Verbal Reasoning: Synonyms and Sentence Completions
What the section tests
The ISEE Upper Level Verbal Reasoning section has 40 questions in 20 minutes. It contains synonym items and sentence-completion items. Synonyms ask you to choose the answer closest in meaning to a given word. Sentence completions ask you to choose one or two words that make the sentence logically and stylistically coherent.
Core rules
- For synonyms, predict a meaning before reading choices. The correct answer is the closest match, not necessarily a perfect definition.
- For sentence completions, read the whole sentence, find signal words such as although, because, therefore, and despite, and predict the missing word's meaning and charge (positive or negative).
- In two-blank items, both words must fit; eliminate choices that fit only one blank.
- Use word parts (roots, prefixes, suffixes) only as a check, not as proof.
- Eliminate answer choices with the wrong connotation or an extreme meaning.
Worked example
Choose the synonym for candid: (A) guarded (B) frank (C) ornate (D) hostile (E) reluctant. Candid means open and honest, so predict straightforward. Frank is the closest. Guarded is the opposite; ornate describes style; hostile and reluctant describe attitude or willingness, not honesty. Answer: B.
Traps that cost marks
The most common error is choosing a word that is merely associated with the prompt rather than equivalent in meaning. In sentence completions, students often ignore contrast signals and choose a word with the wrong direction. Two-blank questions punish choices that satisfy only one blank. Also watch for secondary meanings, such as charge as a fee or as an accusation, and for answer choices that are too absolute.