40 Verbal Reasoning questions — 20 synonym, 20 sentence completion — in the ISEE's own four-option format. Every answer is explained, and every question links to its word's full study page.
Choose the best synonym for the word “self-control”:
B — restraint. “self-control” means n. the ability to control one''s emotions and desires. Study “self-control” →
The telephone was a truly amazing ______ that completely changed the world.
C — invention. “invention” means n. something that has been created, especially a device. Study “invention” →
Select the best synonym for the word “tendency”:
C — inclination. “tendency” means n. a likelihood to behave in a certain way. Study “tendency” →
After a ______ summer drought, the fields were dry and deeply cracked.
A — prolonged. “prolonged” means adj. continuing for a long time. Study “prolonged” →
Select the best synonym for the word “dreamer”:
A — visionary. “dreamer” means n. a person who dreams or has big ideas. Study “dreamer” →
The class ______ was always starting fights and breaking all the rules.
D — troublemaker. “troublemaker” means n. a person who causes problems. Study “troublemaker” →
Choose the best synonym for the word “repeatedly”:
D — frequently. “repeatedly” means adv. again and again. Study “repeatedly” →
The heavy old furniture was far too big to ______ without extra help.
C — shift. “shift” means v. to move or change position. Study “shift” →
Select the best synonym for the word “adventure”:
B — escapade. “adventure” means n. an unusual and exciting experience. Study “adventure” →
There is ______ strange about that empty, silent old house.
B — something. “something” means pron. an unspecified thing. Study “something” →
Choose the best synonym for the word “dash”:
B — sprint. “dash” means v. to move quickly and suddenly. Study “dash” →
After many years of loyal service, the soldier rose to a very high ______.
C — rank. “rank” means n. a position in a hierarchy. Study “rank” →
Select the best synonym for the word “decisive”:
C — resolute. “decisive” means adj. able to make decisions quickly and confidently. Study “decisive” →
After a great deal of thought, she finally reached a wise ______.
C — decision. “decision” means n. a choice made after thinking. Study “decision” →
Choose the best synonym for the word “inborn”:
D — innate. “inborn” means adj. existing from birth. Study “inborn” →
She had to sadly ______ the kind invitation because she was already busy.
D — refuse. “refuse” means v. to say no to something. Study “refuse” →
Choose the best synonym for the word “indicative”:
D — suggestive. “indicative” means adj. serving as a sign or indication of something. Study “indicative” →
The excited fans cheered ______ when their team scored the winning goal.
C — loudly. “loudly” means adv. in a way that makes a lot of noise. Study “loudly” →
Choose the best synonym for the word “hopeless”:
B — despairing. “hopeless” means adj. having no expectation of success or improvement. Study “hopeless” →
The small change made only a ______ difference to the final result.
B — marginal. “marginal” means adj. very small in amount or effect. Study “marginal” →
Select the best synonym for the word “discover”:
C — uncover. “discover” means v. to find or learn something for the first time. Study “discover” →
His ______ excuse made the teacher suspect he had not done the work.
D — questionable. “questionable” means adj. doubtful or uncertain. Study “questionable” →
Choose the best synonym for the word “storm”:
B — tempest. “storm” means n. a violent weather condition with strong winds and rain. Study “storm” →
By ______ the two ideas, she helped the whole class understand both.
B — relating. “relating” means v. making a connection between things. Study “relating” →
Choose the best synonym for the word “reason”:
D — cause. “reason” means n. a cause, explanation, or justification for an action or event. Study “reason” →
She lovingly saved her grandmother's ring as a treasured ______.
B — keepsake. “keepsake” means n. a small item kept in memory of the person who gave it or originally owned it. Study “keepsake” →
Select the best synonym for the word “knot”:
B — tie. “knot” means n. a fastening made by tying a piece of string or rope. Study “knot” →
Many kind volunteers were ______ in cleaning up the messy local park.
B — involved. “involved” means adj. being part of something. Study “involved” →
Select the best synonym for the word “staying”:
C — remaining. “staying” means v. remaining in a place or situation. Study “staying” →
The old armchair was so ______ that he soon fell fast asleep in it.
D — comfortable. “comfortable” means adj. providing physical ease. Study “comfortable” →
Choose the best synonym for the word “hunted”:
B — pursued. “hunted” means adj. being pursued or chased. Study “hunted” →
Thick brick walls help ______ the house and keep it warm all winter.
B — insulate. “insulate” means v. to cover or protect something to prevent heat, sound, or electricity from escaping or entering. Study “insulate” →
Select the best synonym for the word “accept”:
B — receive. “accept” means v. to agree to receive or take something. Study “accept” →
The ______ of the shiny new bicycle was far too high for her to pay.
A — price. “price” means n. the amount of money expected or required in payment for something. Study “price” →
Select the best synonym for the word “twofold”:
A — dual. “twofold” means adj. having two parts or aspects. Study “twofold” →
The brave hero sprang into ______ to save the drowning child.
D — action. “action” means n. the process of doing something to achieve an aim. Study “action” →
Select the best synonym for the word “elementary”:
D — basic. “elementary” means adj. basic and simple. Study “elementary” →
The sudden violent storm brought a very ______ end to the outdoor concert.
D — untimely. “untimely” means adj. happening at an unsuitable time. Study “untimely” →
Select the best synonym for the word “unfair”:
C — unjust. “unfair” means adj. not treating people equally or justly. Study “unfair” →
Her birthday is a very ______ day that the whole family always celebrates.
B — special. “special” means adj. better or different from usual. Study “special” →
No. These are original synonym and sentence-completion questions written from the iSEE Vocab word bank, in the ISEE's own four-option Verbal Reasoning format. No retired or copyrighted ISEE/SSAT questions appear anywhere on this site.
40 — 20 synonym questions and 20 sentence-completion questions, the same roughly-even split the real ISEE Verbal Reasoning section uses.
No. Every Basic Level practice test on this site draws from a disjoint slice of the word bank, so Test 1, Test 2 and every other numbered test at this level use entirely different questions.
Yes. The ISEE gives no penalty for a wrong answer — a blank scores the same as a wrong guess, which is zero — so answer every question even when you have to guess.