Verbs - ISEE Lower Level Verbal Reasoning
Card 1 of 1140
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The scientist had to work for hours to the fluid, removing all of the harmful additives that it contained.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The scientist had to work for hours to the fluid, removing all of the harmful additives that it contained.
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The key clue for this question is the fact that the scientist is working to remove all of the harmful substances in the fluid. This does not mean that he wants to "liquefy" it—it is already a liquid! Also, while he is minimizing the additives, this is not quite the same as saying that he is removing them. When we remove additives or other "extra" material from a substance, we purify that substance. That is what he is doing. Do not be tricked by "scrub." Scrubbing is a physical kind of cleaning that is very particular. It is not a synonym for the general act of purifying.
The key clue for this question is the fact that the scientist is working to remove all of the harmful substances in the fluid. This does not mean that he wants to "liquefy" it—it is already a liquid! Also, while he is minimizing the additives, this is not quite the same as saying that he is removing them. When we remove additives or other "extra" material from a substance, we purify that substance. That is what he is doing. Do not be tricked by "scrub." Scrubbing is a physical kind of cleaning that is very particular. It is not a synonym for the general act of purifying.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The king the knight from the hall, telling him to return to his duties outside of the castle.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The king the knight from the hall, telling him to return to his duties outside of the castle.
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All that we know in this sentence is that the king wants the knight to leave the hall and go back to his other duties. We do not know how this happened or even if it was a punishment. Therefore, the best option is the simple word "dismissed," which means to send away. The "dismissal" at the end of the school day is the time when the students are "sent away home." Clearly, these words are related.
All that we know in this sentence is that the king wants the knight to leave the hall and go back to his other duties. We do not know how this happened or even if it was a punishment. Therefore, the best option is the simple word "dismissed," which means to send away. The "dismissal" at the end of the school day is the time when the students are "sent away home." Clearly, these words are related.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Since Jean-Pierre Reginald de Tours thought his name was too lengthy, he always it by using the letters J.P.R.T.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Since Jean-Pierre Reginald de Tours thought his name was too lengthy, he always it by using the letters J.P.R.T.
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The whole point of the sentence is that the man's very long name was written in a shorter form. When we write something in a shorter form like this, we "abbreviate"it. The word "abbreviate" is related to "brief," meaning short. An abbreviation is a shortened form.
The whole point of the sentence is that the man's very long name was written in a shorter form. When we write something in a shorter form like this, we "abbreviate"it. The word "abbreviate" is related to "brief," meaning short. An abbreviation is a shortened form.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Since he didn't want to be caught stealing the flower, the young man it under his jacket as he walked out of the store.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Since he didn't want to be caught stealing the flower, the young man it under his jacket as he walked out of the store.
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This sentence seems to indicate that the young man is putting the flower under his jacket. He wants to hide it here so that he does not get caught. When we "conceal" something, we hide it from others' vision. The options "put" and "placed" are broadly "correct." They are not the best options. The best option is the word "concealed" because it expresses the idea of trying to hide the object.
This sentence seems to indicate that the young man is putting the flower under his jacket. He wants to hide it here so that he does not get caught. When we "conceal" something, we hide it from others' vision. The options "put" and "placed" are broadly "correct." They are not the best options. The best option is the word "concealed" because it expresses the idea of trying to hide the object.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
With the large snowstorm approaching, it was necessary to extra water and food in the house in case the family was stranded for several days.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
With the large snowstorm approaching, it was necessary to extra water and food in the house in case the family was stranded for several days.
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Really, all this sentence is stating is that it was necessary to keep extra food in the house. It is not talking about the actual buying of the food—that will be done elsewhere. Therefore, the simple verb "store" is the best option It means "to keep a supply of something." Actually, we call the places we go shopping "stores" because they are places that keep large supplies of items.
Really, all this sentence is stating is that it was necessary to keep extra food in the house. It is not talking about the actual buying of the food—that will be done elsewhere. Therefore, the simple verb "store" is the best option It means "to keep a supply of something." Actually, we call the places we go shopping "stores" because they are places that keep large supplies of items.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Although the boss claimed that she did not any particular employee, it was obvious that she liked Ferdinand and Imelda more than the others.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Although the boss claimed that she did not any particular employee, it was obvious that she liked Ferdinand and Imelda more than the others.
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The key fact to note in this sentence is that the boss, in fact, likes Ferdinand and Imelda more than the other employees. The first half of the the sentence implies that she claims not to like any employee more than the others. This interpretation of the first half is supported by the fact that the second half talks about her liking Ferdinand and Imelda more than the others. Therefore, we can say that the boss says that she does not favor any employees—though, apparently she actually does!
The key fact to note in this sentence is that the boss, in fact, likes Ferdinand and Imelda more than the other employees. The first half of the the sentence implies that she claims not to like any employee more than the others. This interpretation of the first half is supported by the fact that the second half talks about her liking Ferdinand and Imelda more than the others. Therefore, we can say that the boss says that she does not favor any employees—though, apparently she actually does!
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Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
To help the environment, one should try to the number of plastic bottles one uses.
Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.
To help the environment, one should try to the number of plastic bottles one uses.
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The correct answer is "reduce." "Reduce" means make smaller or lessen. The other words can all make sense grammatically in the sentence, but reduce makes the most sense given that the sentence begins with the phrase "To help the environment."
The correct answer is "reduce." "Reduce" means make smaller or lessen. The other words can all make sense grammatically in the sentence, but reduce makes the most sense given that the sentence begins with the phrase "To help the environment."
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Which of the following words best completes the sentence below?
Since I did not to the directions on the package, the recipe did not turn out as expected.
Which of the following words best completes the sentence below?
Since I did not to the directions on the package, the recipe did not turn out as expected.
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"Adhere" is defined as to stick to, or follow the practices of. In the context of this sentence, not sticking to or following the practices of a recipe could result in the recipe not turning out as expected.
"Adhere" is defined as to stick to, or follow the practices of. In the context of this sentence, not sticking to or following the practices of a recipe could result in the recipe not turning out as expected.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
"Meow," said the youngster, attempting to the cat.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
"Meow," said the youngster, attempting to the cat.
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Although every word is grammatically correct, saying "meow" fits best with the youngster attempting to "mimic" (copy) the cat, as saying "meow" would not represent an attempt to "bathe," "pet," "nourish," or comb the cat.
Although every word is grammatically correct, saying "meow" fits best with the youngster attempting to "mimic" (copy) the cat, as saying "meow" would not represent an attempt to "bathe," "pet," "nourish," or comb the cat.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
In order to the bread for a longer period of time, it was placed in the freezer so that it would have a longer shelf life.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
In order to the bread for a longer period of time, it was placed in the freezer so that it would have a longer shelf life.
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When bread is put in the freezer, it is to "preserve" the bread, or keep it in its current condition, so that it can be used for a longer period of time. "Increase" would be an incorrect choice, since putting bread in the freezer doesn't increase the amount of bread that one has on hand.
When bread is put in the freezer, it is to "preserve" the bread, or keep it in its current condition, so that it can be used for a longer period of time. "Increase" would be an incorrect choice, since putting bread in the freezer doesn't increase the amount of bread that one has on hand.
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Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
Stranded in the desert with insufficient water, her plight was unfortunate; she the thought of being in the safety of her home.
Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
Stranded in the desert with insufficient water, her plight was unfortunate; she the thought of being in the safety of her home.
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Due to her dire situation, she is probably wishing she was home safe and sound; thus, she relished the thought.
Due to her dire situation, she is probably wishing she was home safe and sound; thus, she relished the thought.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
In art class, Darryl used colored pencils to a scene from his favorite book.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
In art class, Darryl used colored pencils to a scene from his favorite book.
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Since the sentence tells us that Darryl "used colored pencils," we can assume that he was either writing or drawing, since none of the other answer choices involve pencils or other writing instruments. In picking between "illustrate," which means to depict a story with pictures, and "write," "illustrate" is the better answer because we know that Darryl was "in art class," so it more reasonable that he would be drawing, not writing, a scene from his favorite book. So, "illustrate" is the correct answer.
Since the sentence tells us that Darryl "used colored pencils," we can assume that he was either writing or drawing, since none of the other answer choices involve pencils or other writing instruments. In picking between "illustrate," which means to depict a story with pictures, and "write," "illustrate" is the better answer because we know that Darryl was "in art class," so it more reasonable that he would be drawing, not writing, a scene from his favorite book. So, "illustrate" is the correct answer.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
One of the magician's tricks was a caged rabbit into a caged tiger and back, and he refused to tell how it was that the animals appeared to change into one another.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
One of the magician's tricks was a caged rabbit into a caged tiger and back, and he refused to tell how it was that the animals appeared to change into one another.
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We know from the sentence that the animals appeared to change into one another, so we need to pick out a verb for the blank that means something like changing. While "vanishing" might look like a potentially correct answer because magician's tricks often have to do with making things "vanish," or disappear, that is not the case in this sentence, so "vanishing" cannot be the correct answer. Similarly, while "becoming" is similar in meaning to "changing," "becoming" cannot be used with "into" following it—you don't "become into" something. So, "becoming" cannot be the correct answer either. "Transform," however, means change the form of. Because "transform" best fits the context and grammatical structure of the sentence, it is the correct answer.
We know from the sentence that the animals appeared to change into one another, so we need to pick out a verb for the blank that means something like changing. While "vanishing" might look like a potentially correct answer because magician's tricks often have to do with making things "vanish," or disappear, that is not the case in this sentence, so "vanishing" cannot be the correct answer. Similarly, while "becoming" is similar in meaning to "changing," "becoming" cannot be used with "into" following it—you don't "become into" something. So, "becoming" cannot be the correct answer either. "Transform," however, means change the form of. Because "transform" best fits the context and grammatical structure of the sentence, it is the correct answer.
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When Jake decorated his party hat, he cut out circles and zigzags cut from construction paper and used glue to make the paper shapes to the hat and not fall off.
When Jake decorated his party hat, he cut out circles and zigzags cut from construction paper and used glue to make the paper shapes to the hat and not fall off.
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We know that Jake used glue to make the paper shapes not fall off of the hat, so we can infer that we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "stick." While "magnetic" shapes could stick to certain objects, construction paper is not magnetic, so "magnetic" cannot be the correct answer. "Adhere," however, is a verb that can mean "stick fast to a surface or substance." Because "adhere" is the answer choice which best fits the context of the sentence, it is the correct answer.
We know that Jake used glue to make the paper shapes not fall off of the hat, so we can infer that we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "stick." While "magnetic" shapes could stick to certain objects, construction paper is not magnetic, so "magnetic" cannot be the correct answer. "Adhere," however, is a verb that can mean "stick fast to a surface or substance." Because "adhere" is the answer choice which best fits the context of the sentence, it is the correct answer.
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Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
If an athlete---in training, they can improve their athletic ability.
Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
If an athlete---in training, they can improve their athletic ability.
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If an athlete is diligent or hard working in their training, they can improve their ability. Thus, the best answer choice is persists which indicates that athletes are determined in their training.
If an athlete is diligent or hard working in their training, they can improve their ability. Thus, the best answer choice is persists which indicates that athletes are determined in their training.
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Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
The---of shopping was too great and caused Elisa and Heather to spend the money they made at work on clothing.
Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
The---of shopping was too great and caused Elisa and Heather to spend the money they made at work on clothing.
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The best answer choice indicates that shopping was favorable to both girls; thus, appeal is the correct answer.
The best answer choice indicates that shopping was favorable to both girls; thus, appeal is the correct answer.
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Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
Over the years, Jen---medals from winning gymnastics competitions.
Each question below is made up of a sentence with one blank. The blank indicates that a word is missing. Each sentence is followed by five choices. Select the one word that will best complete the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
Over the years, Jen---medals from winning gymnastics competitions.
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Since Jen won many medals over the years, it means that she has accumulated medals from her wins.
Since Jen won many medals over the years, it means that she has accumulated medals from her wins.
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After the results of their experiment by reviewing the data they gathered and interpreting the patterns it formed, the scientists determined that they had indeed discovered a new element.
After the results of their experiment by reviewing the data they gathered and interpreting the patterns it formed, the scientists determined that they had indeed discovered a new element.
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We can infer from the context of the sentence that we need to pick out a word that means something like "interpreting" or "reviewing," because we know that is what the scientists did to their data, and the missing word also described what they did to their data. "Seeing" may seem like a potentially correct answer because the scientists probably needed to see their data to interpret or review it, but "seeing" does not mean the same thing as "interpreting" or "reviewing," so "seeing" cannot be the correct answer. "Analyzing," however, means "examining methodically and in detail the constitution or structure of something, especially information, typically for purposes of explanation and interpretation." Because "analyzing" is the answer choice that makes the most sense in the sentence's context, "analyzing" is the correct answer.
We can infer from the context of the sentence that we need to pick out a word that means something like "interpreting" or "reviewing," because we know that is what the scientists did to their data, and the missing word also described what they did to their data. "Seeing" may seem like a potentially correct answer because the scientists probably needed to see their data to interpret or review it, but "seeing" does not mean the same thing as "interpreting" or "reviewing," so "seeing" cannot be the correct answer. "Analyzing," however, means "examining methodically and in detail the constitution or structure of something, especially information, typically for purposes of explanation and interpretation." Because "analyzing" is the answer choice that makes the most sense in the sentence's context, "analyzing" is the correct answer.
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When the thieves were apprehended, they had to the money they had stolen to the authorities so that it could be returned to the victims.
When the thieves were apprehended, they had to the money they had stolen to the authorities so that it could be returned to the victims.
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Because we know that the thieves had to return the money to the authorities, we can infer that we need to pick out a word for the blank that means something like "return." Because "relinquish" means "voluntarily cease to keep or claim; give up," it best fits the sentence's context and is the correct answer.
Because we know that the thieves had to return the money to the authorities, we can infer that we need to pick out a word for the blank that means something like "return." Because "relinquish" means "voluntarily cease to keep or claim; give up," it best fits the sentence's context and is the correct answer.
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The two students asked for permission to one science project together instead of generating two individual projects while each worked by herself.
The two students asked for permission to one science project together instead of generating two individual projects while each worked by herself.
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We know that the word that fits the blank describes a science project that the students want to work on together, so we need to pick out a word that can refer to academic projects and means "work together on something." While "collaborate on" and "copy" could both be used in relation to academic projects, "copy" cannot be the correct answer because copying a project would be cheating, and so we can infer that the students wouldn't ask their teacher's permission to cheat. However, "collaborate on" makes sense in the sentence's context because "collaborate" means "work jointly on an activity, especially to produce or create something," so "collaborate" is the correct answer.
We know that the word that fits the blank describes a science project that the students want to work on together, so we need to pick out a word that can refer to academic projects and means "work together on something." While "collaborate on" and "copy" could both be used in relation to academic projects, "copy" cannot be the correct answer because copying a project would be cheating, and so we can infer that the students wouldn't ask their teacher's permission to cheat. However, "collaborate on" makes sense in the sentence's context because "collaborate" means "work jointly on an activity, especially to produce or create something," so "collaborate" is the correct answer.
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