Cracking the SSAT & ISEE - The Princeton Review 2019

ISEE verbal
The ISEE

INTRODUCTION

Take a look at the Verbal section of a practice ISEE in this book. The Verbal section on the ISEE consists of 40 questions (34 for the Lower Level), usually broken into:

· 20 synonym questions (questions 1 to 20)

· 20 sentence completion questions (questions 21 to 40)

That’s 40 questions—but you have only 20 minutes! Should you try to spend 30 seconds on each question to get them all done? No!

You Mean I Don’t Have to Answer All the Questions?

Nope. You’ll actually improve your score by working on fewer questions, as long as you’re still using all of the allotted time. Even though you shouldn’t work on all of the questions, you should still answer them all with your favorite letter because there is no penalty for a wrong answer!

Remember, this test is designed for students in two to four different grade levels. There will be vocabulary on some of these questions that is aimed at students older than you, and almost no one in your grade will get those questions right. The ISEE score you receive will compare you only with students in your own grade. The younger you are in your test level, the fewer questions you are expected to complete. Sixth graders are expected to complete the fewest questions on the Middle Level test. Eighth graders are expected to do the fewest questions on the Upper Level test.

“Allotted Time”?

If you can’t define allotted, make a flash card for it! Look in Chapter 1 for ideas on how to use flash cards to learn new words.

So, why rush through the questions you can get right to get to the really tough ones that almost nobody gets? That approach only ensures that you will make hasty, careless errors. Work slowly on the questions that have vocabulary that you know to make sure you get them right. Then try the ones that have some unfamiliar words in them.

If you pace yourself, you’ll have much more time for each question than students who think they have to get them all done.

Which Questions Should I Work on?

Everybody’s different. You know some words that your friends don’t, and vice versa. Some verbal questions are harder for certain people than they are for others.

Guess?

Yes. Fill in an answer even for the questions you don’t read. Why? Because there is no penalty for a wrong answer on the ISEE, so you’ve got nothing to lose (and plenty to gain when you happen to be right!)..

So, here’s the plan: go through the first section, and work on all the synonyms that are easy for you first. Those are the questions for which you know the definitions of the words involved. Then, go back through and answer the questions with words that sound familiar, even if you are not sure of their dictionary definition—these are words you sort of know. Then, move on to sentence completions, leaving yourself more than half the time in the section. Remember to skip a number on the answer sheet when you skip a question—but do fill it in at some point!

Knowing your own vocabulary is the key to deciding if you can answer a question easily.

Know Yourself

Categorize the words you see in ISEE questions into:

· words you know

· words you sort of know

· words you really don’t know

Be honest with yourself when it comes to deciding if you know a word or not, so you apply the techniques that are best for the questions on which you are working. Keep your idea of the word’s meaning flexible, because the test writers sometimes use the words in ways that you and I do not! (They claim to use dictionary definitions.)

Of course, the easiest way to get a verbal question right is by making sure all the words in it fall into the first category—words you know. The best way to do this is by learning new vocabulary words every day. Check out the Vocabulary chapter (Chapter 1) for the best ways to do this.

You can raise your verbal score moderately just by using the techniques we teach in this chapter. But if you want to see a substantial rise in your score, you need to build up your vocabulary, too.

Eliminate Choices

With math questions, there’s always one correct answer. The other answers are simply wrong. In a verbal question, however, things are not that simple. Words are much more slippery than numbers. So verbal questions have best answers, not correct answers. The other answers aren’t necessarily wrong, but the people who score the ISEE think they’re not as good as the best one. This means that—even more so than on the Quantitative sections—in the Verbal and Reading sections you should always try to eliminate choices. Get used to looking for worse answers. There are many more of them than there are best answers, so worse answers are easier to find!

Cross Out the Bad Ones

Even when none of the answers looks particularly right, you can usually eliminate at least one.

When you find them, cross them out in the question booklet to make sure you don’t spend any more time looking at them. No matter which other techniques you use to answer a question, first eliminate wrong answers, instead of trying to magically pick out the best answer right away.

Shop Around

Try every choice in a verbal question to be sure you’re picking the best answer there.

One thing to remember for the Verbal section: you should not eliminate choices that contain words you don’t know. It doesn’t matter that you don’t know what a word means—it could still be the answer.

Don’t Rule It Out

Don’t eliminate answers with words you don’t know.

What If I Can’t Narrow It Down to One Answer?

Should you guess? Yes. Even if you can’t eliminate any choices, you should still guess. We mentioned before that you should leave a minute or two at the end of the section to fill in an answer for any questions you did not get to. Why? Because there’s no guessing penalty on the ISEE. Nothing is subtracted from your score for a wrong answer, and because there are four choices, you’ll get approximately 25 percent of the questions on which you guess randomly correct.

That means that you should never leave a question blank. Pick a letter (A, B, C, or D) to fill in for your random guesses. It doesn’t matter which letter you use, but stick with one letter-of-the-day so you don’t have to think about it.

Of course, the number of questions you get right will increase if you can eliminate some choices before you guess, so we’ll teach you techniques to do this.

Where Do I Start?

Do synonyms first in the Verbal section, right where you find them. Get them done in less than 10 minutes so you have a little more than half the time in the section for sentence completions. Sentence completions take longer to read and work through, but they have more context to help you get the question right, even if you don’t know all the words involved. If you get stuck on a sentence completion, simply fill in the letter-of-the-day and move on. Don’t save it for a second pass. Similarly, if you realize you simply don’t know the stem word or a synonym, just fill in your guess and keep going.

Bubble Practice

Whenever you do a practice test, use the sample answer sheet so you get used to skipping around and making sure you’re always on the same number on the test booklet and answer sheet.

You’ll be answering the questions in the following order:

· synonyms with words you know

· synonyms with words you sort of know

· sentence completions

REVIEW—THE VERBAL PLAN

Pacing and Verbal Strategy

What’s the order in which I answer questions in the Verbal section?

1.__________________

2.__________________

3.__________________

How long should I spend on synonyms?

What’s the technique I’ll be using all the time, regardless of whatever else I’m using to answer a question?

How many choices must I have eliminated to guess productively?

Can I eliminate choices that contain words I don’t know?

Check your answers in Chapter 17.

If you had trouble with any of these questions, just review this part of the chapter before moving on.

Knowing My Vocabulary

Look at each of the following words and decide if it’s a word that you know, sort of know, or really don’t know. If you know it, write down its definition.

insecticide (noun)

trifle (verb)

repugnant (adjective)

mollify (verb)

camouflage (verb)

historic (adjective)

Check the ones you thought you knew or sort of knew. Look them up in the dictionary and make flash cards for them.

Be Honest

Do you really know the definition of the word? The ISEE uses dictionary definitions, and these may differ from your own sometimes. If you’re not positive, you may want to use the techniques for when you sort of know the word.

SYNONYMS

What Is a Synonym?

On the ISEE, a synonym question asks you to choose the choice that comes closest in meaning to the stem word (the word in capital letters). Often, the best answer won’t mean the exact same thing as the stem word, but it will be closer than any of the other choices.

You need to decide which vocabulary category the synonym stem word falls into for you, so you know which technique to use. First, find all the synonyms for which you know the stem word, and then go back and find the ones with stem words you sort of know.

When You Know the Stem Word

Write Down Your Own Definition

Come up with a simple definition—a word or a phrase. Write it next to the stem word. Then look at the answers, eliminate the ones that are furthest from your definition, and choose the closest one.

Don’t Waste Time

Make sure you cross out answers you’ve eliminated, so you don’t look at them again.

It’s very simple. Don’t let the test writers put words into your mouth. Make sure you’re armed with your own definition before you look at their choices. They often like to put in a word that is a close second to the best answer; if you’ve got your own synonym ready, you’ll be able to make the distinction.

If you need to, cover the answers with your hand so you can think of your definition before looking. Eventually, you may not have to write down your definitions, but you should start out that way so that you are not influenced by the choices they give you.

As you compare the choices with your definition, cross out the wrong ones with your pencil. Crossing out choices is something you should always do—it saves you time because you don’t go back to choices you’ve already decided were not the best.

As always, don’t eliminate words you don’t know. Try this one. Write your definition of WITHER before you look at the choices.

The stem word means “shrivel” or “dry up.” Which answer is closest? (D). You may have been considering (B), but (D) is closer.

PRACTICE DRILL 1—WRITE YOUR OWN DEFINITION

Write your definition—just a word or two—for each of these stem words.

1.BIZARRE:

2.PREFACE:

3.GENEROUS:

4.MORAL:

5.ALTER:

6.REVOLVE:

7.HOPEFUL:

8.LINGER:

9.ASSIST:

10.CONSTRUCT:

11.STOOP:

12.CANDID:

13.TAUNT:

14.COARSE:

15.VAIN:

16.SERENE:

17.UTILIZE:

18.VIGOROUS:

19.PROLONG:

20.BENEFIT:

Write Another Definition

Why would you ever need to change your definition? Let’s see.

MANEUVER:

(A)avoidance

(B)deviation

(C)find

(D)contrivance

Your definition may be something like move or control if you know the word from hearing it applied to cars. But that definition isn’t in the choices. The problem is that you’re thinking about maneuver as a verb. However, maneuver can also be a noun. It means “a plan, scheme, or trick.” Now go back and eliminate. The answer is (D).

The ISEE sometimes uses secondary definitions, which can be the same part of speech or a different part of speech from the primary definition. Just stay flexible in your definitions, and you’ll be fine.

PRACTICE DRILL 2—WRITE ANOTHER DEFINITION

Write down as many definitions as you can think of for the following words. Your definitions may be the same part of speech or different. If you have a hard time thinking of different meanings, look up the word.

1.POINT:

2.INDUSTRY:

3.FLAG:

4.FLUID:

5.CHAMPION:

6.TABLE:

7.SERVICE:

PRACTICE DRILL 3—BASIC SYNONYM TECHNIQUES

Try these synonyms.

· Use the definition for the stem word that you wrote down before.

· Look at the choices, and eliminate the ones that are furthest from your definition.

· If there are stem words that you don’t know well enough to define, just skip and mark them and come back after you’ve learned techniques for stem words you sort of know.

1.BIZARRE:

(A)lonely

(B)unable

(C)odd

(D)found

2.PREFACE:

(A)introduce

(B)state

(C)propose

(D)jumble

3.GENEROUS:

(A)skimpy

(B)faulty

(C)ample

(D)unusual

4.MORAL:

(A)imitation

(B)full

(C)real

(D)upright

5.ALTER:

(A)sew

(B)make up

(C)react

(D)change

6.REVOLVE:

(A)push against

(B)go forward

(C)leave behind

(D)turn around

7.HOPEFUL:

(A)discouraging

(B)promising

(C)fulfilling

(D)deceiving

8.LINGER:

(A)hurry

(B)abate

(C)dawdle

(D)attempt

9.ASSIST:

(A)work

(B)discourage

(C)hinder

(D)help

10.CONSTRUCT:

(A)build

(B)type

(C)live in

(D)engage

11.STOOP:

(A)raise

(B)elevate

(C)condescend

(D)realize

12.CANDID:

(A)picture

(B)honest

(C)prepared

(D)unfocused

13.TAUNT:

(A)delay

(B)stand

(C)show

(D)tease

14.COARSE:

(A)smooth

(B)crude

(C)polite

(D)furious

15.VAIN:

(A)conceited

(B)beautiful

(C)talented

(D)helpless

16.SERENE:

(A)helpful

(B)normal

(C)calm

(D)disastrous

17.UTILIZE:

(A)pass on

(B)resort to

(C)rely on

(D)make use of

18.VIGOROUS:

(A)slothful

(B)aimless

(C)energetic

(D)glorious

19.PROLONG:

(A)affirmative

(B)lengthen

(C)exceed

(D)assert

20.BENEFIT:

(A)cooperate

(B)struggle

(C)assist

(D)appeal

Check your answers in Chapter 17.

When You Sort of Know the Stem Word

Why should you answer synonym questions quickly? Why can they seem harder than sentence completions, even though you should do them faster?

Synonyms can be harder to beat than sentence completions because the ISEE gives you no context with which to figure out words that you sort of know. But that doesn’t mean you’re done after the easy synonyms. You can get the medium ones, too. You just need to create your own context to figure out words you don’t know very well.

Also, keep in mind that your goal is to eliminate the worst answers and make educated guesses. You’ll be able to do this for every synonym that you sort of know. Even if you eliminate just one choice, you’ve increased your chances of guessing correctly. You’ll gain points overall.

Make Your Own Context

You can create your own context for the word by figuring out how you’ve heard it used before. Think of the other words you’ve heard used with the stem word. Is there a certain phrase that comes to mind? What does that phrase mean?

If you still can’t come up with a definition for the stem word, just use the context in which you’ve heard the word to eliminate answers that wouldn’t fit at all in that same context.

How about this stem word?

ABOMINABLE:

Where have you heard abominable? The Abominable Snowman, of course. Think about it—you know it’s a monster -like creature. Which choices can you eliminate?

You can throw out everything except (A) and (B). Now you can guess, with a much better shot at getting the answer right than guessing from four choices. Or you can think about where else you’ve heard the stem word. Have you ever heard something called an abomination? Was it something terrible or was it something enormous? Choice (B) is the answer.

Try this one. Where have you heard this stem word? Try the answers in that context.

SURROGATE:

(A)requested

(B)paranoid

(C)numerous

(D)substitute

Have you heard the stem word in surrogate mother? If you have, you can definitely eliminate (A), (B), and (C). A surrogate mother is a substitute mother.

Try one more.

ENDANGER:

(A)rescue

(B)frighten

(C)confuse

(D)threaten

Everyone’s associations are different, but you’ve probably heard of endangered species or endangered lives. Use either of those phrases to eliminate choices that can’t fit into it. Rescued species? Frightened species? Confused species? Threatened species? (D) works best.

PRACTICE DRILL 4—MAKING YOUR OWN CONTEXT

Write down the phrase in which you’ve heard each word.

1.COMMON:

2.COMPETENT:

3.ABRIDGE:

4.UNTIMELY:

5.HOMOGENIZE:

6.DELINQUENT:

7.INALIENABLE:

8.PALTRY:

9.AUSPICIOUS:

10.PRODIGAL:

PRACTICE DRILL 5—USING YOUR OWN CONTEXT

1.COMMON:

(A)beautiful

(B)novel

(C)typical

(D)constant

2.COMPETENT:

(A)angry

(B)peaceful

(C)well-written

(D)capable

3.ABRIDGE:

(A)complete

(B)span

(C)reach

(D)shorten

4.UNTIMELY:

(A)late

(B)punctual

(C)inappropriate

(D)continuous

5.HOMOGENIZE:

(A)make the same

(B)send away

(C)isolate

(D)enfold

6.DELINQUENT:

(A)underage

(B)negligent

(C)superior

(D)advanced

7.INALIENABLE:

(A)misplaced

(B)universal

(C)assured

(D)democratic

8.PALTRY:

(A)meager

(B)colored

(C)thick

(D)abundant

9.AUSPICIOUS:

(A)supple

(B)minor

(C)favorable

(D)ominous

10.PRODIGAL:

(A)wasteful

(B)amusing

(C)disadvantaged

(D)lazy

Check your answers in Chapter 17.

Use Word Parts to Piece Together a Definition

Prefixes, roots, and suffixes can help you figure out what a word means. You should use this technique in addition to word association, because not all word parts retain their original meanings.

You may never have seen this stem word before, but if you’ve been working on your Vocabulary chapter, you know that the root pac or peac means peace. You can see the same root in Pacific, pacifier, and the word peace itself. So which answer matches this synonym?

PACIFIST:

(A)innocent person

(B)person opposed to war

(C)warmonger

(D)wanderer of lands

It’s (B). In the following stem word, we see cred, a word part that means “belief” or “faith.” You can see this word part in incredible, credit, and credibility. The answer is now simple.

CREDIBLE:

(A)obsolete

(B)believable

(C)fabulous

(D)mundane

(B) again. What are the word parts in the following stem word?

MONOTONOUS:

(A)lively

(B)educational

(C)nutritious

(D)repetitious

Mono means “one.” Tone has to do with sound. If something keeps striking one sound, how would you describe it? (D) is the answer.

The only way you’ll be able to use word parts is if you know them. Get cracking on the Vocabulary chapter!

Words You Really Don’t Know

Don’t spend time on a synonym with a stem word you’ve never seen if you don’t know any of its word parts. Simply make sure you fill in your letter-of-the-day for that question.

PRACTICE DRILL 6—ALL SYNONYMS TECHNIQUES

1.PRINCIPLE:

(A)leader

(B)established

(C)theory

(D)chief

2.CAPTURE:

(A)secure

(B)lose

(C)bargain

(D)halt

3.BEFRIEND:

(A)sever ties

(B)close down

(C)connect with

(D)enjoy

4.AUTOMATIC:

(A)involuntary

(B)enjoyable

(C)forceful

(D)hapless

5.APTITUDE:

(A)difficulty

(B)reason

(C)mistake

(D)ability

6.CAPITAL:

(A)primary

(B)regressive

(C)capable

(D)central

7.REPRESS:

(A)defy

(B)faithful

(C)ruling

(D)prevent

8.ENDURE:

(A)take in

(B)stick with

(C)add to

(D)run from

9.TRANSMIT:

(A)eliminate

(B)watch

(C)send

(D)annoy

10.DIALOGUE:

(A)speak

(B)conversation

(C)monologue

(D)sermon

11.EULOGY:

(A)attack

(B)tribute

(C)complement

(D)encouragement

12.BAN:

(A)remove

(B)impose

(C)forbid

(D)specify

13.APATHY:

(A)involvement

(B)compassion

(C)contempt

(D)indifference

14.OMNISCIENT:

(A)agile

(B)logical

(C)knowledgeable

(D)invulnerable

15.TRANSGRESS:

(A)transport

(B)eradicate

(C)include

(D)violate

16.VIVACIOUS:

(A)nimble

(B)lively

(C)easily amused

(D)direct

17.HYPERBOLE:

(A)isolation

(B)identification

(C)exaggeration

(D)sharp curve

18.CONGENITAL:

(A)innocent

(B)inborn

(C)graceful

(D)acquired

19.SUCCINCT:

(A)subterranean

(B)confusing

(C)blatant

(D)direct

20.CRAFTY:

(A)apt

(B)sly

(C)agile

(D)wicked

21.FLUENT:

(A)spoken

(B)quiet

(C)flowing

(D)fast

22.IDENTICAL:

(A)broken

(B)duplicate

(C)foolish

(D)related

23.POPULAR:

(A)rude

(B)accepted

(C)understood

(D)respected

24.WHARF:

(A)beach

(B)raft

(C)flat ship

(D)dock

25.FAITHFUL:

(A)hopeful

(B)unrealistic

(C)truthful

(D)devoted

26.OBSTACLE:

(A)path

(B)great distance

(C)ditch

(D)impediment

27.CONVOLUTED:

(A)interesting

(B)expensive

(C)twisted

(D)forged

28.ALIGN:

(A)repair

(B)command

(C)straighten

(D)replace

29.VETO:

(A)reject

(B)discuss

(C)define

(D)submit

30.MANGLE:

(A)shine

(B)wear

(C)torture

(D)mutilate

31.FEEBLE:

(A)fair

(B)ineffective

(C)tough

(D)hardened

32.SLUGGISH:

(A)aggressive

(B)slow

(C)inconsiderate

(D)wicked

33.REDUNDANT:

(A)poor

(B)superfluous

(C)abundant

(D)fancy

34.LAMPOON:

(A)article

(B)biography

(C)journey

(D)satire

35.TREPIDATION:

(A)boldness

(B)irony

(C)rashness

(D)fear

36.ASSESS:

(A)deny

(B)accept

(C)size up

(D)dismiss

37.GHASTLY:

(A)responsible

(B)erroneous

(C)horrible

(D)favorable

38.CENSURE:

(A)editing

(B)understanding

(C)approval

(D)disapproval

39.DISMANTLE:

(A)discourse with

(B)break down

(C)yield to

(D)drive away

40.CACOPHONY:

(A)melody

(B)harmony

(C)music

(D)dissonance

Check your answers in Chapter 17.

SENTENCE COMPLETIONS

What Is a Sentence Completion?

On an ISEE sentence completion, you need to pick the answer that best fills the blank in the sentence they’ve given you. Just like with synonym problems, you have to choose the best word from the choices, and sometimes it’s not a perfect fit. On the Upper Level test, some questions will have two blanks.

Often, however, you’ll actually find more than one choice that could fit in the blank. How do you decide which is best to choose?

Just like on the synonym questions, you need to make sure the ISEE test writers don’t get to put words into your mouth. That’s how they confuse you, especially on the medium and hard questions. You need to have your own answer ready before you look at theirs.

Come Up with Your Own Word

The easiest way to make sure you don’t get caught up in the ISEE’s tricky answers is to cover them with your hand until you’ve thought of your own word for the blank. Why waste your time plugging all their answers into the sentence, anyway? Let’s look at one.

Quite ------- conditions continue to exist in many mountain towns in America where houses do not have running water or electricity.

What word would you put in the blank? Something like basic or old-fashioned or harsh? Write down any words that occur to you. Which part of the sentence lets you know which words could fit? “Where houses do not have running water or electricity” gives you the clue.

Just Use the Sentence

Don’t try to use outside knowledge to fill in the blank. Use only what the sentence tells you.

When you’ve come up with one or two words you would put in the blank, write them down. (You may not always have to write them, but during practice you should, so you can compare your answers with the answers in this book.) Then, uncover the answers.

(A)common

(B)primitive

(C)orderly

(D)lively

Which looks most like your words? Choice (B). Any of the other words could appear in this sentence in real life, right? However, because the only context you have is the sentence itself, you have to use what the sentence gives you to get the best answer for the ISEE.

Use the Clue

Try this one.

Museums are good places for students of ------.

What word did you come up with? Art? History? Science? Those words are all different! Don’t worry, you will not get a sentence completion like this because there’s not enough information to go on—any choice could be defended! There will always be a clue to tell you what can go in the blank.

Museums that house paintings and sculptures are good places for students of -------.

What’s your word? Something like “art.” What told you it was art, and not history or science? Underline the part of the sentence that gave you the clue. The clue is the most important part of the sentence—the part that tells you what to put in the blank.

Try another one. Underline the clue and fill in the blank.

The businessman was ------- because sales were down and costs were up, and his demeanor showed his unhappiness.

Don’t be afraid to just reuse the clue in the blank—the clue is unhappiness and the word unhappy would go well in the blank! When it fits, use the clue itself. Now eliminate answers.

(A)despondent

(B)persuasive

(C)indifferent

(D)unresponsive

Recycle

Often you can use the very same word(s) you see in the clue— or something close!

Even if you’re not sure what despondent means, do the other words mean unhappy? No. Choice (A) must be the answer.

Cover the answers, underline the clue, and fill in the blank before looking at the choices.

To join the soccer team, a student absolutely had to be able to practice two hours a day; however, buying the uniform was -------.

(A)obligatory

(B)universal

(C)natural

(D)optional

Your word was probably something like “not required” or “unnecessary.” (Don’t worry if you’re using a short phrase instead of a word—anything that expresses the meaning of what should go in the blank is fine.) But the clue was “absolutely had to,” and your words are the opposite of that. What’s going on?

Up until now, all the sentences we’ve seen have had a clue that was pretty much the same as the word in the blank. But sometimes the word in the blank is actually different from the clue—in fact, an opposite. How can you tell when this is true? Well, which word in the sentence told you? However. However lets you know that the word in the blank would be the opposite of the clue (the clue was “absolutely had to”).

There are many little words that can tell you if the blank is the same as the clue or different.

Use Direction Words

Direction words tell you if the blank continues in the same direction as the clue or if it changes direction.

Which of these responses do you want to hear when you’ve just asked someone to the prom?

I really like you, but __________.

I really like you, and __________.

Why is the first one so awful to hear? But lets you know that the sentence is going to suddenly change direction and not be about liking you anymore. Why is the second one so much better? And lets you know that the sentence is going to continue in the same direction and continue to be all about liking you. Some other direction words are below. If you can think of any others, add them here.

Different Direction

but

however

although

rather

instead

despite

yet

Same Direction

and

thus

therefore

so

because

in addition

consequently

Now, cover the answers, underline the clue, circle the direction words, and fill in your own word.

When people first began investigating the human brain they were unscientific in their methods, but eventually they began to develop methods that were -------.

(A)objective

(B)inconclusive

(C)lucrative

(D)widespread

Going Thataway

Be careful when you see a direction word—make sure you know which way you need to go. Try plugging in opposites as a test.

Which choice is closest to yours? If you underlined unscientific and circled but, then you could have written scientific in the blank. Choice (A) is closest.

PRACTICE DRILL 7—COMING UP WITH YOUR OWN WORD

Underline the clues, circle the direction words, and come up with one or two words for each of these sentences.

1.The leading man’s rehearsals were so __________ that the director and producer were already imagining what a hit the movie would be.

2.Once very __________, computers are now found in almost every home.

3.After playing more than a dozen different concert halls, the orchestra was praised by critics for its __________ rendition of Beethoven’s famous Fifth Symphony.

4.Although Miles had been unable to sleep the night before, he seemed remarkably __________ when he gave his presentation.

5.Julie was __________ to have been in the right place at the right time; the drama coach gave her the lead in our class play.

6.Mr. Jones is an intelligent and __________ teacher; his knowledge is matched only by his concern for his students.

7.To the casual observer, all fingerprints may appear to be __________; but in fact each individual’s prints are unique.

8.Hardly one to __________, Josh tackled every project as soon as he got it.

9.In Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, Scrooge is a particularly __________ character, refusing to give his assistant, Bob Cratchit, a raise, despite his enormous wealth.

10.Alfred Wegener’s theory that the continents are slowly drifting apart has recently been confirmed by instruments that measure very small __________ in land masses.

11.Despite their seemingly __________ architecture, the pyramids of Giza are actually intricate marvels of ancient engineering.

12.Unlike animals, which must seek sustenance in their surrounding environments, plants are able to __________ their own food.

13.Great variations in successive layers of polar ice make it possible for scientists to determine how the climate has __________ over the past millennium.

14.Because of the rigors of mountain climbing, the team needs equipment that is both __________ enough to support the members and completely reliable.

15.For a student to qualify for the foreign study program, good language skills are absolutely necessary; however, prior travel to the host country is __________.

16.The task was very __________ because certain parts needed to be carried out over and over again.

17.Because the ground there was steep and dangerous, the mountain guide told us that it was __________ to approach the edge.

18.Most members of the drama club, though reserved in real life, are quite __________ once they get on stage.

19.Physicians offer recommendations about food groups and eating habits to help their patients follow a more __________ diet.

20.Fundraising is only effective when __________ individuals are available, showing their concern by their readiness to give.

21.Not one to be easily intimidated, the corporal remained __________ while the opposing army pressed toward his troop’s position.

22.Unlike her confident companion, she tended to be __________ when she found herself among strangers.

23.Although the rest of the class laughed at her antics, the teacher was __________ by Shelly’s constant interruptions.

24.To avoid being penalized for tardiness, you should be __________ with your assignments.

25.Carpentry and cabinet-making are such difficult trades that they require great __________ with woodworking tools.

26.One of the most ecologically diverse places on Earth, the tropical rain forests of Brazil are home to an incredible __________ of insect species.

27.Higher math is a __________ discipline; it requires just as much imagination and insight as do any of the arts.

28.Many tribes in New Guinea are known for their __________ societies; all property belongs to all members of the tribe.

29.Because their roots are external and their leaf bases clasp, palm trees are rigid and upright, yet __________ enough to bend in strong winds.

30.Though some assert that all behavior is learned, there are others who hold that some behaviors are __________, existing before any learning occurs.

31.A very outgoing and __________ individual, the mayor loved to talk to her fellow citizens.

32.Staring wide eyed, the crowd was __________ by the magician’s amazing feats of illusion.

Check your answers in Chapter 17.

PRACTICE DRILL 8—ELIMINATING ANSWERS BASED ON YOUR WORD

Using what you wrote in the sentences above, eliminate answers that cannot fit.

1.The leading man’s rehearsals were so ------- that the director and producer were already imagining what a hit the movie would be.

(A)indignant

(B)overacted

(C)trite

(D)imaginative

2.Once very -------, computers are now found in almost every home.

(A)common

(B)unusual

(C)obtainable

(D)simple

3.After playing more than a dozen different concert halls, the orchestra was praised by critics for its ------- rendition of Beethoven’s famous Fifth Symphony.

(A)unimaginative

(B)typical

(C)moving

(D)loud

4.Although Miles had been unable to sleep the night before, he seemed remarkably ------- when he gave his presentation.

(A)worn

(B)tired

(C)presentable

(D)alert

5.Julie was ------- to have been in the right place at the right time; the drama coach gave her the lead in our class play.

(A)fortunate

(B)inspired

(C)dramatic

(D)impressive

6.Mr. Jones is an intelligent and ------- teacher; his knowledge is matched only by his concern for his students.

(A)caring

(B)experienced

(C)unusual

(D)original

7.To the casual observer, all fingerprints may appear to be -------, but in fact, each individual’s prints are unique.

(A)different

(B)complicated

(C)personal

(D)similar

8.Hardly one to -------, Josh tackled every project as soon as he got it.

(A)strive

(B)volunteer

(C)procrastinate

(D)disagree

9.In Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, Scrooge is a particularly ------- character, refusing to give his assistant, Bob Cratchit, a raise, despite his enormous wealth.

(A)circumspect

(B)miserly

(C)generous

(D)demure

10.Alfred Wegener’s theory that the continents are slowly drifting apart has recently been confirmed by instruments that measure very small ------- in land masses.

(A)locomotion

(B)adhesion

(C)punishment

(D)erosion

11.Despite their seemingly ------- architecture, the pyramids of Giza are actually intricate marvels of ancient engineering.

(A)revolutionary

(B)complex

(C)archaic

(D)simplistic

12.Unlike animals, which must seek sustenance in their surrounding environment, plants are able to ------- their own food.

(A)find

(B)digest

(C)gather

(D)manufacture

13.Great variations in successive layers of polar ice make it possible for scientists to determine how the climate has ------- over the past millennium.

(A)migrated

(B)altered

(C)tended

(D)petrified

14.Because of the rigors of mountain climbing, the team needs equipment that is both ------- enough to support two members and completely reliable.

(A)weighty

(B)consistent

(C)sturdy

(D)innovative

15.For a student to qualify for the foreign study program, good language skills are absolutely necessary; however, prior travel to the host country is -------.

(A)inevitable

(B)mandatory

(C)plausible

(D)optional

16.The task was very ------- because certain parts needed to be carried out over and over again.

(A)standard

(B)enjoyable

(C)tiresome

(D)common

17.Because the ground there was steep and dangerous, the mountain guide told us that it was ------- to approach the edge.

(A)encouraged

(B)forbidden

(C)important

(D)possible

18.Most members of the drama club, though reserved in real life, are quite ------- once they get on stage.

(A)dynamic

(B)quarrelsome

(C)threatening

(D)behaved

19.Physicians offer recommendations about food groups and eating habits in order to help their patients follow a more ------- diet.

(A)total

(B)hearty

(C)balanced

(D)fulfilling

20.Fund-raising is effective only when ------- individuals are available, showing their concern by their readiness to give.

(A)popular

(B)famous

(C)selfless

(D)meaningful

21.Not one to be easily intimidated, the corporal remained ------- while the opposing army pressed toward his troop’s position.

(A)commanding

(B)composed

(C)aggressive

(D)communicative

22.Unlike her confident companion, she tended to be ------- when she found herself among strangers.

(A)lively

(B)friendly

(C)crowded

(D)bashful

23.Although the rest of the class laughed at her antics, the teacher was ------- by Shelly’s constant interruptions.

(A)irked

(B)amused

(C)consoled

(D)confused

24.To avoid being penalized for tardiness, you should be ------- with your assignments.

(A)original

(B)punctual

(C)precise

(D)thorough

25.Carpentry and cabinet-making are such difficult trades that they require great ------- with woodworking tools.

(A)adeptness

(B)alertness

(C)awareness

(D)assertiveness

26.One of the most ecologically diverse places on Earth, the tropical rain forests of Brazil are home to an incredible ------- of insect species.

(A)size

(B)collection

(C)range

(D)group

27.Higher math is a very ------- discipline; it requires just as much imagination and insight as do any of the arts.

(A)logical

(B)creative

(C)new

(D)surprising

28.Many tribes in New Guinea are known for their ------- societies; all property belongs to all members of the tribe.

(A)primitive

(B)communal

(C)ancient

(D)savage

29.Because their roots are external and their leaf bases clasp, palm trees are rigid and upright, yet ------- enough to bend in strong winds.

(A)tropical

(B)vibrant

(C)elastic

(D)flamboyant

30.Though some assert that all behavior is learned, there are others who hold that some behaviors are -------, existing before any learning occurs.

(A)ostentatious

(B)innate

(C)durable

(D)cultural

31.A very outgoing and ------- individual, the mayor loved to talk to her fellow citizens.

(A)garrulous

(B)majestic

(C)classy

(D)rambunctious

32.Staring wide eyed, the crowd was ------- by the magician’s amazing feats of illusion.

(A)rewarded

(B)conjoined

(C)stupefied

(D)pleased

Check your answers in Chapter 17.

Use “Positive/Negative”

Sometimes you’ll have trouble coming up with a word of your own. Don’t sweat it; you can still eliminate answers.

Gregor was a gifted violinist who was ------- about practicing, showing a dedication to his art that even surpassed his talent.

If you can’t come up with an exact word, decide if it’s good or bad. In the sentence above, is Gregor good about practicing or is he bad about practicing? Underline the clue that tells you, and put a little “+” sign if the word is good, and a “—” sign if the word is bad. (You can put an “n” if it’s neither.) Gregor is good about practicing, so which of the following choices can you eliminate? We’ve marked whether they’re positive or negative, so cross out the ones you know are wrong.

Choices (B) and (D) cannot fit because they don’t match what we know about the word in the blank (it’s positive). So between (A) and (C), which best expresses the same thing as the clue? Choice (A). If you’re not sure what diligent means, make a flash card for it. (And if you’re not sure what to do with the flash card, get cracking on the Vocabulary chapter!)

PRACTICE DRILL 9—USING POSITIVE/NEGATIVE

Decide if the blank is positive, negative, or neutral. Try to come up with a word of your own, if you can.

1.Our manager was normally so __________ that it surprised everyone when he failed so badly on the test.

2.Frozen vegetables, though perhaps not as nutritious as fresh ones, can be a __________ way to get vitamins into a dietary plan.

3.The five-person team of adventurers almost __________ after ten grueling days in stormy weather.

4.David enjoyed the Matisse exhibit at the museum; Matisse is one of his __________ artists.

5.Petra was so __________ while giving her speech in front of the class that her stomach began to ache.

6.The Neanderthals of Krapina were __________ hunters, possessing great strength and prowess.

7.Mr. Lambert __________ the class for not studying enough for the science exam.

8.The two knights engaged in a __________ fight; it would not end until one of them lay dead on the ground.

9.If Wanda had a better sense of her accomplishments, she would stop making such __________ remarks about herself.

10.As their diet became enriched by energy-laden fat, the populations of early hunters __________ and spread throughout the plains.

PRACTICE DRILL 10—ELIMINATING BASED ON POSITIVE/NEGATIVE

Use your judgment on the sentences below to eliminate answers that cannot fit.

1.Our manager was normally so ------- that it surprised everyone when he failed so badly on the test.

(A)successful

(B)conceited

(C)hateful

(D)spiteful

2.Frozen vegetables, though perhaps not as nutritious as fresh ones, can be a ------- way to get vitamins into a dietary plan.

(A)poor

(B)inadequate

(C)convenient

(D)lenient

3.The five-person team of adventurers almost ------- after ten grueling days in stormy weather.

(A)struggled

(B)perished

(C)paused

(D)lapsed

4.David enjoyed the Matisse exhibit at the museum; Matisse is one of his ------- artists.

(A)unusual

(B)respected

(C)unknown

(D)cherished

5.Petra was so ------- while giving her speech in front of the class that her stomach began to ache.

(A)loud

(B)calm

(C)anxious

(D)relaxed

6.The Neanderthals of Krapina were ------- hunters, possessing great strength and prowess.

(A)formidable

(B)unsuitable

(C)unstable

(D)researched

7.Mr. Lambert ------- the class for not studying enough for the science exam.

(A)congratulated

(B)warned

(C)chastised

(D)corrected

8.The two knights engaged in a ------- fight; it would not end until one of them lay dead on the ground.

(A)divided

(B)humiliating

(C)tenuous

(D)perilous

9.If Wanda had a better sense of her accomplishments, she would stop making such ------- remarks about herself.

(A)deprecating

(B)indelicate

(C)rebellious

(D)fertile

10.As their diet became enriched by energy-laden fat, the populations of early hunters ------- and spread throughout the plains.

(A)divided

(B)congregated

(C)thrived

(D)restored

Check your answers in Chapter 17.

Two-Blank Sentences—Upper Level Only

Two-blank sentences are usually longer than one-blanks. Does that mean they’re harder? Nope. Actually, if you take two-blank sentences slowly, one blank at a time, they can be easier to get right! Check it out.

Since Europe has been polluting its rivers, the ------- of many species of fish has been severely -------.

Take It Easy

As long as you approach two-blank sentence completions the way we’ve shown you, they’ll be easier because you won’t need to know all the vocabulary.

Cover your answers, and look for the clues and direction words. Which blank do you try first? Whichever is easier for you or whichever you have more information for, in the form of clues and direction words. For this example, let’s go with the second blank, because we know something bad has been happening to the fish. How do we know? The clues are polluting its rivers and severely, and the direction word is Since, which keeps everything moving in the same direction. We can at least put a “—” sign next to the second blank. Now, when you uncover the answers to check them, only uncover the words for the blank you’re working on. Don’t even look at the words for the first blank here! You’re only going to eliminate answers based on what cannot fit in the second blank.

(A)XXXX…augmented

(B)XXXX…observed

(C)XXXX…approached

(D)XXXX…threatened

You can eliminate (B) and (C), because they’re not negative enough. Cross them out so you don’t look at them again. Do you know what (A) means? If not, you can’t eliminate it. Never eliminate words you don’t know.

Now look back at the sentence and fill in a word or two for the first blank. What is it that can be negatively affected by pollution? Once you’ve got a word or two, look at the choices that are left for the first blank.

(A)acceptance…augmented

(B)audacity…observed

(C)equanimity…approached

(D)habitat…threatened

Which sounds better? You may have had a word like environment or survival filled in. Choice (D) definitely fits better than (A). Notice that if you didn’t know what augmented, audacity, or equanimity meant, you could still get this question right. That’s because on two-blank sentence completions, as soon as you eliminate a choice based on one of its words, the whole thing is gone—you never have to look at it again, and it doesn’t matter what the other word in it is. (However, if augmented, audacity, or equanimity comes up in a one-blank sentence, you do need to know it to eliminate it—so make some flash cards for those words.)

Think of all the time you’d waste if you tried plugging the words for each choice into the sentence. You’d be reading the sentence four or five times! Plus, you’d find more than one choice that sounded okay, and you’d have nothing with which to compare them.

Two-blank sentence completions are your friends on the ISEE. Treat your friends right—do them one blank at a time, coming up with your own words.

PRACTICE DRILL 11—TWO-BLANK SENTENCE COMPLETIONS (UPPER LEVEL ONLY)

Cover the answers, underline the clues, circle the direction words, and come up with a word for one of the blanks. Eliminate answers based on that blank alone, and then go back up to the sentence to work on the other blank. Then, eliminate again.

1.Psychologists have long ------- the connection between violence on television and actual crime; the wealth of different ------- makes it very hard to reach a consensus.

(A)found…facts

(B)debated…opinions

(C)agreed…articles

(D)argued…criminals

2.Jason felt quite ------- about his ability to score well; he had studied ------- the night before.

(A)frightened…thoroughly

(B)happy…poorly

(C)confident…diligently

(D)resistant…lately

3.Although the pilot checked all his instruments before takeoff, the ------- of one of them almost caused the plane to -------.

(A)malfunction…crash

(B)misuse…land

(C)safety…abort

(D)refusal…fly

4.Her treatment of the subject was so ------- that the class was convinced she had only ------- the material the night before.

(A)spotty…skimmed

(B)thorough…misunderstood

(C)partial…memorized

(D)confused…learned

5.Communities need to work not -------, but -------; as a group, they can solve problems more easily.

(A)in groups…communally

(B)at home…detached

(C)always…constantly

(D)in isolation…together

6.Despite the best efforts of his coach, Josh remained ------- in his ------- streak.

(A)mired…losing

(B)upbeat…winning

(C)free…consistent

(D)taken…sportsman

7.Due to the author’s ------- handwriting, the typist had a difficult time ------- the manuscript.

(A)perfect…transcribing

(B)careful…reading

(C)illegible…deciphering

(D)readable…translating

8.The maid, while appropriately ------- to the guests of the hotel, was ------- with her employers.

(A)indifferent…curt

(B)submissive…pleasant

(C)obsequious…obstinate

(D)reliable…obedient

9.The owner is difficult to work for, less for her critical and ------- nature than for her -------.

(A)exacting…procrastination

(B)perfect…assistance

(C)meticulous…encouragement

(D)carefree…complaints

10.Smithers hoped that the committee would not ------- a course of action that would ------- an already bad situation in the workplace.

(A)relate…assist

(B)formulate…amend

(C)recommend…exacerbate

(D)present…mediate

Check your answers in Chapter 17.

Text Complete Sentences—Lower Level Only

For text completions, you need to finish a sentence. This might seem hard, but it’s not if you use common sense. The correct answer will follow the correct direction (same/opposite) and make sense in context. Let’s try one:

Even though Peter’s mom said he wouldn’t have dessert if he didn’t clean his room, __________.

(A)he was unable to fall asleep that night

(B)she decided it was time to go on a diet

(C)he continued playing with his toys until dinner time

(D)she prepared a delicious and healthy salad

Which answer makes sense? Choice (C) does. The “even though” tells us that Peter didn’t do what he was supposed to do. While (B) and (D) relate to food, they have nothing to do with dessert or Peter’s room. Choice (A) is just weird.

Guess Aggressively When You’ve Worked on a Sentence

When you’ve narrowed a sentence completion down to two or three answers, it’s probably because you don’t know the vocabulary in some of those answers. Just take a guess and move on—you’re not going to be able to divine the meanings of the words (and trust us, the proctor will not let you pull out a dictionary). You’ve increased your chances of getting the question right by eliminating one or two choices, and there’s no guessing penalty, so fill in a bubble and move on.

Which Letter Should I Use?

No matter what you may have heard, it doesn’t matter which letter you use to fill in answers for questions you don’t work on. ERB tries to use letters in equal amounts.

When to Take a Guess

What if you come across a sentence that is so confusing that you can’t even decide if the blank(s) should be positive or negative, much less come up with a word of your own? Don’t waste your time on it. Just make sure you fill in your letter-of-the-day and move on.

If you have only a minute left, and you’re not yet done, make sure you fill in your letter-of-the-day on all remaining questions.

Review—The Sentence Completions Plan

One-Blank Sentence Completions

For each and every sentence completion, the first thing I do is __________ the answers.

I look for the __________, and I mark it by __________ it.

I look for any __________ words, and I __________ them.

Then I ________________________.

If I have trouble coming up with a word for the blank, I decide if the blank is __________ or __________ (or neither).

Then I __________ choices and __________.

Two-Blank Sentence Completions—Upper Level Only

For each and every sentence completion, the first thing I do is __________ the answers.

I look for the __________, and I mark it by __________ it.

I look for any __________ words, and I __________ them.

If the sentence completion has two blanks, I do them __________.

Which blank do I try first? ____________________

I come up with a word for one of the blanks, and when I uncover the choices, I uncover only __________ and I eliminate based on those.

Then I go back to the sentence and __________ for the other blank, uncover the choices that are left, and eliminate.

Eliminating Choices and Guessing

Can I eliminate choices just because they contain words I do not know?

What do I do if I can eliminate only one or two choices?

What do I do if the sentence or the vocabulary looks so difficult that I can’t come up with a word or decide if the blank is positive or negative?

What do I spend my last minute on?

Why should I never leave a question unanswered, even if I did not work on that question at all?

If you have trouble answering any of these questions, go back and review the appropriate section of this chapter before going on.

PRACTICE DRILL 12—ALL SENTENCE COMPLETION TECHNIQUES

Upper level test takers should complete the entire drill. Others should stop after question 13.

1.One of the simple guidelines of public speaking is that good presentations require ------- preparation.

(A)thorough

(B)fretful

(C)partial

(D)solitary

2.Franklin D. Roosevelt was an effective -------, taking time out each week to speak to the people of the United States by radio in casual “fireside chats.”

(A)writer

(B)warrior

(C)communicator

(D)legislator

3.Compared with Asia, the huge continent to its east, Europe is actually quite ------- in size, though not in its impressive and numerous cultural contributions.

(A)mammoth

(B)modest

(C)irregular

(D)predictable

4.Even though she was known to be quite outgoing, Janet could be ------- if she didn’t know everyone in the room.

(A)timid

(B)extroverted

(C)diverse

(D)separate

5.Unlike the convex lens, which brings light rays together, the concave lens actually ------- light rays.

(A)merges

(B)dissolves

(C)assists

(D)spreads out

6.Usually cool and collected, the coach grew ------- when he saw his best player needlessly injured in the illegal play.

(A)indifferent

(B)furious

(C)realistic

(D)impatient

7.The ruler of the kingdom was known to be quite a -------; he was domineering and cruel to all his subjects.

(A)leader

(B)tyrant

(C)democrat

(D)highbrow

8.Most house fires can be avoided through such simple ------- as proper education and a well-placed fire extinguisher.

(A)previews

(B)presentations

(C)precautions

(D)preventions

9.The dishonest employee ------- his company, absconding with more than two thousand dollars’ worth of supplies.

(A)relieved

(B)reported

(C)swindled

(D)demoted

10.Almost worse than the cast that covered it, the scar on Jennifer’s leg was quite -------.

(A)pleasant

(B)ghastly

(C)beneficial

(D)ingenious

11.Theories of the origin of the universe are far from -------; after all, no one was around to witness the event.

(A)hypothetical

(B)plausible

(C)credible

(D)definitive

12.The situation called for ------- measures; the solution would not be simple and straightforward.

(A)complex

(B)unique

(C)elementary

(D)firsthand

13.The day was hardly a ------- one; everything that could possibly go wrong did.

(A)reluctant

(B)blithe

(C)resistant

(D)frenetic

14.Known for their ------- skills at goldsmithing, the Incas produced some of the most beautiful and ------- gold figurines of all time.

(A)primitive . . expensive

(B)early . . religious

(C)expert . . intricate

(D)novice . . strong

15.It is hard to imagine that so much modern machinery, from huge oil tankers, cars, and jet engines all the way down to ------- nuts, bolts, and screws, is made from ------- material: steel.

(A)minuscule . . the same

(B)tremendous . . the common

(C)countless . . the perfect

(D)flimsy . . the unique

16.Once a common and important means of -------, sailing has become more of a sport and a ------- than a primary way of getting around.

(A)conveyance . . profession

(B)transportation . . hobby

(C)relaxation . . business

(D)socialization . . vocation

17.Because he was the best at spelling, Michael was ------- to be our ------- at the county spelling bee.

(A)assigned . . principal

(B)picked . . treasurer

(C)chosen . . representative

(D)elected . . washout

18.Martha could no longer keep -------; with unusual -------, she spoke out passionately against the injustices at her school.

(A)pace . . speed

(B)quiet . . timidity

(C)up . . facility

(D)silent . . vigor

19.With a multitude of nationalities present, this campus is one of the most ------- and ------- in the whole country.

(A)diverse . . fascinating

(B)uniform . . tremendous

(C)multifaceted . . bland

(D)homogeneous . . ethnic

20.Standing on their feet and applauding, the audience was ------- the actor’s ------- performance of Abe Lincoln in Illinois.

(A)rebellious at . . fanatic

(B)thrilled by . . weak

(C)impressed with . . uninspired

(D)electrified by . . marvelous

Check your answers in Chapter 17.