Context Clues in Word-Based Sentence Completions - ISEE Lower Level Verbal Reasoning

By means of the word "although" there is a contrast between those people who are watching the launch on television and those who are watching it "in person." Now, the only word that really works for to experience in person is "witness." You likely know the noun form of this word. When a crime happens, we often talk about "the witnesses", namely people who saw the crime. The act of "witnessing" is the act of directly experiencing something. Do not select "reported." A witness may later report on what is witnessed. The actual seeing is witnessing, not reporting.

We really do not know if Matthew's desk was very dirty; all that the sentence conveys is that the work area was disorganized. This is explained in the description and in the contrast that is made between Matthew's desk and Courtney's work area. Therefore, the only option that works is "untidy." When things are "neat and tidy," they are organized. Something that is "untidy" is disorganized. Sometimes, we call our bedrooms "untidy" if we leave things lying around. Yes, that can include "dirty" or "soiled" clothes, but the "untidiness" mainly comes from the lack of organization, not the dirt!

We really don't know if the idea was "outdated" or "dangerous" in any way; all that we know is that Flavian must have feared that the idea would seem unacceptable and abnormal. The only option that is somewhat close to this idea is "controversial." Whenever something is "controversial," it creates a lot of disagreement and argumentation. The people's reaction was quite the opposite of that which happens when something is controversial. They just accepted it! However, Flavian had thought it would be controversial and unacceptable. The contrast is indicated by the word "although."

Notice that this sentence only discusses the fact that rich people often give money away. The implication is that not all rich people "hold onto" their money. Whenever someone does not want to give away his or her money, he or she might be greedy. Greed primarily deals with wanting to get money or something else. Whenever someone is "stingy," he or she "holds onto" what he or she has. This is the best option among those provided.

Notice that this sentence implies a contrast between two kinds of people. Some like to work on overall plans for a project. We sometimes say that these people like to work on the "big picture." Such people don't like dealing with all of the little details involved in the project. This second kind of person is the kind of person being discussed at the beginning of the sentence. Therefore, the best option is the word "details."

Using the context clues of the sentence where it says, "creates no pollutants." we can predict that the missing word should be something good or positive. The only positive choice is "benefits." The rest of the words would not make sense in the sentence because they would suggest that the wind power is doing something negative.

Although all of the choices would make a complete sentence, the choice "ordered pizza at home," makes the most sense because it has to do with what happened in the beginning of the sentence. The other choices have no connection to the pizza party being cancelled, so do not make as much sense.

You must use the context clues in this sentence to find the best phrase to complete it. Caitlin is worried that she does not know how to speak German, so to it would make the most sense that she was pleasantly surprised about people speaking English. The other choices have nothing to do with what the beginning of the sentence is talking about, so would not make sense.

Let's divide this sentence into two parts. First, we're told that the teacher usually wanted her days to be "unique and exciting." However, the conjunction "but" lets us know that we're looking for the opposite. In other words, sometimes the teacher looks forward to days that are not unique or exciting. Of the answer choices, a little bit of "variety" is similar to uniqueness; "distinctiveness" can be eliminated for the same reason. Even "amusement" is too close in meaning to "excitement," so we are left with "monotony," a word that refers to repetition of tedious or boring tasks. So, the teacher generally wished for excitement, but occasionally looked forward to a dull or "monotonous" day.

Because we know that the squirrel "moved from the ground to a branch in a few seconds," we can infer that we need to pick out a word for the blank that describes movement, and more specifically, speedy movement. While "ambled," "walked," "meandered," and "scurried" all describe movement, only "scurried," which means "moved hurriedly with short quick steps" and is used of a person or a small animal, refers to quick movement. So, "scurried" is the correct answer because it best fits the sentence's context.

Classes usually focus on ideas or "concepts." This differs from "ambitions" (goals or things people want to achieve); "procedures," (systematic ways of doing things); "objects" (aims of plans or things); and "plans" (definite, often multi-step ideas about how to deal with or accomplish something).

Since Heidi is upset because of her brother's actions, it probably means that her brother aggravates or "antagonizes" her. The other answer choices mean the following: "soothe" means calm; and "encourage" means support. "Interrupt" and "tease" are tricky choices. While it might bother and annoy someone to be teased or interrupted, we are told that Heidi's younger brother specifically steals her favorite stuffed animal, which isn't "teasing" or "interrupting." So, "antagonize" is the best choice because it is a more general word.

When a smell masks other aromas, it does so because of its intensity. The best word that conveys the intensity of a smell is "pungent." Something that is "pungent" has an aroma that is very strong and prevents other scents from being detected.

In this sentence, it is made clear that the student has an excess of energy and as a result is pacing about his room. This indicates that he is "restless," meaning that he is n_ot able to relax himself_. "Restless" is therefore the best way to complete this sentence.

In this sentence, the clue words as to what to fill the blank with are "making her feel alive and full of energy." The word that goes in the blank should have a meaning similar to this. "Invigorates" means to inspire or give one a lot of energy or passion. Therefore, "invigorates" is the correct answer.

Given the context of the sentence, we know that Marshall had studied a lot for his test, and scored well on practice exams, but still scored poorly. This difference between his expectations and reality would cause him to be very surprised, or "shocked." While he might be upset, the words "outraged" and "horrified" are too strong, and "annoyed" is too weak. "Unimpressed" is not appropriate. Therefore, "surprised" is the best answer.

Gina is described as wearing "a long black dress," which is very formal, as well as "a serious expression." These circumstances indicate a distinct lack of playfulness. "Somber" means serious and lacking in humor. It fits the context of the sentence well, and is therefore the correct answer.

The key clue provided by this sentence is the fact that Mr. Jones goes to the same bagel shop every_morning. Therefore, it can be inferred that he is a lover of "routine,_" which is the correct answer.

Given that ignoring a lack of educational opportunities is a negative quality, the blank should be filled with a negative word. The two negative words are "criticized"and "bothered." ("Questioned" may seem like a potentially correct answer too, but people would question the mayor "about" something, not "for" something.)It is more likely that the mayor would be criticized (critiqued) for his practices, as opposed to bothered (annoyed). Therefore, "criticized"is the best answer.