Conjunctions and Sentence Logic in Word-Based Sentence Completions - ISEE Lower Level Verbal Reasoning
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The best man's speech was surprisingly given how little time he had spent preparing.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The best man's speech was surprisingly given how little time he had spent preparing.
You are told that the best man did not really prepare for the speech and that whatever quality it had was therefore surprising. If the best man had not prepared one might expect his speech to be disorganized and poorly spoken. So, the adjective used to describe his speech must be positive and reflect how he surprised the audience. The correct answer is therefore "eloquent" which means well spoken. Additionally, "feigned" means faked, pretended; "incompetent" means not able to do something, not good enough, not capable; "rabid" means extreme, overly passionate; "spiritual" means relating to religion, or relating to the human soul.
You are told that the best man did not really prepare for the speech and that whatever quality it had was therefore surprising. If the best man had not prepared one might expect his speech to be disorganized and poorly spoken. So, the adjective used to describe his speech must be positive and reflect how he surprised the audience. The correct answer is therefore "eloquent" which means well spoken. Additionally, "feigned" means faked, pretended; "incompetent" means not able to do something, not good enough, not capable; "rabid" means extreme, overly passionate; "spiritual" means relating to religion, or relating to the human soul.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
He had been an arrogant and energetic man in his youth, but by the time she met him again, in their early 50s, he was a much more individual.
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He had been an arrogant and energetic man in his youth, but by the time she met him again, in their early 50s, he was a much more individual.
The context of this sentence, and the use of the conjunction "but," suggests that this man changed over the course of his lifetime. Once he had been arrogant and full of energy, so the correct answer must mean something like the opposite of these two words. The correct answer is therefore "mellow" which means relaxed, good-natured, and calm. Additionally, "frantic" means rushed, anxious, and stressed; "toxic" means poisonous; "uncouth" means vulgar, rude; "derelict" means in a very bad condition, falling apart.
The context of this sentence, and the use of the conjunction "but," suggests that this man changed over the course of his lifetime. Once he had been arrogant and full of energy, so the correct answer must mean something like the opposite of these two words. The correct answer is therefore "mellow" which means relaxed, good-natured, and calm. Additionally, "frantic" means rushed, anxious, and stressed; "toxic" means poisonous; "uncouth" means vulgar, rude; "derelict" means in a very bad condition, falling apart.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
You should never play with fire near a gas station because petroleum is .
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You should never play with fire near a gas station because petroleum is .
Based on the structure of this sentence you are looking for the answer choice that means easily lit on fire. The correct answer is therefore "inflammable." Due to a strange quirk of the English language both "flammable" and "inflammable" mean easily set on fire. Based on normal rules you would expect "inflammable" to mean "not flammable," but this is not the case. Additionally, "inflexible" means not flexible, not bendy; "irresponsible" means not responsible; "implacable" means unable to be placated, unable to be soothed, unforgiving; "irredeemable" means not able to be redeemed, not able to be saved or forgiven.
Based on the structure of this sentence you are looking for the answer choice that means easily lit on fire. The correct answer is therefore "inflammable." Due to a strange quirk of the English language both "flammable" and "inflammable" mean easily set on fire. Based on normal rules you would expect "inflammable" to mean "not flammable," but this is not the case. Additionally, "inflexible" means not flexible, not bendy; "irresponsible" means not responsible; "implacable" means unable to be placated, unable to be soothed, unforgiving; "irredeemable" means not able to be redeemed, not able to be saved or forgiven.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
He decided to his appearance so that he would fit in better at his new school.
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He decided to his appearance so that he would fit in better at his new school.
The subject of this sentence wants to change how well he fits in at school, so it makes sense that he would feel the need to change his appearance. You are therefore looking for the answer choice that means change, alter. So, the correct answer is "modify." Additionally, "ransack" means to search through carelessly and quickly; "reconcile" means make peace with; "deviate" means turn away from, diverge from; "contradict" means argue against.
The subject of this sentence wants to change how well he fits in at school, so it makes sense that he would feel the need to change his appearance. You are therefore looking for the answer choice that means change, alter. So, the correct answer is "modify." Additionally, "ransack" means to search through carelessly and quickly; "reconcile" means make peace with; "deviate" means turn away from, diverge from; "contradict" means argue against.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Ronald was generally a warm person, so when the temperature began to drop in the house, he didn't that others might be cold.
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Ronald was generally a warm person, so when the temperature began to drop in the house, he didn't that others might be cold.
Based on the context clues in this sentence, we can guess that Ronald didn't realize that the temperature was dropping. As someone who is naturally warm, he probably thought the house was just about the same. Therefore, the implication is that he didn't even think that others might be cold. That means that he likely did not realize it. He was not aware of it.
Based on the context clues in this sentence, we can guess that Ronald didn't realize that the temperature was dropping. As someone who is naturally warm, he probably thought the house was just about the same. Therefore, the implication is that he didn't even think that others might be cold. That means that he likely did not realize it. He was not aware of it.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Given the complex and changing details of life, it is rare that someone is ever totally about his or her political opinions.
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Given the complex and changing details of life, it is rare that someone is ever totally about his or her political opinions.
The sentence talks about how the world is changing and complex. This implies that people rarely "settle" on one political opinion. While this means that people may not be happy with their opinions, we really can't say much about happiness, given our clues. We must be as vague as the sentence itself is. Therefore, the best option is merely "certain." To be "certain" is to be sure and settled about something. This is as much as you can say for this sentence.
The sentence talks about how the world is changing and complex. This implies that people rarely "settle" on one political opinion. While this means that people may not be happy with their opinions, we really can't say much about happiness, given our clues. We must be as vague as the sentence itself is. Therefore, the best option is merely "certain." To be "certain" is to be sure and settled about something. This is as much as you can say for this sentence.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The lists of Daniel's accomplishments were not very . Many other people had done exactly the same things as him and just as well he had done them.
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The lists of Daniel's accomplishments were not very . Many other people had done exactly the same things as him and just as well he had done them.
This sentence implies that Daniel's accomplishments are not very extraordinary. They are just like everyone else's accomplishments. This means that they are not very impressive. Perhaps he has done some very good things. Still, they just don't "stand out."
This sentence implies that Daniel's accomplishments are not very extraordinary. They are just like everyone else's accomplishments. This means that they are not very impressive. Perhaps he has done some very good things. Still, they just don't "stand out."
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
What Robert thought was a face in the window was actually nothing more than a(n) caused by the light reflecting off his porch.
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What Robert thought was a face in the window was actually nothing more than a(n) caused by the light reflecting off his porch.
The sentence implies that the image in the window was not what it appeared to be. For this reason, the best option is "illusion." When something is an "illusion," it appears to be one thing while being another. Often, we speak of "optical illusions." These are just a particular kind of illusion, namely one that we see with our eyes. (Indeed, in this sentence, the illusion is optical!)
The sentence implies that the image in the window was not what it appeared to be. For this reason, the best option is "illusion." When something is an "illusion," it appears to be one thing while being another. Often, we speak of "optical illusions." These are just a particular kind of illusion, namely one that we see with our eyes. (Indeed, in this sentence, the illusion is optical!)
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
After many years as a foe, the nation changed its policies radically and became a(n) to the United States.
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After many years as a foe, the nation changed its policies radically and became a(n) to the United States.
The key thing to notice is the fact that the nation has changed "from" being a foe "to" its current status. Thus, you should pick an option that best expresses this contrast to being a foe. It is for this reason that "ally" is the best option. An "ally" is someone who has friendly relations with another group. Thus, to go from being a foe to being an ally means that someone goes from being an enemy to being a friend. This is the best option among those given.
The key thing to notice is the fact that the nation has changed "from" being a foe "to" its current status. Thus, you should pick an option that best expresses this contrast to being a foe. It is for this reason that "ally" is the best option. An "ally" is someone who has friendly relations with another group. Thus, to go from being a foe to being an ally means that someone goes from being an enemy to being a friend. This is the best option among those given.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Although the effect of the punch was little more than a minor hurt, after several days, the spot began to show extensive bruising.
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Although the effect of the punch was little more than a minor hurt, after several days, the spot began to show extensive bruising.
This sentence is contrasting two things. The second item in the contrast is explicitly stated. It is the effect that showed itself after several days. In contrast to such a delayed effect, an "immediate" effect is one that shows itself right away.
This sentence is contrasting two things. The second item in the contrast is explicitly stated. It is the effect that showed itself after several days. In contrast to such a delayed effect, an "immediate" effect is one that shows itself right away.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Usually she is very , but today she is running twenty minutes late.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Usually she is very , but today she is running twenty minutes late.
The use of the word "but" is crucial to solving this problem. "But" is used to change the direction of a sentence, to cause it to mean the opposite, so in this instance if the girl is twenty minutes late she must usually not be late. The correct answer is therefore "prompt" which means on time, quick, not delayed or late. Additionally, "dogged" means determined and hard-working; "delayed" means late, halted, paused; "miserable" means very sad; "perilous" means dangerous.
The use of the word "but" is crucial to solving this problem. "But" is used to change the direction of a sentence, to cause it to mean the opposite, so in this instance if the girl is twenty minutes late she must usually not be late. The correct answer is therefore "prompt" which means on time, quick, not delayed or late. Additionally, "dogged" means determined and hard-working; "delayed" means late, halted, paused; "miserable" means very sad; "perilous" means dangerous.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Despite all the hype, the day proved largely .
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Despite all the hype, the day proved largely .
The use of the conjunction "despite" tells you that the day in question did not live up to the "hype" (excitement). The day must therefore have been devoid of action, boring and normal. The correct answer is therefore "uneventful." Something that is described as "uneventful" is something mundane that is not interesting. Additionally, "giddy" means light-headed and dizzy or excited; "optional" means not required, a choice; "insolent" means rude and obnoxious; "degraded" means treated with disrespect and made to feel worthless.
The use of the conjunction "despite" tells you that the day in question did not live up to the "hype" (excitement). The day must therefore have been devoid of action, boring and normal. The correct answer is therefore "uneventful." Something that is described as "uneventful" is something mundane that is not interesting. Additionally, "giddy" means light-headed and dizzy or excited; "optional" means not required, a choice; "insolent" means rude and obnoxious; "degraded" means treated with disrespect and made to feel worthless.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
I don't think he did it, although .
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I don't think he did it, although .
The key to solving this problem is the use of the word "although." "Although" is used like "however," "yet," and "but" to introduce an opposite or contrasting idea. So, most of these answer choices would be better served with the conjunction "and" which is used to continue an idea. The correct answer is therefore " . . . I could be wrong." The author is unsure of themselves and this is reflected in the words "think" and "although."
The key to solving this problem is the use of the word "although." "Although" is used like "however," "yet," and "but" to introduce an opposite or contrasting idea. So, most of these answer choices would be better served with the conjunction "and" which is used to continue an idea. The correct answer is therefore " . . . I could be wrong." The author is unsure of themselves and this is reflected in the words "think" and "although."
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The journey was cancelled .
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The journey was cancelled .
To solve this problem you simply need to recognize which of these conjunctions makes the most sense within the context of this sentence. The correct answer is " . . . due to terrible weather." "Due to" means because of. All the other conjunctions are either completely nonsensical in the structure of this sentence or else would only make sense if the journey was not cancelled. Additionally, "favorable" means advantageous, offering some benefit.
To solve this problem you simply need to recognize which of these conjunctions makes the most sense within the context of this sentence. The correct answer is " . . . due to terrible weather." "Due to" means because of. All the other conjunctions are either completely nonsensical in the structure of this sentence or else would only make sense if the journey was not cancelled. Additionally, "favorable" means advantageous, offering some benefit.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Robert was a strange man. Bad news did not sadden him at all; it actually made him !
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Robert was a strange man. Bad news did not sadden him at all; it actually made him !
This set of sentences is expressing the strange contrast between what we would expect from Robert when he finds out bad news and how he actually acts. It is surprising that he is not saddened by bad news. The implication is that his attitude is the opposite of sadness in these cases. That means that his attitude must be one of gladness or joy. Thus, it seems that the bad news would make him "rejoice"!
This set of sentences is expressing the strange contrast between what we would expect from Robert when he finds out bad news and how he actually acts. It is surprising that he is not saddened by bad news. The implication is that his attitude is the opposite of sadness in these cases. That means that his attitude must be one of gladness or joy. Thus, it seems that the bad news would make him "rejoice"!
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Although it is easy to annoy people, it can also be very easy to them by doing small kindnesses for them.
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Although it is easy to annoy people, it can also be very easy to them by doing small kindnesses for them.
This sentence contrasts two things that are easy to do for other people. The implication of the logic of the sentence is that these are two different things. Thus, on the one hand it is said to be easy to annoy people. We are therefore looking for something opposite of annoying. Among the options provided, only one such word provides this kind of contrast, namely "please." The word "save" might seem like a positive contrast for "annoy." While this is true, it is not a great contrast. The best option is "please," which is certainly a good opposite to "annoy."
This sentence contrasts two things that are easy to do for other people. The implication of the logic of the sentence is that these are two different things. Thus, on the one hand it is said to be easy to annoy people. We are therefore looking for something opposite of annoying. Among the options provided, only one such word provides this kind of contrast, namely "please." The word "save" might seem like a positive contrast for "annoy." While this is true, it is not a great contrast. The best option is "please," which is certainly a good opposite to "annoy."
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Although most of her pies were very , Sally's latest blackberry pie was surprisingly quite disgusting.
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Although most of her pies were very , Sally's latest blackberry pie was surprisingly quite disgusting.
Notice the important words that indicate a contrast being expressed in this sentence. Sally's current pie is surprising in that it is disgusting. This is contrasted with the normal state of affairs. The contrast is indicated by the use of the word "although" at the beginning of the sentence. Therefore, in contrast to "disgusting" her pies must have been rather tasty. This means that they were not merely nutritious, acceptable, or edible. They were quite delicious!
Notice the important words that indicate a contrast being expressed in this sentence. Sally's current pie is surprising in that it is disgusting. This is contrasted with the normal state of affairs. The contrast is indicated by the use of the word "although" at the beginning of the sentence. Therefore, in contrast to "disgusting" her pies must have been rather tasty. This means that they were not merely nutritious, acceptable, or edible. They were quite delicious!
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Reginald was always interested in very ideas, while his brother Filbert liked to think about things that were more familiar to his common experience.
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Reginald was always interested in very ideas, while his brother Filbert liked to think about things that were more familiar to his common experience.
You might be tempted to pick "majestic" or even "beautiful" as the answer to this question. Filbert apparently likes things that are "down to earth." The real contrast here is between this kind of concrete and practical thinking and more abstract ways of thinking that are not so connected to common experience. Such abstract things can be majestic, beautiful, or even mathematical. The general term "abstract" best functions for the contrast, so stick to this!
You might be tempted to pick "majestic" or even "beautiful" as the answer to this question. Filbert apparently likes things that are "down to earth." The real contrast here is between this kind of concrete and practical thinking and more abstract ways of thinking that are not so connected to common experience. Such abstract things can be majestic, beautiful, or even mathematical. The general term "abstract" best functions for the contrast, so stick to this!
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
After years of extreme poverty, Theodore surprisingly came to have a rather lifestyle.
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After years of extreme poverty, Theodore surprisingly came to have a rather lifestyle.
The key word in all of this is "surprisingly." Since Theodore lived in extreme poverty for many years, it was likely thought that he would always be poor in this manner. Therefore, the surprise would come by him being very wealthy. Do not over-think this question. It is that simple of a contrast!
The key word in all of this is "surprisingly." Since Theodore lived in extreme poverty for many years, it was likely thought that he would always be poor in this manner. Therefore, the surprise would come by him being very wealthy. Do not over-think this question. It is that simple of a contrast!
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
When she was not working at her job, Cecilia liked to spend her time playing the piano.
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When she was not working at her job, Cecilia liked to spend her time playing the piano.
Notice the nature of the contrast. The sentence is contrasting Cecelia's time at work with the other time that she has. Our "leisure time" is our free time—when we can do what we want because we want to do it. Since leisure time best contrasts with being at work, this is the best answer for this question.
Notice the nature of the contrast. The sentence is contrasting Cecelia's time at work with the other time that she has. Our "leisure time" is our free time—when we can do what we want because we want to do it. Since leisure time best contrasts with being at work, this is the best answer for this question.
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