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GL Assessment’s CAT4 Tests

The CAT4 is a leading cognitive abilities test, used from Key Stage 1 to young adulthood. In the US, it’s often used for gifted and talented admissions, while in the UK, it serves as an Independent School entry exam. Each of the eight CAT4 assessments has a unique psychometric design. However, based on our experience with traditional entrance tests, we know which proven tips and practice strategies still apply.

2025 CAT4 Practice Tests and FREE 2025 CAT4 Samples

Are these THE BEST CAT4 practice test materials?

Yes, they are! So, why does School Entrance Tests make this claim?

Firstly because they are tailored to the actual, real-life CAT4 format. Secondly, because they are specific to each CAT4 test taker’s age.

What’s the purpose of the CAT4?

The CAT4 test battery helps teachers understand their pupils’ learning styles and academic potential. Designed by GL Assessment independently of the UK government, it serves as a diagnostic tool to identify how each pupil learns best. Each section is strictly timed, which is key to its diagnostic value.

Results are marked externally by GL Assessment and returned to the school. They provide insight into a pupil’s learning pace, potential, and whether they may need extra support or greater challenges.

How to Develop a CAT4-Passing Mindset

Stay calm, positive, and confident in your cognitive abilities as you prepare. Review all the FREE CAT4 sample papers below, focusing on your age group, and use resources like our full CAT4 practice testing material and skills courses to boost your understanding. Remember, CAT4 results are just one part of your academic journey — your reasoning and problem-solving skills go far beyond the test.

Key Skills Needed for the CAT4

• Analysing and predicting patterns in shapes and sequences
• Applying creative, deductive, and analytical thinking Identifying patterns and connections in words (which belong, which don’t, and why)
• Interpreting number patterns to find missing or next values
• Visualising and transforming shapes to determine the correct outcomes

How, why and when is the CAT4 used?

The CAT4 is a widely respected school assessment, valued for its comprehensive insight into pupils’ cognitive skills. Divided into eight sections, it assesses verbal, non-verbal, quantitative, and spatial reasoning.

CAT4 results provide teachers with individual profiles of learning preferences and indicators of likely future performance. This allows for tailored interventions targeting weaker skill areas, effective resource allocation, and the development of gifted programmes for high-achieving pupils.

Reports for both teachers and parents are clear and practical, and GL Assessment offers a range of supportive materials.

In short, CAT4 helps schools understand each pupil’s learning style, academic potential, and the level of support or challenge they may need.

What the CAT4 Assesses

The CAT4 measures rational thinking, logical thinking, and problem-solving, focusing on how students think rather than what they know. Instead of assessing core subjects, it offers a broader view of each pupil’s learning style and academic potential. Key Features of the CAT4:

• Available year-round with immediate results
• Assesses four reasoning areas: quantitative, verbal, non-verbal, and spatial
• Spatial reasoning skills are crucial for success in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM)
• Measures abilities not assessed by traditional exams like the 11+ or SATs.

2025 CAT4 Practice Tests and FREE 2025 CAT4 Samples

Effective CAT4 Test-Taking Strategies

While strategies can vary based on individual strengths and preferences, these general tips can help:

• Familiarise yourself with the different CAT4 sections and question types.
• Practise regularly with sample questions or recommended CAT4 papers for your age to build speed and accuracy.
• Focus on key skills like reasoning, English comprehension, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
• Identify weak areas and target them during practice to improve overall performance.
• Manage your time carefully — don’t spend too long on a single question.
• Read all instructions and questions carefully to fully understand what’s being asked.
• Stay calm and positive throughout your preparation and the test itself — avoid panicking at any stage.

Is CAT4 Practice the Best Preparation?

Yes — CAT4 practice is the best preparation, even though many schools discourage it to preserve the test’s assessment of ‘natural’ cognitive ability. However, just like a runner wouldn’t show up to a marathon without training, pupils benefit from practising.

Most students are used to knowledge-based tests and may find cognitive ability tests like the CAT4 test battery unfamiliar. Some schools provide CAT4 familiarisation papers to help, especially for the spatial and non-verbal reasoning sections, such as Figure Recognition, Figure Analysis, Figure Matrices, and Figure Classification.

Actual CAT4 Paper Examples

CAT4 SAMPLES per section FROM A REAL CAT4 TEST

• CAT4 Figure Analysis CAT4 sample question and Number Series sample CAT4 SAMPLE PAPER EXAMPLES.
• CAT 4 Figure Matrices sample and Figure Classification CAT4 SAMPLE PAPER EXAMPLES.
• CAT4 Number Analogies SAMPLE PAPER EXAMPLES and Verbal Analogies CAT 4 sample questions.
• CAT 4 Verbal Classification sample and Figure Recognition CAT4 SAMPLE QUESTIONS.

CAT4 Familiarisation Papers

ENGLISH CAT4 familiarisation papers

• English Familiarisation Paper 1
• Paper 2 English familiarisation
• English familiarisation paper 2 mark scheme

MATHEMATICS CAT4 familiarisation papers

• Maths familiarisation paper
• Answers for Maths familiarisation paper

FREE SAMPLE questions

Here are sample CAT4 sections so that you can practice those cat sections where you are weakest:

• 2025 CAT4 prep Figure Matrices grade 1, grade 5 cat Figure Matrices practice , CAT4 Figure Matrices grade 6 prep and
• CAT4 Figure Matrices grade 7.
• cat Number Series grade 5 and cat4 Number Series grade 7
• 2025 CAT4 Figure Classification grade 1 and CAT4 test prep Figure Classification grade 5
• cat 4 Number Analogies sample test for grade 5 and CAT4 Number Analogies grade 7 prep
• 2025 CAT4 Verbal Analogies grade 5 practice test
• CAT4 Verbal Classification grade 1 test prep and cat4 grade 7 Verbal Classification prep
• 2025 CAT 4 Figure Recognition test practice

The above are aimed at a cross-section of pupil grades from cat4 grade 1 to CAT4 grade 7. Our free CAT4 test samples for every pupil age.

CAT4 Practice Test Guides by school age group

• Firstly, our CAT4 Level A test practice for Year 4
• Secondly, our CAT 4 Level B test practice for Year 5.
• Thirdly, our CAT4 Level C practice papers for Year 6.
• And then, our CAT 4 Level D test practice for Year 7.
• Plus also, our CAT4 Level E test practice for Year 8.
• Next, our CAT4 Level F practice papers for Year 9.
• Also, our CAT 4 Level F test practice for Year 10.
• Finally, our CAT4 Level G test practice for Year 11.

Advice for a Year 8 pupil prepping for the 2025 CAT4

• Buy here all the Year 8 CAT4 test practice packs you need.
• The precision and alignment of our age specific CAT4 Level g test practice Year 8 is indispensable for passing your Year 8 CAT4 test.
• Use our CAT4 Year 8 VIDEO COURSES here, for example for Year 8, to overcome CAT4 Year 8 question specific or CAT4 Year 8 paper specific difficulties.

FREE CAT4 mock tests and CAT4 practice questions

• Recommended CAT 4 test practice and recommended CAT4 practice tests.
• Plus, the most accurate CAT4 sample tests and cat4 practice tests.
• Then also our parents 2025 CAT4 guide.

CAT4 FAQs

Have a CAT4 question?

Feel free to contact our Founder, Rob Williams, who is a specialist CAT4 test designer.

An Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, Rob Williams is a Chartered Psychologist with over 25 years of experience working and designing tests.

He is also the author of five psychometrics books and has worked for the  school entrance test publishers ISEB, Hodder and GL Assessment, the CAT4 publisher.

How do parents receive their child’s CAT4 results?

• First the CAT4 quick start guide.
• Next the UK CAT4 administration manual.
• And then the international CAT4 administration manual.
• Plus, the CAT4 assessment overview.
• Then finally, CAT4 teacher guidance.

Typically, CAT4 results are interpreted for parents in terms of their child’s skill strengths and areas for improvement. we’ve provided some example CAT4 reports reports below:

Interpreting the CAT4 Parents Report

The CAT4 Parents Report offers a detailed analysis of your child’s cognitive abilities, including verbal, non-verbal, quantitative reasoning, and spatial awareness. These insights lay the groundwork for a strategic, tailored homeschooling approach:

Creating Personalised Learning Pathways

With a clear understanding of your child’s strengths and areas for development, you can curate materials and activities that match their abilities, boosting engagement and learning outcomes.

Curriculum Planning with CAT4 Insights

The report helps you design a curriculum aligned with your child’s cognitive profile, ensuring subjects and topics resonate with their learning style for more effective and enjoyable education.

Tailoring Instruction Methods

The CAT4 report allows you to adapt your teaching methods—whether your child prefers visual aids, hands-on activities, or structured reasoning—enhancing their understanding and retention.

Addressing Learning Challenges

Potential learning challenges highlighted in the report enable you to proactively apply strategies and resources to support your child’s success.

Fostering Holistic Development

Beyond academics, the CAT4 report encourages activities that develop creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, supporting well-rounded growth.

Tracking Progress Over Time

Regular CAT4 assessments provide benchmarks to monitor your child’s progress, celebrate achievements, and adjust your homeschooling approach as needed.

CAT4 test practice

How Parents Can Support CAT4 Preparation

Parents play a vital role in supporting CAT4 preparation by aligning learning methods with their child’s preferred learning style. Some children benefit from self-directed practice, while others may need a structured revision plan imposed by a parent or supported by regular lessons with a CAT4 tutor.

At a basic level, parents should provide a quiet, organised workspace—something many CAT4 students already use for school homework.

Encouraging wider reading is another key support strategy. Expanding vocabulary through reading can help students perform better, especially in the CAT4 verbal reasoning sections.

Using Practice Materials

To prepare effectively, students should work with high-quality practice resources, including:

• CAT4 practice tests
• Sample CAT4 test questions
• Accurate CAT4 test replicas
• Realistic mock CAT4 exams
• Recommended CAT4 preparation examples

Additionally, parents should look for practice materials that explain CAT4 scores and help familiarise students with the test structure, ensuring readiness and confidence on test day.

THE best way to prepare for each CAT4 Test section

Start by using your first CAT4 practice test as a diagnostic tool. Identify which question types you find most challenging—this will guide your preparation strategy. Each of the four core reasoning skills is assessed through two CAT4 modules:

• Verbal reasoning CAT4 skills are assessed by the CAT4 Verbal Analogies section and CAT4 Verbal Classification sub-test. This includes CAT4 practice Verbal Analogies sample questions and CAT4 Verbal Classification specific prep.
• Quantitative reasoning CAT4 skills are assessed by the CAT4 Number Analogies and by the Number Series CAT4 test sample. Our specialist CAT4 prep includes CAT4 practice Number Analogies questions and CAT4 Number Series prep.
• Non-verbal reasoning CAT4 skills are assessed by the CAT4 Figure Recognition section and by the CAT4 Figure Analysis sub-test. Our CAT4 explanations include CAT4 Figure Analysis practice questions and CAT4 Figure Recognition sample questions.
• Spatial reasoning CAT4 skills are assessed by the CAT4 Figure Classification sub-test and by the CAT4 Figure Matrices section. This includes CAT4 Figure Matrices practice questions and Figure Classification targeted CAT4 prep.

Most CAT4 students find 1–2 modules more challenging, often in non-verbal or spatial reasoning areas. However, strong performance across all eight CAT4 modules is important for overall success.

Understanding CAT4 Skills by Section

Each CAT4 test battery includes eight short sub-tests, each measuring a specific cognitive ability. High-quality, section-specific practice can help you improve scores systematically, as each module follows a predictable format. You can learn how to improve each CAT4 sub-test scores in the section below:

• First, learn to improve your Figure Classification CAT4 score.
• Second, learn to improve your Figure Matrices CAT 4 result.
• Third, learn to improve your Verbal Classification cat4 score.
• And then next, learn to improve your Verbal Analogies CAT4 result.
• Also next, learn to improve your Number Analogies CAT4 score.
• And then next, learn to improve your Number Series CAT4 result.
• Also next, learn to improve your Figure Analysis CAT4 score.
• And then finally, learn how to improve your Figure Classification CAT4 result

Pupils’ Learning strategies using the results from different CAT4 practice tests

What makes the CAT4 such a good test?

The CAT4 is a highly reliable assessment battery because it undergoes a rigorous standardisation process. GL Assessment, the test publisher, collects tens of thousands of CAT4 scores across different counties, school types, and ability levels. Crucially, separate data is gathered for each school year, allowing for the creation of precise, age-specific comparison groups. This ensures the CAT4 provides accurate, meaningful insights into each student’s cognitive abilities.

What are CAT4 Norms?

CAT4 norms allow schools to compare a student’s results to a nationally representative, age-specific group. During the CAT4 development process, GL Assessment collected comparison data for each age group. The key summary statistic is the Standard Age Score (SAS), which adjusts raw scores based on a student’s age. This ensures CAT4 scores are placed on a continuous, age-adjusted scale, making comparisons accurate and meaningful across students of the same age.

The CAT4 Case-Studies Offered by GL Assessment

GL Assessment also offers many CAT4 case studies, such as how these types of schools use the CAT4:

• U.K. independent school sector use of the CAT4
• How most Primary schools use the CAT4 assessment
• Top secondary schools’s CAT4 case study applications for CAT4 results

Their CAT4 website provides prospective CAT4 parents with a comprehensive overview of everything CAT4 related. This includes CAT4 Q&A. Such detailed CAT4 assistance certainly helps most parents to understand more about these ‘new school assessments’, GL’s CAT4 test.

Primary school cognitive ability assessment CAT4

Primary schools use CAT4 to assess students’ cognitive abilities during non-SAT years. Administered by GL Assessment, CAT4 helps measure achievement and learning potential when formal testing between KS1 and KS2 SATs is not required. Unlike subject-based tests, CAT4 gives teachers a clear view of each child’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall learning capacity, helping identify students who may need additional support.

What does the CAT4 offer teachers?

GL Assessment’s CAT4 provides essential insights to guide informed intervention strategies and set appropriate academic goals for each student. It offers detailed reports for senior leaders, helping shape strategic direction by highlighting areas for improvement across classes or the whole school. CAT4 also delivers critical data to personalise learning, support parental engagement, and track student progress effectively.

How is the CAT test for year 7 used by teachers?

CAT4 profiles give teachers a well-rounded view of each student’s abilities, helping them assess progress and offer targeted support. Teachers use CAT4 results to identify strengths and weaknesses across verbal, non-verbal, spatial, and quantitative reasoning.

GL Assessment’s CAT4 is statistically reliable, verified annually with data from 250,000 pupils and standardised on 25,000 children. Group and individual reports are easy to interpret, providing a clear picture of each student’s learning potential.

CAT4 results are also benchmarked against national performance indicators like GCSE, KS2, and A-level outcomes.

Do you have a CAT4 question or a CAT4 challenge that you can’t find the answer to?

    Then ask our CAT4 expert your questions by emailing passedpapers@gmail.com An Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, Rob Williams is a Chartered Psychologist with over 25 years of experience working and designing tests. Rob has consulted for many of the top school entrance test publishers, including the ISEB, Cambridge Assessment; Hodder Education, and the actual GL CAT4 publishers themselves.  

CAT4 video, Applying CAT4 results at your school

Our CAT4 self-learning training videos

 

How do schools use CAT4 results?

• Most schools inform parents about CAT4 tests in advance.
• As a result, parents get to know their plans and expectations from students.

So, what are the CAT4 question types?

The CAT4 consists of 8 individual tests to evaluate a student’s Verbal Reasoning (VR), Non Verbal Reasoning (NVR), Quantitative Reasoning (QR) and Spatial Awareness (SA).

Individual tests are between 8-10 minutes and consist of the following;

• Figure Classification and Figure Matrices
• Verbal Classification and Verbal Analogies
• Number Analogies and Number Series
• Figure Analysis and Figure Recognition

CAT4 results report

CAT4 Verbal Reasoning battery question formats

Two types of verbal reasoning question: Verbal classifications and Verbal analogies.

In summary, the CAT4 verbal reasoning questions:

• Contain three words that have the same meaning.
• Require identifyinh the concept linking these three words…
• Then selecting one word that best fits them all (from the list of five words provided).
• Assess word knowledge, verbal reasoning, and language development.

Which skills do the CAT4 Verbal Reasoning sections assess?

• Verbal reasoning is the ability to understand, classify, and identify patterns in words.
• The CAT4 measures a child’s ability in this area using a verbal classification test and a verbal analogies test.

CAT4 Verbal Classification question format

Step-by-step the CAT4 Verbal Classification question type is as follows:

• CAT4’s verbal classification test presents the student with a number of words which are related in some way.
• The student then needs to select another word from five other words which is associated in a similar way with the group presented.

Here is a CAT4 Verbal Classification sample question:

Verbal Analogies question format

Step-by-step the CAT4 Verbal Analogies question type is as follows:

• The verbal analogies test requires the student to determine the relationship between a pair of words.
• A third word will then be presented and the student needs to use the relationship from the first pair to select a fourth word.
• This helps to assess the ability to determine verbal connections, relationships, and patterns.

Here’s a CAT4 Verbal Analogy sample question:

 

CAT4 Number Analogies test practice

CAT4 Quantitative Reasoning battery question formats

The CAT4 Quantitative Reasoning questions are number analogy and number series Maths-type questions.

What are quantitative reasoning skills? They are the ability to apply mathematical skills to real world problems.

Step-by-step the CAT4 Figure Classification question type is as follows:

• Requires the identification of similarities and patterns in numbers to help analyse.
• Assesses conclusions which are based on logical relationships.
• Measures a child’s ability in this area using a number analogies test and a number series test.

Here is a CAT4 Number Analogy sample question:

What is the Number Series test format?

The number series test presents a series of numbers which are related using a rule or function.

Step-by-step the CAT4 Number Series question type is as follows:

• The student needs to analyse the numbers and
• Then to determine the function / rule and calculate the next number in the sequence.

Here is a CAT4 Number Series sample question:

 

 

CAT4 Non-Verbal Reasoning battery question formats

The CAT4 Non-verbal Reasoning question type involve shapes and patterns. These appear in the form of figures & matrices.

What is non-verbal reasoning? Non-verbal reasoning is the ability to visually understand shapes, their relationships and patterns, differences, and similarities.

Step-by-step the CAT4 Figure Classification question type is as follows:

• The figure classification test presents a group of shapes which are similar in some way.
• Respondents select one of the other five shapes presented that also belong to the group due to the shared characteristic.

Here is a CAT4 Figure Classification sample question:

 

CAT4 Figure Matrices question format

The figure matrices test is about recognising the way shapes change and how to apply this change to other shapes.

Here is a CAT4 Figure Matrices sample question:

 

What are the CAT4 Spatial Reasoning battery question formats?

The CAT4 Spatial Reasoning question types involve mentally generating and transforming visual images.  These appear in the form of figures.

What is spatial reasoning?

• Spatial Reasoning is the ability to solve complex three dimensional problems by mentally visualizing, manipulating, rotating, and transforming images.
• The CAT4 measures a child’s ability in this area using a figure analysis test and a figure recognition test.
• The student needs to visualise how the square would look unfolded and select the correct option from the five presented.

Here is a CAT4 Figure Analysis sample question:

The figure recognition test evaluates the students ability to recognize shapes within other shapes.

Here is a CAT4 Figure Recognition example question:

Which non-verbal reasoning skills are assessed by the CAT4?

Non-Verbal Reasoning in the CAT4 Test is assessed by these two test modules: the CAT 4 Figure Matrices module and the CAT 4 Figure Classification sub-test.

Which skills does the CAT 4 non-verbal reasoning assess?

The CAT4 Test has these two Non-Verbal Reasoning assessment modules:

a) CAT 4 Figure Matrices test sections

b) CAT 4 Figure Classification module

Each CAT4  non-verbal reasoning module has been categorized by question type according to the specific skill being assessed.

CAT4  non-verbal reasoning module Figure Matrices

1. Combining Shapes or Figures
2. Division of Shapes
3. Count of Shapes or Elements
4. Alteration of Size
5. Variation in Shading
6. Evolution of Shapes
7. Reflection
8. Positioning
9. Rotation
10. Alterations in Line Style
11. Utilization of Multiple Techniques
12. Exploration of Latin Squares

Skills required to pass CAT4 Figure Classification module 

1. Rotation
2. Identical or Similar Figures
3. Count of Sides
4. Count of Shapes
5. Positioning
6. Reflection
7. Duplication
8. Shading
9. Size
10. Layers
11. Division of Shapes or Symmetry
12. Utilization of Multiple Techniques

How are non-verbal reasoning skills assessed by the CAT4 ?

The specific CAT4 sections assess visualisation skills; the ability to

• create and retain a firm mental image of a shape
• representing angles and lengths accurately.

CAT4 Figure Matrices’ question types

• Combining Shapes or Figures
• Division of Shapes
• Number of Shapes or Elements
• Changing Size
• Shading
• Changing ShapesQuestion Type 7: Reflection
• Position
• Rotation
• Line Style Changes
• Multiple Techniques
• Latin Squares

Figure Classification question types for the CAT4

• Rotation
• Identical or Similar Figures
• Number of Sides
• Shapes
• Position
• Reflection
• Duplication
• Shading
• Size
• Layers
• Division of Shapes or Symmetry
• Multiple Techniques

 

Which verbal reasoning skills are assessed by the CAT4?

Verbal Reasoning in the CAT4 Test is covered in the following modules:

• a) Verbal Classification
• b) Verbal Analogies

 

CAT 4 Verbal Classification question types

• A: Connected Nouns
• B: Connected Verbs
• C: Synonyms (Nouns)
• D: Synonyms (Verbs)
• E: Synonyms (Adjectives)
• F: Nature
• G: Food and Drink
• H: Family
• I: Weather and Climate
• J: Body Parts
• K: Rooms
• L: Emotions
• M: Vehicles
• N: Jobs
• O: Subjects
• P: Connectives

 

CAT4 Verbal Analogies question types

• A: Opposites
• B: Synonyms
• C: Adjective-Verb Connections
• D: Adjective-Noun Connections
• E: Noun-Verb Connections
• F: Pronouns
• G: Animals
• H: Relations
• I: Food and Drink
• J: Professions
• K: The Body
• L: Time and Measurements
• M: Parts of a Whole
• N: Comparisons
• O: Group Sets
• P: Pairings

What are the CAT4 spatial reasoning test battery question formats?

In the CAT4 spatial reasoning questions you have to manipulate 2D and 3D shapes. So similar to the non-verbal reasoning questions in that sense. You need to identify each of the different set of shapes’ patterns. In other words the relationships between them. In other words, how they relate to each other.

The ‘2D shape combinations’ CAT4 format

Step-by-step the ‘Analyse the 3D cube construction’ CAT4 question type is as follows:

• Regardless of the perspective / angle shown,
• Identify which two 2D shapes are equivalent.

Here is a ‘2D shape combinations’ CAT4 example question:

INSTRUCTIONS – Find which shapes can be combined to create the full picture you’ve been presented with in each CAT4 spatial reasoning question. Which of the options below, makes up the top shape?

CAT4 Matching 2D Shapes sample question.

 

The ‘Analyse the Mirror Image’ CAT4 question format

Here is an ‘Analyse the mirror image’ CAT4 example question:

CAT4 INSTRUCTIONS – Find the exact mirror image for each CAT4 spatial reasoning question.

The ‘Analyse the 3D Cube construction’ CAT4 question format

Step-by-step the ‘Analyse the 3D cube construction’ CAT4 question type is as follows:

• The marking which is the exact opposite of the one that is presented in the question.
• Or if it’s a flattened out 3D cube, then you must choose which of the answer options represents the fully reconstructed cube.
• So, when in three dimensions in other words.

Here is an ‘Analyse the 3D cube construction’ CAT4 example question:

CAT4 test INSTRUCTIONS – Find for each CAT4 spatial reasoning question:

‘Solid 2D and 3D shapes’ CAT4 question format

Step-by-step the ‘Solid 2D and 3D shapes’ CAT4 question type is as follows:

INSTRUCTIONS – Find for each CAT4 spatial reasoning question, you must determine which 3D shape is equivalent to the unmade one presented. So, in other words, which of the folded up shapes is represented by the unfolded shape in the questions.

What do sample CAT4 tests’ Number Series questions look like?

Number series questions are used to test ‘number logic’. The questions consist of a series of numbers with one number missing. You will then need to find the missing number. These question types assess logical thinking. For example: 4, 7, 12, 15, 20, ? Number analogy questions are presented to identify relationships, similarities or differences, and dissimilarities in a series or between groups of numbers.

Get children interested in learning to read

Reading is such a fundamental starting block for any learning. It is the main channel for learning in most schools or educational settings and a necessity for future academic achievement in mainstream education.
Children are however not always ready for the world of reading by the time they go to school. The reason for this is as important as the solution. Some of these reasons or causes for why they may not be susceptible to the world of reading are exactly what you need to identify in order to find the best solutions.

• If a younger sibling might feel intimidated by the reading ability of the older. Best solutions would include reading separately with the younger sibling to build their confidence.
• A child may not be developmentally ready for reading. Ways to help with this is to
  • Make sure your child knows their sounds. This can be tricky as English is not a phonetical language. Find games, whether on screen or paper to help them learn the rules. Teach Your Monster To Read has been a favourite for us.
  • Start off with pictures, discussing the story told by these and developing a curiosity for the story and expressing themselves in language.
  • Follow your child’s reading with your finger to give them a point to focus on.
  • Find stories that interest them. Whether they are into dinosaurs, princesses or space. Topics that interest them is the key.

What do sample CAT4 tests’ Spatial Reasoning questions look like?

Spatial Reasoning in CAT4 covers both Folding and Hidden Shapes.

Sample CAT4 tests’ Folding Shapes examples

Folding questions show us a sheet of paper that is first folder and then has a hole punched through it. The challenge is to select the answer which shows how the piece of paper will look when it is unfolded.

 

When the sheet is unfolded, there will be two holes, one either side of the centre fold, so the answer is D.

Things get a little trickier when there are multiple folds and/or different shaped holes:

 

 

Here the sheet has been folded twice across a vertical fold, creating 4 columns (1 fold makes two, 2 fold makes 4).

The shape has also been folded once across a horizontal fold, creating 2 rows (the same reasoning as above).

We can see the circle is positioned above the heart in the top row. It is important to realise that the shapes will be mirrored in the bottom row, when the sheet is unfolded. The only answer that correctly displays this is E.

 

What do sample CAT4 tests’ Hidden Shapes questions look like?

The shape on the left is hidden inside on of the shapes on the right.

 

The image on the left is never flipped or rotated. So although it does contain the shame shape, A cannot be the answer.

The correct answer is D.

 

 

B, C and D all look as though the could contain the shape.

However, if we look carefully the only figure that contains an accurate reproduction of the image is figure D.

What are the types of Verbal Reasoning question in the CAT4?

This involves words. These appear in the form of verbal classifications & analogies. Each CAT4 question contains three words that have the same meaning. Pupils are supposed to discover the concept linking the three words and then select one word that best fit with them from the list of other five words provided. It assesses word knowledge, verbal reasoning, and language development.

CAT4 Non-verbal Reasoning question types

These involve shapes and patterns. These appear in the form of figures & matrices.

CAT4 Maths question types

These involve numbers. These appear in the form of number analogies & series.

CAT4 Spatial Reasoning question types

These involve mentally generating and transforming visual images.  These appear in the form of figures.

What do sample sample CAT4 tests’ Non-Verbal Reasoning Questions look like?

The CAT4’s non-Verbal Reasoning has 2 question types. These are called Figure Classification and Figure Matrices. Both are explained below wth a range of different CAT4 non-verbal reasoning questions for each type.

 

Sample CAT4 tests’ Figure Classification question examples

spotting the rule in the original three images, and selecting the image that matches.

 

In the first three shapes, the hollow circle is inside the shape and the shaded circle is outside the shape.

Only option C follows this rule.

Thinking about the position of the circle inside the shape? Don’t, it’s a distraction.

Some shapes have obvious attributes that appear to form a rule, but are actually nothing to do with the answer. In this question, all of the first three images are a rotation of the same shape (the position of the circle doesn’t matter at all).

E by rotating the shapes in the first three images.

 

Sample CAT4 tests’ Figure Matrices question examples

recognise the relationship between the different shapes and pick the answer that completes the set.

 

The example on the left hand side of the box shows the square moving inside the circle, or the top shape moving inside the lower shape.

On the right hand side we can see that the star is inside the hexagon. This tells us that, like the square, the star will originally have been above the hexagon. So the answer is C.

 

This time the relationship is moving horizontally. The heart has moved inside the square and the shading has reversed. Re. the hexagon and the star, this tells us that we are looking for a black shaded star and a hollow hexagon. The only option that matches this is C.