Parts of Speech in Two-Blank Sentences - ISEE Upper Level Verbal Reasoning
Card 1 of 1755
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Often, much time is wasted on an undertaking that would be significantly if every intervening were first removed.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Often, much time is wasted on an undertaking that would be significantly if every intervening were first removed.
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Since the concern here is with removing something that seems to increase the time of an undertaking, such an intervening object is an “impediment,” which means an obstruction. To “expedite” something is to make it occur more quickly. Both words come from the Latin word for “foot” (This is reflected in the “-ped-” portion of the stem, not to be confused with the “ped” in words like “pediatric” and “pediatrician,” which have different roots). An “impediment” is something placed on (im+) the foot (so to speak), and to “expedite” is to remove something from the foot or away from its path (at least taken literally).
Since the concern here is with removing something that seems to increase the time of an undertaking, such an intervening object is an “impediment,” which means an obstruction. To “expedite” something is to make it occur more quickly. Both words come from the Latin word for “foot” (This is reflected in the “-ped-” portion of the stem, not to be confused with the “ped” in words like “pediatric” and “pediatrician,” which have different roots). An “impediment” is something placed on (im+) the foot (so to speak), and to “expedite” is to remove something from the foot or away from its path (at least taken literally).
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Choose the set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The bishop wanted to the expansion of the heretical in the rural areas. If it could be stopped there, it would likely fade out of existence in the cities.
Choose the set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The bishop wanted to the expansion of the heretical in the rural areas. If it could be stopped there, it would likely fade out of existence in the cities.
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The second sentence indicates that the bishop wishes to stop the movement. It does not indicate any desire to persecute. The word “arrest” might seem, at first glance, to carry the same negative, “persecuting” sense as some of the other options, but the word likewise can mean “to stop” as in the usage “arrested development” to describe someone who is stunted with regard to some kind of growth. A “sect” is group differentiated by their beliefs, often with a negative connotation in regard to an accepted orthodoxy.
The second sentence indicates that the bishop wishes to stop the movement. It does not indicate any desire to persecute. The word “arrest” might seem, at first glance, to carry the same negative, “persecuting” sense as some of the other options, but the word likewise can mean “to stop” as in the usage “arrested development” to describe someone who is stunted with regard to some kind of growth. A “sect” is group differentiated by their beliefs, often with a negative connotation in regard to an accepted orthodoxy.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
After spending twenty years studying metaphysics, Stanley had barely begun to the depths of his subject but instead had barely skimmed its .
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
After spending twenty years studying metaphysics, Stanley had barely begun to the depths of his subject but instead had barely skimmed its .
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To “plumb” something is to seek out its depths. You might know from chemistry class that the element lead has a symbol Pb. This comes from the Latin word “plumbum,” which was used for the element. “To plumb” the depths of some body of water would be to tie a piece of lead to a string in order to see how deep it is. The word “superfices” means “the surfaces” and is related to the word “superficial.”
To “plumb” something is to seek out its depths. You might know from chemistry class that the element lead has a symbol Pb. This comes from the Latin word “plumbum,” which was used for the element. “To plumb” the depths of some body of water would be to tie a piece of lead to a string in order to see how deep it is. The word “superfices” means “the surfaces” and is related to the word “superficial.”
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The salesman continuously praised the medicine he was trying to sell, its amazing ability to cure everything from the common cold to dry skin to hair loss; however, not many of his listeners believed that the medicine was the he claimed it was.
The salesman continuously praised the medicine he was trying to sell, its amazing ability to cure everything from the common cold to dry skin to hair loss; however, not many of his listeners believed that the medicine was the he claimed it was.
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We can tell from the context of the sentence that for the first blank, we're looking for a verb that means something like "praising." Of the available choices, either "describing" or "extolling" ("praising enthusiastically") could work. For the second blank, we need a noun that describes something that is supposedly able to cure lots of problems. Either "cure-all" or "panacea" ("a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases") could be correct. Of the possible words that we've identified as potentially correct for each blank, only "extolling" and "panacea" appear in the same answer choice, so the correct answer is "extolling . . . panacea."
We can tell from the context of the sentence that for the first blank, we're looking for a verb that means something like "praising." Of the available choices, either "describing" or "extolling" ("praising enthusiastically") could work. For the second blank, we need a noun that describes something that is supposedly able to cure lots of problems. Either "cure-all" or "panacea" ("a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases") could be correct. Of the possible words that we've identified as potentially correct for each blank, only "extolling" and "panacea" appear in the same answer choice, so the correct answer is "extolling . . . panacea."
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
With the classroom already in after the student incited a mini-riot, the teacher threw his hands up in exasperation, helpless as the room into a scene of crumpled papers and screaming children.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
With the classroom already in after the student incited a mini-riot, the teacher threw his hands up in exasperation, helpless as the room into a scene of crumpled papers and screaming children.
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The words “mini-riot” and “exasperation” and the phrase “scene of crumpled papers and screaming children” indicate that the classroom fell into the lesser state of disorganization. Only "disarray" (a state of disorganization) and "deteriorated" (falling into a lesser state) meet these definitions.
The words “mini-riot” and “exasperation” and the phrase “scene of crumpled papers and screaming children” indicate that the classroom fell into the lesser state of disorganization. Only "disarray" (a state of disorganization) and "deteriorated" (falling into a lesser state) meet these definitions.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
There was no need to when you had made your point quite clearly with your previous .
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
There was no need to when you had made your point quite clearly with your previous .
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To "belabor" means to go on in excessive detail about something. A "rant" is a long speech about something in a passionate way.
To "belabor" means to go on in excessive detail about something. A "rant" is a long speech about something in a passionate way.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Brandon was never quite sure which of the temperaments his roommate would . In spite of this, he cared deeply for the other man, whose self-presentation could be either frank or somewhat secretive, for these characteristics were not a mark of but merely the result of a somewhat antisocial disposition.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Brandon was never quite sure which of the temperaments his roommate would . In spite of this, he cared deeply for the other man, whose self-presentation could be either frank or somewhat secretive, for these characteristics were not a mark of but merely the result of a somewhat antisocial disposition.
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There is something of a play on words in this sentence. The roommate has two sides, and “duple” (and related words) imply twoness, hence “duplicity.” This likewise means—and this is closer to our usage here—being deceitful (as in being “two faced”). To “evince” is to reveal a reality. Such an act need not show a heretofore hidden reality. One’s (e.g.) body motions “evince” (in the sense of “giving evidence for”) one’s caring nature.
There is something of a play on words in this sentence. The roommate has two sides, and “duple” (and related words) imply twoness, hence “duplicity.” This likewise means—and this is closer to our usage here—being deceitful (as in being “two faced”). To “evince” is to reveal a reality. Such an act need not show a heretofore hidden reality. One’s (e.g.) body motions “evince” (in the sense of “giving evidence for”) one’s caring nature.
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Choose the set of words that best completes the following sentence.
My friend’s argument that might makes right is the very of my belief in a higher law to which we are all .
Choose the set of words that best completes the following sentence.
My friend’s argument that might makes right is the very of my belief in a higher law to which we are all .
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"Antithesis" means the exact opposite, while "beholden" means owing something to another, such as allegiance. A person who argues that power determines what is right and wrong would believe the exact opposite of his or her friend who believes in a higher law to which we must all be loyal.
"Antithesis" means the exact opposite, while "beholden" means owing something to another, such as allegiance. A person who argues that power determines what is right and wrong would believe the exact opposite of his or her friend who believes in a higher law to which we must all be loyal.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
At the slightest , my little brother will start screaming for my mother’s attention. He is such a little ball of anger!
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
At the slightest , my little brother will start screaming for my mother’s attention. He is such a little ball of anger!
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"Provocation" means something that incites, while "irascible" means easily angered. A little brother who is quick to anger would certainly require little incitement to start screaming for his mother.
"Provocation" means something that incites, while "irascible" means easily angered. A little brother who is quick to anger would certainly require little incitement to start screaming for his mother.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
My father has a for statements; he frequently claims to have invented letters of the alphabet!
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
My father has a for statements; he frequently claims to have invented letters of the alphabet!
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"Propensity" means inclination, while "grandiose" means characterized by greatness of scope or intent. A man who frequently makes statements like having invented letters of the alphabet would certainly have an inclination for statements of remarkable scope.
"Propensity" means inclination, while "grandiose" means characterized by greatness of scope or intent. A man who frequently makes statements like having invented letters of the alphabet would certainly have an inclination for statements of remarkable scope.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The approached the master with such praise that the old man could not help but be touched by the younger man’s innocence and unreserved straight-forwardness.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The approached the master with such praise that the old man could not help but be touched by the younger man’s innocence and unreserved straight-forwardness.
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A "novice" is a beginner or someone without training or experience, while "ingenuous" means candid and innocent. Naturally, the master would only be touched by praise that was innocent and candid.
A "novice" is a beginner or someone without training or experience, while "ingenuous" means candid and innocent. Naturally, the master would only be touched by praise that was innocent and candid.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Up high in the belfry, the birds erupted into a disruptive , ruining the recital; everyone who had come to hear the singers left quite .
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Up high in the belfry, the birds erupted into a disruptive , ruining the recital; everyone who had come to hear the singers left quite .
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"Cacophony" means a tremendous, disharmonious noise, while "disgruntled" means upset or not content. Understandably, people who had come to hear music would be upset that a recital was interrupted by a disharmonious noise.
"Cacophony" means a tremendous, disharmonious noise, while "disgruntled" means upset or not content. Understandably, people who had come to hear music would be upset that a recital was interrupted by a disharmonious noise.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The human brain was by far the most popular subject among the biology students, even though it was also the most to study, as they found all of its fascinating.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The human brain was by far the most popular subject among the biology students, even though it was also the most to study, as they found all of its fascinating.
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That a school subject is popular even though it has another characteristic tells us that characteristic should be negative. "Burdensome" and "strenuous" would both work. This makes the options for the second blank "intricacies" and "prowess." "Intricacies" makes more sense in the context of this sentence, because it indicates complexity, where "prowess" indicates skill.
That a school subject is popular even though it has another characteristic tells us that characteristic should be negative. "Burdensome" and "strenuous" would both work. This makes the options for the second blank "intricacies" and "prowess." "Intricacies" makes more sense in the context of this sentence, because it indicates complexity, where "prowess" indicates skill.
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Which of the following pairs of words best completes the sentence below?
Although the of students voted for an ice cream party rather than a pizza party, the decision was not .
Which of the following pairs of words best completes the sentence below?
Although the of students voted for an ice cream party rather than a pizza party, the decision was not .
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"Majority" and "unanimous" is the most likely match. Most of the students voted for the ice cream party, but the decision was not unanimous (meaning 100-percent agreed-upon).
Although "remainder" makes sense in the sentence, "necessary" does not.
Although "classroom" makes sense, "popular" does not. If a classroom full of students voted on the ice cream party, it is unlikely that the decision would not be popular.
The words "youngest" and "immediate," while making sense in the sentence on their own, do not relate in the context of this sentence.
"Majority" and "unanimous" is the most likely match. Most of the students voted for the ice cream party, but the decision was not unanimous (meaning 100-percent agreed-upon).
Although "remainder" makes sense in the sentence, "necessary" does not.
Although "classroom" makes sense, "popular" does not. If a classroom full of students voted on the ice cream party, it is unlikely that the decision would not be popular.
The words "youngest" and "immediate," while making sense in the sentence on their own, do not relate in the context of this sentence.
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Grandmother Sylvia never spoke ill of anybody that she knew or did not know. This did not prevent her from making remarks about others. She merely pronounced such views in carefully crafted .
Grandmother Sylvia never spoke ill of anybody that she knew or did not know. This did not prevent her from making remarks about others. She merely pronounced such views in carefully crafted .
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The key here is that Sylvia covered her remarks up. "Euphemisms" are indirect expressions that avoid what would be potentially offensive words. The word comes from two Greek bases. The prefix “eu-” means good and is seen in English words like “eulogy” (good speech, a speech that presents someone else well). The second half comes from “pheme,” meaning to speak, and is seen in English words like “blaspheme” or “blasphemy.”
The key here is that Sylvia covered her remarks up. "Euphemisms" are indirect expressions that avoid what would be potentially offensive words. The word comes from two Greek bases. The prefix “eu-” means good and is seen in English words like “eulogy” (good speech, a speech that presents someone else well). The second half comes from “pheme,” meaning to speak, and is seen in English words like “blaspheme” or “blasphemy.”
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
In giving advice to his friend, the naïve young man lisped a number of that he had unquestioningly learned during his childhood. The friend was unconvinced by the reasoning presented in defense of such purportedly profound moral “insights.”
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
In giving advice to his friend, the naïve young man lisped a number of that he had unquestioningly learned during his childhood. The friend was unconvinced by the reasoning presented in defense of such purportedly profound moral “insights.”
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Platitudes are expressions that have been so overused that they really have no meaning—the “wisdom” that really is nothing but repetition of familiar remarks. At best, the reasoning behind the use of such expressions is “surface level deep” or “superficial,” which means lacking depth or profundity—literally “only on the top (super-) layer (-ficial).”
Platitudes are expressions that have been so overused that they really have no meaning—the “wisdom” that really is nothing but repetition of familiar remarks. At best, the reasoning behind the use of such expressions is “surface level deep” or “superficial,” which means lacking depth or profundity—literally “only on the top (super-) layer (-ficial).”
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Choose the set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Thanks to carefully crafted financial devices, the firm’s assets were particularly from any collateral effects of the prices of several key commodities. Even if the prices of these goods fluctuated greatly, the assets would basically be at with their initial values.
Choose the set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Thanks to carefully crafted financial devices, the firm’s assets were particularly from any collateral effects of the prices of several key commodities. Even if the prices of these goods fluctuated greatly, the assets would basically be at with their initial values.
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Since the assets were free from interference, they were isolated. The word “insulated” does not merely indicate the process of installing material to prevent energy from being transferred from one area to another. It also can indicate any such isolation of forces. The word is derived from the Latin word “insula,” which means “island.” The English word, “insular,” is similarly derived.
The word “parity”, indicating a state of equality, is derived from the Latin “pars,” meaning equal. The same root is reflected in English words like “disparity,” “pair,” and even “subpar.”
Since the assets were free from interference, they were isolated. The word “insulated” does not merely indicate the process of installing material to prevent energy from being transferred from one area to another. It also can indicate any such isolation of forces. The word is derived from the Latin word “insula,” which means “island.” The English word, “insular,” is similarly derived.
The word “parity”, indicating a state of equality, is derived from the Latin “pars,” meaning equal. The same root is reflected in English words like “disparity,” “pair,” and even “subpar.”
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Choose the set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Sebastian’s attitude was quite dark and irritable. Indeed, one could rightly call it . What is more, everyone knew of this disposition because of his constant .
Choose the set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Sebastian’s attitude was quite dark and irritable. Indeed, one could rightly call it . What is more, everyone knew of this disposition because of his constant .
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The key to getting this question correct is noting the options for the first blank. The sense here is not directly depression but instead is that of being of a bleak and sullen temperament. “Morose” best fits this usage. Although “lamentation” can have the sense of weeping, it also can indicate the expression of sorrow in general, so the word still fits—at least better than the other options, which is all that is needed.
The key to getting this question correct is noting the options for the first blank. The sense here is not directly depression but instead is that of being of a bleak and sullen temperament. “Morose” best fits this usage. Although “lamentation” can have the sense of weeping, it also can indicate the expression of sorrow in general, so the word still fits—at least better than the other options, which is all that is needed.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The small mountain community was basically , for the surrounding mountains served as preventing exit or entry.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The small mountain community was basically , for the surrounding mountains served as preventing exit or entry.
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If something is “hermetic” it is sealed totally—often in the sense of being air-tight, though (as in our sentence) it can mean that something is sealed from outside influences. If the mountains thus seal the community from outside world, they are “obstructions” in the way of potential passage.
If something is “hermetic” it is sealed totally—often in the sense of being air-tight, though (as in our sentence) it can mean that something is sealed from outside influences. If the mountains thus seal the community from outside world, they are “obstructions” in the way of potential passage.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
After many times of being duped by salesmen, Joseph learned to avoid such troubles by being extremely when listening to any made to the purchasing department of his business.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
After many times of being duped by salesmen, Joseph learned to avoid such troubles by being extremely when listening to any made to the purchasing department of his business.
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Someone is "wary" when he or she shows caution in the face of any possibly dangerous situation. Given that he had been duped in the past, it makes sense that Joseph could be said to be wary; however, do not be fooled by the sentence into thinking there should be a negative sense to the second word. There is nothing that implies that any future converse will be negative—even if he is wary. All that we can say is that he is careful when any proposal comes to his company.
Someone is "wary" when he or she shows caution in the face of any possibly dangerous situation. Given that he had been duped in the past, it makes sense that Joseph could be said to be wary; however, do not be fooled by the sentence into thinking there should be a negative sense to the second word. There is nothing that implies that any future converse will be negative—even if he is wary. All that we can say is that he is careful when any proposal comes to his company.
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