Sentence Completion - ISEE Upper Level Verbal Reasoning

Although it might seem that a rigid schedule is difficult, we cannot imply that directly. The word “regimented” best fits the needs of this sentence, meaning “strictly organized in a strict schedule.” The word is related to a number of words for “ruling” such as “regal,” “regent,” and “regalia.”

Since the librarian wants information that is accurate in students' papers, she most likely reminds students to choose credible or trustworthy sources.

Here, the best term is “exponent” because this term implies that one promotes a given idea—not necessarily defensively but with a certain devotion and zeal. The word often is used in mathematics, but here, it shows its relationship to its Latin roots very clearly. The composite ex+ponent literally means “to place out” (in the sense of expressing outwardly). The “-ponent” portion is related to numerous words related to the Latin base “to place or put,” not only those like “postpone” and “component” but also words that have “-pos-” such as “propose,” “expose,” and “exposition” (among many others).

The key term in the second sentence is “burden.” The roommate’s request is not burdensome, which means that it does not “impose” on William or, in our sentence, that it is not an “imposition.” The composite im + position literally means to place upon (the “im” being a form of “in”). The “-position” portion of the word is clearly related to a number of words like “propose,” “expose,” and “exposition” but is also related to certain “-pon-” words such as “postpone,” “component,” and “exponent.” All of these words (and many others) are derived from Latin roots that mean to place or put.

Since Robert likes to draw attention to himself with large ceremonies, he could be said to act “pompously.” In an older sense, “pomp” or a “pompous display” would merely mean a large and splendid event. However, the word often implies not only a grand style but likewise that it is meant to draw attention to the one showing said style.

"Potable" means suitable for drinking.

"Onerous" means burdensome.

The key thing to note here is that Mark is a “deserter” from having been a faithful citizen. Although perhaps he is a troublemaker and even a misfit, the word “renegade” best expresses the idea of deserting that to which one once was devoted. In this word the “re-” prefix does not mean “again” but instead merely strengthens the main portion of the word—the “-negade” portion of the word. This portion comes from the same roots as “negative” and “deny.” Here, the sense is to deny forcefully one’s former attachment.

Although a number of options might be tempting, the emphasis of the sentence is merely on the fact that the children will repeat the actions of their parents. It does not necessarily say anything about multiple trials or the mode by which the learning occurs. In general, “mimesis” means imitation. It is derived from Greek roots that are likewise reflected in words like “mime” and “mimic.”

"Tactful" means skillful at not offending others.

"Hackneyed" means clichéd, or worn out by overuse.

"Superficial" means shallow, or lacking depth.

"Florid" means having a red or flushed complexion. It also can mean flowery or ornate.

"Recalcitrant" means defiant or unapologetic.

Do not be fooled into thinking either that the student’s manner of thinking is overbearing (i.e. imperialist) or that it is detached because of certain stereotypes about mathematics. Instead, the sentence expresses that the student gives her thoughts of reality a certain “coloring” because of her mathematical work. Such a “coloring” could be called a “cast” in the sense of being the general character of something. Think of the word as a metaphorical usage of “cast” in the strong sense of “physical mold” but becoming somewhat loosened in meaning to mean much more generally the “character” (i.e. the physical, emotional, intellectual, etc. shape) of something.

The key point to note is that academic positions were seen to be limited to the members of the clergy, who were the specific group to whom this work fell. A “preserve” is used at times to describe a place set aside for private hunting. More generally, we can think of it as a given activity (or group of activities) that are reserved for a specific group. In our example, it is as though the academic world was a preserved location for the clergy to do their supposed jobs.

The subject of the sentence knows that he is going to cause someone displeasure, therefore he is being mischeivous—"devilish," when used in this context, means the same thing; therefore "devilishly" is the correct answer.

The key phrase that helps to discern the closest term from the less proper ones is “with great east.” If someone can do something with facility, they are able to do so well and with ease. The word is related to others like “facile” and “facilitate” that are derived from the Latin for to do or make, but the sense of “facile” includes the notion of being easily accomplished.

Since the soap dries the skin as it does, it must contain some sort of drying agents. The word “siccific” is a rare English word, but it has related parts that should make it somewhat easier to guess. The suffix “-fic,” as well as the related “-fac” and “-fy”, are all found in many words and means “to do” or “to make.” Think of words like “efficacious,” “defect,” “ramify,” “exemplify,” and many others. The “sicc-” portion of the word is derived from the Latin for “dry,” and is found in the word “desiccate,” meaning “to dry out.” It is often used in the past participle form “desiccated,” meaning “dried out.” The word “siccific,” therefore means “something that acts as a drying agent.”