Style, Intensity, and Connotation in Word-Based Sentence Completions - ISEE Lower Level Verbal Reasoning
Card 1 of 425
Choose the word or phrase that best completes the following sentence.
After less than a day of deliberation, the committee decided that Rachel's outlandish plan was simply not enough to put into action.
Choose the word or phrase that best completes the following sentence.
After less than a day of deliberation, the committee decided that Rachel's outlandish plan was simply not enough to put into action.
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This sentence contains multiple context clues, any of which can be used to narrow down the answer choices. First, Rachel's plan was "outlandish," meaning it was ridiculous or at least strange. Even more helpful is the end of the sentence, where we're told that the plan was "not enough" to use. So, we're looking for a positive quality that Rachel's plan must have been lacking. This allows us to eliminate "pointless" and "inadequate," which would both be negative qualities in a plan. Similarly, the committee would be unlikely to reject the proposal for not being "extravagant" enough, especially since we already know that it was "outlandish." "Compatible" refers to two things that can work together well, or two people that can get along together well, and since no two things are being compared in the sentence, "compatible" cannot be the correct answer. The final answer remaining is "sensible," which fits perfectly in this sentence.
This sentence contains multiple context clues, any of which can be used to narrow down the answer choices. First, Rachel's plan was "outlandish," meaning it was ridiculous or at least strange. Even more helpful is the end of the sentence, where we're told that the plan was "not enough" to use. So, we're looking for a positive quality that Rachel's plan must have been lacking. This allows us to eliminate "pointless" and "inadequate," which would both be negative qualities in a plan. Similarly, the committee would be unlikely to reject the proposal for not being "extravagant" enough, especially since we already know that it was "outlandish." "Compatible" refers to two things that can work together well, or two people that can get along together well, and since no two things are being compared in the sentence, "compatible" cannot be the correct answer. The final answer remaining is "sensible," which fits perfectly in this sentence.
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Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
I am to spend many of my days sitting in the sun and reading; for me there is nothing more pleasurable in the world.
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
I am to spend many of my days sitting in the sun and reading; for me there is nothing more pleasurable in the world.
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“Content” is the correct answer because it means satisfied with the way things are.
“Content” is the correct answer because it means satisfied with the way things are.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
She hurt herself when she jumped into the pool because it was much too .
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
She hurt herself when she jumped into the pool because it was much too .
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You would hurt yourself if you jumped into a pool and there was not much water there. When water is not deep, it's called “shallow.” “Supreme” means the best.
You would hurt yourself if you jumped into a pool and there was not much water there. When water is not deep, it's called “shallow.” “Supreme” means the best.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The hot air balloon , and its passengers were lifted into the sky.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The hot air balloon , and its passengers were lifted into the sky.
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Because the hot air balloon went up into the sky, we can pick out “ascended” as the correct answer. The word “dismissed” means ignored an idea or sent away; “reported” means spoke, wrote, or told about.
Because the hot air balloon went up into the sky, we can pick out “ascended” as the correct answer. The word “dismissed” means ignored an idea or sent away; “reported” means spoke, wrote, or told about.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Gina couldn't see through the window, as it was from all the dirt that had collected on it.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Gina couldn't see through the window, as it was from all the dirt that had collected on it.
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Here, the sentence plants the clue that because the window is very dirty, it is not possible to see through it. Thus, the best word to describe the window would be one that indicates its lack of clarity. "Opaque"means cloudy and nontransparent, so itis therefore the best word to complete the sentence. While "obscure" may seem like a potentially correct answer choice because the window is "obscuring" Gina's view, the window itself is not "obscure," which here means hidden or unknown. Similarly, since Gina cannot see through the window at all, we cannot accurately call it "translucent," since something translucent still lets some light through and can thus still be seen through somewhat.
Here, the sentence plants the clue that because the window is very dirty, it is not possible to see through it. Thus, the best word to describe the window would be one that indicates its lack of clarity. "Opaque"means cloudy and nontransparent, so itis therefore the best word to complete the sentence. While "obscure" may seem like a potentially correct answer choice because the window is "obscuring" Gina's view, the window itself is not "obscure," which here means hidden or unknown. Similarly, since Gina cannot see through the window at all, we cannot accurately call it "translucent," since something translucent still lets some light through and can thus still be seen through somewhat.
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Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
The princess lives a life of ; she spends her mornings doing as she pleases and her afternoons being pampered.
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
The princess lives a life of ; she spends her mornings doing as she pleases and her afternoons being pampered.
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Here, the sentence describes a princess who is pampered and is able to do as she pleases. "Leisure" refers to the ability to do whatever one wants with one's time, so a "life of leisure" would be one where one has no commitments such as a job. So, "leisure" is the answer choice that best fits the sentence's context.
Here, the sentence describes a princess who is pampered and is able to do as she pleases. "Leisure" refers to the ability to do whatever one wants with one's time, so a "life of leisure" would be one where one has no commitments such as a job. So, "leisure" is the answer choice that best fits the sentence's context.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Bill owed his friend some money, when Bill did not pay this led to a(n) .
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Bill owed his friend some money, when Bill did not pay this led to a(n) .
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Bill owes his friend some money, but does not pay him. From this information you can determine that this would likely lead to an argument or a fight. The correct answer is therefore "dispute" which means argument, a disagreement over something. To provide further help, "frequent" means happening often; "accord" means agreement; "vague" means unclear; a "demonstration" is a protest, a showing of some thing or some feeling.
Bill owes his friend some money, but does not pay him. From this information you can determine that this would likely lead to an argument or a fight. The correct answer is therefore "dispute" which means argument, a disagreement over something. To provide further help, "frequent" means happening often; "accord" means agreement; "vague" means unclear; a "demonstration" is a protest, a showing of some thing or some feeling.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The girl her doll and takes it everywhere with her.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The girl her doll and takes it everywhere with her.
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Because the girl takes her doll everywhere with her you can reasonably conclude that the girl likes her doll very much, she loves it. The correct answer is therefore "cherishes." To "cherish" something means to love it very much. To provide further help, "rectify" means fix; "despise" means hate; "rely" means depend, need.
Because the girl takes her doll everywhere with her you can reasonably conclude that the girl likes her doll very much, she loves it. The correct answer is therefore "cherishes." To "cherish" something means to love it very much. To provide further help, "rectify" means fix; "despise" means hate; "rely" means depend, need.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
After a long day of driving across the state she felt very .
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
After a long day of driving across the state she felt very .
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After a long drive it makes sense that the subject of the sentence would feel tired, so the correct answer is "fatigued." "Fatigued" means physically tired after a lot of work, exhausted. To provide further help, "abandoned" means left behind; "obstructed" and "hindered" both mean blocked, to have got in the way; "delayed" means made late.
After a long drive it makes sense that the subject of the sentence would feel tired, so the correct answer is "fatigued." "Fatigued" means physically tired after a lot of work, exhausted. To provide further help, "abandoned" means left behind; "obstructed" and "hindered" both mean blocked, to have got in the way; "delayed" means made late.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The tree was all alone in the middle of the field.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The tree was all alone in the middle of the field.
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The only information we are given about the tree is that it is by itself. It therefore makes sense to describe the tree as "solitary" because this means alone. The prefix solo- means alone, one. To provide further help, "unseemly" means not polite, inappropriate; "docile" means calm; "fragile" means easily broken; "biased" means not fair.
The only information we are given about the tree is that it is by itself. It therefore makes sense to describe the tree as "solitary" because this means alone. The prefix solo- means alone, one. To provide further help, "unseemly" means not polite, inappropriate; "docile" means calm; "fragile" means easily broken; "biased" means not fair.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Through a series of investments he was able to make a great deal of money in a short space of time.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Through a series of investments he was able to make a great deal of money in a short space of time.
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You are told that the subject of the sentence was able to make a lot of money in a short space of time. This suggests that he made good and wise investments. The correct answer is therefore "shrewd" because "shrewd" means wise, crafty, smart. To provide further help, "mobile" means moving, can be moved; "vocal" means loud, outspoken.
You are told that the subject of the sentence was able to make a lot of money in a short space of time. This suggests that he made good and wise investments. The correct answer is therefore "shrewd" because "shrewd" means wise, crafty, smart. To provide further help, "mobile" means moving, can be moved; "vocal" means loud, outspoken.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
They were in a rush on Monday so they ran to work at a pace.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
They were in a rush on Monday so they ran to work at a pace.
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Because the subjects of this sentence were late you can reasonably assume that they would want to rush to get to work. The correct answer is therefore "brisk" because "brisk" means quick, rapid. The subjects were late so they wanted to get to work at a "quick" pace. To provide further help, all four incorrect answer choices are synonyms - they all mean slow.
Because the subjects of this sentence were late you can reasonably assume that they would want to rush to get to work. The correct answer is therefore "brisk" because "brisk" means quick, rapid. The subjects were late so they wanted to get to work at a "quick" pace. To provide further help, all four incorrect answer choices are synonyms - they all mean slow.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
His mother warned him not to be so careless and , but he never listened.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
His mother warned him not to be so careless and , but he never listened.
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From context it is clear that the answer choice must mean something similar to "careless." Whatever the correct answer is it is some behavior that the mother wants to stop her son from doing. This should lead you to the correct answer "reckless." If you are "reckless" you are not careful. To provide further help, "studious" means studying hard; "industrious" means hard working; "considerate" means kind and thoughtful; "affable" means friendly.
From context it is clear that the answer choice must mean something similar to "careless." Whatever the correct answer is it is some behavior that the mother wants to stop her son from doing. This should lead you to the correct answer "reckless." If you are "reckless" you are not careful. To provide further help, "studious" means studying hard; "industrious" means hard working; "considerate" means kind and thoughtful; "affable" means friendly.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
I missed breakfast and lunch today and I am absolutely .
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
I missed breakfast and lunch today and I am absolutely .
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If the speaker missed his first two meals of the day it makes sense that they would be very hungry. So, the correct answer is "famished" which means very hungry, starving, ravenous. Additionally, "elated" means very happy; "cordial" means friendly and polite; "abroad" means in a foreign country; "energetic" means lively, full of energy.
If the speaker missed his first two meals of the day it makes sense that they would be very hungry. So, the correct answer is "famished" which means very hungry, starving, ravenous. Additionally, "elated" means very happy; "cordial" means friendly and polite; "abroad" means in a foreign country; "energetic" means lively, full of energy.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
things had been happening recently in the little town and the residents were at a loss to explain what was going on.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence. things had been happening recently in the little town and the residents were at a loss to explain what was going on.
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The people living in the town are unable to explain all the stuff that is happening. The things that are happening must be unusual and hard to explain. Only one of these answer choices matches with this situation and that is "peculiar." "Peculiar" means strange, weird, unusual. Additionally, "feeble" means weak; "common" means normal, happening frequently; "dastardly" means wicked, villainous; "appealing" means attractive, interesting and tempting.
The people living in the town are unable to explain all the stuff that is happening. The things that are happening must be unusual and hard to explain. Only one of these answer choices matches with this situation and that is "peculiar." "Peculiar" means strange, weird, unusual. Additionally, "feeble" means weak; "common" means normal, happening frequently; "dastardly" means wicked, villainous; "appealing" means attractive, interesting and tempting.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
He realized that drinking too much was affecting his health so he decided to alcohol completely.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
He realized that drinking too much was affecting his health so he decided to alcohol completely.
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The subject of this sentence has made himself sick through drinking too much so it makes sense that he would want to abandon, give up completely alcohol. The correct answer then is "forsake" which means abandon, leave, give up. Additionally, "excavate" means dig up; "gorge" means to over eat, to consume in large quantities; "interject" means interrupt, say something quickly to disrupt a conversation; "rue" means regret.
The subject of this sentence has made himself sick through drinking too much so it makes sense that he would want to abandon, give up completely alcohol. The correct answer then is "forsake" which means abandon, leave, give up. Additionally, "excavate" means dig up; "gorge" means to over eat, to consume in large quantities; "interject" means interrupt, say something quickly to disrupt a conversation; "rue" means regret.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The criminal was imprisoned for twenty years for a series of dreadful crimes.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The criminal was imprisoned for twenty years for a series of dreadful crimes.
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The criminal was imprisoned for a very long time and you are told that he committed many "dreadful" (terrible, awful) crimes. So, the correct answer must reflect this intensity of wickedness. The correct answer is therefore "nefarious" which means evil, wicked, bad-natured. Additionally, "selfless" means not selfish, generous; "talkative" describes someone who talks a lot; "oafish" means foolish, clumsy and stupid; "earnest" means truthful, honest.
The criminal was imprisoned for a very long time and you are told that he committed many "dreadful" (terrible, awful) crimes. So, the correct answer must reflect this intensity of wickedness. The correct answer is therefore "nefarious" which means evil, wicked, bad-natured. Additionally, "selfless" means not selfish, generous; "talkative" describes someone who talks a lot; "oafish" means foolish, clumsy and stupid; "earnest" means truthful, honest.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The government's handling of the crisis made things much worse.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The government's handling of the crisis made things much worse.
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If the government's handling of the situation made things much worse than it could probably best be described as incompetent, lacking skill. So, the correct answer is "inept," which means having little skill, demonstrating a lack of ability. Additionally, "adept" means skilled and is an antonym of "inept." Finally, "brisk" means quick, fast-paced; "competent" means capable of doing, good enough at something; "shrewd" means wise, crafty and smart.
If the government's handling of the situation made things much worse than it could probably best be described as incompetent, lacking skill. So, the correct answer is "inept," which means having little skill, demonstrating a lack of ability. Additionally, "adept" means skilled and is an antonym of "inept." Finally, "brisk" means quick, fast-paced; "competent" means capable of doing, good enough at something; "shrewd" means wise, crafty and smart.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
She was by the difficult puzzle in the newspaper.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
She was by the difficult puzzle in the newspaper.
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The puzzle is described as "difficult," so it makes sense that the subject would be confused by it. So, the correct answer is "baffled," which means confused. Something that is "baffling" is confusing and difficult to finish because it is so hard. Additionally, "severed" means cut; "urged" means encouraged; "dismissed" means sent away; "beloved" means cherished, widely loved and admired.
The puzzle is described as "difficult," so it makes sense that the subject would be confused by it. So, the correct answer is "baffled," which means confused. Something that is "baffling" is confusing and difficult to finish because it is so hard. Additionally, "severed" means cut; "urged" means encouraged; "dismissed" means sent away; "beloved" means cherished, widely loved and admired.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Even though she was eighteen, her parents would not let her drive because they did not think she was enough.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Even though she was eighteen, her parents would not let her drive because they did not think she was enough.
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The girl is legally old enough to drive, but her parents still will not let her. To solve this problem then you have to determine which of these answer choices is an adjective that describes a quality that would encourage someone's parents to let them do things. The correct answer is "mature," which means fully developed mentally and physically, grown-up, capable of taking care of oneself. Additionally, "nocturnal" means sleeping during the day, being awake at night; "passionate" means showing strong feelings; "deluded" means holding a mistaken belief, confused about the truth; "hopeless" means without hope.
The girl is legally old enough to drive, but her parents still will not let her. To solve this problem then you have to determine which of these answer choices is an adjective that describes a quality that would encourage someone's parents to let them do things. The correct answer is "mature," which means fully developed mentally and physically, grown-up, capable of taking care of oneself. Additionally, "nocturnal" means sleeping during the day, being awake at night; "passionate" means showing strong feelings; "deluded" means holding a mistaken belief, confused about the truth; "hopeless" means without hope.
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