ISEE Verbal Reasoning key terms

A word that means the same as, or nearly the same as, another word. Synonym questions ask you to pick the answer choice closest in meaning to the given word, even when the match is not exact.

A word that means the opposite of another word. Antonym questions require choosing the answer choice most nearly opposite in meaning; watch for answer choices that are merely unrelated rather than truly opposite.

The feelings or associations a word carries beyond its dictionary meaning. Words with similar literal meanings can differ in tone, so connotation often decides which synonym is the best fit.

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, separate from the emotional shading it may carry. Synonym questions usually test denotation, while reading questions may test the implied shading.

Information in the surrounding sentence or passage that helps you infer an unfamiliar word's meaning. Restatements, examples, contrasts, and cause-and-effect signals are common types of context clues.

A meaningful unit attached to the beginning of a word that changes its meaning, such as un- in unhappy or pre- in preview. Recognizing common prefixes helps you decode unfamiliar vocabulary on the exam.

A meaningful unit attached to the end of a word that often changes its part of speech, such as -ness turning adjectives into nouns. Suffixes can shift a word's grammatical role without changing its core meaning.

The core part of a word that carries its basic meaning and to which prefixes and suffixes are added. Latin and Greek roots such as -dict- (say) or -bene- (good) recur across many test vocabulary words.

The grammatical category a word belongs to, such as noun, verb, adjective, or adverb. In synonym questions, the answer must match the part of speech of the prompt word, so check this before choosing.

A comparison showing a relationship between two pairs of words, often written A is to B as C is to D. Solving analogies requires naming the precise relationship, such as cause-effect, part-whole, or degree.

A question type in which one or two blanks in a sentence must be filled with the answer choice that best fits the logic and tone of the whole statement. Signal words like although or therefore guide the choice.

The relative strength of meaning between related words, such as warm, hot, and scorching. Synonym and analogy questions sometimes hinge on matching intensity rather than just general meaning.

A comparison of two quantities by division, often written as a fraction or with a colon. Ratios let you scale a relationship up or down while keeping the same proportional comparison.

An equation stating that two ratios are equal, such as 3/4 = 9/12. Setting up a proportion lets you solve for an unknown value when quantities scale at a constant rate.

A rate expressed per one unit of a given quantity, such as miles per hour or cost per item. Unit rates make comparisons between different-sized packages or speeds straightforward.

A way of expressing a number as a fraction of 100. Percent problems often involve finding a part, a whole, or a percent change, and translating the wording into an equation solves most of them.

The arithmetic average of a set of numbers, found by adding all values and dividing by how many there are. The mean is pulled toward outliers more than the median is.

The middle value in a data set arranged in order; if there is an even number of values, it is the average of the two middle ones. The median is less affected by extreme values than the mean.

The value that appears most often in a data set. A set may have one mode, several modes, or none, and the mode is the only average that must be an actual data value.

The likelihood of an event, calculated as favorable outcomes divided by total possible outcomes when all outcomes are equally likely. Probabilities range from 0 (impossible) to 1 (certain).

The total distance around the outside of a two-dimensional figure, found by adding the lengths of all its sides. Perimeter is a linear measure, so answers use units such as centimeters, not square units.

The amount of surface a two-dimensional figure covers, measured in square units. Common formulas include length times width for rectangles and one-half base times height for triangles.

The amount of three-dimensional space a solid occupies, measured in cubic units. For a rectangular prism, volume equals length times width times height.

A measure of how steep a line is, calculated as the change in y divided by the change in x between two points. A positive slope rises left to right; a negative slope falls.

An equation whose graph is a straight line, typically written in the form y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept. Solving one usually means isolating a variable.

A grid formed by a horizontal x-axis and a vertical y-axis, on which points are located by ordered pairs (x, y). It is the setting for graphing lines, functions, and geometric figures.

The central point a passage is built to convey, broader than any single detail. Main-idea questions often appear as 'The passage is primarily concerned with' or 'Which best states the author's point?'

A specific fact, example, or reason a passage uses to develop or prove its main idea. Detail questions usually ask what the passage states explicitly, so the answer must be traceable to the text.

A conclusion drawn from evidence in the passage rather than stated outright. A valid inference must be strongly supported by the text, not merely plausible in real life.

The author's attitude toward the subject, revealed through word choice and emphasis, such as critical, admiring, or amused. Tone questions ask you to name that attitude using the passage's evidence.

A word or phrase such as however, therefore, or in addition that signals how ideas connect. Transitions reveal contrast, cause, or continuation, which helps you follow a passage's argument.

A sentence, usually near the start of an essay, that states the central claim the writer will develop. A clear thesis guides the essay's organization and tells the reader what to expect.

The sentence that introduces the main point of a paragraph, often placed first. It connects the paragraph's details to the essay's larger argument and keeps the paragraph focused.

A sentence that links one paragraph or idea to the next, showing how the argument moves forward. Effective transitions prevent an essay from reading as a list of disconnected points.

The writing task or question the essay must respond to, including any specific directions about topic, audience, or purpose. Reading the prompt carefully prevents an off-topic response.

The stage of writing in which you improve content, organization, and clarity rather than merely fixing spelling. On a timed essay, brief planning and a final reread function as built-in revision.