CogAT® Nonverbal Questions: Explanation, Samples and Tips
/CogAT® Nonverbal Questions: Explanation,Sample Questions, &Tips!
In this post, we start with an overview of the "nonverbal" section/battery of the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT), which includes 3 question types.
We provide links to sample questions and strategies for each of these 3 question types.
We also provide more general tips and strategies that students can use to perform successfully on the verbal section of the official CogAT® test.
The nonverbal battery is one of three subtests on the CogAT. The other two batteries assess verbal and quantitative skills.
Nonverbal Question Types: What To Expect
On the nonverbal battery, students are tested on their ability to reason using geometric shapes and figures. Students must create strategies to solve unique problems that they may never have encountered in school. This battery is especially beneficial for assessing the abilities of struggling readers, second language learners, and students who may have had limited opportunities.
All ages take three subtests: Figure Classification, Figure Matrices, and Paper Folding.
However, the type of questions within the subtest can vary depending on age.| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Figure Classification | Students of all ages are provided with three figures and must select the fourth figure that completes the set. |
| Figure Matrices | Students are given a 2X2 matrix with the image missing in one cell. Students must determine the relationship between the two spatial forms in the top row and find a fourth image that has the same relationship to the spatial form in the bottom row. |
| Paper Folding | Students must determine how a hole-punched, folded paper will look once it is folded or unfolded. Hole-punching is not included on the images provided to K-2 students. |
Number of Questions for each Age Group/Level
| Figure Classification | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Level | Number of Questions | Grade Level |
Approximate Age |
| Level 5/6 | 14 | Kindergarten | 5/6 Years |
| Level 7 | 16 | 1st Grade | 7 Years |
| Level 8 | 18 | 2nd Grade | 8 Years |
| Level 9 | 20 | 3rd Grade | 9 Years |
| Level 10 | 22 | 4th Grade | 10 Years |
| Level 11 | 22 | 5th Grade | 11 Years |
| Level 12 | 22 | 6th Grade | 12 Years |
| Level 13-18 | 22 | 7th-12th Grade | 13-18 Years |
| Figure Matrices | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Level | Number of Questions | Grade Level |
Approximate Age |
| Level 5/6 | 14 | Kindergarten | 5/6 Years |
| Level 7 | 16 | 1st Grade | 7 Years |
| Level 8 | 18 | 2nd Grade | 8 Years |
| Level 9 | 20 | 3rd Grade | 9 Years |
| Level 10 | 22 | 4th Grade | 10 Years |
| Level 11 | 22 | 5th Grade | 11 Years |
| Level 12 | 22 | 6th Grade | 12 Years |
| Level 13-18 | 22 | 7th-12th Grade | 13-18 Years |
| Paper Folding | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Level | Number of Questions | Grade Level |
Approximate Age |
| Level 5/6 | 10 | Kindergarten | 5/6 Years |
| Level 7 | 12 | 1st Grade | 7 Years |
| Level 8 | 14 | 2nd Grade | 8 Years |
| Level 9 | 16 | 3rd Grade | 9 Years |
| Level 10 | 16 | 4th Grade | 10 Years |
| Level 11 | 16 | 5th Grade | 11 Years |
| Level 12 | 16 | 6th Grade | 12 Years |
| Level 13-18 | 16 | 7th-12th Grade | 13-18 Years |
The CogAT Form 7 levels reflect the age of the student taking the test, so, for example, Level 5/6 is taken by five and six year olds in Kindergarten, and Level 9 is taken by nine year olds in third grade (and so on).
**We recommend asking your particular school/school district which level of test is used for gifted or classroom assessments, and also checking if all three CogAT batteries (or just one or two batteries/sub-tests) are given.
Nonverbal Questions: Tips and Strategies
To perform successfully on the nonverbal battery, your child will need to have strong reasoning skills using geometric shapes and figures.
These test questions are particularly unique, so it is important to expose your child to sample questions in order to build comfort and familiarity with this question type.
It can be very helpful to model how to approach these questions by doing a “think-aloud.” Read the question aloud to your child, and then verbally walk her through your thought process as you solve the problem.
Have her do the same when she begins answering questions on her own. This gives you a chance to correct any misconceptions that occur, as well as reinforce strong thinking and problem solving skills.
You can also work with your child on determining the relationships between various figures, shapes, and objects in everyday life. Hands-on practice with folding and unfolding paper shapes can be helpful for the paper folding questions in this battery as well.
CogAT Nonverbal Sample Questions
Try sample questions from every question type on the CogAT nonverbal battery:
What's Next?
Help your child become familiar with the questions on this challenging exam by downloading a free CogAT practice test.
Check out additional sample questions and learn more about the other sections on the CogAT, including the verbal battery, and the quantitative battery.
If you think you need more information and guidance about the CogAT, take a look at our ultimate guide on this test, and our in-depth article on CogAT scores.
Also, learn everything you need to know about other tests that measure a child’s potential to learn in school, like the NNAT or the OLSAT.
