NNAT Practice Test PDF & How to Use Practice Tests Effectively
/The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test, more popularly known as the NNAT, measures problem-solving and reasoning abilities using figures, shapes, symbols, and patterns. It is often used, in whole or in part, as an entrance exam for gifted and talented programs throughout the United States.
Due to the unique nature of the questions on the NNAT, the most effective way to prepare for the exam is by answering practice questions to build familiarity and confidence. That’s why we’ve provided an NNAT Practice Test PDF, available by clicking the button below:Download NNAT Practice Test PDF
In order to ensure that your practice test is as helpful as possible, we’re also providing information about the different question types your child will encounter on the NNAT, in addition to our best NNAT test-taking tips.
What to Expect: NNAT Question Types
The NNAT specifically measures nonverbal reasoning and problem solving, two areas that are strongly linked to long-term academic success. Considered one of the most unbiased assessments available, the NNAT solely features questions about shapes, symbols, figures, and patterns, all of which appear in blue and yellow. The test has 48 questions and a duration of 30 minutes.
There are four types of questions on the NNAT: pattern completion, reasoning by analogy, serial reasoning, and spatial visualization.
Pattern CompletionStudents are provided with an incomplete design and must fill in the missing piece by choosing from one of five options. On these questions, it can be helpful for students to sketch out the completed image as they think through the problem.
Reasoning by AnalogyStudents are provided with three shapes or figures. The first two have a specific relationship. The student must select the answer choice that forms the same relationship with the third provided shape.
Process of elimination can be used on these difficult questions to eliminate obviously wrong answers. Once again, sketching can be helpful as well.
Serial ReasoningYour child will be given a pattern or series and must choose the answer choice that logically completes the series. Consider purchasing your child a workbook related to patterns. This can be a fun yet effective way to help your child prepare for this portion of the test.
Spatial VisualizationSpatial visualization questions require students to accurately predict how a provided object will look when transformed, combined, or rotated. Drawing out the solution to these questions can again be tremendously helpful for students.
If you’d like more information, we also have an expert guide to the NNAT that includes information about the different test levels, interpreting test scores, and more.
Top 5 Tips for Succeeding on the NNAT
1. Begin working test concepts into everyday life.
The reason that the NNAT is notoriously difficult is that students are often very unfamiliar with the concepts and question types on the test. Start discussing figures, shapes, and patterns with your child, including the relationship between various objects. Purchase workbooks related to shapes and patterns to help your child sharpen these skills.
2. Practice the question types consistently.We’ll discuss this tip more in the next section, but it’s crucial to practice NNAT question types with your child. Otherwise, the questions may look like gibberish, leaving your child with no idea how to even begin solving them.
3. Do all you can to build your child’s confidence.Text anxiety is a common issue for today’s frequently over-tested children, and it’s important to avoid it as much as possible.
Not only is test anxiety detrimental to your child’s overall well-being, but it can also have a negative impact on your child’s test day performance.
Do your best not to overemphasize the test or cause your child to stress about the results.
Instead, remind her that she is smart and capable. Although it may seem obvious to you, it’s also important to remind your child that she will still be intelligent, special, and loved regardless of her test score.
4. Use process of elimination.Students are not penalized for wrong answers on the NNAT, so it is important to answer every single question on the test. If your child doesn’t know the answer, process of elimination can help. Advise your child to cross out answers that are obviously wrong, allowing her to make the most educated guess possible if she gets stuck.
5. Write in the test book as much as desired.Some students are hesitant to write in their test booklets on major exams, so remind your child that she is allowed to write in the test book as much as she wants. Especially for a test like the NNAT, drawing and mapping out problems can help students visualize and solve them. It is also helpful to cross out wrong answers and underline or circle key information. Your NNAT Practice Test PDF can be printed out and used to practice these strategies.
How to Effectively Use Your NNAT Practice Test PDF
We’ve mentioned that the NNAT questions are unique and likely unfamiliar to your child. This is why it’s so important to help your child build familiarity and confidence with the question types before she takes the NNAT.
If you have not yet practiced NNAT questions with your child, we recommend working on a few questions from the NNAT Practice Test PDF each day. Ask your child to explain her reasoning or talk through how she solved each problem. This gives you the opportunity to reinforce strong, logical thinking, and it also allows you to correct misconceptions as needed.
If your child misses the question, discuss the reasoning behind the correct answer and how this question type can be better approached in the future.
As your child becomes more confident and skillful at answering NNAT questions, we strongly recommend that she completes at least one full length practice test.
Time the test to more accurately mirror test conditions, giving your child an idea of the test’s structure and pacing. Working on full-length tests can also help build stamina and focus that will be much-needed on test day.
If your child has previously practiced NNAT questions, the provided NNAT Practice Test PDF can be used for this purpose.
We hope that our explanations, tips, and NNAT Practice Test PDF can help you and your child feel comfortable and prepared for a successful performance on the NNAT!
WHAT'S NEXT?
Read our in-depth article about the NNAT2 or learn more about other similar tests (such as the OLSAT and Cognitive Abilities Test) that assess 'giftedness' in children.
