ISEE Verbal Reasoning

General Information

• You will have 17.5 minutes to completethis section.• The verbal reasoning section of the

ISEE has two styles of questions.* Synonyms* Sentence Completion (context clues)

Synonym Strategies

• Think of your own answer BEFORE looking at the answer choices.

• The answer choices are listed in alphabetical order, think of a word that first comes to mind when you read the synonym and then look for it (or a word like it) in the list of choices.

• DON’T let them put words into your mouth!• Think of a sentence or phrase using the word in context.• Use process of elimination to help you narrow down your

choices. • If you don’t know the word, look for the answer choice that is

different from the others.

Sentence Completion Strategies

• You are looking for the word that best logically completes the meaning of the sentence.

• Read the sentence and think of your own answer BEFORE looking at the answer choices. Mentally fill in the blank with your own answer and then find the answer choice that is closest in meaning to your own answer.

• Look for key words or clues to help you determine the correct answer.

• Use word clues such as although, because, if, since, or therefore to help you figure out the relationships in the sentence.

• After you choose your answer, go back and reread the whole sentence to be sure that it makes sense.

General Tips

• 17.5 minutes is fast! Don’t waste time on words you don’t know!

• Break down unfamiliar words. Identify the root word. Look for prefixes and suffixes to help you understand the word meaning.

• You don’t have to work in sequential order. • If you feel more confident with the sentence

completion start there!