartographer is to __________.

Possible Answers:

animal 

profession 

building 

map 

desire 

Correct answer:

profession 

Explanation:

A dollar is a type of currency so to solve this analogy you have to determine which of these answer choices a cartographer is a type of. A "cartographer" is someone who makes maps so the correct answer is “profession” which is a synonym for job.

Example Question #24 : Analogies

Complete this analogy.

Spiteful is to malicious as noise is to __________.

Possible Answers:

wanton 

quiet 

loft 

impressive 

din 

Correct answer:

din 

Explanation:

Spiteful and malicious are synonyms that describe mean and hurtful behavior. So to solve this analogy you have to determine which of these answer choices is a synonym for noise. The correct answer is therefore “din.” A “din” is a loud, persistent noise. For clarification, "wanton" means random.

Example Question #25 : Analogies

Complete this analogy.

Esteem is to admire as contempt is to __________.

Possible Answers:

disgust 

love 

association 

apathy 

friendship 

Correct answer:

disgust 

Explanation:

To hold something in esteem means to respect and admire it. So to solve this analogy you have to figure out which one of the answer choices is most similar in meaning to “to hold someone in contempt.” To have contempt for someone means you dislike and are disgusted by it. So the correct answer is “disgust.” For clarification, "apathy" means not caring.

Example Question #26 : Analogies

Complete this analogy.

Friend is to amity as enemy is to __________.

Possible Answers:

homeopathy 

animosity 

vitality 

judicial 

ludicrous 

Correct answer:

animosity 

Explanation:

Amity means friendliness and so describes the sort of relationship that would be experienced between two friends. So to solve this analogy you have to determine which of the answer choices best describes the sort of relationship experienced by two enemies. This should lead you to “animosity” which means hostility or ill-feeling. For clarification, "ludicrou"s means absurd; "vitality" means youthfulness and energy; "homeopathy" is a type of disease treatment system in which natural remedies are of primary importance; "judicial" means to be fair and wise in making decisions.

Example Question #27 : Analogies

Complete this analogy.

Orator is to virtuoso as charlatan is to ­­__________.

Possible Answers:

teacher 

student 

fraudster 

essayist 

genius 

Correct answer:

fraudster 

Explanation:

An orator is someone skilled at public speaking and a virtuoso is someone who is skilled at anything in particular, so an orator is a type of virtuoso. A "charlatan" is an imposter and is therefore a type of “fraudster.”

Example Question #1 : Synonyms

Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

ABSCOND. 

Possible Answers:

Profound 

Flee

Obdurate

Ameliorate

Annoy

Correct answer:

Flee

Explanation:

To “abscond” means to run away or flee. For clarification, "profound" means deep and meaningful; "ameliorate" means to relieve; "obdurate" means stubborn.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms

Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

SEMINAL.

Possible Answers:

Sound

Ground-breaking 

Soliloquy

Sensual 

Sardonic 

Correct answer:

Ground-breaking 

Explanation:

“Seminal” means ground-breaking work. For clarification, "soliloquy" is part of a play in which a character talks alone to the audience; "sardonic" means ironic and whimsical; "sensual" means relating to physical pleasure.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms

Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

UMBRAGE.

Possible Answers:

Loud

Youthful

Understanding

Offense

Soft

Correct answer:

Offense

Explanation:

To take “umbrage” means to take offense and resent somebody.

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