Sentence Completions: Conjunctions and Sentence Logic - ISEE Middle Level Verbal Reasoning

The sense of the sentence is that after the long period of refusing to ask about directions, Robert finally decided to stop and ask for the needed information. To "inquire" is to ask for information. The word is related to words like "question" and "inquiry." All of these English words are derived from the Latin for to seek.

Because the subject is going to have to get used to (“accustomed to”) hospitals, you can infer that she must be vulnerable, or “susceptible,” to infection. As for the other answer choices, “immutable” means not changing or not changeable; “immune” means not susceptible or not able to be affected by; “parallel” means running along side, analogous, or corresponding; and "particular" means specific or notable.

"Radical" opinions are ones that are very daring and bold, often held by very few people. The word literally means cut to the root, as though you were to hold an opinion that is "uprooted" from all that is commonly believed by society. Generally speaking, "radical" implies something very innovative and even bold (for good or ill). In contrast to such opinions, "moderate" ones are "middle of the road" or average. Indeed, in political parties, the "moderates" are precisely those people who are said to avoid radical positions.

The key "trigger" word is "instead." This indicates a contrast between Brandon's preferences and the thing following "instead of." In contrast to "new and bold" solutions, Brandon must like "older, tested solutions." When something is "traditional," it is the sort of thing that has been "handed down" from past generations. It contrasts with the "new and the bold" by being "old and familiar."

Dylan is described as being serious and also as not smiling. The (mental) picture that we get of him is rather grim. While you might think that he is perhaps angry, we cannot say that. Someone can be serious (and even grim) without being angry. Likewise, we shouldn't presume that he is worried or concerned (i.e. "vexed"). The best option is "somber," which means extremely solemn, serious, or sober in demeanor or manners.

Clearly, this sentence is contrasting Albert's method of working with the unmethodological approach taken by his peers. When someone works "with a method" (or "methodologically"), he or she works with a plan and procedure. The so-called scientific method has its name because it describes a procedure for arriving at scientific truths. If Albert's peers are "unmethodical," he must be "methodical." This means that he works "systematically" or according to a plan.

When you are not given a choice about something or are forced to do something, that thing is considered “obligatory.” Because people in some democracies are forced to vote, the correct answer is that in these situations, voting is “obligatory.” “Prohibited” means against the rules; "encouraged" means supported and promoted; “permitted” means allowed; and “inhabited” means lived in.

Because people rushed to buy the water bottles, it stands to reasons that the supply of them would be diminished or exhausted, both of which are meanings of “depleted.” “Enhanced” means improved; "decorated" means adorned or honored; "misplaced" means lost; and "expedited" means hastened.

Because the subject of this sentence had a large amount of money (“a fortune”) but was later reduced to poverty, it can be determined that he must have wasted, or “squandered,” his fortune. “Invested” means spend money with the expectation of making more money back; “throttled” means strangled; “uttered” means spoke; and “adorned” means decorated with.

Since Tom and Sam were disgusted at the discovery, we can infer that they did not get what they thought they were paying for. "Counterfeit" means fake or false. "Authentic" and "genuine" are both antonyms to "counterfeit." "Disheveled" refers to a messy appearance. "Ingenious" describes a very clever idea or person.

We know that the science teacher mixed the wrong chemicals together AND that this caused the school to be evacuated. We can infer, then, that the fumes were bad for people. The only answer that fits this description is "noxious," meaning harmful or dangerous.

"Wedding invitations" are paper products, so Ariana is going to a store that sells paper products. "Florists" sell flowers, "jewelry" stores sell jewelry, and an "accessory," in this instance, is something that is an extra item for an outfit. For instance, a scarf might be an accessory. This leaves "stationery" and "stationary." "Stationery," with an "e" refers to paper products, while "stationary," with an "a" refers to something that doesn't move.

Since Robbie was not following school rules by using his telephone in class, we can infer that the principal would either do something to force Robbie to follow the rules, or punish him in some way. "Confiscate" is a verb that means to surrender something to a legal authority.

The key words in this sentence are "determined" and "despite." These words indicate that Li is facing an obstacle. We can infer that an obstacle to finishing a race would be poor weather conditions. "Adverse" means not ideal, which fits the sentence. "Averse" means against and "inverse" means opposite.

It's likely Maria feels misunderstood by her friends who wish she "fit in" and not be herself. "Entertained" and "amused" are similar in meaning, and do not describe how Maria feels in a situation in which she's pressured to be like others. Finally, far from "praising" her, Maria's friends are putting her under significant pressure.

When we cannot explain the reason for our belief, we are said to have a "hunch." Sometimes, we just "feel" that something "has to be the case." For instance, you know that someone is a liar and likewise has often been nasty to old women. Suppose that person came to your house, and at some point soon thereafter cookies came up missing. You might have a "hunch" that the person stole them—particularly if your other visitors were all virtuous people. Of course, it would be a good idea to investigate the facts related to this hunch.

The context of this sentence suggests that the teacher should have been inclined to punish the boy for breaking the rules, but instead decided to be tolerant and patient. When someone has good reason to be angry, but decides instead not to yell, we call this person "lenient." To provide further help, "severe" means intense or extreme, "diabolical" means evil, "immaculate" means spotless or perfect, and "ominous" means suggesting danger or threatening.

When someone has "deep convictions," that person is very convinced of his or her beliefs. When such a person defends such "personally important" positions and beliefs, he or she will likely be very passionate. Such passion will be a mark of the strong feelings that he or she feels regarding the topic or belief.

From the context of the sentence, you know that Ryan is capable, but not spectacular at his studies. This is similar in meaning to “competent,” which means capable, but not the best. To provide further help, “obtuse” means dull, not sharp; “anonymous” means unknown; “perennial” means occurring regularly, constant.