Loading...CAT4 Verbal Analogies Practice: Questions, Examples and Strategies
Learn how CAT4 Verbal Analogies questions work, identify the relationship between word pairs, avoid common distractors and use free practice to build accurate verbal reasoning.
What is CAT4 Verbal Analogies?
CAT4 Verbal Analogies is one of the two verbal-reasoning subtests. Pupils identify the relationship between one pair of words and then apply the same relationship to a second pair.
What pupils must do
- Read the first word pair carefully
- Describe the precise relationship
- Apply that relationship to the new word
- Compare each answer option with the rule
- Reject words that are related but do not form the same analogy
What the subtest samples
- Vocabulary knowledge
- Concept formation
- Recognition of semantic relationships
- Transfer of a rule to a new context
- Discrimination between close alternatives
The main verbal analogy rules
Synonym
The two words have the same or nearly the same meaning.
Example: rapid : quick
Antonym
The words express opposite meanings.
Example: ancient : modern
Category and member
One word names a group and the other is a member of that group.
Example: bird : robin
Object and function
One word identifies an object and the other describes what it does.
Example: knife : cut
Part and whole
One word names a component of the other.
Example: wheel : bicycle
Degree
The words describe different strengths or intensities of a similar quality.
Example: warm : hot
Cause and effect
One word represents a cause and the other a likely result.
Example: study : learn
Tool and user
One word identifies a tool and the other the person who commonly uses it.
Example: stethoscope : doctor
Location
One word identifies something and the other where it is usually found.
Example: book : library
How to solve a CAT4 Verbal Analogies question
Example question
Options: field · cow · grass · young
Answer: cow
A kitten is the young form of a cat. A calf is the young form of a cow. The relationship is young animal → adult animal.
A five-step Verbal Analogies strategy
Define the first relationship
Say the relationship in a short phrase, such as “a robin is a type of bird” or “a knife is used to cut”.
Keep the direction the same
Part-to-whole is not the same as whole-to-part. The order of the words matters.
Apply the rule to the second word
Complete the sentence before checking the answer options.
Eliminate related but incorrect words
Distractors are often associated with the prompt but fail to reproduce the exact relationship.
Check the completed analogy aloud
Read both pairs as equivalent sentences and confirm that they express the same rule.
Why pupils lose marks on Verbal Analogies
Choosing by association
A word may be strongly associated with the prompt but still form the wrong relationship.
Reversing the relationship
Pupils sometimes identify the right connection but apply it in the opposite direction.
Using an imprecise rule
“They go together” is too broad. The relationship must be described precisely enough to distinguish the answer.
Weak vocabulary
Unfamiliar words can prevent a pupil from recognising the intended relationship.
Checking options too early
Looking at the options before defining the rule can encourage guessing.
Rushing close alternatives
Higher-level questions may contain several plausible words, so exact meaning matters.
Free CAT4 Verbal Analogies sample
Use the existing School Entrance Tests sample to introduce the format. Begin without timing and ask the pupil to explain the relationship for every answer.
Open the free sample
The existing SET Verbal Analogies PDF is retained exactly.
Use the sample diagnostically
- Record unfamiliar words
- Ask the pupil to name the relationship
- Note whether direction is preserved
- Separate vocabulary errors from reasoning errors
- Repeat the method on a fresh example
How to build Verbal Analogies skill
Expand relational vocabulary
Practise language for categories, functions, opposites, degrees, causes, locations, parts and wholes. Naming the relationship makes analogies easier to transfer.
Compare near-miss answers
Ask why a tempting option is wrong. This develops discrimination rather than simple recognition.
Use short oral analogies
Verbal practice does not always need a worksheet. Create quick spoken pairs during ordinary conversation.
Review errors by type
Group mistakes into vocabulary, reversed direction, over-broad rule, weak checking or rushing.
CAT4 preparation by school year
| School year | Typical level | Verbal Analogies emphasis | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 4 | Level A | Simple categories, opposites and everyday functions. | Year 4 guide |
| Year 5 | Level B | Clear verbal relationships and age-appropriate vocabulary. | Year 5 guide |
| Year 6 | Level C | More varied relationship types and careful option checking. | Year 6 guide |
| Year 7 | Level D | Greater vocabulary precision and closer distractors. | Year 7 guide |
| Year 8 | Level E | Abstract relationships and efficient reasoning. | Year 8 guide |
| Year 9 | Level F | Multi-layered meanings and fine distinctions. | Year 9 guide |
| Year 10 | Level F | Advanced verbal relationships and pacing. | Year 10 guide |
| Year 11 | Level G | Complex vocabulary, close alternatives and rapid transfer. | Year 11 guide |
Continue your CAT4 preparation
CAT4 Practice Tests
Compare levels, batteries, subtests and year-group preparation.
Free CAT4 Samples
Download sample questions for all eight CAT4 subtests.
CAT4 Preparation Guide
Follow the six-stage preparation model.
CAT4 Scores & Reports
Understand SAS, battery scores and uneven profiles.
Official CAT4 overview
Read GL Assessment’s official product information.
CAT4 Verbal Analogies questions answered
What are CAT4 Verbal Analogies?
What does Verbal Analogies measure?
How should pupils solve Verbal Analogies?
Why are some answer options tempting?
Can vocabulary improve performance?
Should practice be timed?
Is Verbal Analogies part of the verbal battery?
Where can I find a free sample?
Try the CAT4 Verbal Analogies sample
Work without timing, ask the pupil to name each relationship and review why tempting distractors are wrong.
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