Sentence Completions: Parts of Speech - ISEE Middle Level Verbal Reasoning
Card 1 of 4495
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
After he had his credit card stolen, John was , carefully watching the activity on his account so as to avoid another incident like this.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
After he had his credit card stolen, John was , carefully watching the activity on his account so as to avoid another incident like this.
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It is likely that John was angry about what happened. This would mean that he could have been irate or incensed, but we are not directly told that in this sentence. All that we know is that he was more "watchful." This means that he was more vigilant about these matters. Whenever we have increased vigilance, we watch more carefully what is going on. Whenever we "hold vigil" over something, we stay around and watch that thing carefully. A vigil can be done after someone dies or merely when someone is very sick. Indeed, sometimes there are religious services that are "vigils"—they happen the night before the major event.
It is likely that John was angry about what happened. This would mean that he could have been irate or incensed, but we are not directly told that in this sentence. All that we know is that he was more "watchful." This means that he was more vigilant about these matters. Whenever we have increased vigilance, we watch more carefully what is going on. Whenever we "hold vigil" over something, we stay around and watch that thing carefully. A vigil can be done after someone dies or merely when someone is very sick. Indeed, sometimes there are religious services that are "vigils"—they happen the night before the major event.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Listening carefully to the forecasts about the upcoming hurricane, the residents prepared carefully for the storm.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Listening carefully to the forecasts about the upcoming hurricane, the residents prepared carefully for the storm.
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This question does not really tell us anything about this storm's strength. We only know that it is something that is "coming" to hit the shore. Whenever something is "impending," it is upcoming or soon to come. This is the only option that expresses this general, but simple idea. For this reason, it is by far the best option provided.
This question does not really tell us anything about this storm's strength. We only know that it is something that is "coming" to hit the shore. Whenever something is "impending," it is upcoming or soon to come. This is the only option that expresses this general, but simple idea. For this reason, it is by far the best option provided.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
After so many disasters in his life, Timothy had become quite , having learned to expect the worst in almost every scenario that befell him.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
After so many disasters in his life, Timothy had become quite , having learned to expect the worst in almost every scenario that befell him.
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We really are not told in detail what Timothy thought about his life and how he reacted to it emotionally. We only know that he has a negative attitude. This does not necessarily mean that he was also depressive. Since he believes that the worst possible thing will always happen, his attitude is "pessimistic." A "pessimist" is a person who always thinks the worst thing will happen in given situations. Although this kind of outlook can be depressing, such sadness is an effect of the negative outlook.
We really are not told in detail what Timothy thought about his life and how he reacted to it emotionally. We only know that he has a negative attitude. This does not necessarily mean that he was also depressive. Since he believes that the worst possible thing will always happen, his attitude is "pessimistic." A "pessimist" is a person who always thinks the worst thing will happen in given situations. Although this kind of outlook can be depressing, such sadness is an effect of the negative outlook.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The patient was surprised at how the medicine was, for his doctor had told him that the disease was not very strong at all.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The patient was surprised at how the medicine was, for his doctor had told him that the disease was not very strong at all.
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The patient is likely surprised that the medicine is stronger than expected. If the doctor has told him that the disease is not very strong, he likely expects that the medicine will likewise not be very strong. The word "potent" is the only option that expresses the idea of being strong or powerful. It is related to the word "potential," which means possible but could also be thought of as meaning in the power of something. To understand this second meaning, consider the sentence, "Riots were a potential outcome of the speech." This means, in effect, "The speech had it in its power to cause riots among the people."
The patient is likely surprised that the medicine is stronger than expected. If the doctor has told him that the disease is not very strong, he likely expects that the medicine will likewise not be very strong. The word "potent" is the only option that expresses the idea of being strong or powerful. It is related to the word "potential," which means possible but could also be thought of as meaning in the power of something. To understand this second meaning, consider the sentence, "Riots were a potential outcome of the speech." This means, in effect, "The speech had it in its power to cause riots among the people."
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The two neighbors had a over the boundary of their properties and had to go settle their disagreement in court.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The two neighbors had a over the boundary of their properties and had to go settle their disagreement in court.
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Since we know that the neighbors had to go to court to settle their differences, we can infer that we're looking for a noun that means something like disagreement. Of the listed answer choices, only three are nouns—"adage," "mettle," and "dispute." Since "adage" means proverb or saying, it does not mean disagreement and is not the correct answer. Similarly, "mettle" means courage or fortitude and does not mean disagreement either. "Dispute," however, means a disagreement, so it is the correct answer.
Since we know that the neighbors had to go to court to settle their differences, we can infer that we're looking for a noun that means something like disagreement. Of the listed answer choices, only three are nouns—"adage," "mettle," and "dispute." Since "adage" means proverb or saying, it does not mean disagreement and is not the correct answer. Similarly, "mettle" means courage or fortitude and does not mean disagreement either. "Dispute," however, means a disagreement, so it is the correct answer.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Emily displayed admirable at the party when she took Jane aside to point out that she had toilet paper stuck to her shoe instead of pointing it out publicly and embarrassing her.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Emily displayed admirable at the party when she took Jane aside to point out that she had toilet paper stuck to her shoe instead of pointing it out publicly and embarrassing her.
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We know from the context of the sentence that Emily was socially sensitive—while she could have pointed out the toilet paper in a more overt way, she did it in a way that did not embarrass her friend. We have no reason to suspect that Emily was absentminded, and "comfort" and "hurry" have nothing to do with the situation either. "Jubilance" is a noun meaning triumph, so "jubilance" does not fit the context of the sentence either. "Tact," however, is a noun meaning sensitivity in dealing with potentially embarassing or awkward issues, so "tact" is the answer choice that best fits the sentence and the correct answer.
We know from the context of the sentence that Emily was socially sensitive—while she could have pointed out the toilet paper in a more overt way, she did it in a way that did not embarrass her friend. We have no reason to suspect that Emily was absentminded, and "comfort" and "hurry" have nothing to do with the situation either. "Jubilance" is a noun meaning triumph, so "jubilance" does not fit the context of the sentence either. "Tact," however, is a noun meaning sensitivity in dealing with potentially embarassing or awkward issues, so "tact" is the answer choice that best fits the sentence and the correct answer.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Linda was surprised at the electrician's when he still demanded full payment for his services, even after learning his faulty work was found to have caused a small fire in his client's home.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Linda was surprised at the electrician's when he still demanded full payment for his services, even after learning his faulty work was found to have caused a small fire in his client's home.
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We know that the electrician was pretty impudent by demanding payment for services that caused a fire in his client's home, so we need to pick out an answer choice that is a noun and means something like "impudence." Only three of the possible answer choices are nouns—"gall," "honesty," and "concession." "Honesty" doesn't fit the context of the sentence, and neither does "concession," which means "a thing that is granted, especially in response to demands; a thing conceded." "Gall," however, means "bold, impudent behavior" when used as a noun, and fits the context of the sentence, so "gall" is the correct answer.
We know that the electrician was pretty impudent by demanding payment for services that caused a fire in his client's home, so we need to pick out an answer choice that is a noun and means something like "impudence." Only three of the possible answer choices are nouns—"gall," "honesty," and "concession." "Honesty" doesn't fit the context of the sentence, and neither does "concession," which means "a thing that is granted, especially in response to demands; a thing conceded." "Gall," however, means "bold, impudent behavior" when used as a noun, and fits the context of the sentence, so "gall" is the correct answer.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The police were sent out to the unrest.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The police were sent out to the unrest.
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"Unrest" is a state of agitation, protest, so it makes sense that the police would be sent out to try and put an end to, bring under control or "quell" the rebellion. Additionally, "deprive" means take away from, not allow to have; "underline" means highlight, draw special attention to; "amuse" means entertain, make laugh; "educate" means teach.
"Unrest" is a state of agitation, protest, so it makes sense that the police would be sent out to try and put an end to, bring under control or "quell" the rebellion. Additionally, "deprive" means take away from, not allow to have; "underline" means highlight, draw special attention to; "amuse" means entertain, make laugh; "educate" means teach.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
He the flight of the ball and leapt perfectly to catch it.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
He the flight of the ball and leapt perfectly to catch it.
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If the subject was able to jump perfectly to catch the ball it makes sense that he was able to expect, foresee where the ball was going to be. The correct answer then is "anticipated." To "anticipate" means to be aware that something is happening right before it happens. Additionally, "hypnotize" means put to sleep; "proliferate" means spread wildly; "sully" means ruin the reputation of; "breach" means get past the barriers of.
If the subject was able to jump perfectly to catch the ball it makes sense that he was able to expect, foresee where the ball was going to be. The correct answer then is "anticipated." To "anticipate" means to be aware that something is happening right before it happens. Additionally, "hypnotize" means put to sleep; "proliferate" means spread wildly; "sully" means ruin the reputation of; "breach" means get past the barriers of.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
He wanted to be heard so he at everyone.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
He wanted to be heard so he at everyone.
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If the speaker wanted to be heard it makes sense that he would yell loudly at everyone. The correct answer is therefore "bellowed." Additionally, "scowled" means frowned angrily at; "wafted" means moved slowly through the air, carried by a gentle breeze; "confounded" means confused and surprised; "abolished" means got rid of.
If the speaker wanted to be heard it makes sense that he would yell loudly at everyone. The correct answer is therefore "bellowed." Additionally, "scowled" means frowned angrily at; "wafted" means moved slowly through the air, carried by a gentle breeze; "confounded" means confused and surprised; "abolished" means got rid of.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The child attempted to the pony, but ended up falling to the ground.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The child attempted to the pony, but ended up falling to the ground.
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If the child ended up falling to the ground it makes sense that they were trying to either get on, ride, or get off the pony. The correct answer is therefore "dismount" which means get off of, get down from. Additionally, "dovetail" means fit together perfectly; "pilfer" means steal from, plunder; "shun" means ignore, banish; "infuse" means fill with, put into.
If the child ended up falling to the ground it makes sense that they were trying to either get on, ride, or get off the pony. The correct answer is therefore "dismount" which means get off of, get down from. Additionally, "dovetail" means fit together perfectly; "pilfer" means steal from, plunder; "shun" means ignore, banish; "infuse" means fill with, put into.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The king's brother attempted to his throne whilst the king was away at war.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The king's brother attempted to his throne whilst the king was away at war.
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To solve this problem you need to determine which of these is an action the king's brother might take with regard to the throne. The correct answer is "usurp" which means take control of, take power from. Additionally, "goad" means encourage, 'egg on'; "succor" means provide relief for; "masticate" means chew; "vex" means confuse and annoy.
To solve this problem you need to determine which of these is an action the king's brother might take with regard to the throne. The correct answer is "usurp" which means take control of, take power from. Additionally, "goad" means encourage, 'egg on'; "succor" means provide relief for; "masticate" means chew; "vex" means confuse and annoy.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The puppy was very disobedient and needed to be in order to live with the young family.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The puppy was very disobedient and needed to be in order to live with the young family.
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Based on the context of this sentence you know you are looking for a verb that relates to training through punishment. The correct answer is "disciplined." Additionally, to "endure" means to put up with, to tolerate; "malign" means criticize; "originate" means come from, begin; "compensated" means paid for some work or suffering.
Based on the context of this sentence you know you are looking for a verb that relates to training through punishment. The correct answer is "disciplined." Additionally, to "endure" means to put up with, to tolerate; "malign" means criticize; "originate" means come from, begin; "compensated" means paid for some work or suffering.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
They tried to his reputation by lying about him to his friends.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
They tried to his reputation by lying about him to his friends.
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Based on the context of this sentence, which describes people lying about someone, it makes sense that the correct answer is a verb that means to ruin, to spoil, to damage the integrity of. The correct answer is therefore "sully." Additionally, "diffuse" means spread out from a central point; "breach" means pass through a barrier, overcome a fortress; "resort" means turn to; "ingratiate" means make oneself fit in within a new group.
Based on the context of this sentence, which describes people lying about someone, it makes sense that the correct answer is a verb that means to ruin, to spoil, to damage the integrity of. The correct answer is therefore "sully." Additionally, "diffuse" means spread out from a central point; "breach" means pass through a barrier, overcome a fortress; "resort" means turn to; "ingratiate" means make oneself fit in within a new group.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The citizens did not the warning and many were injured during the storm.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The citizens did not the warning and many were injured during the storm.
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Based on the context of this sentence you know you are looking for a verb that means pay attention to, or "heed." To "heed" means to listen to a warning or advice. Additionally, "penalize" means punish for some wrongdoing; "embellish" means add detail to, decorate, exaggerate; "meddle" means interfere with; "adjust" means alter, change.
Based on the context of this sentence you know you are looking for a verb that means pay attention to, or "heed." To "heed" means to listen to a warning or advice. Additionally, "penalize" means punish for some wrongdoing; "embellish" means add detail to, decorate, exaggerate; "meddle" means interfere with; "adjust" means alter, change.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Eventually the board had to to the demands of the protestors.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Eventually the board had to to the demands of the protestors.
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Which of these verbs describes something a group might do in response to the protests of another group? The correct answer is "acquiesce" which means give in to the demands of, accept the conditions of. Additionally, "acclaim" means widely praise; "devastate" means completely destroy; "entice" means tempt, lure and trap; "ransack" means search wildly, destroy in a chaotic manner.
Which of these verbs describes something a group might do in response to the protests of another group? The correct answer is "acquiesce" which means give in to the demands of, accept the conditions of. Additionally, "acclaim" means widely praise; "devastate" means completely destroy; "entice" means tempt, lure and trap; "ransack" means search wildly, destroy in a chaotic manner.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The ship was in the secluded harbor.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The ship was in the secluded harbor.
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To begin with "secluded" means private, away from others, protected. So, which of these is a verb that describes fixing a boat in one place? The correct answer is "anchored." To "anchor" means to fix in place. Additionally, "squander" means waste; "venerate" means deeply respect; "admonish" means scold, punish, yell at; "confound" means confuse, bewilder.
To begin with "secluded" means private, away from others, protected. So, which of these is a verb that describes fixing a boat in one place? The correct answer is "anchored." To "anchor" means to fix in place. Additionally, "squander" means waste; "venerate" means deeply respect; "admonish" means scold, punish, yell at; "confound" means confuse, bewilder.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The two officials briefly before making a joint decision.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The two officials briefly before making a joint decision.
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The officials made a "joint" decision, so they must have talked about a decision together or "conferred." To "confer" either means to give a distinction to or to discuss opinions about. Additionally, "infuse" means inject with, fill with, put into; "dissuade" means convince someone to change their mind; "quell" means subdue, bring to an end, put down; "proliferate" means spread wildly.
The officials made a "joint" decision, so they must have talked about a decision together or "conferred." To "confer" either means to give a distinction to or to discuss opinions about. Additionally, "infuse" means inject with, fill with, put into; "dissuade" means convince someone to change their mind; "quell" means subdue, bring to an end, put down; "proliferate" means spread wildly.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
My mum is always late, so it was no surprise when I was forced to with my teacher for forty minutes today after class.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
My mum is always late, so it was no surprise when I was forced to with my teacher for forty minutes today after class.
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Based on the context of this sentence you know you are looking for a verb that means to stay behind, to wait around. So, the correct answer is "linger." Additionally, "indict" means accuse of committing a crime; "purport" means claim to be, lie about being; "hurtle" means move rapidly and recklessly; "chortle" means laugh, giggle.
Based on the context of this sentence you know you are looking for a verb that means to stay behind, to wait around. So, the correct answer is "linger." Additionally, "indict" means accuse of committing a crime; "purport" means claim to be, lie about being; "hurtle" means move rapidly and recklessly; "chortle" means laugh, giggle.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
It was early morning and the birds were in the trees.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
It was early morning and the birds were in the trees.
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Based on the context of this sentence you know that the correct answer must relate to a bird singing. So, the correct answer is "warbling." To "warble" means to sing like a bird. Additionally, to "efface" means to erase; "falter" means struggle, to be delayed by an obstacle; "monitor" means watch, observe; "bluff" means to trick and lie based on false confidence.
Based on the context of this sentence you know that the correct answer must relate to a bird singing. So, the correct answer is "warbling." To "warble" means to sing like a bird. Additionally, to "efface" means to erase; "falter" means struggle, to be delayed by an obstacle; "monitor" means watch, observe; "bluff" means to trick and lie based on false confidence.
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